[Anna Zogg] Do Tell!

“Tell us about your experience.”

Do you get emails inviting you to fill out surveys or rate products you purchased? Before we needed to self-isolate, I noticed more brick-and-mortar stores were asking for my email address. Some requests were tied to the environment: “Help save the planet (i.e. paper) by letting us email your receipt.”

Whatever the reasons, companies are desperate for exposure—now more than ever. We are bombarded by advertising. All. The. Time. So how do we pick through the mountain of information to find the gems? Personally, I rely on reviews. They have saved me from making many unwise purchases. I usually bypass “I love this!” so that I can zero in on reviews like, “This product worked great…the first three times.” Or, “Some assembly required should have warned, ‘You’ll feel like you have a second job.’”

Perhaps I belabor this, but reviews can be immensely helpful. And this leads me to my point—do you review books? When I ask readers, some say they are too intimidated (translation: “I’m not a professional writer”). My response—“Do you tell your friends about a great recipe you found even though you’re not a licensed chef?” That question can also apply to movies, clothing brands, or vacation spots (to name a few).

Every time you mention something you enjoyed, you are in essence “writing” a review.

Authors depend on reviews to get the word out about their books. Reviews trigger algorithms that lead to better or more exposure. Some companies or sites won’t consider carrying a book (or even mentioning it) unless it has a certain number of positive reviews. Granted, some authors have figured ways around the system (i.e. they buy their way up). However, most of us do our own publicity. After a while, “tooting our own horn” gets old. We’d love for you to do a little “tooting,” especially if you enjoyed our book.

Workers deserve their pay.  (1)

Do you realize how many times that axiom occurs in the New Testament? (2)

Feedback from readers could be considered part of authors’ pay. Yes, we might receive royalties or a lump sum from sales, but the value of kind words far surpasses money. (3)

Writers cannot help but be filled with joy when we read, “This story was such fun from beginning to end,” or “I couldn’t put this book down.” Your review need not rehash the plot or dissect the characters. Merely mention what you liked. Three to five sentences would be adequate.

The bottom line is authors work—and write—for you. We love to know you’re out there, reading our stories. When we get praise or helpful feedback, we are not only nourished, but we improve. Thank you so much!