A few of you have asked me what I think the best thing a reader can provide back to an author is. Would it be an honest critique? A breakdown of the major plot points? Ideas for a sequel?
Nope.
Spread the word.
That’s really it. You see, while
many writers have talent, what they lack is exposure. The bigger writers – Rowling, King,
Patterson, etc – are easily known by the readership, but most authors labor in
obscurity. That obscurity may be warranted
if the writer lacks talent, but if you’ve read a book you feel is good, then
tell people about it. Do a review. Ask your local bookstore to stock the
writer’s novels, or even just one novel.
Tell a friend that you read a really great book, and you think they
should try it out. Most successful
writers need a viral moment to take off, assuming they have the talent. Even “small” dedicated audiences of
50,000(not a lot in a nation of 330 million) can provide stable readership and
a stream of income to keep on writing.
Of course I don’t mean become obsessed or shill the author
every chance you get, but mention that writer to a friend with similar tastes,
and/or spend ten minutes doing one Amazon review. The payoff for the writer to continue producing
work you like is tremendous.
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