One of the best things about making my first book free for the last three weeks (full promotion report due out at the end of the month!) has definitely been the increase in ratings and reviews.
Yes, these are gold for reader confidence and promotion, but they’re priceless for restoring my faith that this was all worth it. All the hours I stayed up late after putting my kids to bed; all the hours I spent researching; all the time in writing workshops; all the forums I joined and books I bought seeking out self-publishing advice; all the money I spent on getting the best product out—all had to be appreciated by someone.
I honestly never expected my books to make much money. Never expected to be the next Amanda Hocking. I would be very happy if I could just pay back the expenses. But the one goal I’ve had this whole time was to simply hear from a fan that appreciated all the things I set out to create. I worried that maybe the series was too complicated; that readers might not like tracking each character through time; that people might not like the fact this was a true series.
Besides my friends and family, I didn’t know how the world would see my book.
Well, I cry every time I read a kind and thoughtful review. I don’t think I truly felt like a writer until someone completely enjoyed what I set out to deliver.
I’m actually connecting to strangers through my story.
After reading these reviews, I wish there was some way I could personally tell these people how much it’s touched me. The only thing I can do is print the reviews out and frame them to start a little inspiration collection over my writing-table.
Anytime I have any doubt, I’ll just look up and they’ll be there. All my fans 🙂
The more these reviews come in, the more I want to write! Even if negative reviews come in, it only matters that some people are fans and those are the people I’m envisioning when I write my next book. Some of them haven’t left many reviews for other authors, and that has meant even more to me since they probably read my plea for reviews in the forward and went out of their way to help me.
If they’re reading this, truly, thank you. You have no idea how much this has meant to me.
It’s so important to tell a writer after you enjoy their book. Let them know what you loved and how they’ve touched you. I’ll never put down a book again without leaving a note for the author. It’s extremely rewarding.
For those who have published, has a fan ever inspired you? If not published yet, who has given you confidence?
laurenwaters 
This is so inspiring, Lauren. Congrats on your good reviews! This was a really powerful post to read –at least for someone like me who’s hoping to touch strangers’ lives one day too. I hope I’ll get there eventually. 🙂
After hearing your comments, I’m thinking I need to leave more actual reviews. I’m normally just a star-giver.
I’m so glad you liked it, Erin. It is worth all the hard work you’re doing right now. I promise 🙂
Leaving ratings is still pretty awesome (I love those too!), but there is nothing like someone telling you why they liked your book. I never left reviews before but now I’m trying to create good review karma 🙂
Agreed!
Great post. I wonder if famous authors like Meyers or J.k feel this way still or if you get used to it and maybe even numb to the love? Would that one review matter if you’re on the best seller list for months and have a movie in the works starring the biggest stars in Hollywood? I hope I would still be over the moon with every fan i’d get. If I wasn’t would writing even be the point anymore or would it be to compete to stay on top. Does the story matter anymore? What do you think?
My father was a shock to me in giving me confidence. My book is a girls coming of age story that I never thought my father would like and actually read. I knew my mother would and my sisters but not my dad. I Can’t wait (hoping it does) till someone random tells me they love it but first I have to finishing editing it!
I remember Meyers went to her fans prom and interacted on her blog for a long time. Now it looks like she’s really busy producing movies and writing but I have to think they check what people are saying about them. Hocking maintains a very interactive website & blog and she claims that she reads everyone’s comments daily (although she might not reply to everyone). I hope I always savor and appreciate everyone who takes the time to write a review. I think if that changes then I’ve most likely lost my passion for writing.
That’s funny that sometimes the people that inspire you most are those you never thought would enjoy your novel. That’s great!
I am very glad that you have been receiving some great reviews. 🙂
Positive reviews are very powerful. Worth more than gold, I feel. It enriches my life to know that a stranger was touched by my book (or certain parts of it). Such a cool feeling. Nothing makes a writer’s day like reading a positive review.
I have a rule that I can’t check for reviews before bed because I get on a high if I get a good one and can’t stop thinking about it for hours! I’m sure it is a good rule for when I get any negative ones too 🙂
Lol
What an awesome post! I’m so happy for you! I haven’t read your book yet, but now I can’t wait 🙂
Thanks so much, Yesenia! I would love to hear what you thought of it 🙂