Read It Forward
Here’s an idea. A crazy, wonderful, nutty idea.
I have noticed lately that many of these writers who have bravely posted their heart’s work on Kindle or Amazon are struggling to get reviews because they aren’t well known. And to gather interest from the readers, they need reviews. It’s an unfortunate cycle of promotion that lies entirely outside of the author’s control. After having a say in everything from the characters, plot and cover design, you can see why any one of them would be frustrated.
I wrote a marketing post not too long ago, in which I encouraged supporting other authors as well as suggesting not to over-do-it with hocking your book. The best way to accomplish both of these tasks in one action is to give others what you would like to receive. Wondering how? Well, are you looking for more reviews and readers? Be a reader and review the material.
This is where I propose a pay-it-forward style campaign to help out yourself and fellow authors. Here’s how it would work: Read and review three of your compatriots’ stories and for them to continue the love, they too should read and review three books. Put the reviews directly on their site or on your blog and keep the cycle going. Not only will this bring the writing community together, but it will achieve the required reviews start-up authors need to bring in a steady readership.
To start off, I’ll be reading and reviewing three stories from three seperate authors. Want to be one of them? Leave a comment and we’ll be in touch!
After all, the kindest thing you can do is give an author a review.






6 Comments
Well you know I’d absolutely love for you to read/review Wilde’s Fire! 🙂
Yes, that’s one! Need two more people! Spread word!
I like this post, Rachel. I wasn’t just blowing smoke with my re-tweet. I’m seriously considering indie or self-pub, and I’m working to build a network of other authors (and readers. we can’t forget the readers = D) who are willing to promote each others work — be that with tweets, blog posts, reviews, whatever. If you know of other writers like me, send them my way. ; )
I couldn’t agree with you more, Melissa. This post, along with others, I made mention of working as a community to support each other and our writing. This is just one way- there are many more! Keep up the great work!
This is a great idea! I’m game. Check out my books – all YA – and pick the one you’d be most interested in: Adventures in Funeral Crashing, The New Girl Who Found A Dead Body, or Connected. I’ll pay it forward. Re-tweeting now.
Excellent, will check into it for sure!