With easy-to-do yourself book publishing through
Amazon Kindle and easy-to-do blogs via Google’s Blogger aka Blogspot, poets and
writers have become more and more likely to publish their own work. Equally
enticing, both forms of self-publishing are free!
A big obstacle arises though in getting out the word about
the words written. With none of the advertising or publicity help that traditionally
published poets and writers can rely on, the self-published author counts on you
the reader to let friends, fellow readers, and social media followers know which
books and blogs might be worth their reading time.
You don’t have to be a writer yourself to help the
publishing community or literary world! Just tell people what you like as
though you’re talking to them in person. Be specific about the unique aspects you found
especially appealing or why you’re drawn to the work of a particular poet or
writer.
If, however, you run across a “bad read” you wouldn’t
recommend to anyone, don’t say a word – at least not in public! Instead send a
note to the poet or writer if there’s something you feel strongly about;
otherwise, let it go. It could be that the work hit a nerve or that whatever
bothered you simply conflicts with the personal preferences or beliefs to which you’re
both entitled.
As you review and laud 5-star books on Amazon and
other sites, you add your voice to the literary community. You influence other readers, and your show appreciation for work well done. You may never know for sure, but your reviews can encourage a poet or writer enough to give momentum for the next book. At
least, that’s what happened to me.
After decades of researching what the
Bible says and shows about prayer, I “suddenly” knew I wanted a book that
collected Bible prayers into a contemporary prayer book we can use to refresh,
deepen, and empower our prayer lives. The immediate responses to the Book of Bible Prayers were so positive, I began the next book right away
before my enthusiasm waned.
Maybe that’s why I’m up, writing this appeal before
daybreak! Of necessity, poets and writers spend much of their time in solitude in
order to get any work done, so your encouraging words matter a lot! And, who
knows? Your positive review might give the momentum needed for the next
manuscript that inspires and encourages you!
Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2019
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