This week, I have reached 100 ratings on Goodreads. Woohoo (happy dance). I am thankful for Goodreads as it collectively gathers all reviews or ratings for a book in one place; unlike Amazon reviews, which can be scattered among the marketplaces. Do I now have a coveted pass into an exclusive club, or have I reached a milestone? Just kidding.
But, in all seriousness, this is an easy feat for many authors, but hard for some – and I fall into the latter category. The Blue Man is my book that consistently sells the best out of all my books and out of triple digit sales since it was published in July 2022, I only have double digit reviews! I don’t have a netgalley account to give my book away for free in exchange for reviews, as many big publisher authors will do to boost ratings/reviews for their writers (too expensive, and risky, for me I’m afraid). Reviews really matter, especially to Indie authors, or authors of small press publishers (I fall into both categories, with 2 of my currently published titles by small press publishers and 5 published under my own imprint with ISBNs that I own). Why do reviews matter? They help books reach other readers – like you! Writing may be a solitary act (I am a boring and ‘normal’ person to people who know me in real life, but I have the most bizarre imagination of anyone I know, lol) but publishing is social. Our books are eager for – gasping for – social proof of their existence. So please, please, do, DO, absolutely leave reviews for books and authors that you love. I always do. It really makes a difference! Plus, the karma fairy will send you some extra love for your efforts. ❤️
Leilanie Stewart 