Let me just be transparent from the beginning, and tell you that this post is as much a reminder for me as anything. I've done everything on this list, but haven't done everything on the list for every book I've loved.
Right now I'm working through a book I'm really enjoying. I'm finding it well worth the price I paid and then some. I happen to have a paper copy of the book, but my comments apply equally to e-books.
If you've loved a book:
1. Write a review. If you blog, blog the review and then tweet about it. Write a review at Amazon, or one of the other online book sellers. Make the review honest. Make it short enough that others will read it. Tell readers what you liked about the book. You might think your little review doesn't matter, but it often matters very much to publishers considering offering another book deal to an author. Book reviews add up. If you want to support an author, then this is a great way to do it.
2. Find a way to send a note to the author. Don't go all Misery-stalkerish. Just let the author know that you appreciate their work and why. Many writers work for months (or years) on a book, mostly alone. If you appreciate their work, this is a kindness you can do for someone who has brought you pleasure. If the publisher is willing to forward notes (you can usually find this out with a simple email), then send a short note on real paper. If not, most often there is a way to send an email directly to the writer. Keep it short. Don't expect a reply. While it sometimes happens, this is a gift you're giving without any expectation of something in return.
3. Buy a copy of the book. If you read a library copy, or borrowed a copy from a friend, buy your own copy. Don't think your one little copy will make a difference? Again, it's all about the the cumulative effect. It doesn't matter if you buy a hard copy or an e-copy. Just make sure the publisher knows that you support this writer and this book.
4. Buy a copy for a friend. Spread the love.
11 comments:
These things make so much sense. Very practical and quite doable. I especially like the idea of the appreciation note. I know how much that would mean to me.
I'm going to link this about my internet spaces. And it was this post that motivated me to finish up "read in September," actually! -- I find it rather hard to write about books, I have to pretend that I'm talking about them or I languish in comparison to proper book blogger-reviewers....
It takes a little time, but it costs little else to show appreciation. But that's like preaching to the choir with you both ;)
i know what you say to be true
but part of me likes to enjoy a book without having to come up with inspiring words to say why
guess that makes me lazy :(
or still in recovery from when i had to do that every day for work
besides, if i blogged or tweeted about the books I read, that would simply confirm for people how unusual I am with my weird eclectic mix
after all, doesn't a person's bookshelves tell you a lot about them ;-)
This is wonderful. Have shared it with some friends & will setting to action with some of these myself in the next few weeks :)
Kel... I hear you. I'm in the same boat lol. But I'm not suggesting that you do this for everything you read. Just the stuff you really love. Even if it ends up being one book every few years. It's still impactful.
Gabi... I think your favourite writers will be totally blessed by notes that you send :)
The librarian in me loves this. What a simple post. Thank you.
xo,
SL
love it. Thank you, Erin.
Made my heart sing when I read this. I recently read a book I loved and I did all of the things you listed!
P.S. I have a new blog called 'dreamer:believer'
Click my name or go here - http://dreamhustle.blogspot.com/
Come and join me! As I put 'Notes from the Laundromat' to bed and continue on a new path.
I just finished a fantastic book - a visit from the goon squad - by Jennifer Egan. Maybe I'll post a review. Of course it did win the Pulitzer so it's gotten lot's of reviews. I don't know if I'll write the author - maybe. I did buy it!
And I'm excited to read more by Jennifer Egan.
SL... :) Thanks.
Robert... I had no idea you read my blog lol.
LG... Very happy to be tracking with you at your new blog. Seems a very apt time for a fresh start!:)
Sherri... It all counts! I'm curious now... haven't heard of Egan, so I'll have to look her up. Thanks :)
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