I know I’m a good writer and editor. While my books aren’t perfect, I know I tell a good story. However, there are days when I feel like I can’t do anything right.
Writing is a tough job which requires dedication, concentration, and perseverance. One of the things I struggle with daily for writing is marketing my books. Really I need reviews – lots and lots of reviews. Preferably positive reviews but always HONEST reviews.
On a regular basis, I send out requests for people to read my books and provide a review. I send a lot of these emails. I feel lucky if I get one or two responses to the emails and thrilled if I actually get a review.
I won’t say who but I got an email from a reviewer recently. I’m always apprehensive about these emails – did they like my stuff; did they hate it? Will they write a review? Are they going to say what was I thinking?
I read this email – well written, professional but not giving an indication of how the review was going to go. Each word holds me enthralled as I hope for a good review.
I’ve written reviews. I’ve worked with publishers who want you to be snarky, harsh, and even mean (though I draw the line there unless it’s a really bad book). I get the requirements and expectations.
I read this email. It may sound dramatic but my heart in my throat and at the end of it, the reviewer says, “you’re a great poet, but you already know that”.
I hope I am. I dream of being one but … to hear someone else, a complete stranger say that to me. In the moment, it made my day. It was a small sentence which carried big impact. I still have no idea of what the review says – can’t wait to read it. But that small compliment lifted me from my cranky self to a place which reminded me I was on the right track. Thank you to the reviewer.