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Post by Suzy on Feb 16, 2014 13:54:37 GMT -5
I have found that the best way to connect with readers is not by replying to reviews (which looks a little 'needy' to me) but by putting your e-mail address at the back of your book.
I say something like: 'please contact me if you want me to put you on my e-mail list'.
I just did this as a test, not expecting much at all. But as a result I get, not only requests to be added to my list but also lengthy messages from readers telling my how much they liked my book.
Which to me is better than any 5* review. It's about someone loving your book and really having turned out a story that touched and entertained someone out there.
I always reply with a thank you but never ask them to post a review (tempting but not a good idea).
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 16, 2014 15:32:41 GMT -5
I agree, Suzy. Personally, I put the mailing list and Fb links in the back of the book, b/c that's where I want to focus my engagement. But the mailing list sign-up is on my site, which also has a contact-me tab. People do use that to write to me, which is very nice.
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 16, 2014 15:33:33 GMT -5
P.S. I also resist the impulse to ask for reviews, though I imagine the vast majority of readers who would write to an author would also be willing to post a review, if asked.
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Post by Suzy on Feb 16, 2014 15:41:25 GMT -5
I'm sure they would, but it should never be prompted.
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Post by whdean on Feb 16, 2014 20:56:36 GMT -5
See, now, that idea doesn't bug me a bit. Might be hard to keep it up if you get famous, but that's one of those problems people like to have  |
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Post by Suzy on Feb 17, 2014 3:56:53 GMT -5
So far it's easy to keep up.  And every message cheers me up. |
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 17, 2014 13:05:58 GMT -5
So far it's easy to keep up. And every message cheers me up. Me too. I don't get them all that often, but when I do, it's a big boost. |
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Post by Daniel on Feb 17, 2014 16:49:07 GMT -5
I may have posted this before the big pubsplosion, but my approach is to put a Thank You page immediately after the last page of story text. Here's what I say:
I don't ask for reviews so much as let readers who write them know that I appreciate them.
I've had the Thank You page in place since I released Vaetra Untrained last July. I don't think the review "encouragement" has helped much, but I believe that letting readers know about the New Releases list has made a difference. I almost never get messages through my contact form. I got a couple asking about when the next book will be out, and I had a few readers volunteer to beta.
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Post by Suzy on Feb 17, 2014 17:43:27 GMT -5
That's a very well written and nice message, Daniel. But it's very hard to get readers to write reviews or comment on your books.
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 17, 2014 18:43:11 GMT -5
That's a very well written and nice message, Daniel. But it's very hard to get readers to write reviews or comment on your books. It is. My rate of mailing-list sign-up is three times my rate of reviewing. Seems odd, doesn't it? Personally, I'm much rather write a review than be emailed to. Then again, I resent the amount of email I get. |
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Post by Daniel on Feb 17, 2014 19:05:17 GMT -5
That's a very well written and nice message, Daniel. But it's very hard to get readers to write reviews or comment on your books. True. I knew that going in. My review rate is some tiny percent of a percent. My expectations were low and have been satisfied by reality. Of all the responses I might get, I like it best when readers sign up for New Releases. That means they want more of my writing, and that's all I really need to know.  |
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 17, 2014 19:50:17 GMT -5
Of all the responses I might get, I like it best when readers sign up for New Releases. That means they want more of my writing, and that's all I really need to know. +1 |
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Post by Alan Petersen on Feb 17, 2014 21:48:35 GMT -5
I also put a link to join my newsletter in the book matter. That list is separate from someone who joins my list from my website or Facebook. Since they're signing up from my book that means they bought it and that they liked it enough to join my list, that list is gold, my VIPs. My current conversion rate is 27% so it's not huge rate, but I'm happy with that rate so far.
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 17, 2014 23:25:48 GMT -5
If I debut Book 2 at $.99, am I crazy to expect a very high conversion rate from my mailing list??
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And every message cheers me up.
