One of my favorite quotes is:
Why? Because I don’t think it’s right to notice or talk about what’s wrong in the world if you’re not going to do something to make the situation better.
As an author, one problem I’ve had with my last two books is lack of reviews.
18 Things, the first book in my YA trilogy, which released in January 2013, has 188 reviews with an overall 4.1 rating.
18 Truths released the following January. Two years later, it has only 50 reviews with a 4.7 rating.
Then, most pitiful of all, is 18 Thoughts with just 27 reviews and a 4.8 rating, which released almost one year ago.
So what did I do over my Christmas break? I was a bad writer (because I didn’t write a word in my WIP), but a very good friend, because I read six books by different authors I know and left a review! Now, most of you wouldn’t know I left you a review because if I use my regular name and email address, the gods at Amazon take my review down because *gasps* I’m a writer. SO WHAT?! I was being the change I wish to see in the world 🙂
A writer lives and breathes by reviews and word-of-mouth! I keep getting all these reader surveys, which are nice, but my inner toddler stomps her feet and yells, “BUT WHY NOT PUT A REVIEW ON AMAZON INSTEAD AND HELP A SISTER OUT?” Because most of these people got my first novel for FREE and are wondering if/when the next two books will be free.
Can you hear my horrible Chewbacca growl from here?
By the way, if you don’t think reviews are important, then you might want to check out Kristen Lamb’s blog. Her last three posts have been about this topic, and I couldn’t have said it better myself (or funnier).
Any of you have insights on getting more reviews? Do you wish to be the change in my world (HA! See what I did there!). If you’d like to read any of my books in exchange for an honest review, just let me know!
This has been a post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, the brainchild of Head Ninja, Alex J. Cavanaugh. Feel free to join us the first Wednesday of every month! Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Jamie Ayres 
I’ve always loved that quote. It says so much with a few words.
I’m terrible at reviews but I try to leave them when I can because you’re right, they can make or break an author’s chances at visibility. I don’t always agree with what I read on GR, but it definitely sways my opinion on whether I’ll pick up a book or not. Keep writing and working. That’s all you can do 🙂
I tend not to buy books by their reviews. . .more by word of mouth. . .which is kind of funny considering how many I write/post every year. Authors do need them. Desperately. Good for you for finding a way to write yours!
You are so correct! (And also a fabulous friend.) I try to leave a review with each book I read. It can be hard to write a full, lengthy review, but I try to write a sentence or two leaving my thoughts. Great way to spread the need for reviews and author support. All the best to you in 2016!
Love the quote. It’s great you want to be a good friend by supporting their books. I’ll admit though that I don’t have the time to write a full review. Maybe I should take Sheri’s suggestion.
Sounds like my books – less reviews even as the ratings got better.
I’m trying to be better about leaving reviews on Goodreads. (No Amazon account. I know, I’m weird. It’s in my wife’s name.)
Terrible readers are just waiting for the next one to be free.
I know how it feels. Reviews are hard to come by. Hang in there!
Reviews are good. Even if they’re not pleasant ones that stroke our egos.
I’m pretty sure I’d choke if I asked somebody to do a review, and, you know, I don’t want to choke, so… *sigh* you’re right, though. I at least need to catch up on doing reviews. Happy New Year, Jamie!
That’s awful Amazon took down your reviews! I could understand taking down a review the author writes of his or her own book, since that’s kind of cheating, but not taking them down for other writers! I haven’t been regularly writing reviews for awhile, and know I need to get back to it.
I know what you mean since I self-pubbed my first book in August! It’s hard to get reviews. I have 16 on Amazon, so 188 seems great! I definitely make sure to leave a review now for any self-pub or indie authors. The big famous ones usually not 🙂
Getting reviews is a challenge. I try to put myself out there with reviewers, but there’s never a guarantee, they close their policies page when they’re bogged down, and so many other things. I usually leave a review since I know it helps.
Good to see your star rating is going up though. Those 27 reviews have got to be good quality. I definitely need to catch up on writing reviews. I read a lot over the holidays, but I slacked on any kind of writing. Reviews are so important for us.