Review the books you love!
What if I told you there was one action you could take that would cost you less than 5 minutes and very little energy, but would make a world of difference for someone else? Would you do it?
Imagine pouring yourself into something for a year or longer, releasing it out into the world, only to have it get crickets - no responses at all!
Sadly, this is what many authors experience, but it doesn't have to be that way.
How many books have you read this year? What if you left a review for half of them?
According to author Gary Chapman, one of the 5 Love Languages - the primary ways that some people feel loved and accepted - is words of affirmation. People like to hear that you enjoy their work!
I think this is especially true for artists, because so much of ourselves go into our projects. Here are just a few reasons to write reviews:
It helps get the word out, can increase sales
5m of your time can have an incredibly positive impact on the creator
Advice for leaving reviews
1. Read books! Reading is in my top 5 list of favorite things to do, and as a recent podcast guest shared, reading can also make you a better writer, or creator.
2. Read Local, indie authors. This doesn't mean you can't still read the big, famous authors - I do this all the time. But don't forge to show some love to Indie authors, too. Bonus points if it's someone you know personally!
3. Be Honest, and be kind. NEVER fabricate a review - but don’t leave an unnecessarily unkind one.
One of the podcasts I listen to encourages listeners to leave an “Honest, five star review” and I love this!
4. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. This is age-old advice that works in almost any arena of life, but certainly with reviews as well.
Praise publicly, criticize privately
Goal is to build up, never tear down
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?5. Online reviews are great (and necessary) but what often holds more weight is a personal recommendation to friend.
When you receive a negative review
This is a when, not an if - anyone who creates, who puts themselves out there, is subject to critique. When this happens to you--
Don’t take it personally (this is easier said than done)
Remember they are critiquing your book, not you
Celebrate! This means that people are reading your book (not just your family and friends)
Take any learnings that are available from the feedback
Keep writing!Want to put this episode into practice?
Review this podcast today:)
This isn't just limited to books! Review the podcasts or other art you love, too. This even includes liking, commenting, and sharing social media posts. Let the creators in your life know that you appreciate their work!
After years of putting it off, I have started writing my debut novel—a story about friendship, and about growing up. It follows the lives of a group of young men as they navigate the world between two mountainous seasons of life, with all the twists, turns and trials that come with growing up.
Through this podcast, I aim to highlight inspiring stories from fellow writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, offering encouragement and practical advice for those pursuing their own creative and business ventures.
A dream left on the shelf is one of life's greatest regrets.
Today's a great day to get started.
It's not that you haven't done it, it's just that you haven't done it yet.
Review & Subscribe: If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review to help others discover it. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode!
Connect: I'd love to connect! Send me a note at tcburr.com, and follow @yetpodcast on Instagram and Threads for updates and inspiration.
