Exercise Your Influence

Colorado aspen trees fall 2013

My mother enjoyed Christine Goff’s birdwatcher series. When the series ended with book number five, my mother was quite upset. Mom did not care for my explanation about the vagaries of the publishing industry.  She had discovered a favorite series, one she’d hoped to read for many more years. http://www.christinegoff.com

Television programs have been known to suffer a similar fate. A good series, in the opinion of fans, is unjustly cancelled. Viewers have discovered, however, that they have influence. More than one series has been continued, or brought back, due to outcry from fans. Good news – this can work for literature, too.

·  The number one way to support an author you like is through the power of the marketplace. Buy the book! If your funds are limited, check it out from the library.

·  Number two is to let people know about the author. Word of mouth sells books. That word can be spread in person or via the internet. If you are active on social media or you blog, mention the book or the author.

·  The third way to keep an author writing and a series viable is to write reviews. If you are impressed with a book, post a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and other venues. Post a review on your blog. Publishers and book sellers pay attention to reviews, which demonstrate there is an enthusiastic audience for the work.

Share your enthusiasm for an author or series. Exercise your influence.

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