Seven Things Happy Readers Can Do to Stay Happy

by Victoria M. Johnson

You've finished reading a book and you loved it.  What do you do next?  Do you call or email your friends.  Do you text your sister?  Do you confide in your coworkers at break time?  All of these are wonderful ways to share your joy. Believe me when I say that all authors appreciate it when you help spread the word about their book and there is a benefit to you for doing so.

Positive word-of-mouth leads others to read the book, which makes the author happy, and a happy author puts that positive energy toward writing more fabulous books.  More delectable page-turners to read will make YOU, the reader, happy.  So if you want to stay happy here are some actions for you to consider carrying out:

 

1. Tell your friends, family and coworkers about the great read. Word of mouth really is the best form of promotion an author can get.  I know you don't think of your recommendation that way but others who know you will trust your opinion more than any ad they see.

2. Write an online book review wherever you purchased or borrowed the book, or any sites that you frequent to find the books you should read next such as LibraryThing, Shelfari, or Goodreads. 

3. If posting reviews is not something you are comfortable doing you can post your approval for the book on any of your own social media sites such as facebook or Pinterest.  For an example, take a look at one of my Pinterest boards.  

4. One of the quickest ways to show your endorsement is to "like" a review someone else wrote that you agree with at an online site like Amazon.  Just click "yes" this review was helpful.  The image below shows that 30 other readers agreed with the review by clicking the "yes" box.  It's that simple.

5. Follow your favorite author on whatever social media site you use.  For example, many authors are on facebook.  This is a great way to connect with your favorite authors.  You can find out about new books coming, hear about signings in your area, or sign up for any giveaways or contests the author may have.   

6. Attend the author's book event.  If it's feasible to attend a signing or speaking engagement think about going. You'll meet the author, meet other readers, and have fun. 

7. Buy the author's next book or one of her backlist books. If you loved an author's book there's a high chance you'll love her other books.  Did you like her style and writing voice?  That's something that carries on from book to book.

 

You don't have to try to do all of the above things; just doing one will make your author's day--maybe even her week.  She works hard to bring readers engrossing stories, it's a job she loves, and a job she hopes to do for many more years.  You can help make that possible by putting a smile on her face.  Remember if the author is happy you'll be happy because she'll write more books for you to devour. 

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride.  Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page at http://amzn.com/e/B0046CG6PQ or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter.