5 Reasons I am Thankful for My Readers

I read my novels a gazillion times before they go to print. And yes, that is a slight exaggeration – but only a slight one. But for all my reading and rereading, I do not write for myself.

No, I write in hopes that my novels will be read by others.

I write in my journal for me. My novels? They are for my readers.

Thanksgiving is a great reason to stop and think of all the things I’m thankful for. Today, I thought I’d share why I’m thankful for my readers.

I’m thankful for readers because:
1. Readers buy my books. Yes, this is important to me – and it’s important to every author. My publisher looks at my sales record when they consider offering me a new contract. This writing dream of mine? It’s also a business – and numbers do play a part.
2. Readers tell others about my books. For authors, word of mouth makes all the difference when it comes to connecting with new readers. Yes, I can tell others about my books. But when a reader tells someone else, “You should read Beth Vogt’s book!” – well, that’s huge. Think about it: when someone tells you that they like a book, aren’t you more inclined to give an author a try?
3. Readers share my books with others. It’s great when a reader loans my book to a friend. It’s even better when a friend buys an extra copy of my book to share. (See #1.) One year, a friend gave my books as Christmas gifts — and by doing that, she gave me a gift too.
4. Readers write reviews of my books. An author-friend said it best: Positive reviews are gold for an author. I know writing reviews take time – and I appreciate every single positive reader review. Potential readers consider reviews when they’re wondering “To read or not to read?”
5. Readers connect with me. I love hearing from my readers. That’s why I blog and why I’m on Twitter and why I have an author Facebook page. If I had to do it over again, I’d call my author page a “Reader Page.” It’s why I have a newsletter. It’s why I run contests whenever I launch a book – or sometimes why I have a contest just because I feel like it. I like to talk about books  with readers – mine and other authors’ books. And I like to talk about life — the funny parts and the serious parts.

Thank you, readers, for doing all you do to make writing worthwhile.

Beth Vogt (11 Posts)

Beth believes God’s best is often behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s a former nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction. But then God turned a season of burnout into a bend in the writing road. Now she writes contemporary romance set in the Colorado Rockies, including: Wish You Were Here (2012), Catch a Falling Star (2013), and Somebody Like You (2014). Beth also serves as the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy. Check out Beth’s books at bethvogt.com.