Tell a Friend

It's no mystery why authors rely so heavily on readers to help them build an audience.  Publishing is one of the last great "word of mouth" businesses, where writers build their reputation reader by reader, book by book.  I've been extremely fortunate to have some wonderful readers around the world acting as advocates on my behalf - and I'm grateful for their efforts and support.

Readers at book signings will sometimes ask me what they can do to help.  There are actually many ways in which readers can lend a hand to the authors they enjoy.  The most obvious thing to do - Tell a friend - covers a lot of ground these days.  People who have always shared news of a favorite author with family and friends can now reach an even larger group of people through their status, links, notes, and messages on Facebook and MySpace; through their "tweets" on Twitter; through their blogs; or through online book networks like Shelfari and GoodReads.  They can recommend books to local book clubs.  They can talk to their local librarian.  They can spread the word to employees at their local bookstore.

So "tell a friend" goes a long way.  I've even had readers go so far as to write to book reviewers at their local newspaper and recommend they cover a particular book.  And you know what?  It often works.  There is so much content out there today that everyone - readers, librarians, booksellers, and book reviewers - relies on word of mouth to find authors they might otherwise miss.  Publishers and authors are interested parties, so the objective opinion of readers carries a lot of weight.

So remember - you have the power!