Sunday, May 3, 2009

Strangers and Reader Feedback

As a writer of fiction I can't imagine anything more gratifying than positive feedback from readers or fans. Even more so, feedback from total strangers, those who know nothing about you except your style of writing penned between the pages of your book.

Authors, especially fiction authors are very well aware of how important "attraction" to your novel can be. Book covers for instance, can be an attraction or turn-off. Eye appeal is extremely important for book covers to gain interest to a book in the competitive world of publishing. As to non-fiction, personally I look for the title of a subject I might be interested in, rather than enticement of cover. That’s just my personal way of choosing non-fiction books.

Consider those things along with the all important "grab you" first few paragraphs or pages. I know some readers who never get past the first chapter of perfectly good books, simply because the first few paragraphs do not hold their interest. Also, readers can be turned off and put a book aside if there are too many errors, especially in the area of grammar. So as authors, we should pay rapt attention to grammar details, cooperate fully with, and listen to our editors when they make suggestions or changes. While as humans they can also error occasionally, the majority of the time they will be correct.

As a Christian fiction author, I'm also concerned that my novels carry a message that points the readers to the mercy and grace of God. Having said that, I'll share with you the following:

Shortly after my first novel Weapons of Light was published, I received an email through my web site from a total stranger. She shared with me that my book captivated her from the very beginning and was so grateful that she had read it. She ezplained that she had been on the verge of joining a witches' coven and reading my book changed her mind. I was so humbled by her email. There have been others, and I’m very thankful for them, who have given me positive feedback. But that first powerful reader feedback made the months of wondering if the book was good enough, working through production, and subsequent promotional efforts all worth it.

Tate Publishers' Mark Mingle, who is head of marketing, recently stated in an online blog that promotion and success can sometimes take much more time than we at first may realize. (Paraphrased) So when I get a little discouraged because things aren't moving as fast as I think they should, and I think sales should be better, I will remember Mark's words along with the kind stranger's response. And I will remember that my prayer had been if my novel changed just one life for the good, then it would have all been worth it. With that prayer answered, I am thankful for my success as an author, andI am eagerly looking forward to the release of my next novel later this year.

Having mentioned Mark's name, I want to also commend the rest of his staff for their excellent work, along with all of Tate's staff. Without their help and input to achieve my goal as an author, I would not be writing this commentary.