There’s no question that it’s a lot of work, Sylvia. And it can be frustrating work. I know you’ll keep writing though — you’re “wired” for that.

Sandy

You’re welcome, Donna!

Sandy

Thanks for stopping by, Doreen. I’ll only add that it helps to remember that your friends don’t necessarily read the types of books you write, so when they don’t buy your book, it’s not personal. It just (perhaps) represents their decision to spend their money on things they need or know they will enjoy. Just as you might decline an invitation to attend (yet another) home Tupperware (or kitchen accessories or jewelry) party where you will feel pressured to spend money on something you don’t need just to be nice or polite, they are declining your invitation to buy a book they won’t read.

Sandy

It is really easy for people to help us promote our books or speaking abilities if they really want to and thanks for listing some suggestions here including Susan’s suggestions re libraries (I was going to add that one and then noticed it in her comment.)

It’s SO much working promoting our books, and when our friends and family realize that, they can help us in small ways to take the burden off of us.

Thanks, Randi. My nonfiction books are also on topics that wouldn’t interest my family and friends so I don’t expect them to make a purchase, either. We both might feel differently if we wrote fiction — I’m not even sure about that, though!

Sandy

I like your suggestions, especially the one Amazon. That one I have used–not with friends, but with professional contacts or someone I’ve given the book to. I think as long as the person is giving an honest opinion–and I mean HONEST–they don’t need to mention how they know you. I can usually tell with a friend of the author has written a review because they’re too cutsie. When shopping, I tend to overlook the first few reviews because I know there’s a good chance they’ve been written by friends.

Great tip regarding libraries, Susan! Thanks! I’m saving all ideas in a file, hoping to get enough for a 2nd post on the topic.

I don’t think it’s necessary to disclose how you got a copy of a book you’re reviewing. Look at it this way: If you borrowed a friend’s copy of a book or borrowed it from the library, would you need to disclose that you borrowed the copy and therefore didn’t pay for it?

In my most humble opinion (others might disagree…), I think what matters the most is that you be “yourself” when you write an honest review. If you’d normally say, “The only reason I read this book was because the author gave me a copy, so I was really surprised by how much I liked it,” then that’s what you should write. If you wouldn’t get that personal with a reader comment, then don’t. You can disclose that the author is a friend, or not. What really matters is an honest assessment of the book that’s in keeping with your usual approach to these things.

And one final thought on this … if I can’t find anything nice to say about a friend’s book, I don’t review it.

Thanks for the library tip and for taking the time to comment!

Sandy

Clare, I love that bathing cap image, too! I smile every time I see it.

The bookmarks are a great tip! Thank you! If I gather enough ideas, I’ll put up a 2nd post with them. Thanks!

Sandy