I’m not wholly sure that a review is the best way to thank an author. Financial remuneration is always good; liberal helpings of alcohol are always enjoyable; and there are other nefarious pleasures that spring to mind but decency stops me from mentioning here.
However, reviews are certainly one of the best ways to thank an author.
I sometimes review things on Google Maps. I’ve done this because an app on my phone occasionally makes a noise and says that I can leave a review for the place where I’ve recently visited. This was one of my earliest responses when the app asked me to review a local car park:
I parked between white lines on grey tarmac. It was not an original experience but I will probably do this again. With a car next time.
This was my review for the local branch of the supermarket chain, Iceland:
Be aware: this is a shop and not the country. Passport not needed.
And this was my review for the local vets:
The dog’s bollocks. (Were removed here).
All of which is my way of leading on to the subject of reviews, particularly book reviews. As most of you will know, I’ve recently released my exciting new novel, Blackstone Towers. Being honest, I know that some of you wonderful people reading this have bought copies and I’m hoping you can do two things for me.
In the first instance, if you’ve enjoyed the book, I’d love it if you could write a brief review on Amazon explaining how much fun it is to read. I’m not trying to put words in anyone’s mouth here. You don’t have to call me a FIVE STAR GENIUS or tell your readers that ASHLEY LISTER IS ONE OF THE GREATEST STORYTELLERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY, or even say THIS NOVEL WAS THE BEST THING I’VE EVER READ WITH EITHER OF MY EYES.
All I’m asking is, if you’ve read the book and enjoyed it, could you please leave a short review on Amazon so that other potential readers might get a chance to learn about this novel and enjoy it.
Secondly, and again this only applies if you’ve enjoyed the book, could you tell your friends about it? I can advertise my product all day long, if I want. But the thing that persuades me to try a book, and it’s probably the same thing with you, is the personal recommendation of a trusted friend. So, if you’ve got a friend who you think would like a story like Blackstone Towers, please tell them about the book so they can enjoy the experience.
Already, on FaceBook, I’ve received a wonderful message from one reader who said the following about Blackstone Towers:
I finished reading this this morning. Love how you capture the absolute dregs of human society in your characters and turn them into such a good read. Big thumbs up from me for this one. I could almost imagine it being turned into a series – trying to collect the talismans before the final epic showdown.
ashleylister.com 