authors, Indie book publishing, Publishing, self publishing, writing

Every author’s greatest fear and greatest hope: Will they like me?

A review on Amazon for my book reminded me how publishing enables us to impact the lives of people we have never met.

As you know, I have a lot of conversations with authors of all experience levels. I myself have used indie publishing to put two books in the market and recently, after a  number of interactions with a variety of authors, I realized there is a common fear we all have and a common hope. We want people to like our books, which is actually a proxy for them liking us

Now that may not sound like a  revolutionary idea, but I decided it was worth writing about because I have never seen a post about the topic.  Much is written about the economics and process of publishing, but what I have learned is becoming an author is an intensely personal and emotional experience. When you put a book in distribution, you are actually putting a bit of your self out there for the world to see. I am not saying that is bad or good. I am just saying what we really hope for is that people will like our book and like us.  When they do, it can be very gratifying. Readers may express their appreciation through an email or blog comment or at a book signing.   Recently, I was thrilled to see someone really liked my book Eli the Stable Boy becaue she wrote a customer review on Amazon.  I have never met her, but here’s what she wrote

A drummer boy story for today!,

What a charming and insightful book! This is the story that teaches our children that they, too, serve God, in their own way! Just as the Little Drummer Boy taught my generation that we all have gifts to give to God, Eli, the stable boy shows our children that they can have a real part in the story God is writing for them!

The illustrations are charming, the story is engaging, and the lesson is well taught, and one that will be remembered for lifetimes. I recommend this story and book to anyone with children.

Her words were a reminder to me of a statement I have made previously,but which I think bears repeating. That is when you publish a book, you have the opportunity to impact the lives of people you have never met, and even if it is just ten or twenty people, it is worth the effort. So don’t let that manuscript sit in your drawer. Get it published and into the hands of readers. Not all of them will like it, but you may find a number of people greatly appreciate your work and that is one of the best things about becoming a published author.

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8 thoughts on “Every author’s greatest fear and greatest hope: Will they like me?

  1. The “will they like it” worry can almost be over powering. It is what made me so hesitant to start a blog after all. Once I worked as a bookseller for a few years and got to think I about it I decided to always try to get in touch with the authors of great books and let them know it is appreciated, and they could have something to look at besides just sale figures (which are never as high as we’d like)

    • keithogorek says:

      I am glad you commented. I have been saying for years one of the greatest things about being an author is impacting people with your work, even if that is just ten or 20 people.

  2. This was a wonderful read and it hit the nose just right too! I know I hope people will enjoy what I write and then fear it’s nothing but drivel. We do tend to be our own worst critics don’t we?

    Also, what is the best way to get a hold of you? I don’t want to be a bother but I do have a few questions for you.

    Thanks for all your insights and information by the way. I’ve been following the blog and twitter.

    • keithogorek says:

      Thanks for the kind words. Glad this is helping. Best way to get a hold of me is leave a comment on this blog. I can read it confidentially and then reply if you give me an email address.

  3. Keith, I just wanted to let you know that The Shardkeepers is now published and available for purchase. I decided to go through Authorhouse to do it and am very pleased with the results.

    I’ve created a blog (bafegles.com) and have a matching Twitter and Facebook account as well. Next up is nailing down a marketing plan and that’s a bit daunting!

    I’d love to hear from you and get your thoughts on it to date. My email is bafegles@bafegles.com.

    I should be getting my complimentary copy this week sometime. I can’t wait to hold it.:)

    • keithogorek says:

      Congratulations on the publication of your book. Do let us know when you get a copy in your hands. It is a thrilling accomplishment!

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