Think for a few minutes about the kinds of things that make you want to pick up a book and read it.
Most of the time we read a book because it’s by an author we already know and love.
Sometimes a cover might attract us to take a closer look, particularly if we’re browsing in a brick-and-mortar store.
But I’m guessing the large majority of us discover books based on word of mouth. The word-of-mouth process usually goes something like this:
We hear someone mention a book, perhaps in passing. We don’t really give it much thought, after all we already have plenty of books clamoring for our over-loaded attention.
But interestingly, the next day while scrolling through our Facebook home page, the book pops up again. Someone else exclaims how much they enjoyed the book, enough to stay up into the wee hours of the morning to finish it.
Even though our interest is definitely perked at this point, it will likely take another time or two of “hearing” someone talk about the book (perhaps on twitter or a blog review or seeing it on a friend’s shelf on GoodReads).
Finally, after a handful of times we “hear” about the book, we decide that we need to check it out for ourselves. We head to the online reviews, browse through them, and then decide if it’s one we’d like to purchase or one we’d like to try out from the library first.
Does the above scenario ring true for you? It’s usually my process for finding a new book to read.
All that to say, WORD OF MOUTH plays a pivotal, powerful, and persuasive role in the life and success of a book.
Of course, when an AUTHOR toots her own horn, the noise usually falls on deaf ears. Most people don’t trust what authors say about their own books, because obviously they’re going to say super nice things even if the book was just okay.
But when a READER offers genuine praise, then people sit up and take notice, particularly when multiple readers are saying the same thing.
I often don’t think readers understand the amount of power they hold over the success or failure of a book. Before I became an author, I didn’t realize the difference I could make with my recommendations and praise of books. But now that I do, I embrace the challenge with enthusiasm.
The great thing about WORD OF MOUTH promotion is that it’s usually fairly quick and easy to do. It doesn’t require a huge time commitment or investment of energy.
In fact, here are five simple things we can do to spread the word about a book we loved:
1. Mention the book on Facebook and/or Twitter. Try to be specific about something you liked about the book. Provide the link to the author’s website or to an online bookstore.
2. Post the book cover on Instagram or Pinterest. Create a “Favorite Books” or “Books I’ve Read Recently” board. Again, make sure to link the pin to the author’s website or a bookstore.
3. Take a picture of yourself (or with a pet) with the book. Or develop a graphic with a quote from the book. Post those pictures on social media along with your enthusiasm about the book.
4. Tell friends and/or family about the book. Include why you think they might enjoy it. In fact, be willing to pass along your copy and encourage them to do the same when they’re done.
5. Leave a review on one of the online review sites, preferably more than one place. Copying and pasting your review from one site to another is perfectly okay!
I’m currently adding a limited number of new Influencers to my Launch Team for my upcoming release, With You Always (releasing June 1). In exchange for a free copy of the book, I ask my influencers to commit to doing at least five influencer actions. I provide a long list of ideas (including the ones listed above).
If you’d like to find out more about the book, please check out my Books Page. And if you’d like more information about becoming an Influencer on my Launch Team, please email me at: jodyhedlundbooks (at) gmail (dot) com.
How about you, dear readers? What influences YOU the most in the books you choose to read? Is it word of mouth or something else?
Jody Hedlund
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So true, Jody! Fantastic post. Your book cover is just gorgeous by the way, I can’t read to read your upcoming release! I first learned about orphan trains while doing research for Yankee in Atlanta. It plays a very small role in my story, but I did discover that orphan trains stopped right here in my town of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Just last weekend I finished reading Orphan Train by Christian Baker Kline, and it whetted my appetite for With You Always. I can’t wait to read your inspirational tale–I know I will absolutely love it. I was so excited last year when Dave Long told me about this series!
Finally (wow this is a long comment!) I just wanted to thank YOU for being so wonderful spreading word of mouth about Christian fiction, especially with your church library! I appreciate you!
Thank you, Jocelyn. It has been fascinating to research, as you can imagine. I appreciate you, too!
Would love to influence for you. I sent an email. I love reading about orphans, as my mama was put in an orphanage at age five. Blessings
Lucy – you can reach Jody at jodyhedlundbooks@gmail.com
Thank you, Lucy. That must have been very difficult for your mum as a little girl.
I have loved everything of your that I have read! A special favorite is the one about Luther. I am a Lutheran and it was so informative. Several of my friends can’t say enough about it as well! Your writing is superb and your research is exceptional! Blessings!
Appreciate your encouragement, Paula, and am so glad you enjoyed Luther and Katharina.
What initially draws me to a book is the cover art. But I also depend highly on the author and publishing company. If I’ve fallen in love with an author’s characters I’ll seek out all of her books. I also enjoy clean-reads, so a trusted publishing company is important. I’m a cover-loving book hoarder and I LOVE the cover art of With You Always. 🙂
Jody, I tried (repeatedly) to email you at the address you provided, but got a reply saying the gmail address did not exist.
Cheryl, you can reach Jody at jodyhedlundbooks@gmail.com
Thanks Cheryl – I will be in touch!
The author’s name if I’ve already read their books. Reader’s comments are important but I don’t read reviews much.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joan.
Word of mouth plays a big part in choosing a book to read, especially by trusted reviewer and blogger friends. The author, the cover (yours are gorgeous), the description, and reviews all play a part, too.
I sent you an email to apply for your influencer team, but it said the address didn’t exist. I’d love to be on it.
Hi Winnie – try jodyhedlundbooks@gmail.com 🙂
Thanks, Rel! I’d love to be on Jody’s team.
Thank you, Winnie!
What makes me want to read a book is the cover art as that gets me interested in the story and knowing the author helps too.
Cover art is so important, isn’t it, Christina? There’s nothing quite like an eye catching cover to draw in readers.
I love your books Jody and have read every one of them.I am looking forward to reading your newest one coming out in June.Whoever does your book covers does a fabulous job.
Thank you, Diana. Bethany House does beautiful work with their covers, I agree!
I love all your books! I especially enjoyed your medieval series! Those kept me up at night reading for sure! I’m always telling anyone who will listen about a great book I’m reading. I love your idea of sharing a pic of the book on Facebook. When I’m deeply moved by a book or series, I usually send a personal message to the author. Thank you for sharing your ideas for spreading the word of our love for a book or author!
My husband and I lived in Honduras as missionaries where we worked with several orphanages there. As a small child, God gave me a great love and desire to help orphans. We were blessed to have three orphans in our home for over a year. We fell deeply in love with them. We also had our niece and nephew added to our clan and we adopted a baby from Honduras.
I say all this to say that I have a great love for orphans. Any book about orphans is immediately added to my reading list. I would love to be a part of your influence group. It would be a great honor.
Word of mouth is always my number one reason for reading a book, with only one exception. Certain authors I know I will always love and will always read 😄 . I look at what my blogging friends are reading and reviewing when I decide to buy!
Well the first thing I buy are the books of my favorite authors, then a cover may catch my eye and I read the blurb and then I’m either going to buy it then or put it on my “to buy list”.
If I keep seeing a book on FB, Twitter & Pinterest I end up looking it up on Amazon and read the reviews. Then I decide. By the way I have several of your books on my TBR list, but I have been reading so many books to review by a certain time that so far I haven’t had time to read them. I’m sending you an email to see if I can influence for this book.