A "How To" Video: Your Reviews Make a Difference!

Did you know that reader reviews make a difference?  A review only takes a minute and it means so much to the authors that you love!  In this post's tutorial video, I'll show you how to review a book on Amazon (even if you didn't buy the book on Amazon).  Before we dive into that good stuff though here's 5 things you might not know about authors and why it's so helpful for readers to leave reviews of their books ... 

If a book has 50 reviews, Amazon will list a book in its newsletters and feature it in other promotions like "Also Bought" which helps readers (just like you) find new books and authors to love.

Reviews can be short!  An "I LIKED IT!" works just fine.  It is the number of reviews that matter most so don't worry about having to write a novel yourself when just a few positive words will do!

In fact, most authors make less than $10,000 a year.  Reviews help your favorite writers sell more books because more readers are able to find their books which means they can write more of them for you to read ... yay!  Being an author is a SMALL BUSINESS.  When you support authors you support small local businesses.

Reviews are the easiest way to say THANK YOU to the authors you love.  Also, your reviews let publishers know that they should produce more of the books that you like to read.  You don't even have to purchase a book on Amazon to review it there either!  Cool beans ;)

Authors often have a hard time asking for and getting reviews but it makes a huge difference for their books and helps them keep writing new ones!  A review only takes a minute and it means so much to the authors that you love. (Source: tallpoppies.org)

When you enjoy a book please share your thoughts on Amazon and other book reviewing channels like Barnes & Noble, iBooks and Kobo.  If you enjoyed In The Reins please consider taking a moment to share your thoughts on Amazon.  This video shows you how!

Video Tutorial: How to Review a Book on Amazon

So there you have it!  5 reasons to review the books you love and a video that walks you through leaving those reviews on Amazon whether you bought the book there or not!  

Interested in other ways to help out the author in your life?  Check out the article from Richard Ridley called "How to Help the Author in Your Life."  In his post, he shares that the easiest way to help your writer friend is to just spread the word about his or her book in your community.  How?  Well, a few easy things you can do is to post a review (like you just learned about), share a comment about their book on your Facebook page, mention it at your next horse show, PTA meeting or book club gathering etc.  Every time you tell someone about a book you help blooming (and established) authors!

Did you enjoy In the Reins?  Please help spread the word!  Some simple ways to share are:

• Like Carly Kade Creative on Facebook (Just click the blue hyperlink!)
• Tweet about In The Reins on Twitter.  Don't forget to include @CarlyKadeAuthor or the hashtag #InTheReins while you are there.  Oh!  Don't forget to follow @CarlyKadeAuthor too ;)
• Share the story!  Give the gift of a signed copy to a book loving friend.  Email me at carly@carlykadecreative.com for details!
• Follow @CarlyKadeCreative on Instagram (Just click the blue hyperlink!)
• Invite Carly to speak at your event, write a guest post on your blog, or do a Q&A on your podcast!  Click here to contact me!
• Have a blog?  Work at a magazine or newspaper?  Want a review copy of In The Reins?  Let me know by filling out the Contact Carly form!

Thank you for your support and readership!  Gallop over to the blog again next week, I'll share new videos, pics, and stories that highlight interesting cowgirl topics, horse tips, as well as In The Reins sequel sneak peeks, updates, and release info!