As an author, meeting new readers can be a rewarding experience. You’re able to get feedback on the book(s) you’ve written such as book reviews, possible ideas for future books from their comments, and get appreciated (hopefully) for the work you’ve done.
It can also be daunting or scary to meet readers and fans of the genre you write in, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. Sometimes, the readers can get disappointed in what you write or scenes/topics you do not put in the book. And sometimes, they won’t like it at all. That’s okay. Not every story is for everyone. As an author, you have to remember that, so you don’t dwell on the negatives.
Instead, take the positive experience and bask in it. Be personable, happy to meet the reader. Excited. Let it fill you with joy for completing something many people will never do–writing and getting a book published to share with your audience.
Things you should say when you meet a new reader:
- Hello, are you a __(genre of your book)_ reader?
- If yes, begin telling them about your story.
- Then, assuming they are interested in your book and purchase it, ask them if they would you be willing to post a book review on _(site where books can be reviewed)_ when they finish reading it.
- Would you share my story with a friend who might enjoy it?
- Do you need an autographed copy for that friend?
- Thank the reader for reading the book.
Things you can say to a reader who has already purchased your book:
- Did you enjoy the story?
- If yes, would you be willing to post a book review on ______?
- Have you shared my story with a friend who might enjoy it?
- Do you need an autographed copy for a different friend?
- Thank the reader for reading the book.
If you write a second/another book, be sure to thank your readers in the acknowledgements.
