It’s been over a year since the publication of my first novel, and the book is picking up steam and readership. I’m steadily getting emails from strangers through my contact page, or through friends of friends, that Jaden Baker is being well-recieved, and frequently people will tell me how quickly they read the book–the record is held at one day. Though the readership is expanding, and praise is coming in through various channels, review numbers are staying the same. For a while I’ve wondered how to broach this subject, as stacking up online reviews posted through a retailer are important to garnering respect and increasing sales, but asking for them seems a bit…needy? I finally decided to suck it up and just ask for them. Because I need them.
Most people either do not like writing and/or don’t know what to say. I think the same can be said for online book reviews. Of all the books I’ve read, I’ve rarely left a review on the place from which I purchased it, so I’m guilty of review-withholding. Many of the books I’ve read have been around for years and their review counts are in the thousands, hence my review refrainint. Plus, it probably doesn’t need to be said that I think Prisoner of Azkaban is a testament of brilliance and proof that a book can be written solely on back-story and still be funny and entertaining, or that Scarlett O’Hara is literature’s biggest screw-up and oh how I wish someone had slapped her in the face a few times. Because, chances are, at least one thousand other readers have already reviewed both of those things. Neither J.K. Rowling nor Margaret Mitchell need me to add my two cents.
Fresh and green
But since Jaden Baker is a baby out there, it needs more reviews to stand up to its brothers and sisters in fiction, even if some of them are repetitive. In fact, since the book is such a baby on the scene, reviews of the same ilk are good, as they show a consistency in reception. If you’ve written to me about the book, really all you can do is copy and paste into a review. The letters I get (which I love!) are all perfectly formatted for online reviews. They can be poignant or casual.
I understand that leaving a review often means jumping through some hoops. Amazon requires that you login to your account, create a pen name, and then submit. I’m not sure how many hoops you have to jump through for iTunes. Barnes and Noble accepts anonymous reviews, I believe.
Even if you only have a few sentences, or a few words, or just wanted to click how many stars you think it should have, I’d appreciate it.
Also…
Thanks to Bob for writing about Jaden on his website BoatBits.
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Hi there!
I literally *just* finished reading Jaden Baker less than an hour ago and jumped online to recommend it to friends. If I may add to your much deserved avalanche of reviews?
To say the story was fantastically amazing would be an understatement. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that the catch of free Kindle books that I net on a daily basis had grabbed such a beautiful pearl!
You have an absolutely astounding way with words! The ebb and flow of constant emotional turmoil knocked me over on countless occasions and I found myself clutching my blanket in anger and feeling tears of frustration and hatred slip down my cheeks at the injustice of it all.
…at 3AM. Needless to say, I couldn’t put the book down and I had to force myself to put it away when my eyes started burning from being open too long.
Usually I’m a harsh critic of books and authors, spelling and grammatical mistakes irk me, clichés make me cringe, and poor story lines are enough to make me put the book down until my OCD forces me to come back and finish it.
(Now you may wonder why I bother going through the Kindle freebies if I’m so picky, but books like yours are the reason! Compliments aside, I’m a poor college kid who loves to read and books are, unfortunately, an expensive habit.)
But Jaden! Jaden was beautiful. I laughed, I cried, and I gritted my teeth in anger.
To imply that the book held but a story, though, would be almost a crime. I have a hard time convincing myself that Jaden doesn’t exist, that there exists such evil as Madrid, that kind hearts like Alan exist along side such evil to be friends and aides. Try as I might, the numerous news articles of children so vulgarly exploited and broken whisper the names of such victims, such evil, and even a few human hearts. The story of Jared is so powerful.
I’m honored to have read it before it becomes viral.
PS: Once it does, people will compare it to the Hunger Games and Twilight. Ignore them and continue to write with the same passion, honesty, and feeling. Not many people have the gift of storytelling: the ability to be attuned to your own mind, to others thoughts, to transcribe those into words that flow through your fingers, to weave together a story with colors, with beauty, with life. It’s a rare gift and I hope you use it for good. =)
Thank you for allowing me to know Jaden.
And for teaching me a new word: ilk. I like it.
I had no idea reviews were so important! After reading the above note, I went to Amazon, set up an account, and in less than 5 minutes from the start, I left this review. I hope others will follow suit. Good luck, Courtney~
What a great read! This is a fast-paced, thrilling story of heart break, greed, deception and, finally, overcoming even the worst obstacles to find happiness. Courtney Kirchoff has launched her career with an awesome book – I can’t wait to read her next one. She has a unique style of writing that draws the reader in and won’t let him/her go. I felt like I truly KNEW Jaden Baker and went on his journey with him. Few books stay with you after you move on to the next. This is one of those rare exceptions.
OK – you now have a review from me too….
I think that means you’re number fifty! I’ve not been to the amazon.com page for Jaden, just because I get all emotional. I hope you liked the book!
As someone who is usually skeptical of sci-fi, Jaden Baker brought to life the sensible, intelligent, yet passionate character with out of this world abilities. Thoroughly enjoyed his adventures, especially the surprise epilogue where Jaden visits…well, you have to read it!