The Power of Asking

Have you ever noticed the number of customer reviews and in particular five star reviews for a book on Amazon? I do. In fact, when I check out a book online I will often turn to Amazon and read those customer reviews. Many books are never reviewed. Some books only have one review. Others have many reviews.

If you check my Book Proposals That Sell, you will see it has over 70 Five Star reviews. I regularly look at the reviews and competition for my title. A few of those books have reviews but none of them have anywhere near 70 Five Star reviews. How did that happen? Many of the reviews came naturally and any book which is much reviewed has its foundation based on a good book.

I also have learned the power of asking. If someone writes me and tells me about how much they appreciate the book, I take the proactive approach. I ask if they will go over to Amazon and write a few sentences with a Five Star review. I give them the link to go right to the page and I’m grateful for many people who have responded.

I’ve heard that success shows traces of success. It also has to do with the power of asking.

In a little over a week, I will be hosting a teleseminar with the president of iUniverse, Susan Driscoll. If you don’t know iUniverse is one of the leading self-publishing companies in the country. Earlier this year I met Susan at Mega Book Marketing University and was fascinated with her background of leadership in traditional publishers like HarperCollins and others. I love Susan and Diane Gedymin’s book, Get Published! I asked Susan if she liked doing teleconferences and she said she loved them. Now you (and I) get the opportunity to ask her any question. In the next couple of days, I’m adding a couple of audio clips but the site is working and can be used to register. I hope you will do it. Susan agreed to this session because I asked.

If you are promoting a book or looking to build your visibility in the market or possibly trying to get published in magazines, then I recommend you use the power of asking. Yes, you will face some rejection (all of us do) but when that happens just look for the next opportunity and keep on asking. You never know what can happen in the days ahead.

So many writers feel powerless in the publishing world and nothing could be further from the truth. I think more writers could succeed from asking.