The Power of Your Words: Leaving a Review Matters

It’s time for my annual plea for reviews. I don’t know if it works, but trying doesn’t hurt!

Imagine this: an author pours their soul into a story, agonizing over every word, polishing every sentence, and breathing life into characters who feel like old friends or mortal foes. After months—sometimes years—of hard work, they release their creation into the world, hoping it will find its place in readers’ hearts. But as the story embarks on its journey, its success often hinges on one simple yet profoundly impactful act: your review.

For authors, especially indie writers like myself, reviews are lifelines. They’re not just a vanity metric or an ego boost (though I’d be lying if I said they didn’t brighten our day). Reviews are essential to our books’ survival in the vast, ever-changing landscape of Amazon’s algorithms. Here’s why your voice matters and how your thoughtful feedback can help authors thrive.

1. Reviews Give Books a Fighting Chance

Amazon’s algorithms are the gatekeepers of visibility. Books with more reviews—especially thoughtful, honest ones—are more likely to appear in search results, be recommended to other readers, and reach a wider audience. Whether you loved the book, had mixed feelings, or saw room for improvement, your review pushes that book into the hands of someone who might just love it.

2. Your Perspective Helps Fellow Readers

Think about the last time you scrolled through reviews before purchasing a book. Maybe it was a glowing five-star review that convinced you to take the plunge or a constructive critique that helped you set realistic expectations. Your words hold the power to guide readers, helping them discover stories that resonate with their tastes and preferences. Every perspective counts, and sharing yours makes the book community richer.

3. Reviews Fuel Authors’ Creativity

Let’s be honest: writing can be a lonely journey. Authors often spend long, isolated hours with their characters, wondering if the story will ever connect with a real person on the other side of the page. Whether it’s a detailed analysis or a simple “I loved it,” your review tells us we’ve made an impact. It reminds us why we create and inspires us to keep writing.

4. They’re Free and Take Just a Few Minutes

Leaving a review doesn’t require an elaborate essay. A few sentences about what you liked—or didn’t—can go a long way. Did a character feel relatable? Was the plot twist unexpected? Did the setting transport you somewhere magical? Jot it down. If you’re strapped for time, even a star rating helps.

5. It’s a Simple Way to Support the Arts

Every review, no matter how small, contributes to the survival of art in an increasingly competitive industry. Your feedback isn’t just helping a single author; it’s contributing to a culture where storytelling and creativity can thrive. It’s your way of saying, “This story mattered to me,” and encouraging others to give it a chance. If you love to read and want authors to keep creating worlds for you to gobble up, leave a review!

How to Leave a Review

Not sure where to start? It’s easier than you think:

1. Log into your Amazon account.
2. Find the book on its Amazon page.
3. Scroll down to the “Customer Reviews” section and click “Write a Customer Review.”
4. Give it a star rating and write your thoughts—whether brief or detailed.
5. Hit “Submit” and pat yourself on the back. You’ve made a difference.

If you’re looking for my books specifically, the below links should bring you right to the review pages:

Dawn of the Lightbearer

The Mourning Son

Noonday in the North

Island of Stone

The Slaying of the Bull

Your Voice Matters

As someone who’s poured countless hours into crafting stories, I can’t express enough how much your words mean to me and authors like me. Every review reminds us that our work is seen, appreciated, and debated. It’s a small act that ripples outward, affecting the writer, future readers, and even the broader world of books.

So, the next time you finish a story—whether it made you laugh, cry, or think—take a moment to leave a review. Your voice might be the one that helps another reader discover their next favorite book or be the single act that keeps an author writing. And for that, authors everywhere will be eternally grateful.

Thank you for reading and for supporting the art of storytelling. You are the reason we keep writing.

Cheers!