To Be Thankful, or Not to Be Thankful...Why is this even a question?

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Do you know what really makes my day? Receiving a "thank you" from an author/editor/publisher for a review I've written. But after five years of writing reviews, I would be hard pressed to think of ten "thank yous" I've received. It's sad, really.

(For the duration of this post, I'll be referring specifically to the books I review for review sites. Not the reviews I write as a personal favor to the author.)

I'd like to say I'm the ideal Christian and never think of myself while helping other authors promote their work, but that, of course, would be a lie. I'm human, and it becomes discouraging when months go by without a single "thank you".

Today (Monday), I received a personal email from the brains behind Delivered, the novel I reviewed that's featured on Title Trakk this week. The note was short, but sincere and it did the job. It made my day. Guess what? I'd review another of her books in a heartbeat if she asked. Why? I like to help authors but LOVE to help authors who are personable and grateful.


A few years ago, I volunteered to write a review for a debut, small-press author. The book was excellent, and I said as much in my review at Title Trakk. Not long after, the author contacted me to say how thankful she was. It was the first "thank you" email I'd ever received (Yes, you did the math right. I'd been reviewing for two years.) From that simple review and follow-up email, I gained a sweet friend and eventually--because of her recommendation, support, and encouragement--my own contract. That author was Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Choice. Thanks again, Suzanne. You're a doll!

When the dear ladies at Title Trakk sent out a message asking if anyone would review Delivered, I had to review it. I knew the authors needed all the support they could get, AND I had a pretty strong feeling that I'd be thanked. I wasn't wrong on either count.


Now here's something interesting to take note of--Most of those who have contacted me over the years to say they appreciated a review were small press.  I don't intend to stereo-type here, but this is a pattern worth noting. What does it tell us? What does it tell you?

Marketing isn't easy for any author, but it's especially hard work for the small press author. I should know. But no complaints here. I have learned so much and one of those is to be immensely grateful for every bit of help I receive. I wouldn't trade that for all the publishing house-generated  bookmarks in the world.

So, I ask--
Has the small press author learned lessons in gratitude the authors from large publishing houses are not as apt to be exposed to? Have those large press authors that had "humble" beginnings grown complacent over time? Do they now take reviews and reviewers for granted? Or is it just a whole lot of bad luck on my part to rarely be thanked at all much less by the more well-known authors?

May I ask a favor of all my fellow authors out there? No matter who you are or how you're published, never take a reviewer for granted. Make the time to say thank you. After all, we're here for you. (and a little for ourselves too!)

My own small press debut novel, Wounded Spirits, releases this November. I plan to be very grateful. Y'all hold me accountable to that when I'm a New York Times best-seller, ok? ;)