Jonathan Janz
Hey, Perry! I'd say it's a combination of many things, the first of which being the fact that I'm doing my very best to write books that folks want to read. I don't say that sarcastically or immodestly; I simply mean that word-of-mouth is the most powerful force in the advertising universe, and people are telling other people about my work. There was a time when I'd go two weeks without a single rating. Now, I'm getting ratings and reviews every day. It's all due to a gradual word-of-mouth-fueled growth.
Aside from that, I'd guess that the way I approach Goodreads has something to do with that. I'm here as a reader first, and other readers sense, respect, and appreciate that. There's a vast forest of white noise generated by authors screaming "Look at me! Look at me!" and as a reader, that turns me off. Which means it undoubtedly turns off other readers too. So by being a reader, I share a love of books with other readers rather than treating them like potential marks.
Which leads me to the last thing--engagement. When people are nice enough to say kind things about me and my work, I appreciate that, and I make sure I let them know that. No, I don't go around responding to every positive review, but if someone reviews three of my books and says incredibly kind things about all of them, I think that deserves a thank you. I also never, ever respond to negative reviews because that will never go well.
Anyway, that was way more than you asked for, and being a writer yourself, I know that you already know most of these things. But for others who read this answer, I think these are good guidelines.
Aside from that, I'd guess that the way I approach Goodreads has something to do with that. I'm here as a reader first, and other readers sense, respect, and appreciate that. There's a vast forest of white noise generated by authors screaming "Look at me! Look at me!" and as a reader, that turns me off. Which means it undoubtedly turns off other readers too. So by being a reader, I share a love of books with other readers rather than treating them like potential marks.
Which leads me to the last thing--engagement. When people are nice enough to say kind things about me and my work, I appreciate that, and I make sure I let them know that. No, I don't go around responding to every positive review, but if someone reviews three of my books and says incredibly kind things about all of them, I think that deserves a thank you. I also never, ever respond to negative reviews because that will never go well.
Anyway, that was way more than you asked for, and being a writer yourself, I know that you already know most of these things. But for others who read this answer, I think these are good guidelines.
More Answered Questions
Jen from Quebec :0)
asked
Jonathan Janz:
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[
I just finished your novella and LOVED it (I am Jen from Quebec-- we've spoken on the horror group thread about how we both enjoy PLAUSIBLE horror) Anyways, I am now on to the book, and WHY did you choose THAT person to be the Sweet 16 Killer? It just (in my mind) does not make any sense, especially as he was painted as such a sweet, caring uncle...even RON would make more sense....I guess I am just asking WHY HIM?
(hide spoiler)]
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more