It has long been understood that people are more likely to do business with those they like. Writers are just as susceptible to those realities as everyone else. But as a writer, you don’t need to be the most attractive, the most intelligent, or the greatest dresser in the world to be appreciated; you don’t even have to be the finest writer in the world. Most of the time, just being yourself is enough, and ideally, that includes being a decent person. If you want to be well-liked as a writer, all you have to do is show your gratitude to the individuals who help you advertise your book and to the readers who take the time to tell you they enjoyed it. A sincere “thank you” goes a long way toward maintaining loyal readers and clientele.

It’s possible that “thank you” are the two most useful words for a writer to know. Customers will be encouraged to return for more by this one sentence, and sales staff will be ready to welcome you back whenever you’re ready to do business with them again. It is crucial that you always remember to say “Thank you” to the people who have helped you, whether you are the printer, editor, book reviewer, or book promotion firm. The same holds true when people you’ve never met before tell you how much they enjoyed your book. A simple “thank you” shows appreciation and acknowledgement, and may even inspire them to continue reading your publications. Some situations where a simple “Thank you” would mean the world, as well as some simple ways to express your gratitude, are described here.

As much as we might prefer to think of books as “literature” or “art,” we must keep in mind that they are, in fact, a business. It is necessary to advertise, sell, and purchase books. Thus, the author has customers (readers) and is also a customer to those he hires to produce and promote his book, such as editors, proofreaders, book reviewers, website designers, cover designers, and marketers. The author also has customers who hire him to entertain or inform others, such as organizations that invite him to come speak, or members of the media who interview or write about him and his book. He may fall into both of these latter categories, but any mutually beneficial business partnership involves some degree of give and take on both sides. Let’s analyze the impact that “Thank you” has in a few of these contexts.

Collaboration with the Manufacturing Team. The author will have extensive interactions with his book’s production team (layout person, cover designer, printer) and marketing team (website, marketing items). There will probably be weekly or monthly meetings until the final product(s) are released to the public. The author hopes to make a favorable impression on these individuals so that they will wish to collaborate with him in the future. Without these persons, the book could not have been written or published, and the author owes them a debt of gratitude.

Unfortunately, some authors don’t even bother to thank these folks, while others make several requests for revisions that waste the editor’s or web designer’s time. If you aren’t grateful, the other individual may not want to cooperate with you again. Sadly, I know a lot of folks, like proofreaders or website designers, who finish the work and contact the author, but then never hear back from the author. Even if they receive a check in the mail, they won’t receive a “Thank you” or, even better, a “Thank you. To say “Thank you so much; it looks fantastic!” or “Your efforts are greatly appreciated” is inadequate. Without you, writing this book would have been impossible. Words as basic as that can have a profound effect on others. Everyone strives for a sense of accomplishment.

Collaboration with the Marketing Team. Anyone who works to get the word out about your book is part of the marketing team. It might be anyone from a reader to a newspaper reporter to a TV host to the firm that sends out your press releases. If you want to get along with them, you need to be polite and respectful, and at the absolute least, you need to say “Thank you.” Expressing gratitude can be as simple as saying “thank you” or as involved as sending an email or writing a letter. Regardless, a simple “thank you” can change everything.

I own a book review company that provides evaluations and exposure at no cost to authors, and I can’t tell you how many times we’ve reviewed books without being compensated in any way. A book review requires not just extensive time spent reading the book, but also time spent writing the review itself, followed by posting the review online and sending a copy to the author. It’s a lot of work, and we usually don’t charge for it. A simple “Thank you” is much appreciated for all the effort put in.

If you don’t say “Thank you,” customers may be less likely to do business with you again. One sign of a thoughtful and kind author is a handwritten “Thank you” note sent to the program host, book reviewer, or organization president who gave you a speaking engagement. A simple “thank you” expresses the author’s gratitude for the listeners’ time or the task completed. This can lead to further speaking engagements or, in the case of book reviewers, a review of your next publication.

Expressing gratitude beyond a simple “thank you”
Simply expressing gratitude can go a long way toward letting someone know how much they’ve impacted your life. The term “value” is crucial. Time and money are of the utmost importance in every business venture, and book publishing is no exception. In today’s fast-paced society, customers not only want their money’s worth, but also their time. A hasty “Thank you” conveys neither gratitude nor value, but being courteous does. Here are some additional methods to be gracious and show gratitude as a writer.

Be prompt in responding to email inquiries. Respond in writing to the editor who returns your manuscript to show that you’ve received and read it. If a TV host asks you to appear on their show, you should respond to confirm that you can make it.

Don’t be late. If you have been asked to give a speech at a gathering, don’t show up late and unprepared. Learn in advance the standards that will be applied to you. If you have been invited to speak at an event that is located outside of your city, it is polite to let the conference planner know that you have arrived safely.

Maintain Order and Brevity. Do not bombard an editor with 20 separate emails, one for each chapter of your book. Merge them all into one. Don’t send the TV producer six press releases with diverse facts about you to pick and choose from; instead, put up an author bio and submit it to him. Don’t make the managing editor of a book review company chase you down for information by leaving blanks on a form they ask you to fill out on their website.

Listen to Your Audience. Respond to any correspondence you receive from readers by email or snail mail to show your gratitude for their time and input. The result might be a lifelong fan of your writing. People who read your first book are the ones most likely to read your second book, just as it is simpler to keep an existing customer than find a new one in business. Responding with thanks will show them that you value their time and interest in reading your book and communicating with you.

Accept a compliment with grace. Don’t lower yourself down by saying something like, “Well, there’s some mistakes I found in it,” or “Thanks. It’s hardly ‘Gone with the Wind,’ but it does the trick. When you downplay your own accomplishments, the person who complimented you will feel foolish and neglected. Saying, “Thank you” is all that’s needed. Simply saying, “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” or starting a dialogue by asking, “Who was your favorite character?” or “What was your favorite part of the book?” will go a long way toward making the reader feel valued. When we receive a compliment, we boost the benefactor’s confidence in himself and in us.
Saying “thank you” and showing gratitude to those who help or appreciate your work will help you build positive relationships in the publishing industry and with your growing fan base, as well as make you more desirable as a guest on television shows and a sought-after author in bookstores.

Reviews of new books and author interviews can be found in Reader Views, where Irene Watson serves as Managing Editor. Her company also offers book publicity and other related author and publisher services.

Read also: https://cnnislands.com/business/