I just answered a phone call from an author. I can’t remember his name, but he told me all about the book that he wrote–and then he asked me to vote for his favorite political candidate.
Well, that was an interesting bit of cross-promotion. And I have to admit that I hung up. But normally, I try to help an author out, especially an author that I know and like. And especially when it’s just a click of a button.
I shared my thoughts about clicking on Amazon Author pages, in a post over at The Muffin . So give a read if you’d like to know how you can help an author out by clicking on a button. And if you have an Amazon Author page, let me know and I’ll click for you.
But I draw the line at voting for your fave candidate.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Hi Cathy,
Your posts always give me a smile! 🙂 Your comments today about the Amazon Author “Likes” is interesting in its relationship to all networking. We can’t really know how much each effort contributes to sales, but we can measure our reach to other authors and readers by their interaction with us on social networks and our websites.
How much time we can devote to social networking, and which ones to mine, is a very individual decision based on our lives, abilities, inclinations, etc. I learn more every day through research and experience in this wild stampede of technology as it relates to writing. I will appreciate your “liking” my Amazon Author page, commenting on my website, http://www.thereadingroad.com, reviewing my book, or any effort which I will gladly return. Just let me know!
Best of luck with your writing,
D.
Thanks for stopping by Diane, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts! I’ll check you out–um, you know I mean that in a completely nice and writer-sish way, right? 😉
Cathy–I did read your post on Muffin—probably not too long after you posted it. (I’m an early bird, too.)
Yes, it’s unclear how much all these “likes” help, but postive feedback is always good.
Sioux, so glad you read The Muffin! (I have to confess, though. I’m not an early bird at all. I just schedule my posts to run early!)
Hi Cathy,
Sheesh! What was the author thinking by calling up to not only tell you about his book but also to ask you to vote for his candidate. Is nothing sacred? I was taught that religion, politics, and sex were subjects one didn’t discuss in public–or while calling up to self-promote a book.
I read your post on the Muffin and left a comment. Your posts are always helpful and interesting. While I’m not sure how much weight liking someone’s book carries, I figure it can’t hurt.
Donna
You know what was funny about the message? It wasn’t like the guy was a household name author…like I’d go, “Well, if John Grisham thinks I should vote for this guy–” I mean, I honestly had no idea why he’d mention his book and then ask me to vote-;-)
Anyway, I agree with your assessment about “liking” an author: I figure it can’t hurt. 🙂
I just came across your blog and it’s great. I totally agree with your aspect on liking an author. Keep on writing 🙂