Why Should you Interact With Readers?
As an author whose success online is on the rise (not trying to brag, it's just a fact based on my followers and votes), I know firsthand how easy it can be to get a bit conceited. You can sometimes consider yourself better than other writers or even your readers, the people who gave you your power in the first place, but it's important to remember that this is actually seldom the case. One thing I have never understood, however, is ignoring your readers when they leave sweet comments or message you with kind words. I love interacting with the people who enjoy and support my writing! And I'm about to tell you why it's good for you AND your stories.
People are less likely to leave mean comments. If readers see that you regularly respond kindly to comments, they're going to be more likely to think twice about leaving a scathing review. Or maybe they'll leave the review, but in a kinder tone and using more helpful word choice. If you don't regularly reply to comments on your stories, people will assume you don't really check the book, so they have no retaliation to fear while being rude.
More people will tell you how much they enjoyed your books. If they can read how much kind comments mean to you based on how you've replied to them, they'll want to leave awesome reviews themselves - both to make you feel good and feel like an amazing person themselves :)
It will make you look like a good person. If nothing else, do it for your ego! It'll make you seem kind, down-to-earth, and just generally awesome.
It increases your comment stats. If you comment on your own story, it's seen as desperate for attention - unless it's replying to another comment! In that case, not only are you gaining the benefits of the above reasons, but you also increase the amounts of "attention" the book is getting.
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So, to recap, if you interact with your readers....
People are less likely to leave mean comments.
More people will tell you how much they enjoyed your books.
It will make you look like a good person.
It increases your comments stats.
So please, for those four reasons and more, interact with your readers!! If you're polite and kind, it will bring you nothing but happiness :)
