“Tis the Season – The Voting Rather than the Holiday One
‘Tis the Season – The Voting Rather than the Holiday One by Debra H. Goldstein
Have you ever noticed the increase in your emails or in list serv postings during the period before nominations are turned in for writing awards? Some requests are blatant – please vote for me. Others are more subtle – noting what the writer has written what of his or her’s that could be considered and asking those who read the post to “remind” everyone of their possible offerings. Some groups simply ask authors to respond in a given thread, others use data bases. The bottom line is that without a little “help” from our friends, there is no way any writer can be familiar with all the possible books/authors to nominate.
There are simply too many books.
That’s why, much as I hate the extra emails and list serv postings, I am grateful for those who compile lists (like Gabriel) or use databases (like the Guppies). These jog my memory and usually give me enough time so that I can read the works of everyone I nominate.
Two questions for you. Do you, like me, prefer the lists and databases or are you okay with emails and list serv postings for all? Today’s email brought an announcement listing the books up for the Killer Nashville Reader’s Choice Awards. The list includes my Five Belles Too Many. In the comments, tell me if you have a book eligible for consideration? Oh, and here’s a call to action: Anyone can vote for Reader’s Choice – follow this link, look at the list, and vote:
https://www.killernashville.com/killer-nashville-readers-choice-award or directly on the ballot here https://killernashville.forms-db.com/view.php?id=246688
Debra: What an interesting post and an equally interesting question. In a saturated, ever-changing market, authors not only must do what they can to engage in marketing they must first engage in “discoverability.” Yes, by all means, use every method at your disposal. BTW, I voted for you 😉
I prefer a list with all the nominees as opposed to a variety of emails. At some point, I just delete emails.
I’m happy to help fellow authors with reviews, votes, and whatever else is needed, no matter how I’m notified. It’s a big part of being a writing community. I have two books up for the Killer Nashville Readers’ Choice award, and I’ve voted for yours and those of other Stiletto Gang members.
And I checked both of them, Saralyn! Excellent.
Thanks for asking this question, Debra.
I prefer a list. Let me tell you that I went to the Killer Nashville site to vote today, and I selected my Stiletto Gang, such as you, Saralyn, Lois, etc., including myself, the site told me that KN was no longer taking votes. Alas, I was too late. Sorry, everyone.
For me personally, I find it almost impossible to ask someone to vote for me. I am not good at marketing! So lists work good for me. And you will probably never get a solicitation from me to vote for one of my books though I do support my writer colleagues whenever possible. I admit it is annoying when my email is loaded with 30 or so emails during voting periods.
Kathryn, I saw your lovely name among the mix and I checked the box next to your name. Good luck! I do appreciate all the names on one list.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
I like a list. I enjoyed seeing so many SG member’s names on the KN list! Good luck to everyone!
I’m voting today for my Stiletto sisters. Good luck to all!
A list makes it easier to keep things organized. Like Barb, I was excited to see so many Stiletto Gang members nominated at Killer Nashville, and equally glad we were able to vote for multiple authors so I could vote for them all!