How to give back is something that’s been on my mind a lot lately. Namely, to my readers. I’m at the point in my career where I have readers who have followed me from book one all the way to… book twelve maybe now? Something like that. They are readers who have stuck with me as I wrote about everything from gay boys on a road trip to a reclusive former youtube star. Yeah, I mix it up a lot. Because my brain is a lot like this at all times:
Anyway, I’ve been checking out what other authors are doing and while I love doing giveaways and I do them a lot, I feel like… there’s gotta be more to just giving away free stuff (seriously, hear me out).
Last week, in my readers group on FB (Feel free to join here), I posted a poll asking them which characters of mine they’d like to read a check-in from. There were a lot of votes, which was exciting, and to the the surprise of no one, the winners were Justin and Landry from Trust the Focus. So I wrote a check-in and posted it this week. I expected a couple of people to read it and like it, but the response was way more than I expected. More so than when I do most giveaways! They wanted to read more from characters they love, and most of all, I think they enjoyed voting and feeling a part of the process. And I think that’s pretty rad.
I know there are authors out there who say, “I just want to write my books and that’s it.” And that’s totally cool. I get that. The constant social media presence and analyzing sales and reader expectations can be draining. Trust me. I’ve taken many social media breaks.
But there are also times where I’m really grateful to be able to do what I do. Readers are a huge part of that. And I want to give back in a way that’s going to make them happy, and also in a way that endears them to my books.
So here’s what I’d like to ask — If an author wants to offer something extra to readers, what do you, as a reader, like? Whether it’s a bonus scene, a giveaway, check-ins with beloved characters, etc. Let me know in the comments!
Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she’s been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn’t writing, she’s either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or… thinking about writing.
I love bonus scenes from my favourite characters… I think that’s what I appreciate most. Although a giveaway is also a very good thing… LOL! 😉
Definitely check-ins with beloved characters. A giveaway of bookmarks or other swag is great too; if it’s a favourite author chances are I already have all their books.
I mean who says no to giveaway right? But I don’t feel authors have to go out of their way (or dig into their pockets) to give back to readers. I enjoy seeing check-ins, bonus/deleted scenes and seeing artwork/images of what the characters look like inside the authors own mind.
I agree with the above comments. Bonus check-in scenes are fun and this way everyone is a winner.
I love to read check-ins with beloved characters. It is always nice to catch up and see what’s going on in their lives. Bonus scenes are cool too. 🙂
I always want more of my favorite characters, which is probably why I love interconnected series so much. So a check-in down the road, or even deleted scenes from the existing book, is always appreciated. And if you can combine a few couples (maybe Chad and Owen road-tripping to NC for some BBQ…), even better:)