The Proper Way to Let a Book Build Up (Yes, I'm Panicking)

I believe many longtime readers have the habit of letting books build up. When they discover a good book, they do not immediately follow the updates. Instead, they let the little sapling grow first, then come back to harvest it once it is mature. But have you ever wondered why some books die while being left to build up? That is because, to a certain extent, you are doing it wrong. Let me explain the proper way to let a book build up from an author's perspective.

Letting a book build up means you have already added it to your collection, and the author can see that in the backend. However, if you simply leave it unattended after adding it, never checking in again except perhaps to see whether it has reached a hundred chapters or a million words, then from the author's perspective, you have already given up on them.

In this day and age, when book content is so severely homogenized, it is not easy to come across a book you truly like. If you want to let a book build up, it is best not to leave it "free-range," but to keep it "pen-raised." What does pen-raised mean? It is just like raising pigs or sheep—you need to feed them regularly so they can grow fat and strong. If you leave them free-range and let them run wild across the grasslands, they may very well die because there is too little grass to eat. This is only an analogy, but the principle is exactly the same.

Now, let's talk about how to "pen-raise" a book.

First, "show up" every now and then. Showing up can mean sending a recommendation vote, even just one; posting a book review or chapter comment; or checking in. In short, you should pop up from time to time to make your presence known, to let the author know that you are supporting them from behind the scenes and that you are letting their book build up, so they can write with peace of mind.

Second, "feed it a little" according to your means. Feeding it means that, depending on your financial situation, you can give a small reward while letting the book build up if you can afford it. Even a hundred points would be tremendous support for the author. The purpose of feeding it is also to let the author know that you are paying attention to them, so they can write with peace of mind.

Third, "take a bite" when it goes premium. This is extremely important to many authors. You do not need to bite much—when it goes premium, you only need to support the first subscription and let the author know what their actual subscription numbers are. Every author has their own goal. Some may keep writing as long as they get fifty first subscriptions. But if you do not even subscribe when it goes premium, the author may see that there are too few subscriptions, raise a sharp blade, and with one snip, cut it off.

In short, letting a book build up is fine, and constantly following updates is exhausting too. But try putting yourself in the author's shoes—would you keep persevering if your results were terrible? Not every author writes for their dreams. More realistically, they need to put food on the table. If their results are too poor and even eating becomes a problem, then honestly, they might as well go haul bricks. What do you think?

Therefore, the way you let a book build up is very important. Do not leave it "free-range"; learn to keep it "pen-raised." That way, when it grows fat, you will actually feel a sense of accomplishment.

Author: I Am The Most Handsome

If you think this book is good, please remember to add it to your bookshelf so you do not lose it next time.