Here are some of the ways my friends can support the success of my debut novel—and my new career as a published author. Consider which of these actions are right for you.

Want

Adding Emerald Eyes to your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads, The StoryGraph, or similar platforms drives visibility, signals demand to independent booksellers and librarians, powers the recommendation algorithm, and attracts readers. 

Preorder

A signed copy of the paperback or hardcover can be yours if you order it from Aphrodite Books now. You can also preorder an ebook on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble. Strong advance orders improve first-week sales numbers and demonstrate demand to bookstores. 

Advance

Do you want to read the book before September 15? Consider joining my ARC Team. You’ll get an electronic Advance Reader Copy for free and in exchange, you’ll hopefully like the book well enough to write a positive review (see below).

Interested? Reach out to me at carolinelanger.author@gmail.com.

Purchase

Emerald Eyes will be available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers. Having strong sales during my launch week—September 15–22—will help drive demand.

Review

This is a big-Big-BIG way to help me: Write a (hopefully positive*) review. It doesn’t need to be long; one or two sentences or a brief paragraph will significantly support my novel by helping readers who might enjoy it learn that it exists. (And I remind myself again: Reviews are not for me, they are for my potential audience.)

No matter how you got the book—preorder, purchase, library loan, Beta Reader**, ARC Team**—your honest, spoiler-free reaction to the book will help search algorithms on those platformed (Goodreads, Amazon, StoryGraph, Barnes & Noble, etc.), surface the book to other readers.

Bonus points for posting reviews on both Goodreads and The StoryGraph before the end of September. Early velocity is the single highest-leverage influence on algorithmic recommendation and bookstore reorder decisions.

* Regarding negative reviews: I don’t expect my book will appeal to all my friends. We each have different tastes. But if my story doesn’t resonate with you, please do not write a negative review simply because you prefer a different genre. If you believe I only deserve three stars because I did a terrible job writing the book (and, no, I did not use AI), kindly hold off on posting your critique until October.

** FTC Disclosure — The law requires you to state you received a free copy. Be sure to paste this exact sentence at the end of your review: “I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.”

Request

If you don’t see my novel at your local library or in your favorite independent bookstores, request that they order copies of Emerald Eyes by Caroline Langer. 

Engage 

Generate buzz on social media. Follow me and like, comment on, and share posts about my book. 

Invite your friends to like me, too. 

Mention my book on your own social media account(s). For example, are you reading my book someplace cozy or pretty or unusual or typical? Take a picture and post it! When discussing the novel online, kindly tag me and consider using the hashtag #EmeraldEyesNovel to bring visibility to new audiences.  

Network

I’m happy to attend events (in person when possible) to talk about my book. Do you belong to a bookclub? A women’s club? Have an “in” with a venue that might host author events? Know anyone with a podcast or newsletter or who works in traditional media? Have a group of gals who want to talk about books over wine or cocktails or coffee? Reach out to me at carolinelanger.author@gmail.com. 

Thank you for your support!