Today’s dear author is a little different it covers reviewing, the good, the bad and the ugly.
In recent months I have seen several posts and comments about reviewing. Some good advice, some not so good advice and then some that borders on unethical. Today I am talking about some of this advice.
The bad advice
What I found to be bad advice was authors asking authors to review each other’s books as a way of encouragement. Yes, it would encourage but as many of the authors write the same genre it isn’t a good idea. Sites like Amazon discourage authors reviewing books in the same genre and often the same publisher. It has led to many losing their Amazon accounts. Writing the review at Goodreads doesn’t have the same restrictions but be aware readers are well aware of what a reviewing circle is.
Another complaint was readers receiving ARC (Advance Reader Copy) but not reviewing the book. I know this happens and is discouraging however posting the frustration where readers are active can be perceived as sour grapes. Having received many ARC and being on launch teams there are ways an author can control this situation. I will tackle a few different scenarios.
Readers who receive an ARC
One comment was from authors looking for readers to read ARC. They may use their newsletters or a Facebook group. These are normally new authors who haven’t got an established list of reviewers. They send out the books and wait for reviews but only a few are posted. A few readers will probably contact you to say they either can’t read the book in time due to something happening. I personally have contacted an author due to sickness or other reasons. Some may contact you to say are you ok with me putting up a 3 star review which hopefully your agreed to as 3 stars is still a good read. The number adds up to around 50%. What about the other 50%? Even with contacting the reviewers they don’t contact or review. You are learning the hard lesson that many reviewers want a free book but don’t always follow through. No method is 100% but there are ways to improve your odds.
Launch teams or ARC sign up sheets
These are similar, launch teams often requires sharing on social media. This is where the smart author can be in control. They provide a sign-up form. Here it should mention what is required so both you and the reviewer know upfront. Can you read by a certain date. Will you post a review at Goodreads and at least one retail site. There is often a line saying if you are unable to post a review or read the book please contact me. With a further note, if you do not post a review or contact me you may be excluded from future tours. This doesn’t guarantee a reader will post a review, but it does give you more control.
Authors talk among themselves and if a reviewer is notorious for requesting books but not reviewing, they will be known. They will also know when there are reviewers who request a book and put a low rating. This does happen but with communication and guidelines you can weed these people out.
One other item is giving those signing up an idea of when they will receive the book. This helps readers who participate on several review teams to know if they can fit the book in. It helps especially if you are only sending a ARC out a couple weeks before the launch date.
But I don’t know what to write.
This is a common reaction. Many readers feel this way and the first review can be scary. I recently read a template to write 4 sentences however I totally disagreed with this formula. Instead, I have a few suggestions. I was taught only review the first 3 – 5 chapters or some will say 10% of the book. This way you avoid giving out spoilers or hidden gems. Mention how the book made you feel, what you liked about the book. Would you read more by this author and who you think may like the book. You can give a brief summary of the blurb. Also, if the book was an ARC you need to disclose you received the book. I normally will put Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. Make sure you don’t say for an honest opinion cos it sounds like you were paid for your review.
Some say all you need is a sentence or two, but it needs to say more than another great book by the author. An example would be.
I enjoyed this book. The main characters Jack and Jill were believable, and I loved how their story progressed. The themes were forgiveness and healing, and I loved how the author showed this in her characters. I eagerly await book two in the series. If you like a story with a redemption arc give this book a try.
This is a simple but effective review. It says you enjoyed the book, the characters were believable and it tells me what the themes are and that you would read more books by the author. As your continue writing reviews it will come easier and you will want to write more.
Star ratings
Personally, I don’t give every book I read 5 stars. Normally I don’t go below 4 stars as lower I probably have not finished the book. You should never feel pressured to give a 5-star rating or be told anything less is unacceptable. This is bullying pure and simple and inexcusable. I do understand not wanting to upset an author, but you need to be true to yourself. Once I have had an author unhappy with a 4-star review. Due to their behaviour and reader blaming they don’t need to worry about not getting a 5-star review from me. They won’t get any more reviews from me.
Reviews and how they are read.
Think of when you are buying a new purchase how many of us look at reviews? When I am researching an item, I will normally check the reviews starting with the 1-star reviews. Normally I will ignore ratings without reviews but will check the reviews to see if the issues are valid then go to the 3-stars etc. Quite often the 3 and 4 star reviews will tell you more than a glowing 5 star review.
A truer indicator of how a book is doing is having a range of ratings. Everyone will have a different reaction to a book. What one person loves another won’t. In saying this reviewers should never be rude when reviewing. If you don’t like a book be constructive, say what you didn’t like or why it didn’t connect. Also remember if you don’t like a book you don’t have to finish the book. There are so many books to read so give yourself permission to DNF a book and read one you like.
Over all Authors and Readers need to respect each other. There are appropriate places to ask questions or vent with other authors where reader’s do not see these posts. The major take out is if you want readers to review books then you have to accept that each reader will react differently to your book. They will also review differently.