Are Reviews Important?
by Helen Hollick
You bet they are! Well, the good ones, that is, although on occasion a 1-star review that is snide, rude and downright nasty can do the author a lot of good because fans of that author rally round and hit back. Though I am not suggesting that you all now go out and post nasty reviews on your favourite authors' Amazon page!
Back in August 2016, there was a 'Write An Amazon Review Month'. I don't know how successful it was, but maybe a similar idea might be worth regularly organising. (Any volunteers?)
Reviews are very much appreciated by authors, for they not only boost a very fragile self-confidence, but really do help sell books.
If everyone was to post even a brief 'I liked this book' it would really help authors. You don't have to post something for the latest books – something you read, but thoroughly enjoyed months ago is just as helpful.
What to write?
We don't expect the equivalent of a Times Literary Supplement critic's review; it's Amazon, where ordinary readers, not high-brow literary-types (no disrespect intended for readers or writers!) go to choose their next £1.99 Kindle book. No one expects you to write an in-depth critique. I don't know about you, but I'm more likely to read one short paragraph or a couple of lines saying what an average reader thought of a good book, than a long-winded essay about the pros and cons of the literary technique used. Yes, those are welcome too, but no more so than a few enthusiastic words saying "I loved this book, I was up reading it until 3 in the morning", or "I loved Jan Christopher." [*I sneaked that bit in, :-)], or whatever you like that adds some small amount of praise for a story that was entertaining.
Why should you write a review?
They help readers make decisions. Don't you read the reviews on Trip Advisor before deciding on a hotel for that much-earned summer break? Or for a site where you might buy an item for practical use? Book reviews are no different.
If the book is by a self-published author, or published by an independent press, the writers have to do all the promotion and marketing themselves ~ reviews from the reading public is our one free, helping hand. (Sometimes our only helping hand!)
The amount of reviews on Amazon boosts a book's visibility.
If you love a writer's work and want share good books with other readers, this is the best way to do so. Also click 'follow' because then Amazon will update you about new books by the authors you like.
A review can be as short.
Just one sentence will suffice, although the reason why you liked a particular book will enhance your review.
Some Other Quick Tips:
- You don't have to put your name to the review. Your Amazon 'handle' can be anything you like.
- No writer expects all their reviews to be 5*... 4* stars is just as acceptable.
- Start with a one liner. Maybe include the genre? The lead characters? The setting?
- There is no 'Sell By' date on writing a review. Read a book a while ago? Feeling guilty that you didn’t write a review? No Problem, do it now!
Oh, and please don't leave poor reviews about torn or damaged packaging, or a failed delivery. That really is not the author's fault!
Finally: on behalf of myself, my characters and all authors everywhere...
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