Do you post reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters.Indigo or Goodreads? If you’re an author, the answer is probably “yes.” That’s because, as an author, you know the value of a review. But what if you’re “just” a reader? (I should clarify that there is really is no “just” about it—without readers, there isn’t much point in writing anything—including this post).
The thing is, reviews mean a lot to authors. More than a lot, if we’re being honest (and you know me…honest to a fault). This isn’t just ego-boosting—though the thrill of seeing a 5-star review never gets old, at least to this author—it’s that reviews help to sell a book. Think about it. A friend tells you that “You have to read this book.” You look on Amazon or Goodreads and it has two reviews. Are you as keen to plunk down your hard-earned money as you might have been if there had been 15? What about 50? 100? The reality is, reviews matter.
Of course, the hope is that every review will be a great review, but that’s unrealistic. Even bestselling novels like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn had a few 1-star reviews (“Worst ending ever,” “Sorry I wasted my money,” “I want my money back.”)
So this post, and poll, is all about reviews. Why you leave them and why you don’t. I’ll share the results on Friday, October 28th after 12:00 noon EST.
Thanks for participating…and for all of you who post reviews, THANK YOU! Your opinion really does matter.
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I review on Goodreads and Booklikes, and if the book is a mystery set in New Mexico, on my blog, but not on Amazon.I don’t buy books there and I’m leery of their various policies that could make me look like a “friend” of people I hardly know except through Goodreads or Facebook. I have not yet reviewed on Barnes and Noble, where I do buy books, because I buy under my real name and review under my pen name–and I don’t want to post the same review under two different names. Too complicated. Reviewing makes me think about the craft of writing and makes me a better writer. I do it for myself and for readers, not as a service to authors. Yes, I would like more reviews on the later books in my series, but I know that readers may not bother because the reviews already posted might express their own reactions. They may feel they have nothing to add.
Thanks Amber for commenting! And yes, reviewing does make us think, as writers.
I leave reviews. It helps readers find things they’ll enjoy. For the same reason, I would never leave a dishonest review.
I won’t leave a dishonest review either, but if I really hate a book, I won’t review it. I can’t bring myself to write a 1 or 2 star review. thanks for stopping by!
Everything gets reviewed. I am just slow these days.
You and Sandi have a lot on your plate, but good news today!
Guilt trip here! I strive to leave reviews, especially for other authors I’m acquainted with. But I’m always WAY behind. My hope is I WILL follow through when I can. Very valuable post!
–Michael
Glad to have guilt-tripped you Michael! Even a rating is helpful, though!
I know I should do a review but I forget and then get behind on the reviews. I do read reviews all the time.
It’s so important to authors, so hopefully in future you’ll leave reviews (or at least a rating!). Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.