Some people agree with Thumper’s dad, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”, while others feel entitled to an opinion no matter what that opinion is.
But no matter what your stance, whether you are a writer or a reader – receiving or leaving reviews – one thing is for certain, reviews matter!
This week I’ve been asking my fellow Chindi Authors, known for celebrating and helping independent authors, what reviews mean to them as writers and, as readers, what their opinion is on leaving reviews ranging from 1-5 stars.
Helen Christmas, thriller writer: “I am happy with the mix of reviews I have which includes 5, 4 and 3 stars. I draw more strength from what the reviewer writes as this is what people look at.”
J. L. Dean, historical novelist: “I find a considered review more valuable (and more fulfilling) than an unsupported 5 star review.
“When I write reviews, I come at them as an editor. I can thoroughly enjoy a book while seeing its faults. If I write a purely positive (or negative) review, I am going to affect how that writer feels about themselves, their book or even me for that day but if I write a critical review, then it may contribute to that writer’s craft, and writing is a craft.”
Dan Jones, author of books on Autism and Hypnotherapy: “I like to have at least a couple of good, honest (4/5 star) reviews early on in a book’s launch. I don’t think about reviews beyond this. And I only look at my reviews if perhaps I want to share some comments onto Twitter or Facebook. I’m more interested in readers sharing that they liked my books with their friends.
“If I have strong views on something I will leave a review and rating 1-5. I’ve no problem leaving any rating if I feel strongly about it and feel I should say what I want to say.”
Christopher Joyce, children’s author: ” I think authors may get a little obsessed about reviews mistakingly thinking they affect sales rankings. They don’t. When your book is found on Amazon, they certainly help. The trick is getting it found in the first place.”
Rosemary Noble, historical novelist: “I am slightly ambivalent. It’s great to have some good reviews, but there are always people who will hate your book. I am astonished when I read something amazing and then see reviews of 1 and 2 stars.”
Derek Nudd, non-fiction author and reviewer: “To me, star reviews are just too blunt an instrument. Five should really be kept for something of truly pivotal influence, either on the language or the wider world. For most of us that leaves four to play with – dock one for this and another for that, we can easily sound unjustly harsh. I have given three-star ratings – with explanation – and positive written reviews to books I keep by me in the ready-reference pile. I have to say I’m mainly thinking of non-fiction here.”
Michael Parker, thriller writer: “Reviews seem to be a necessary evil in the book world. I try very hard not to read my reviews because often the review says more about the reviewer than the book itself.”
Angela Pitch, historical novelist: “Reviews to me are very important, especially when they come from complete strangers; it means so much when somebody objective comments.
“I always review books I read but would not bother if I felt less than 3 stars was deserved. If I felt it would help the author, I would send a private message with a suggestion for improvement.”
Patricia Feinberg Stoner, author of comic verse and limericks: “I think honest reviews are useful. The problem comes when someone you know gives you their book to review. If you hate it, what do you do? And even if you love it, can you be totally unbiased?”
Emily Williams, author of women’s fiction and YA novels: “I love to receive reviews, and they all mean a lot to me when I receive them, that someone has taken time to read my book and leave their thoughts. They do seem to make a difference to sales, as in the larger quantity of reviews the more sales.
“When it comes to writing reviews I do tend to just write the positives I found and leave out anything negative, especially public reviews on Amazon. Thoughts and advice, on the other hand, can be shared privately.”
Thank you to all of the Chindi Authors who kindly shared their opinions.
For me, I love to receive reviews that show someone has taken something positive from their reading experience. As I know how important they are to me as a writer, I also make sure I leave reviews when I have enjoyed a book too. A glance through my blog will show you my motto that size doesn’t matter, even a short review will do, and for authors trying to get their work, and their name noticed this is very true. It also reminds readers that if they could take a moment to leave even a sentence or two, it is appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. Whether you are a reader, a writer or both, I’d love to hear what reviews mean to you too! x