Reviews: The Good, The Bad, The Unread...
Okay this is about self-control. Who knew I had any? Really! Of course, this is not my first day at the party of publishing. I've been around the block of a few times. For my first book, I ruthlessly hunted down and read reviews.
Even the bad ones. Then I went into a funk.
Okay so there's been a lot of really nice reviews of THE SEX ON THE BEACH BOOK CLUB. I'm actually surprised and pleased. Happy Days! Then I saw that the book was scheduled to be reviewed by a Notoriously Snarky Site that assigns a letter grade to the books.
Every day I checked the list to see if it had been reviewed. Every day, a voice in my head said, "It'll be a mean review, a low grade."
Finally I saw it. There it was and the book got a "D" All I had to do was click the link and read the review. Instead I clicked out of the site all together. It's been three days and I haven't been back. I haven't read the review.
Here's why--this site is known to be nasty. I can't see how that will help me. On the other hand, reviewers like Wendy Crutcher do very fair reviews. Wendy says what worked for her and what didn't. And she will state clearly if something falls under her pet peeves. That's useful to me. But nastiness with venom will just ruin my day without providing me anything useful to help me write a better book.
What about you all? Would you look?
posted by Jennifer at 8:23 AM
13 Comments:
Wow, I think that takes a lot of restraint not to look. I have no will power so I would read it and then be really ticked off about it for a while. Stupid? Absolutely, but it wouldn't stop me.
On another note, I am almost finished with Eternally (Maureen Child), and wanted to say thank you for once again recommending an awesome author to me. I love this book.
Ktzmom, years of experience have taught me that it'll ruin my day to look at the reivew.
Maureen Child's books rock! She's also really nice and funny in person!
ktzmom, THANKS! I really appreciate the nice words!
Jen.....never read reviews. There's just no good there! LOL Besides, I already know your book was FABULOUS!
Oh Maureen, thanks! And I'm learning, I only read reviews that help me in some way.
And for the record, I LOVED both ETERNALLY and NEVERMORE. I can't wait for the next one!
I always encourage authors to ignore reviews - and I say this as a reviewer! That way lies madness, and all that.
Having done this for the past 8 years (newsflash: I need a life), I can say that no review is definitive. I have loathed books (I mean truly loathed) that other readers just adore to bits. And vice versa.
Such is the spice of life. So for every person who hated your book - there is another person out there who really liked it. You'll never get complete consensus one way or another. And like I tell authors before they go off half-cocked - even Charles Dickens got "bad reviews." ;-)
Wendy, I agree with you! I do read reviews up to a point, especially in this transition period so I can see what is working.
But...reviews are more for readers. They should be giving readers and idea if the book is for to their taste. Book buying dollars are precious and reviews, hopefully, are a way to help readers figure out if where to spend their money.
Thanks so much for your input as a reviewer!
Hey Jen,
My vote is to step back from the review--don't click the link! It'll only ruin your weekend and you don't need to do that, right?
Your book is AWESOME! I'm reading it now, and countless others have said they loved too. That's what matters.
Have a FANTASTIC weekend.
Michele
Thanks Michele! I'm not going to click on the link :-)
Glad you are enjoying the book!
I would not click on the link, especially if they are known to give nasty reviews. I also believe readers are sophisticated enough to judge a book for themselves.
I'm not sure the point of giving continually nasty reviews, it would seem only mean spirited people would read them. Reviews are meant to give potential readers a heads up saying you might or might not like this. What gives with a reviewer stroking their own ego with bad behavior?
Dru, I agree with you. Readers are very smart and know what they like.
Cele, on a good day :-) I think people are amused by snarky reviews, but they aren't necessarily influenced by them. You don't want to know what I think on a bad day!
Hi Jennifer! I just finished "Batteries Required" and thought I'd write and let you know how much I enjoyed it :)
I'll be checking out your other books :)
Hi Teena, thank you so much! I'm thrilled that you liked BATTERIES REQUIRED :-)
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