Reviews. Star rating system. Reviewers. 'Gritta and the Witches of Olavland'. Lily Yu.
‘Gritta and the Witches of Olavland’ has received its first review, and happily, it’s a very good one. But if it hadn’t been, it would still have been useful. Reviews are of course subjective, but a constructive review, even if low in the star rating system, gives an author points to mull over for their next novel, and that’s not to be sniffed at – or is it sneezed at? There are points that I've needed to note.
Getting a review in the first place is like one of the Labours of Hercules. Many reviewers will only review published, as opposed to self-published books, and enjoy close relationships with publishers who regularly send their books for review. Of reviewers who do review self-published books, most have their preferred genres, from romance, to horror, to sci-fi, infinity, and beyond. And if one finds a reviewer who does review the genre that your book falls into – you can bet your bottom dollar (what is your bottom dollar?) that they will be so inundated by requests that they absolutely can’t review anything else for the next three hundred years. Or maybe the description of your book, doesn't float their boat.
One can pay for a review, but that’s frowned upon. Or one can find a book buddy to swop with, each reviewing the others’ work; but that’s a poor idea, because how can one be honest? Into another category come reviewers who love reading, are building up a portfolio of reviews, and will, for a physical copy, or sometimes an e-copy, review your book, giving their honest, rounded, opinion. Some are writers themselves, giving the un-reviewed a bit of a leg up in terms of publicity; sometimes in addition to their regular beta editing/editing services.
Being an reviewer, I'm sure runs the risk of the occasional author becoming inflamed by a low star review, and sending indignant emails, and cross twitters around social media. This is an unprofessional way for a writer to react, and somewhat off-putting for those thinking of reviewing. Some reviewers state clearly, that if they intend giving a three star or less review, that they will contact the author first, to see if they want it posting.
I’ve found the Goodreads ‘Advanced Copies for Review and Book Giveaway’ site useful. To discover a particular reviewers’ writing style, and whether it would suit your book, one just needs to read reviews on their page.
A big thank you to Lily Yu, for her astute review of ‘Gritta and the Witches of Olavland’, and a cheer for all reviewers, who freely perform this invaluable service to help struggling writers.
Getting a review in the first place is like one of the Labours of Hercules. Many reviewers will only review published, as opposed to self-published books, and enjoy close relationships with publishers who regularly send their books for review. Of reviewers who do review self-published books, most have their preferred genres, from romance, to horror, to sci-fi, infinity, and beyond. And if one finds a reviewer who does review the genre that your book falls into – you can bet your bottom dollar (what is your bottom dollar?) that they will be so inundated by requests that they absolutely can’t review anything else for the next three hundred years. Or maybe the description of your book, doesn't float their boat.
One can pay for a review, but that’s frowned upon. Or one can find a book buddy to swop with, each reviewing the others’ work; but that’s a poor idea, because how can one be honest? Into another category come reviewers who love reading, are building up a portfolio of reviews, and will, for a physical copy, or sometimes an e-copy, review your book, giving their honest, rounded, opinion. Some are writers themselves, giving the un-reviewed a bit of a leg up in terms of publicity; sometimes in addition to their regular beta editing/editing services.
Being an reviewer, I'm sure runs the risk of the occasional author becoming inflamed by a low star review, and sending indignant emails, and cross twitters around social media. This is an unprofessional way for a writer to react, and somewhat off-putting for those thinking of reviewing. Some reviewers state clearly, that if they intend giving a three star or less review, that they will contact the author first, to see if they want it posting.
I’ve found the Goodreads ‘Advanced Copies for Review and Book Giveaway’ site useful. To discover a particular reviewers’ writing style, and whether it would suit your book, one just needs to read reviews on their page.
A big thank you to Lily Yu, for her astute review of ‘Gritta and the Witches of Olavland’, and a cheer for all reviewers, who freely perform this invaluable service to help struggling writers.
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