[IWSG] Reviews: For and By Readers and/or Writers?

Happy countdown to the last few weeks of 2023! It’s been an odd year for continuity. That butt in chair, hands on keys habit drifted off during the pandemic era (Darn you, Netflix!) Now I’m back at the computer creating NEW words on a project that got shuffled to the back while getting two romantic suspense books out to an editor who was waiting for them. I’ve also gone back to some historicals I got the rights back to (well-reviewed books, I might add in the spirit of this month’s topic!) to take my mind off waiting – hopefully for some positive news.
Buut on to our topic:
December 6th question: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?

I’ve been a writer practically since the time I became an avid reader. I loved telling/writing stories to entertain myself first, then others. The happiest moment of my life was when an English teacher in high school suggested I look into writing for publication. But that excitement dimmed when, as a very shy author, I realized that would mean getting feedback that wasn’t always going to be kind. It can be a school of hard knocks when strangers enter into the mix.
Reviews are opinions to benefit others who are deciding whether or not to try the author/buy the book. AND they provide nice bits of positive promo, i.e. quotes, to add selling power to author advertising campaigns.

Don’t be afraid to contact an author to request a quote, especially if they’ve read and loved other things you’ve written, but make sure you provide them with plenty of time in advance of publication to read the material. I will only leave a review for a book I love. That way, both the readers AND the author can benefit. Win-Win!

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. The awesome co-hosts for the December 6th posting of the IWSG will be C. Lee McKenzie, JQ Rose, Jennifer Lane, and Jacqui Murray!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
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