Nothing below 4 stars... really?
Some of you may not be aware of this, but in order to be allowed to promote your book on big sites like EReader News Today, BookBub and Pixel of Ink, you have to have an average of 4 stars and at least 20 reviews on Amazon. Anything below 4 stars is rejected. A lot of authors with books that don't appeal to the masses but have a smaller target audience will never be accepted on those big sites. But how fair is the 4-star rule?
When I look at some Goodreads rating for absolute classics, I have to come to the sad conclusion that many famous books would be rejected by the big book sites too:
* The Great Gatsby : 3.79 average
* Great Expectations: 3.69 average
* Romeo and Juliet: 3.72 average (in fact, most of Shakespeare's plays wouldn't make the grade)
* The Scarlet Letter: 3.30 average.
I could go on all night, but I think it should be clear that a 4-star rating shouldn't be the main thing those book promotors look at. Or is Goodreads just a particularly harsh site? Newsletter for New Releases here: http://eepurl.com/x1X9P
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Samantha
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Jun 01, 2013 08:06AM
I have noticed that as well. I mean on Goodreads three stars means you "Liked it" so why is three stars not accepted. The rating system should definitely be revamped that is for sure!
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I think 3 stars on Amazon means 'it was OK' so three stars have less value over there, but still... some books are just too unique to be liked by everyone. Take 'Imaginary Girls' by Nova Ren Suma. Amazing book, but quirky... and 3.3 stars on Amazon. I guess Ms. Suma will never be able to advertize that book, when in fact it is beautifully written but may not be everyone's cup of tea.
That is a shame. I agree that three stars should mean it is "okay", but as of right now when you hover over the stars it says three stars means "I liked it." I was not sure myself until I tried it out. I have noticed a lot of buts I love have gotten an average of three stars. It is just a shame that these other companies are setting there standards so high.
