Bad Ratings and Bad Reviews: Why are they “Important”

This is NOT a soap box rant. I just decided to explain a few things to people who read books who may not know O.o

Obviously every author enjoys the 5 star ratings and the shining reviews. They not only promote the author and the work, but they also help put the book out there and get it known.

But this post isn’t about the good ratings and reviews, it’s about the ones most people whine and complain about.. The dreaded 1-3 stars.

These reviews, while sometimes (okay most of the time) are hurtful and written in the entirely wrong way, are detrimental to an author’s career. Yes they will lower your ratings, but if done correctly they will teach the author what needs to be fixed within their work so they can grow and improve as an author.

What does NOT help the author, are low ratings with no reviews. An author cannot correct errors they are not aware of. So long as your review is honest and well written, there should be no worry about anything negative being said to you. Though there are a few authors will just because they think their work is flawless when in fact there is no such thing. Every book will have something wrong with it, pointing those out in a professional manner will help the author learn what to do and what not to do.

So I ask everyone that reads a book don’t just rate a book, write a review good or bad. Most authors have a lot potential that is buried in a “bad” work, they cannot become the shining stars they’re meant to be without the help of a critical eye.

To the authors, if you receive a low rated review, don’t automatically assume the person is “out to get you”. Paranoia will do nothing for your career as a writer and a public figure.  Read the review, really read it. You’ll find most negative reviews aren’t meant to be hurtful they are more helpful and will show you things that need to be fixed to make the work better. People that write nasty reviews are NOT worth the time and effort it takes to snap back. Ignore the “false” reviews. Adding fuel to the fire will only hurt you not them.