What are you looking for in an honest review?

[Alyson]

I have been getting a number of review requests from authors and publishers and I was wondering what any of you look for in an honest review. Are you just looking for a five star rating or something else?
I usually tell authors what I like and don't like and offer suggestions, but I am not sure if this is what authors are looking for.

[Lisa]

I like to hear what readers liked and didn't like, what worked for them, and how it made them feel. I personally dislike when a reviewer writes a syopsis of the book. I can read the blurb and get the idea myself. I don't need another synopsis. Plus, all the other reviewers are writing a synopsis too. It's too much. Suggestions are hard because a traditionally published book can't be changed anyway, so I guess that's of limited value except for advice for the future maybe? My thought is to write a review with other readers as your audience, i.e. I liked this book and I think you'll like it too because xyz. A review isn't supposed to be for the author. That horse has left the barn already. They (authors/publishers) aren't going to change the book based on what a reviewer says. By the time you review it, it's too late to make changes. Just my two cents. :)

[Nicola]

As an author, I actually am looking for honesty!

As a reader, one thing I do appreciate is knowing if a reviewer disliked a book for personal reasons (like triggering subject matter), rather than an issue with plot/editing/story/whatever.

[R.]

As an author, I love honest opinions. I'm not looking for glamorous five star reviews. With that being said, I am so proud of the reviews and ratings I've received so far. It tells me somebody liked my work. In a review, I love reading about what they really liked about the book. I also like to hear what they didn't. I'm open to criticism. So long story short, I just appreciate that a reader took the time to review it, good or bad. Sometimes bad reviews make me want to buy a book just as much as a good one.

[Alyson]

I am not a fan of synopsis reviews either. It makes me wince at how many of the "top reviews" are just book summaries. It doesn't help me.

I try to find a balance, but I wasn't sure if it was actually helpful for anyone. I try to focus on plot, characters, and writing-what I like or don't like.

[Jim]

A review is a reader's subjective opinion of a book, posted for the benefit of other readers. It is neither addressed to nor intended for the author. Since it is subjective, one reader's worst book ever could very well be another reader's best book ever and both reviews could be totally honest.

A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulation requires that any review that has been solicited, purchased, or swapped include a disclaimer stating so.

[Jacqueline]

Serena wrote: "I am not a fan of synopsis reviews either. It makes me wince at how many of the "top reviews" are just book summaries. It doesn't help me.

I try to find a balance, but I wasn't sure if it was act..."

I think you're on the right track, Serena. As a reader, I pay attention to reviews that are thoughtfully written and respectful in their criticism. I believe they are more likely to be taken seriously by other readers. It's your opinion and that has value.
While reviews are meant for readers and should be written with that in mind, writers can glean some excellent pointers from them. No author can please everyone, nor should they, but reviews, both positive and negative, have helped me evaluate my strengths and weaknesses as a writer. I've used them (I hope) to improve my skills and will continue to do so.

[[deleted user]]

I want someone who will highlight the good parts of the book, but when there's something bad they will acknowledge it constructively and suggest how it could have been better.

[Alyson]

I actually had an author message me a few weeks ago thanking me for offering suggestions. It was strange to get that message. I thought she was going to be mad because I was one of the few who didn't give her a five star rating.

[G.G.]

The reason why it's strange (and rare) is because of the non-written rule that says authors should not contact a reviewer for any reason. It's sad. I'm sure some reviewers wouldn't mind getting a pm from an author, but since some absolutely hate it, authors are being cautious. :(

Personally, I don't mind when an author contact me about a review I wrote, but that might be because I'm an author myself. Who knows. :(

[Sophia]

I've heard that 4 star reviews actually help an author more than 5 star reviews, because potential readers trust them more. That said, it's always nice to get a five star review. I only want honest reviews, because as a reader I despise fake reviews. That said, I am bracing myself for the day I get a really bad review. It's bound to happen, and I know I'll be bummed.

[Donnielle]

I received a wonderful 3 star review today (it was on her blog, hopefully she'll cross post). She highlighted everything she loved about the book and tastefully mentioned a few things she didn't like or thought could be improved. As a reader and an author, I appreciate that more than a synopsis or a few generic "review" phrases.

You can always tell if someone really likes or dislikes a book. Their passion or distaste will come out in their review. Those are the ones I look for when considering a book.

And Sophia, I'm right there with you. I haven't received a really bad review YET and I know it will be coming along sooner or later.

[Ingrid]

I'm with you all on this. Reviews are for readers and should be constructive and honest. As reviews take time and effort to write, I've always thanked my reviewers - I didn't realise it was against the rules!

[Ben]

G.G. wrote: "The reason why it's strange (and rare) is because of the non-written rule that says authors should not contact a reviewer for any reason. It's sad. I'm sure some reviewers wouldn't mind getting a p..."

The first review for my short stories highlighted an important point, so much that i went back and fixed it. I then messaged the reviewer thanking them for their insight

[Carolynn]

I have reviewed for several years. Once in a while, I get a heartfelt note of thanks. Once in a while, I get a form letter of thanks. Two or three times, I've had authors pick apart my review and genuinely want to know why I though X, or didn't like Y, or particularly loved the concept of Z. As a reviewer, those have been the most rewarding. As a result of two of those exchanges, the author went back and made some changes... I felt that I had actually helped to make a real difference for them, and their eventual readers.

Just a two-cents thought from a lowly reviewer... :)
-Carolynn

[Lauryn]

Whether a review is positive or negative, I want to hear what the person liked about the book and what they didn't. Even the worst books have something good about them, and even the best books have faults.