Reviews and reviewer interview

[A.L.]

Do you like to leave reviews? As an author do you crave them? Why do people review and how important are they? I am running a series of articles on reviews so here is the latest interview with a reviewer. http://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/2...

[Sybil]

I really enjoyed your interview in the link, when I first published my first book I paid for three interviews and they tore me to shreds. I was horrified but since then I've been greatful as it has made me a lot sharper about the books I write. The first book I went back and virtually rewrote it and it now has a few amazing reviews on amzon by people who really seem to understand it. Can I plug it, it's called Inshallah
amazon.com/dp/B007OIX3XM

[A.L.]

I am running a series of interviews with those involved in the editing process. Read about its mysteries here: http://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/2...

Sybil, paying for reviews is often a double edged sword. It either looks really dodgy or if the book is not quite up to par you have paid for someone to say that. It is good you took the advice on board and now have good reviews.

[Sybil]

Thamks A.L. it's always nice to have support. Incidentally I've never paid for a review since I've just been subject of a book tour but it doesn't seem to have done me any good. How do you rate them?

[A.L.]

If I knew the secret of selling a lot of books I would be using it:)

Anything which gets your name out there is useful - book tours, author interviews, book of the month, promotional events etc. It may not be instantaneous though, people might shelve the book, or add to wish list to read another day.

Personally I am reserving judgement on the usefulness of reviews but I guess any publicity is good as it were.

There are read and review groups here, and they just require a free copy to read. Of course there is the risk the review won't be favourable. Be patient, write more, network and slowly things will pick up.

Of course others might have better advice than that.

[Sarah]

A.L. wrote: "I am running a series of interviews with those involved in the editing process. Read about its mysteries here: http://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/2......"

Yes, I agree,in paying for reviews you are cheating both your readers, and yourself, it's dishonest. It's not something I would ever consider. I value my integrity as a writer, above my vanity.

There's a discussion on buying reviews on Twitter, trending now! Why not join in the discussion.

[Sybil]

Sarah, I paid for the initial interviews as I was naive in the ways of marketing, I guess there might have been a trace of vanity in there but I needed a kick start (I thought at the time) And I got bounced for the better as it turns out. The shame of it is that I feel my first book is my best book. As we all know and as I've since found out selling books isn't easy, my current answer is persistence and perhapes patience.

[A.L.]

Yes. A new author with a new book is unlikely to make a million. Keep writing, learn from mistakes and comments and try and do the best you can. Be realistic, there is always someone who won't like it, won't get the deeper message or maybe become offended. That is the risk you take.
On the other hand someone might think it is great, wonderful and enjoyable.

[Sybil]

Judging by the current reviews on the same book they do and what is more satisfying they understand it.