Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion
General Discussion
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Why The Resistance To Reviews?
Maybe people are downloading it and not reading it. Maybe they are not finishing it, maybe they hated it and figure it is better to write nothing rather than give it one star.
All true. But considering how few reviews are posted in proportion to the total number of people who purchase any novel, it does make you wonder.
I have 170 books that I have purchased on my to read list. I have trying my best to get through all the books and post a review for all the books I read. I just wish there was more hours in the day. I hate it when people post a review for a book they have not read.
Some people use GR and their shelves simply to keep track of their books and reading for themselves and are not so concerned with the social aspect of GR or of the rating/reviewing of books at all. And I don't really see any reason they should be allowed to do just that. I think it's not so much resistance as just a different aim to start with. Edit: and I say that as one of those people who reviews just about everything and routinely write 1,000-1,500 word reviews (occasionally rants). :-)
Like Kerry, I have tons of books on my iPad. I'm munching through them but there's always more coming, new discoveries, which sometimes jump ahead of older books. I'm a compulsive buyer. If the blurb catches my attention I buy the book. I had to cut down my spending lately but I often can't resist a free book if it appeals to me. I'll definitely review them when I'll read them, I just don't know when. :/
I generally don't write reviews, not because I don't want to but because of the time factor. I just don't have much. I have over 600 books and I've read over 200 this year, only about 40 getting reviews, but I do try to review those books from Indy authors, low review count, or low stars, so that they will get the potential sales. I always leave stars, even if I don't review the book. I understand where you are coming from Alan. I imagine as a self published author it would be slow moving to sell a debut book. I think the promo section in groups is great for requesting reviews.
I've not heard anything about Amazon demanding reviews. If I could figure out HOW to add a review through Amazon I certainly would. Alas, I haven't quite figured that out, so GR is where all my thoughts are added.
An author asked me to read some of her books and I read the first one and had some problems with it and wrote that in a review.I ended up hurting her feelings which I did not mean to do....makes me a bit reluctant to review again....
is that weird??
No it can be just as scary for a reviewer to receive backlash from an author. I have had those thoughts before. I won't review books I would rate lower than 3 stars.
There's several reasons a lot of people dont write reviews, some of them were mentioned like lack of time and not knowing how to post them to sites. I also saw people being afraid to post reviews because of the backlash from authors and fans which is a valid concern. I think a lot of people are also at a loss for what type of review to leave. Not everyone wants to get into details and go over the whole thing, with multiple paragraphs. Other people feel odd about just writing a couple sentences or sharing their thoughts.
As for Amazon forcing people to leave reviews on their kindles- I haven't encountered that yet. Every time I finish a book it does take me to the buyers screen but you can easily exit out of that. I have the brand new Kindle Fire HDX, so maybe it's older models, who knows.
My advice to you Alan is try to get into a R2R program and that way youll automatically get a few reviews.
I 99% leave reviews which are usually about a paragraph. There have been a couple that authors have sent me that I hated the book and couldn't finish it. On one, I didn't want to write that because I've talked to this author quite a bit on Goodreads. So I chickened out and just pretended like I couldn't get to it because it's so huge (which it actually is). Most of the time if I don't like a book I'll put down the reasons which may or may not be helpful to the author.
I used to review a lot but found too many people were compelled to argue about my reaction to a book.
I always rate a book, but I don't normally write a review unless asked to do so. Not writing reviews and being opposed to writing them is two different things. I'm not opposed to writing them, I just don't normally do it.
P.s. People who write reviews for books that aren't out or that they haven't read, piss me off. If it isn't out yet and you haven't gotten an arc copy then how can you give it X amount of stars!! It's one of my biggest pet peeves.
that's interesting velvetgypsy. I leave stars using the end of book recommendation page on kindle. It allows stars without review.
I must confess that I rarely review books (though I always rate them). I never thought of it from the author's side and now I will start reviewing. I love reading the reviews of others and that's usually what gets me to read a book. I think that I skip writing them myself because mine usually seem so boring. You've just given me my first New Year's resolution: write more reviews!
FantasyLiving wrote: "No it can be just as scary for a reviewer to receive backlash from an author. I have had those thoughts before. I won't review books I would rate lower than 3 stars."An author bashing a reviewer is unimaginable to me. I'm so sorry for everyone that's happened to! You should be able to leave your opinions (or not leave any opinions) and be respected. Writing is so subjective...to think you can make all people happy 100% of the time is unrealistic. All you can do is write the best book you possible can, and be grateful for the reviews you do receive (good and bad, because they're both valuable, in my opinion).
Alan, on one hand, I can see why you'd be eager to see reviews. Yes, word of mouth and reader recommendations and reviews can absolutely make an author's career. The reason why I can't share your passion on the subject, is because it's not my career to write reviews. Granted, I may try to write at least one sentence if not a full-fledged review for books I read now, have a blog, contribute on another blog... but it's still not my career. It's a hobby. Blogging is a hobby. Feeling like I have to write a review makes it feel like work, and quite honestly I'm super lazy. If reading (and by extension, reviewing) starts to feel like work, I'm likely to do more of a different hobby. Also, "just drop a few lines" sounds easy and stress-free until you try to do it with a high-functioning autistic child screaming and throwing a tantrum in the background. While I applaud your right to your opinion, and appreciate your level-headed, frank discussion about this, I respectfully disagree. In addition to the above, there have also been disagreements (to put it nicely) between a percentage of the members here at GR and the staff regarding reviews. This has lead to (more or less) boycotts of leaving reviews here at GR (by a few select individuals). Amazon already had 'issues' regarding what you can and can't say in a review, among other issues that have lead some to 'boycott' Amazon's reviews (writing new ones.) Add to that the cherry on the top of these with an author stalking a reviewer over a very short review, leading to the author renting a vehicle and showing up on the reviewer's doorstep and calling their workplace... that's reaching downright scary right there and makes me reconsider anything and everything I write in a review. I hope you do get the reviews you are hoping for, and in a perfect world everyone would leave a review, but GR is far away from a perfect place, even for readers.
Alright, I'm stepping off the soapbox. I know tone is hard to 'read' in text, but I'm not saying any of this in anger, or with malice. Just trying to share my $0.02
Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "Alan, on one hand, I can see why you'd be eager to see reviews. Yes, word of mouth and reader recommendations and reviews can absolutely make an author's career. The reason why I can't share your..."Well said. Doesn't sound like you're super lazy at all! Being an indie author myself, I also know the value of reviews. That being said, even I'm terrible about leaving them. I'd like to say that my reasons for not reviewing are as well thought out as yours, but in all honesty, writing reviews keeps me from reading, and I can't stand that!
Some books I feel compelled to write reviews for and others I just don't. Sometimes it's pure and simple laziness or not enough time and I've forgotten them later. However many are books that got to me either in a positive or negative way. Though all that being said I have been contacted by authors who've tried to make me feel bad for leaving a bad review. Heck one time I was bashed by an author just for giving his book 2 stars.
Another prime example of why many people are too intimidated to leave reviews, sadly....Why say anything if someone is just going to come along and judge you for what you wrote or how you wrote it?
....Everyone has an opinion but many don't have the skill to write that opinion.
This thread has been a super interesting read! I wasn't even aware there was an issue with the Amazon reviewing system, but I guess that's because I usually review on Goodreads. When I initially read the topic line, I thought a lot of people just don't realize how important reviews are for everyone. They help other readers find books that suit their tastes, or even encourage them to try something new. Plus authors get a big boost in confidence reading a review.A+ discussion topic!
well if people start liking reviews or leaving comments this can encourage readers to continue reviewing books
I never posted reviews until recently. I admit, I will scan the ones for a book I am thinking of reading and they really help, especially if there are visuals ;-) I was always hesitant because I am not a great writer, and find it hard to put things to words. But there was a book recently that I just felt the need to rave about. Since then I will post a review if I feel strongly one way or another but also to help me remember what I did and didn't like about a book I have read if I ever need to refer back because when you read many books, things tend to run together. Just like someone else mentioned, I have to do it right away while it's still fresh.
I'm totally in the same boat here. Reviews on Amazon are everything to an Indy. Reviews on Goodreads are nice, but it helps an Indy sell more if the star rating is right next to the "Buy Now With One Click" button. I've had a book out for a few months and it's only had 3 reviews on Amazon (though it's picked up 6 on Goodreads). Have they helped my sales? Maybe, maybe not. But I've spoken to people who have read it and enjoyed it and they haven't left reviews.
You can't force reviews, though. They have to come naturally. You can ask, and there's absolutely no harm in asking whatsoever (don't let anyone tell you otherwise), but the worst thing you can do is be upset by it-- and then tell the world how upset you are.
There are a lot of people, especially on Goodreads, who take that kind of thing as an invitation to dismiss you as a whiner. Just forget the reviews, write another good book (maybe continue the series) and as time goes on, and the number of products you produce increases, the reviews (and more sales) will come!
Stick it out, Alan. Liz said that we get a confidence boost when reading a good review, and that's true, but we have to learn to live without that confidence boost and just keep writing. Let them be gems you find in the sand rather than coals you use to fuel the fire.
@Katerina, love that "Let them be gems you find in the sand rather than coals you use to fuel the fire."I'm going to keep that in mind.
As for myself, I write reviews when I feel like it, although it's almost always when it's an indie. If there are less than 100 reviews, I will definitely write one. For an estabilished author or one with several hundred reviews, I'll write one if it moves me to. :)
After reading this thread, I'll probably write more reviews. Like I said in my post, I'm not opposed to writing them, I just tend not to. But going forward I'll definitely make an effort to at least write a "this was great, highly recommended" for example.
Veronica I'm the same. Unless I feel the need to sing praise, I tend to only leave gr star ratings for established authors or books with a lot of reviews already. I stick to reviewing Indy authors, or new realeases books. As a reader I tend to look at low reviews first to find out why it was rated so low. If it's a fickle reason or its just not someone's taste, I will read the book and judge for myself. If it's something that will upset me, nd it wasn't in the content warning, I will check how my friends felt about it before deciding to buy it.
I've only given a poor review to one author, and I went into great detail as to why. I know it can be upsetting, but I also believe that objective criticism can help people develop.
I've loved most of the ARC or R2R's I've read, and happily review, then go on to buy more from that author.
Alan, this thread has nudged me into considering writing more reviews. I read a lot, so I won't always get the time, but you did bring up a valid point.
I will drop very short reviews. I am not a writer, but a reader and you aren't going to get me to disect a book. If you look at my reviews, its basically if I like it or not. Not much more. I do wish the reviews on GR would have like, oh, NO gifs. I feel like I am hanging out with middle schoolers squealing.
I don't know, Julie, I kinda like the gifs. I don't use them, but I tend to get a good chuckle from the reviews that do. I am however grateful that you have to click on the 'see more' to get the whole thing. It would be irritating to have to consistently scroll past them all to get to the next review in the queue.
The first few years it was funny. Now its just OMG SQUEE! There are so many animated gifs on here I can't wait!! Kill me!!! I will die soon!!! I am probably not the books target market though. Maybe if I read more boring heady stuff
I'm a writer and I don't dissect a book. :) I don't have the time or the mental energy to discuss everything in a book. I say why I did or didn't like and I will talk about the characters, but that's usually as far as I go.I don't use gifs in my reviews either and sometimes I roll my eyes at them. Other times they amuse me. :)
My book has been downloaded (free) over 15,000 times and for that I have approx 100 reviews via the Amazon UK, US and smashwords site.I think in a way it's a blessing... If people really hate it, they would rip it apart. So, I guess most sit on the fence or don't read it.
To get "those" five star reviews on bulk you either have a lot of friends, you pay for reviews, or exchange them. I refuse to review unless I have read.
When it don't review, it tend to be because I didn't think it was good or DNF.
Also, my reviews tend to be not very long. I am not writing an essay, just giving an opinion.
Hope these comments help :)
These comments definitely do help. I didn't start this post, but it's nice to hear a little more about how other people review books. I was never a big reviewer until I became an Author. I know how much it means to me to know how I'm doing, so I tend to just flip all the way to the back of the book when I'm done, drop a star rating I feel is adequate, and leave a few lines about what I liked and didn't like :-)
I'm not a fan of gifs in reviews, and won't use them, but I know a lot of the people who do have migrated their review from a blog, which is where I thing gifs are more suited. I love discussing books. But a review isn't really a discussion. I generally review what I liked. If I give a lower rating, I explain what didn't work for me. I think it's fair to show the author where they may have made errors that were overlooked. Some friends will email the author directly to point it out. I'm not that involved. If they were a friend, I would, but I can just imagine some authors being flooded with emails about grammar and inconsistencies, which would be overwhelming.
I've seen a number of people refer to 'dissecting a book.' I'm not completely sure what is meant by this, but I think I do it. Not always, not with every review, but there are some books that I end up having a lot to say about. Others, I struggle to even say I liked it or didn't. But there are a select few that I find the underlying theme distasteful or that they provide horrible models for readers or were attempting to be socially relevant (or whatever) and failed. These I often take a lot of time to break down. I don't always set out to do so, but it kind of takes a life of its own. I don't think a lot of people appreciate such reviews though. I think people prefer a quick, easy to read review--a paragraph or two, at most. So, at either end of the spectrum people are unhappy. Don't review and people wonder why. Write too much and people think you must have an agenda or what to 'diss' the author or whatever.
@Sadie, I love reading those kind of reviews. It fascinates me to see what other people think of a book and the different nuances and insights they got from it. Some of my favourite reviewers on goodreads are the ones who post long reviews.Sometimes I agree with the person, some times I don't. :)
Sadie wrote: "I've seen a number of people refer to 'dissecting a book.' I'm not completely sure what is meant by this, but I think I do it. Not always, not with every review, but there are some books that I end..."As an author, I have to say that some reviews are extremely helpful, but others (especially the long rambling ones) are not! I have been stuck with quotes from a review given to me 2 years ago via amazon, regardless of the lovely reviews I have got since. That really stings.
Also, I think some reviewers get a kick out of hurting authors. There is no need to be spiteful.
This is not a pitch, but seriously look at the difference in the reviews on the Amazon US site for my book and Amazon UK.
Are we just more polite in the UK or what?
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hybrid-Evolut...
US http://www.amazon.com/Hybrid-Evolutio...
Also, most of the readers got my book for free... I just think if you hate it that much think about what you got it for versus the time it took me to write it.
We don't all like the same thing, but we can be considerate to the feelings of other people.
I have read some books that made me despair - bad plot, grammar, etc... but, this does not give me the right to have a go! I simply shake my head and do not review.
If I have paid a lot for a book and it is rubbish then I will have a rant. Philomena & The Casual Vacancy made me lose it! I paid £10 for one £7 for the other and I wasted my money!
So, yeah... (sorry for my rant) ... it is not always okay to be mean. We all have feelings. The readers I respect the most are those who take the time to message me and point things out. That is helpful.
Right, I'll dash off now... (whoosh)
I find it hard to review mainly because I struggle with putting my thoughts into writing. Sometimes it just doesn't come across the way I want it too and have had authors taking what I'm trying to say the wrong way and being quite harsh. I'd rather avoid all the hate tbh. If I find a book that I absolutely love I find it easier to express myself so it's not too often that I do review. If I get a request from an author I do try my best but as I said, they often pick me up wrong
Vanessa, I never set out to be mean. NEVER. That doesn't mean I've never said something that would upset an author and that doesn't mean that I've never said a book was rubbish, but I never try to hurt anyone and I'm always at least aware that an author may be reading the review. I try hard to sandwhich in some praise too. Sometimes the best I can do is 'I liked the idea of the plot, that's why I picked it up." But I always do try to get something good in there. Plus, a long reviews doesn't always mean a bad review. I've written quite long reviews of books I loved too. Just today I posted a review that was just over 1,000 words for a book I gave a 3.5 stars. (Not love, but not bad either) But you kind of made my point. You seem to have assumed that by virtue of dissecting or writing a long review I set out to hurt, or at least ignore, an author's feelings.
(I won't, however, deny that there are bully reviewers out there.)
But I also review almost everything I read, good or bad. There is no, 'I don't want to hurt the author's feelings, so I won't review this book' for me. It's just I often have a lot to say and sometimes pull on the details. And...I do ramble sometimes.
As to American vs English reviews, maybe your book plays better to one market than the other. Culture can sometimes make a difference.
Edit: On rereading, I realise I may have given the impression that I only dissect books I dislike because I used examples of things I would point out as flaws.
I think as bad as I might get is "Wasn't my very favorite from the author, but still a good read". I love to read, but, being self employed it feels like I always work, so, only can read when I go to bed. I then fall asleep, which, cuts into reading :D
Sadie wrote: "Vanessa, I never set out to be mean. NEVER. That doesn't mean I've never said something that would upset an author and that doesn't mean that I've never said a book was rubbish, but I never try to ..."Sadie... I think your should become a writer yourself! I am struggling to write 1000 words at a go at the moment!
I love the fact you are so passionate about books. If I had not started writing I bet I would review like you!
Sometimes, it's only when you sit on the other side of the fence that you appreciate a different perspective. Trust me, I have seen authors do things that make me glad (sorry) they get bad reviews. And, to be honest, if I deserve them then fair dues... (still hurts though)
The reviews that get to me the most are not by readers like yourself. They are reviews left by a "troll". I mean, why on earth would anyone leave my books a 1 star rating on either Goodreads or Amazon and have never reviewed anything else!
This is why I am careful now and can not review books I don't like. I am worried someone will take it out on me.
One of my latest ones made me laugh though...
"Too dark. Too violent. Boring."
Well. I know they did not read my book because it is not dark or violent! As for boring, that's an opinion.
I was curious so I checked the reviewer and they only rave about one author, everyone else gets slated.
These are the reviewers that I wish were not out there. They make the entire process worthless.
Anyway, have a great weekend everyone. Oh, and remember to leave a "constructive" review... LOL
I must admit that I have been watching the post on this thread with alot of interest. I do understand that some people do not like to give a review since for quite a long time that was me. There are many reasons that I would not, like not having enough time to being afraid to hurt someone's feelings. However, I did read the comment about some books being given for free and that should be considered before giving a bad review. I personally will avoid writing a review if I really did not like the book unless it was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review. If you are giving a book away for this purpose then the fact that it is free should have nothing to do with it.
That being said, there is still no reason for a review to be purposely hurtful to an author either. When I come across these reviews myself, they are the hardest ones that I have to write. I try to be constructive in what I write and find positive feedback but at the same time I will not be dishonest in my review.
I have read reviews that I personally think are very unfair. I am aware that not everybody is going to have the same tastes and opinions. What bothers me the most is when someone reads a book from a genre or author that is not "their cup of tea" for the sole purpose of trashing that book.
Kristina wrote: "I must admit that I have been watching the post on this thread with alot of interest. I do understand that some people do not like to give a review since for quite a long time that was me. There a..."I totally agree with you.
My book is permafree so it is not given in exchange for a review. This is the only way I have found I can get new readers, although even giving books away is difficult now. I'm not that surprised though since many known authors have also joined in the "game" and are giving away their books or selling them for under a £1.
I try to keep some perspective... I started writing for fun, I published for fun, and if I didn't want the feedback then I should just hide away and never do it again! (Self-induced punishment)
So, my skin gets thicker everyday and I try to remember to write ... I sometimes wish I'd stayed a reader!
Saying this, I am a stay-at-home mum and I have made the most amazing friends online. Writing (& publishing) has changed my life and I have a lot to smile about.
Ultimately, I can only feel sorry for people who go around trying to bring others down.
All I want to be able to say is that I tried... and I have.
But, I admit that I miss the days of being hooked on a series. Any recommendations always welcome!
Thanks for understanding my plight! :)
I love writing (and reading!) reviews as GR reviews are primarily the way I find new books to read. That being said, if a book is super popular (bestseller status) and has something ridiculous like 10,000+ reviews I'll usually only leave a star rating and maybe a line or two as I don't feel I have much more to add than what's been said many times already. If it's a smaller or indie author I always try to leave at least a paragraph or twofor a review and I post them to Amazon too.
Vanessa wrote: "Kristina wrote: "I must admit that I have been watching the post on this thread with alot of interest. I do understand that some people do not like to give a review since for quite a long time tha..."I know it is easier said than done, but if it is what you love then don't worry about the "haters". I absolutely love to read and I really like being able to share my opinion with the author. I will freely admit that I do have the a lot of respect for those who decide to become authors, I for one know that it is not something that I could do myself.
Charlie wrote: "I love writing (and reading!) reviews as GR reviews are primarily the way I find new books to read. That being said, if a book is super popular (bestseller status) and has something ridiculous like..."I agree with you whole heartedly on that. I think that is why I have started to gravitate towards doing more beta reads lately, I feel like it is more productive and helpful. Most of the reviews I have done lately are ones that are requested by the authors for newer work.
Kristina wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Kristina wrote: "I must admit that I have been watching the post on this thread with alot of interest. I do understand that some people do not like to give a review since for quite..."Never say never, Kristina! If anyone had told me 5 years ago I would have written a novel (let alone 3!) I would have laughed my head off...
Writing? ME? HA!
I only started because I was bored and had been at home looking after my kids for too long! I had a lot to get off my chest, and writing provided the perfect medium :)
Charlie wrote: "I love writing (and reading!) reviews as GR reviews are primarily the way I find new books to read. That being said, if a book is super popular (bestseller status) and has something ridiculous like..."Charlie, I would love to have you as a reader... :)
Merry wrote: "I very rarely review books and when I do, it's here on Goodreads. I get very annoyed by some of the liberties taken by people when they leave "reviews" on Amazon when it's not actually a review, ju..."I have left one star rating for books I did not finish. If the book is so bad that I can not stomach reading one more word I feel the need to warn people. I have also left poor reviews when the book is nothing like the description. The marketing needs to match the material folks.
Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
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I guess the reason I take the other view is that I'm a fledgling author, and let's face it, reviews are everything to us. Without reviews, your book is going to sit unloved over at Amazon Kindle. A self-published novel is not going to start selling until enough people provide evidence that it's worth reading!
So, I guess I'll have to advocate for the other side. If Amazon is forcing the issue, I totally get some resistance - but really, it's not much trouble, and maybe you can think of it as a means of helping authors sell their wares - which is ALWAYS the right thing!
Alan Kleinberger