How I Decide Which Books I Will Read and Review

[Jim]

I have posted 143 book reviews on Goodreads since becoming a member. This may be the reason I occasionally receive a direct solicitation from an author requesting a review in exchange for a free copy of their work, all of which were politely declined. Allow me to explain why.

Most books I read are borrowed from the local library. Occasionally, i will purchase a book if I find the title or premise particularly interesting. I never accept an offer of a free book from the author. Currently, 133 books reside on my bookshelf (36 non-fiction and 97 fiction). 5 were written by Goodreads authors.

I only read print books - hard cover or paperback.

For whatever reason, the vast majority of avid readers choose to never post a rating or review. Many novice authors are unaware that sales drive reviews, not the other way around. Focus upon striving to continuously improve upon technical writing, narration, promotional, and marketing knowledge and skills and sales will improve. The reviews will follow. I post a review only if a book leaves a lasting impression - good or bad.

[Monette]

I think newbie author focus too much on reviews and not enough on putting out quality work. Thanks for reviewing, and not for accepting free copies. We need more readers like you! People should review what moves them.

[Jim]

Monette wrote: "I think newbie author focus too much on reviews and not enough on putting out quality work. Thanks for reviewing, and not for accepting free copies. We need more readers like you! People should rev..."

Monette,

Your Goodreads author profile lists 15 books authored by you. Quite an accomplishment! That, and the fact that, though you are self-published, you still pursue the traditional publishing route and encourage others to do so, is admirable and impressive.

My only attempt at writing a novel required 25 months of time and effort to create a work I felt was worthy of publication. That and the fact that it was a commercial failure convinced me to leave the literary field to prolific writers, like yourself, who possess the talent, desire, and drive to continue.

Very few novice authors ever achieve notoriety and commercial success within this extremely competitive field. That said; some have. There is no reason why you might not eventually become one of them. I wish you success.

[Monette]

15! Then I have a problem because I only should have had 11. 2 were unpublished that I self-published, and 3 were unpublished because I had bad publishers. Yes, definitely I keep seeking traditional. I'm a terrible judge of my work, as are a lot of SP authors.

I may have to accept that my only real success is getting Bonanza authorization. Those were not SP originally but had a publisher for a decade before she retired.

You have to like writing to keep going, or just have a ton of ideas that you have the itch to put out. I have several I'm working on, and still hope my 3 unpublished can find new publishers, but the odds are against me.

Thanks! I appreciate your response!