Why don't more people read Self-published authors? Showing 1,851-1,900 of 2,452

[Alicia]

Lisa wrote: "Nearly every book has a "look inside". A potential reader can see, without any money, what they will be getting. There should never be a reason to pay money - or to invest more than a minute of tim..."

My debut novel is so long (167K) you get three whole chapters with the Look Inside (they're on GR, too). If you haven't decided it's your kind of book by then, don't get the rest. If you like Jane Eyre, you might like it. Or if you ordinarily read 'big books.'

But if you like 60-80K Romance novels, it will not be your thing.

I believe most readers can figure out what they like fairly quickly.

[Rick]

Everly wrote: "It seems that either people love to read self-published authors, or they refuse to. Why do you or don't you read self-published authors? Likewise, if you find a book that looks good but you find ou..."

Let's see, here are a few books that were self-published:

The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter
Ulysses, by James Joyce
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White

and a few authors who were self-published:

Henry David Thoreau
Alexandre Dumas
Mark Twain

[Loretta]

I almost always order the kindle sample of any book I might want to buy, these days. I've so often been disappointed by both trad and indie authors, and I can usually tell by the end of the sample whether I'll enjoy the whole thing or not. Saves me heaps.

[T.L.]

It really is a pity when people tar all us indies with the same brush.

I'm just releasing my new duology, and I can't tell you how many drafts and edits it's been through. Beta readers, proof readers included.
Some of us actually care a great deal and go to great efforts to produce great books.

I'm so glad many of you on here give us a chance.
Thank you.
xx

[Tamara]

I have published four books. I've learned the hard way that it is (was?) easier to find a publisher for non-fiction than for fiction.

It was fairly easy to find a publisher for first book, Demeter and Persephone: Lessons from a Myth (McFarland 2002), a feminist interpretation of the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone.

My second book, Women and Goddesses in Myth and Sacred Text, a text for women in religion courses, was picked up right away by Pearson in 2005.

Then I retired from academia and started writing novels. I discovered it is so much harder to find a publisher for novels. My first novel, a re-telling of the Demeter/Persephone myth, A Pomegranate and the Maiden was published by Anaphora. Then I went the self-publishing route and put it out on Kindle.

I tried a few publishing places for my second novel and then went with self-publishing on Kindle. Unsung Odysseys retells the story of Odysseus' return from Troy through the voices of women.

Maybe because my first two books were academic in nature, I didn't have a hard time finding a publisher. But it's a whole different ballgame finding a publisher for my novels. I guess my point is that I went with the self-publishing route because it's a challenge to find a publisher willing to take a risk on the types of books I like to read and write. I even had one publisher write back and tell me that few people are interested in mythology and/or retellings of myths, and the only thing that sells nowadays are torrid romances.

Ouch!

[J.M.]

@Tamara

Completely different genre, here (not-quite-hard mil scifi), but completely similar response: write simpler, stay conventional, and let the bosoms heave.

If you're not a celebrity, a known author, or willing to write fast-food prose, self publish is the way to go, I think.

[Lynda]

Since I edit books for self-pubs, of course I feel everyone should give them a read.

The ease of publishing that came about a few years ago certainly turned out some stinkers, because so many immature writers wanted to see their name in lights and didn't feel they should bother with all the necessary steps like beta readers, copy edits, or even one set of eyes on the manuscript that was not the author's.

However, I'm so pleased to see that the market is sifting itself as the better writers in the self-publishing world are coming through. Sure, those other people may have gotten a sale or two, but it only takes one crappy book to cement your name in someone's mind as a "never again." Writers these days who plan to self-publish recognize they are in it for the long haul. They research, they learn their craft, they do it right. I love it.

[J.]

Lynda wrote: "Since I edit books for self-pubs, of course I feel everyone should give them a read.

The ease of publishing that came about a few years ago certainly turned out some stinkers, because so many imm..."
Thankfully Lynda has a point. There are some really good books out there from Indie Authors.

[Pamela]

Lynda wrote: "Since I edit books for self-pubs, of course I feel everyone should give them a read.

The ease of publishing that came about a few years ago certainly turned out some stinkers, because so many imm..."

I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by the wayside.

[Lynda]

Pamela wrote: "I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by the wayside. "

I'm sure they will. Once they realize they're not getting rich overnight [insert belly laughs from EVERY author, ever], I think the "this is work" aspect will kick in and they'll disappear.

I've had the enjoyment and satisfaction of working with a good number of authors who take it all seriously and are willing to work hard to improve with each book.

[Pamela]

Adeleke wrote: "Adrienne wrote: "I've switched to reading all indie lit. If anyone wants me to read one of their books, send me a recommendation."

What kind of books do you read?"

Hi Adrienne, I mostly read women's fiction and autobiographies.

I also have two contemporary romance novels, if you're interested. The first novel is titled, Relations and my novel that was just published in March is titled, The Love Labyrinth. You can check them out at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... I could use some more reviews and I'd love to know what you think.

[Leslie]

Lynda wrote: "Pamela wrote: "I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by the wayside. "

I'm sure they will. Once ..."

Sorry to disagree, but I am sure they won't.

Yes those that are "lowering the tone" (shall we call it?) today won't last, but there will be plenty more coming along to fill their places tomorrow, and so it will go on.

The Internet does not act as a filter for quality. Any Tom, Dick and Harry, sorry, Betty, Sheila and Mildred, can set themselves up as reviewers and far too many of them from their own biographies appear to be of school age or just out of it, and from their reviews to have a limited grasp of language, education and life in general. OK, one can't blame them for this, it is not their fault they had a poor education and have narrow horizons, but none the less it is they who are reviewing and allocating the stars on Amazon, etc. and hence in effect dictating the fate of one's book. And in addition, because there are more poor reviwers than good ones, setting the general standard of reviews, which is the only guide that the book buying public has when buying Indie.

Yes, we all like to think that quality will win through in time, but getting those first 25 reviews is a devil of a job - just look how many are seeking reviews here on the pages of Goodreads! - and life won't stop while we are trying to obtain them. It will march inexorably on. So, will we get our reviews and hence sales before we "pop our clogs"?

[Pamela]

Leslie wrote: "Lynda wrote: "Pamela wrote: "I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by the wayside. "

I'm sure th..."

It's all a crapshoot, Leslie, but that's all serious authors can hope for besides plodding on with our writing, taking the steps to get our work edited, etc., and marketing, isn't it?

[Mary]

Leslie wrote: "Lynda wrote: "Pamela wrote: "I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by the wayside. "

I'm sure th..."
What are you going to do? It is what it is. Regardless of reviews or anything else, it will not stop me from writing. There are too many story's and ideas floating in my brain. It has to escape some where. We all dream of becoming best selling authors. But I have some favorite authors who are not and thank providence they didn't stop writing. My world would be a much darker place if I couldn't read their work.

[Mellie]

Leslie wrote: "...but getting those first 25 reviews is a devil of a job"

Your thinking is back to front. Reviews don't generate sales - sales result in reviews. Stop worrying about reviews, sell more books and reviews will magically take care of themselves.

[Lynda]

I just left a bad review for a book a few moments ago (both here and on Amazon), and felt so terrible about it. But it was everything we've been discussing here. Bad formatting, lack of editing, no character development . . . it kind of hit on all sorts of negatives, honestly.

I felt really bad leaving it, but I try to leave good ones and bad ones as they earn their rating. This particular book, though . . . it has all kinds of four- and five-star ratings and I'm not sure how, unless people have truly lowered their standards. The reviews don't seem faked, so I'm not sure what that's all about. You're all welcome to read my review here if you're interested. I've read so many great self-pub books lately that this one was extra disappointing because it was just so bad. A solid handful of reviewers agree with my assessment, so I have to wonder why others are not picking up on the same errors.

[Mary]

Lynda wrote: "I just left a bad review for a book a few moments ago (both here and on Amazon), and felt so terrible about it. But it was everything we've been discussing here. Bad formatting, lack of editing, no..."
Lynda. You should never feel bad for what you honestly think. Everyone has to remember, some people love chocolate. Some hate it. I believe that is true about everything. And that is why that book not only received your bad review but those goods ones and 4 & 5 stars. That is what makes our world so great. We are all so different. Also most readers aren't really going to concentrate on formatting and in some cases editing. They are all for the story. I will say you did good because you stayed true to your taste.

[Prakash]

Hello guys
I am following this thread constantly. I learned a lot from the thoughts and experiences you shared here.
What I personally feel is that the reviews may increase the visibility of the book but can't insist a buyer to purchase that book.
As far as reading is concerned we must concentrate to improve our errors in contents and formatting because no one pays for errors.
There are reviews like excellent and rating is just 1 to 3, so don't get bothered about reviews and ratings but try to find out the feedback part in the reviews and take necessary actions to correct your mistakes or improvement of your work. Learning and improvements are continuous processes.
My best wishes for you all !

[Leslie]

A.W. wrote: "Leslie wrote: "...but getting those first 25 reviews is a devil of a job"

Your thinking is back to front. Reviews don't generate sales - sales result in reviews. Stop worrying about reviews, sell ..."

So my thinking is back to front?

As you will recall the original thread was "Why don't more people read Self-published authors?"

So you tell me and all other unknown indie authors on Goodreads, how you sell a book when you and your stories are not known?

[Leslie]

Cphe wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Lynda wrote: "Pamela wrote: "I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by the wayside...."

Hold on a minute Cphe. It's your money and time and hence your review if you have paid for the book.

But an unknown indie generally doesn't get generous people like you just buying their book on a whim and reviewing it (unfortunately!) . Their initial reviews are obtained by giving away their book for free to an unknown (to them) reviewer who suggests they are interested in reviewing it and then it turns out from their review that they patently didn't understand what the story was about and mark the thing down because there were a couple of swear words in it!

When an indie author's work is unknown, the only "recommendation" that they have is those first few reviews. So yes, unfortunately they are important. Once an author's work is known, OK the odd one star review can be seen to reflect on the reviewer rather than on the book, but in the first instance, when there is nothing else gauge the book by, the standard of reviews does matter.

If you remember, the original thread was "Why don't more people read Self-published authors?" So no, I am not blaming reviewers for any lack of sales, but am pointing out what I thought was obvious, but evidently you don't, that good reviews do matter and they hard to get.

[Carole]

Reviews enhance and validate a book. It doesn't matter whether they are good or bad reviews. Selling books is complicated. You have to put your name out there. The more bloggers you get to read your book, the more reviews you will accumulate, as well as gather interest in your book.
Most readers don't leave reviews- getting them is like pulling teeth. However, I have discovered that the more reviews people have on their books, it's more a likely someone will leave a review. I think most people won't mind leaving a review if it will get "lost" in a crowd of others.
Getting reviews is like pruning a garden, it has to be done constantly.
I also think that the diversity of a books reviews make it look like they are "real" and that might make the difference between getting a sale or not. If they are all "Buy this book, it was great," kind of thing, most readers are savvy enough to know they are probably friends. The best way to start is by looking up blogs in your genre and pitching your books to those places. They have followers who sometimes interact with the blog and are likely to leave reviews. It will grow along with your sales organically.
People leave all kinds of reviews and every author has to be prepared for someone not to like their book. Some people care about editing and content, some people either love it or hate it.
I have seen traditional, as well as indie books that had unexplainable success,when I felt they didn't deserve it. Reading is subjective- what works for one reader may not work for another. Either way, sometimes a book just affects us. You may hate the way the author edited it, be disappointed in the cover, laugh at the spelling, but if it hits that emotional button- it may be the best thing you read or the most enjoyable spot in a dreary week.

[Michael]

Marie wrote: "Just putting this out there since I haven't seen it mentioned yet. Self-published ebooks tend to be much cheaper, usually ranging between 99 cents and 4.99. At 99 cents with 35% royalties, a self p..."

Unfortunately, your fear is often correct! There are a lot of first drafts/very rough drafts that are published, and it gives self-publishing a bad name. So many authors, though, take that extra time but people are afraid to read an "unfinished" or "unedited" project.

[Mary]

Leslie wrote: "A.W. wrote: "Leslie wrote: "...but getting those first 25 reviews is a devil of a job"

Your thinking is back to front. Reviews don't generate sales - sales result in reviews. Stop worrying about r..."

That is the million dollar question. How do we become known? Getting our name out there is the key because until our name is bantered about, no one will buy our books because they don't know about them. Major advertising is expensive. So I try other things. I hand out book marks to everyone I meet. I participate in the giveaways. I do other things thinking that word of mouth is our friend. I have read authors books that they self published until some, not until after the fourth book or so, were picked up by traditional publishing and became best selling authors. So my advise is what I follow. Keep writing. Keep putting yourself out there. You never know what is around the corner.

[Mellie]

Leslie wrote: "So you tell me and all other unknown indie authors on Goodreads, how you sell a book when you and your stories are not known? "

For starters there are numerous advertisers who take books with NO reviews. We all start from a zero position. Personally I have never chased reviews or worried about them. I invest my energy into writing a good book, improving my craft, trying to meet reader expectations and producing a polished product.

It only took me a quick glance at your author page and your covers to see you aren't investing in the quality of your book. The market is glutted and readers will judge your book by its cover. A cover is your number one marketing tool and far too many indies slap up something substandard and then wonder why their book isn't selling. A home made, non genre appropriate cover, signals to many readers equally lapse production standards behind the cover and they will give your book a wide berth.

Some authors put far too much stock into garnering reviews and less time is spent on the quality of the book. My best selling book did so with ZERO reviews. None. Not a one. It did have a great cover, a hook and people were recommending it to each other. Word of Mouth is the best marketing tool out, that's what makes books go viral. But you need a book that gets people talking.

[Mary]

Leslie wrote: "Cphe wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Lynda wrote: "Pamela wrote: "I agree, Lynda. Those that aren't really serious about writing and probably won't be in it for the long haul so hopefully, they will drop by..."

I liked your comment Leslie. I brought up the subject of letting the public know in clear terms, what your story is about. On my giveaway with Possession, I thought I made it clear what laid between the covers. It is erotic. Bad language and all that good stuff. One of the people who won it wrote a bad review. I do not mind a bad review if it is about my writing style. Criticism helps me to become a better writer. But this review was negative because the book was an erotic romance. She didn't like the explicit sex scenes or the language. She should have never read an erotic romance. If it is not a genre that a reader likes, how can they give an unbiased review?

[Lynda]

Mary wrote: "If it is not a genre that a reader likes, how can they give an unbiased review?"

I wholeheartedly agree. It's one thing to not like the writing or the quality, but if it's a genre the reader is opposed to, then it's their own fault for choosing a book without knowing what they're getting. In that case, I would say they should NOT review.

I reviewed a book on Amazon long ago that was an autobiography of a young gal who was a Victoria's Secret Angel (model), became a Christian, and left VS at the peak of her career. The entire book description made no secret of the premise, referring to her "surrendering her life to God," "no longer able to reconcile her career with her Christian beliefs," and more. And yet there were reviewers who slammed the book for "all that God stuff" in it, wondering what all the "religious talk" was doing in there. I guess they saw "Victoria's Secret" and thought they'd get some salacious tell-all.

I'm not an erotic romance reader, but I would certainly never slam a book for being what it's described to be. I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

[Lynda]

Fahime wrote: "Hello I am PhD student and I am doing my thesis on social cataloging sites. I would be really thankful if you help me by filling my questionnaire?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cxtF......"

Fahime, I need to gently point out to you that what you're doing is considered spamming this thread. Your post belongs on its own thread, not in this discussion of self-publishing authors.

You've now posted the same thing twice within a two-day period, and if you continue to do so, someone will end up flagging your comment to the moderators and it may restrict your posting privileges. I assume this is also why no one on this thread has replied to your two posts. Please start your own thread in an appropriate category.

[Ruben]

I started to read a lot of self-published novels when I lived in Iowa for a year. There was nothing to do in the town that I lived in, so reading helped me through the boredom. Most of them were good, but they each had either grammar/spelling errors, typos, or strange formatting.

Each book had its own interesting story to tell, but those errors would bog the story down enough to make me stop turning the page. I managed to get about halfway through one book that I loved, but too many mistakes forced me to just put it down and stop trying altogether. It all left a bad taste in my mouth, and a strain in my eyes, that I lose interest when I hear of a book being self-published. I now only consider reading a SP book if I know beforehand that it is well-written. That's just me.

[Lynda]

And Ruben, what a shame that your experience is what many readers assume when they even hear the words "self-published." It really is unfair to those who have taken the time to rewrite and edit like crazy, hire a good cover designer and formatter, and put out a quality product.

[Christine PNW]

I do buy self-published books from time to time, because there are authors whose work is so polished that from cover to text, I am unable to distinguish the book from anything published by one of the Big 5.

We are five years on in the self-publishing "revolution," and the same conversation happens over and over. The only difference is in the identity of the new crop of self-published authors who are making the same arguments as all of the generations who went before them. This is well-trod ground.

In addition, while it is upsetting to authors to have their books panned by readers who dislike the genre of a book they've chosen to read, those are the breaks. People who dislike erotic romance sometimes read them and give them negative reviews. This is life. Individuals who hate sci-fi sometimes pick up a sci-fi tale because it has been recommended to them by a friend, and they find that yes, indeed, they do really hate sci fi. There is nothing illegitimate about these reviews and this is the danger of putting your book out in the wild to succeed or fail on its merits.

Readers have no obligation to be "fair" to authors by giving them good reviews, refraining from giving them bad reviews, or giving them a "chance." This is a purely commercial relationship, and it is no more "unfair" of a reader to avoid self-published authors than it would be "unfair" of a person to avoid unlicensed plumbers. No one has a right to anyone else's time, attention or money. There are far too many SPAs and far too few hours in the day for this obligation to exist.

[Mary]

Lynda wrote: "Mary wrote: "If it is not a genre that a reader likes, how can they give an unbiased review?"

I wholeheartedly agree. It's one thing to not like the writing or the quality, but if it's a genre the..."
Thank you Lynda. As I pointed out, even bad reviews are good from a critique stand point.
Only my first books are erotica. I have a completed fantasy and also a completed contemporary romance. I am working on a sequel of the contemporary romance, and working on my first historical romance.

[Lynda]

The Just-About-Average Ms M wrote: "Since this thread began, I've noticed the flood of other threads on GR continues to proliferate from SPAs begging what seems to be everyone on the planet for reviews. So I've gone over to Amazon, a..."

I struggle with what to do in these situations. There are threads I've read where an author excitedly puts a first chapter on his/her blog and shares here. When I read through it and find all kinds of errors (and YES, the comma splice is a particular peeve of mine), I want to privately tell the author that the writing needs work. What stops me is that I'm a freelance editor, and I'm always conscious of those types of comments looking like I'm trying to drum up business for myself. If the author is publishing something he thinks is polished, then he doesn't know what's still wrong and therefore may think I'm trying to trick him into hiring me. And yet, every instinct is screaming for me to tell them to pull the book and do something about it before their writing rep is ruined before they even get underway.

[Lynda]

Mary wrote: "Only my first books are erotica. I have a completed fantasy and also a completed contemporary romance. I am working on a sequel of the contemporary romance, and working on my first historical romance."

Wow! Sounds like you have a broad palette of ideas! I've known authors who publish under one name for a certain genre and another for their alternate genre. It's helpful in the case of someone who happens to write a children's book but whose other books are for a more mature audience (or vice versa). It takes a little more effort to build up a following, but keeping the two separate eliminates the "I had no idea this was not a children's book!" review.

[Mary]

Lynda wrote: "Mary wrote: "Only my first books are erotica. I have a completed fantasy and also a completed contemporary romance. I am working on a sequel of the contemporary romance, and working on my first his..."

I can see that a pen name would be needed in that instance. I write under my own name, but added my maiden name. My father and brothers are very proud of what I am doing. I added my maiden name for them. My dad buys my books that are published. I specifically asked him not to read the erotica. He says he has no intention of doing so, but understands that sex sells. Ha! I give my oldest brother my finished manuscripts for a first look. I know that he won't hold back or only say what he thinks I want to hear. His opinion is invaluable to me.
I have a vast interest in reading and writing. That is why the broad spectrum of genres. Ideas pop in my head. I write the idea down and some of them have become the bases for my books. I really never know where it is going to go. It surprises me every time.

[Mellie]

The Just-About-Average Ms M wrote: "Since this thread began, I've noticed the flood of other threads on GR continues to proliferate from SPAs begging what seems to be everyone on the planet for reviews...."

I've also noticed a proliferation of groups on Goodreads for authors to swap glowing reviews with each other. Which makes all those 5-stars on Amazon even more meaningless and untrustworthy.

That's one thing I love about GR, I follow friends with similar interests and whose honest reviews I can trust.

[Mary]

A.W. wrote: "The Just-About-Average Ms M wrote: "Since this thread began, I've noticed the flood of other threads on GR continues to proliferate from SPAs begging what seems to be everyone on the planet for rev..."

I believe that since all of us here are either writers, readers or both, that we can count on getting honest reviews because everyone here knows how important they are. I'm not talking about sales right now. I'm talking about improving our skills through the eyes of others. In saying that I don't believe that it would be a bad idea for any one here to exchange their work. Who else would know what we need? The reviews that I have on Amazon, only one person is on Goodreads.
I guess I'm only trying to say is that I have faith in the people on this site.

[Mary]

Lynda wrote: "The Just-About-Average Ms M wrote: "Since this thread began, I've noticed the flood of other threads on GR continues to proliferate from SPAs begging what seems to be everyone on the planet for rev..."

Lynda, I would not mind your editor mode on anything that I write. I know that is my weak spot. Just saying.

[Mellie]

Mary wrote: "In saying that I don't believe that it would be a bad idea for any one here to exchange their work...."

I have absolutely no issue with authors using critique partners (to exchange work) or beta readers, I do that myself. But you do that before you publish. You don't seek "feedback" after publication via reviews. Readers are not your critique partners and they should not be expected to pay to edit work not ready for publication.

Many of these authors swapping reviews only want "positive/encouraging" reviews. ie: they are either seeking to manipulate the review system and prop their books up, or they are so delicate they can only handle 5-star reviews and engage in suspect practices to pat each other on the back.

[Mellie]

The Just-About-Average Ms M wrote: "There was an SPA who actually kvetched about the Kirkus review he paid $450 ..."

I saw that! The kirkus reviewer pointed out numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes and the SPA got upset about it. Apparently reviewers should "cut indies some slack"... *snort*

[Cathy]

It's kind of a bummer to hear that so many people don't trust reviews. I can't tell you how many hundreds of hours I spent contacting book bloggers, specifically telling them that I was only interested in honest reviews. It's a lot of work, and that's not even to mention the waiting. Wait, wait, wait. lol

For anyone who isn't already aware, you can go to fakespot.com and see what their engines think of your reviews. (I haven't read the whole thread and I hope I'm not breaking any rules. Yikes.) I don't honestly know how reputable they are, it's just something I stumbled onto at some point.

[Welwyn]

I read indies but I have so many books to read and so little time that the indies should come highly recommended from people I trust. I have authors I love, and must keep up with them, and if there turns out to be an indie whose work I love I will end up adding the authors to that list. The best indies I've read are really good, by the way.

[Mary]

A.W. wrote: "Mary wrote: "In saying that I don't believe that it would be a bad idea for any one here to exchange their work...."

I have absolutely no issue with authors using critique partners (to exchange wo..."

In no way have I said to use reviews as you would critique partners or beta readers. But you cannot tell me that reviews do not help an author do better the next time. To be more in depth. Or know your characters better. Whatever weakness that is pointed out. I was not talking about editing. However, since you brought that up I will say that I have found numerous mistakes in traditional published books with everything that they do to try to eliminate that. Did it keep me from loving the authors writing style or the story? Heck no. All I was trying to say is that I value the opinions of others and choose to take them at their word.

[Mellie]

Mary wrote: "In no way have I said to use reviews as you would critique partners or beta readers. But you cannot tell me that reviews do not help an author do better the next time. ."

That's exactly what I'm telling you. Authors should seek feedback on how to improve a book before they publish, not after. You're also presupposing that authors are hovering over reviews looking for feedback. I certainly don't and I don't read the reviews of my books, they're not for me. I would think most authors are too busy writing the next book to scour reviews for things readers did/didn't like. If readers want to discuss a book, they can reach out to me on social media.

Reviews are reader opinions shared with other readers. They are not for authors.

If you are serious about your craft, then there are far better ways to improve than reading reviews. Personally I have decided to invest in a developmental editor. Not only will she ensure my current project meets reader expectations, but it's an opportunity for me to have a professional cast a critical eye over my work to highlight my strengths and weaknesses.

I think if more authors sought sufficient feedback before they published (or offline through courses and developmental editors) we wouldn't have so many problems with author review swaps, gaming of ratings/reviews, and SPAs attacking readers who didn't enjoy their "baby".

[Mary]

A.W. wrote: "Mary wrote: "In no way have I said to use reviews as you would critique partners or beta readers. But you cannot tell me that reviews do not help an author do better the next time. ."

That's exact..."
Dear A. W. I am not presupposing anything. You are just not listening or hearing I should say, what I'm saying. Yes, you should use critique partners, beta readers, and sounding boards before you publish. But if I didn't listen to what readers were saying about my books including what is written in reviews that would be very stupid on my part. I will listen and do better on the next book. These readers are our audience. They are our future in writing.
There is a team that works on my books before they are published through my publisher, including editors. But I am still going to listen to the readers. It would be detrimental if I did not.
And really, all I was trying to say here was standing up for the honesty of the majority of the people who take the time to write reviews.

[Mellie]

Mary wrote: "But if I didn't listen to what readers were saying about my books including what is written in reviews that would be very stupid on my part.."

Well call me stupid then because I don't read reviews of my books.

You claim you are "standing up for the honesty of the majority of the people who take the time to write reviews" yet I see you engage in reciprocal author review swaps. Wonder why you haven't mentioned that in any of your posts?

While I might be stupid in your eyes because I don't read reviews of my books, at least I know the huge difference between a legitimate publisher and a vanity press. Perhaps you should have read the reviews of Page warning of their scam, before paying them thousands to take your book.
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showt...

[Clive]

Lynda wrote: "The Just-About-Average Ms M wrote: "Since this thread began, I've noticed the flood of other threads on GR continues to proliferate from SPAs begging what seems to be everyone on the planet for rev..."
EXACTLY! Well said.

[[deleted user]]

I don't write anymore.

I have twelve titles in my author profile, many of which were first written in the last century and were only published to Kindle and CreateSpace in 2010 after they had gone through several years of editing. In fact it was so long ago I published trade paperbacks with BookSurge before it became CreateSpace. I even had two books with PublishAmerica (but that is another horror story).

Some of my books are on permafree everywhere. They were all free last month at SW. Some have reviews. But I don't sell many books. Hardly any now.

There will always be good and bad SPAs out there. There will always be SPAs bemoaning the lack of reviews, the type of reviews and the lack of sales. Most SPAs don't seem to grasp that reviews are for readers, not authors. Or that reviewers are not Beta readers.

The problem and answer is the same as it always was: Discoverability. Being found. Word of mouth. But getting the word out is not easy. SPAs are not welcome in many threads. Even this post could be considered as spam.

With millions of books now available on Amazon, I and all the other SPAs have a better probability of winning the lottery than of getting a sale. Yes, it is that bad.

What is also a sad truth is that not a single SPA is a professional writer. SPAs, and I am equally guilty, often write what they like to read. A professional writer writes what other people want to read. And they write the same type of story over and over again. In a different setting, with different characters, but to a set formula. It is often a formula that readers know, recognize and want to read more of. Traditional Publishers also know what the formulas are and they know what people want to read. They know what is topical, so they look for the next best seller based on what has gone before. We just write what we like, the story in our head, and self publish it when the Agents and Traditional Publishers tell us it won't sell. And for most of us, it doesn't.

So my contribution to this thread? Why don't more people read more SPAs? Because they are often not good enough.

As an SPA, write with your eyes wide open. For most of us this will never be more than just a hobby, not a profession. If you want to be a professional, write what sells, not just what is in your head, and do it professionally like a job. Find your niche market and target it. Find an Agent. Find a Traditional Publisher. But don't dream of success. Some have managed it. Most don't.

Publishing is a hard and unforgiving industry. Kindle may have made it easy to self publish, but it hasn't changed the nature of the beast. Even if you are only writing as a hobby, your books will be judged against those published professionally. So you still have to be as professional as you can. There is no second tier; just good or bad books.

I believe that my books are the best that I could make them, that they are good books. But they were just stories in my head. They were stories that I wanted to read. They were my hobby. I have others.

The stories are now out of my head. They are out there for all to see and judge. I have no expectations. Real life can be cruel on dreams so I have put them behind me. But do I regret writing?

No. Never.

[Tamara]

David wrote: "I don't write anymore.

I have twelve titles in my author profile, many of which were first written in the last century and were only published to Kindle and CreateSpace in 2010 after they had gon..."

This is a great post, David. I appreciate your insights. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Gisela]

My comment refers only to nonfiction:
I am now going to stipulate that selfpub authors can do what traditional publishers can't do - publish up-to-date content. The very same issue that helps traditional publishers to publish perfectly polished novels is a problem when it comes to a certain type of nonfiction books.

Here are two realistic examples:

1) Celebrity author publishes a book about Twitter with the help of a traditional publisher (Big 5), in the last decade. This book is still being sold. True - the book's basic principle is still correct but all examples in the book are outdated. My children (24, 25) would not know many of the mentioned companies, some of them don't even exist anymore.

Of course, the author and the publisher know that but instead of updating the book they publish a new book four years later and now sell both books.

2) I myself published
In 2015, "NAKED TRUTHS About Getting Book Reviews"
in 2016, "NAKED TRUTHS About Getting Book Reviews, Fully Updated and Revised"

and in 2017, after Amazon changed their guidelines in February I published
"NAKED REVIEW How to Get Book Reviews: What to do now that Amazon closed all loopholes"

and took the previous ebook off the market.
I call that ethical publishing.

Even if traditional publishers wanted to do that they need to change their ways of doing things. Any book that has anything to do with the Internet, any kind of software, or similar topics needs to be published quickly because

(quoting Bill Gates) " Intellectual property has the shelf life of a banana."

As for the readers: they just have to figure out if they'd rather buy a book from a celebrity author which may feature outdated content or if they can live with a not super-perfect book that is up-to-date.

[Mary]

A.W. wrote: "Mary wrote: "But if I didn't listen to what readers were saying about my books including what is written in reviews that would be very stupid on my part.."

Well call me stupid then because I don't..."
First, I never called you stupid. Second, I have never participated in a review swap. Third, Page is a hybrid publishing company who is now publishing my third book. I don't know about the scam you are talking about but why I used them was because it was easier than trying to do every little thing to self-publish myself. For what they do the money is worth it and it didn't cost me thousands. They also have done what they promised. I hold my copyrights. They did press releases all over the net. My books in two formats are for sale all over also. I like the people that I have dealt with there for the past three years. So I disagree with what you have heard or what you have seen written about them.
I have become e-mail friends with honeysuckle pear and we have read each others work. Also read the work that has not been published. I follow the critiques. But we say and write what we feel about each others writing. Not glowing reviews because we are friends.
I didn't get in this discussion to banter negative words with another writer. In fact if you go back to the beginning of the discussion I was only saying that I listen to the reviews because it helps me. If it doesn't help you, so be it. Everyone is different. But I never attacked you and I don't appreciate being attacked because I was standing up for other peoples honesty.