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Too generous when reviewing?
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If you are given a free book for the purpose of reviewing it like on a read and review program then yes, but otherwise it should be up to the reader whether they wish to leave a review.
Michael you got your comment in before me *pouts* But as you can see I agree with you :D
Amos wrote: "If you are given a free book for the purpose of reviewing it like on a read and review program then yes, but otherwise it should be up to the reader whether they wish to leave a review."That pretty much sums up my attitude too, yes.
Now there's a thing Ian. On the Amazon MOA forum there are a couple of people asking for free copies of books because they want to be reviewers (?)My feeling is, what's stopping you? I review everything these days. I was today offered a free book for the purpose of reviewing but if I want to read the book I'll buy it thank you (unless it's on offer to everyone of course). I am now sometimes sent books by authors I know so I can give them the once-over before publication. Often I read these twice. However, before I review them, as soon as they are published I buy a copy.
I feel then that I can review without fear or favour. And yes, I am a funny old stick and an old-fashioned gel!
As to KDP, as far as I can tell many of those freebies don't even get read let alone reviewed.
PS You didn't review Mr Harker's estimable tome like you said. I notice these things you know!
Michael wrote: "Depends how the reader got it for free. If it was on condition of them reviewing it, then yes.Otherwise I don't see why they should be more obligated to review it than if they had bought it."
Yep. That's what I'm thinking. Just as a reader is allowed to think whatever they want about a book, regardless of the author's hopes and wishes, so a reader can choose to leave a review or not. You write something, you put it out there, you takes your chances. Half the fun of it :)
It's difficult for writers to review other writers because they're an open target for revenge reviewing.It's nice if people leave a review and I for one am grateful to each and every person who takes the time.
And if it's ok you may have another pre-publication novel to give the once over to in the next few weeks - you funny old stick, you old-fashioned gal you!
The inference in that statement that REALLY gets in my teeth is 'if you don't like my book, don't bother reviewing it'
Stuart wrote: "And if it's ok you may have another pre-publication novel to give the once over to in the next few weeks - you funny old stick, you old-fashioned gal you!"Yep! And then i'll buy it!
Patti (Stir Crazy) wrote: "The inference in that statement that REALLY gets in my teeth is 'if you don't like my book, don't bother reviewing it'"Exactly so - but that wouldn't be fair would it? So I leave one anyway!
Darren wrote: "It's difficult for writers to review other writers because they're an open target for revenge reviewing.It's nice if people leave a review and I for one am grateful to each and every person who t..."
I'm having a problem with this one now Darren. As a writer I know how soul destroying a bad review is, so I hate doing a review that is less than three stars. But I've just read a Y/A book that really annoyed me because to me a Y/A romance should be sweet not have a hero and heroine (one of which was under age) sleeping together.
I just couldn't understand why the author didn't write an adults book if that was the story she wanted to write, it seemed out of place in a Y/A book.
Ignite wrote: "Now there's a thing Ian. On the Amazon MOA forum there are a couple of people asking for free copies of books because they want to be reviewers (?)My feeling is, what's stopping you? I review ev..."
It's one me to-do list, Ignite. Honest. Just been mental these last couple of weeks with everything. Such a brilliant book, but I've got some things to say about it as well, so I will definitely be doing the review. Hopefully next week.
Can I run away now . . . ;)
On the subject of reviews for free copies; I recently held a giveaway on another site and gave 74 free copies of my first novel to readers. Whilst a review was not a requirement, I did say I would appreciate reviews and I was/am disappointed to have only received two. Seems like a poor return, but then it has been a good experience and at least there are some copies out there which will hopefully be read at some point. I love receiving reviews but I'd hate to think that readers were not being truthful. I'd much rather appreciate honesty.
I also agree with the point above; it is hard for an author to give a negative review of someone else's work. You want to be constructive and give the star rating it deserves but, because you know how crushing a bad review can be, you try not to be too harsh and maybe give a higher rating than it deserved. Or, you are totally honest and then wait for that person or their friends to destroy your ratings. :-)
It's a conundrum and a great talking point.
Ian said "Can I run away now . . . ;)"Yes, dear, run away and play! Good luck for tonight by the way. I'll be playing catch-up reading it tomorrow - visitor for the evening precludes taking part.
Ignite wrote: "Ian said "Can I run away now . . . ;)"Yes, dear, run away and play! Good luck for tonight by the way. I'll be playing catch-up reading it tomorrow - visitor for the evening precludes taking part."
Thanks, Ignite :)
Just got the kids dinner to dish up, then the washing up to do, sort the house out before the wife gets in, perhaps sort the littl'un out with her pyjamas, then I'm all set.
And have a great evening yourself, tonight :)
Darren wrote: "It's difficult for writers to review other writers because they're an open target for revenge reviewing.It's nice if people leave a review and I for one am grateful to each and every person who t..."
I'm a writer who reviews quite a bit and I've never, ever had a 'revenge review'. I try to be honest, and I don't choose books I don't want to read in the first place. If another writer asks me for a review, I will write two - one general review for amazon (or whatever) and a private,more detailed review for the author. I do try to be constructive and offer to help if I can.
Elizabeth wrote: "Darren wrote: "It's difficult for writers to review other writers because they're an open target for revenge reviewing.It's nice if people leave a review and I for one am grateful to each and eve..."
Hi Elizabeth.
I love that 'general' and 'private' review thing there. Was thinking of doing the same thing on a book I plan to review next week. The problem with the Amazon reviews/opinions, is separating what is a bad book from a book that is simply not to the author's taste. Just because I might not like a book, doesn't make it a bad book. And vice versa, just because I wrote a book, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good book.
A proper critique that breaks down and elucidates the reasons a book might not be up to scratch is rarely found on Amazon. Providing this sort of opinion to the author privately not only shows a high degree of respect, but also a huge dollop of integrity.
Elizabeth, I salute you :)
If you had to come up with five traits in a book that made up its qualities what would they be?For instance :
Formatting, Plot, Character development, Narrative, Spelling
Simon (Highwayman) wrote: "If you had to come up with five traits in a book that made up its qualities what would they be?For instance :
Formatting, Plot, Character development, Narrative, Spelling"
1) Plot; - this includes credibility of, whether it's too obvious or keeps me wondering. I like lots of plot element rather than a thin story line.
2) Character development; includes credibility - I can't stand too-perfect goodies. Includes credible speech patterns. I've developed a bit of a thing about clunky speech. It needs to sound as though someone would actually say it.
3) Narrative structure - not quite like plot though you can lump them together. I like 1st person narrative for its immediacy but some people hate it. I also like 3rd person because it enables you to know more than the protagonist. I like an author to know when to stop! I've read books where every couple of chapters there's a fight and it might as well be the same one each time.
Formatting I don't find a big issue. People are now finding out how to do it.
4) Spelling. Ah, spelling! Shouldn't be a problem with spellcheckers BUT it's useless with homophones. Bear and bare, lent and leant, led and lead - all common mistakes.
5) As important as spelling is grammar. He was stood is rarely correct! He was sat is usually only right for toddlers. None of them were - no-no. None is singular so none of them was.
To make a book stand our for me I like to see some imagination in the writing not just the story. I love creative writing, good description so I can feel I'm there. Take me on a journey with you. Make me believe it. Surprise me with your use of words, especially in unusual juxtaposition.
Simon, you have poked the sleeping dragon!
Simon (Highwayman) wrote: "If you had to come up with five traits in a book that made up its qualities what would they be?For instance :
Formatting, Plot, Character development, Narrative, Spelling"
Involvement - was I involved in what was going on and who it was going on to.
Sense - as in does it make any, both plot and characterwise
Believability - linked to sense, but not the same. The believability comes from the world in which it is set.
Style - there are certain styles that I just can't be doing with and the style of writing is as important as it is personal.
Technical - This comes in last place, but it does affect involvement which is primary. If technical issues keep jarring me out of the story then I will be less involved.
That's just too technical for me so I shall just lurk...
The statement itself drives me nuts Patti because it implies that if you didn't like the book, DO NOT REVIEW.I'll kindly review either way.
Not sure about my top five but pace has to be in there for me. I do not like slow burners. I need to be excited from the off and whereas a little backfill or description is acceptable, I do not want to have to fight my way through chapters of boring narrative that do nothing to move the plot along. To put it simply; an engaging, exciting, original, well written and well told novel. Yes please. :-)
Great blog post that Lyn Sofras shared on Facebook.Puts one star reviews in perspective, I think.
http://bethrevis.blogspot.co.uk/2012/...
Woop! What a great read - and so true. We aren't all the same!
I wanted to give her blog one star......
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Land of Painted Caves (other topics)The Viceroy of Ouidah (other topics)
Otherwise I don't see why they should be more obligated to review it than if they had bought it.