Creative Reviews discussion
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I really hope people dont' think that, because I try to strive for the truth whether I liked the book or not.
I think it is unfortunate that readers might feel that way. As a writer/reviewer I admit that I am conscious of the writer receiving the review. I feel horrible if I don't like something, and am hesitant about writing a bad review. I know that if I were to get one (and I will one day because no one writes anything that everyone can love) it will be painful. I would hate to do this to someone, but I would NEVER write a false review because of this. I was on a Linkedin forum not too long ago and witnessed an author asking fellow authors to exchange 5* reviews. She/he was not asking to exchange reads and honest reviews, but hollow reviews. I am proud to say on behalf of everyone there that she/he was harshly criticised for the suggestion. No one took the offer, or at least no openly. Sadly, however, this means that it is happening somewhere and that compromises all of us. I think some people don't see it any differently that exchanging a blog or twitter follow.
I think the best we can do is continue to maintain our integrity and hope that we are appreciated for it.
Good topic. At this point in time, I'll take what is given to me. I would rather have 10 reviews by authors than none.As for whether they simply pander to one of their brethren and simply give a high rating is another question. I would hope not. If I do get five-out-of-five then I would hope it would be because it was actually well written. The worst thing you could do is give me an undeserved score.
Stephen wrote: "Good topic. At this point in time, I'll take what is given to me. I would rather have 10 reviews by authors than none.As for whether they simply pander to one of their brethren and simply give a..."
I agree, the whole rating/review system would crumble if it everyone just pandered to everyone else. I recently read a blog (of someone famous whose name I can't recall, Brandon something I think) and he stated he doesn't take review requests anymore because the writers don't want honest reviews, they want hugs. I understand where he was coming from.
Didn't it used to be that reviews from authors carried more weight? When did this change? Is it a side effect of the self-publishing boom. I'm not saying I'm asking.
edit: it was Nathan Bransford, the name I couldn't remember.
Authors definitely bring a different perspective that general readers might miss. They will look at the structure, typo's, grammar and arcs and character development and review from a more technical aspect, rather than the 'this character was cute' approach. Both styles should be included, as they bring a quite different perspective to your novel.I've got a very specific review policy when it comes to reviews. I will review the novel according to their genre and the intended audience. That might mean that I might not like the book (too simplistic, say), but if the audience is young I will probably give it a pass (my rating is read/don't read). I try and list the positives and negatives, as well as convey the general feel of the story. Beyond that, it's down to the person reading my review to determine whether it is right for them.
Yet again, I have to agree. These are all the reasons I thought authors' reviews were appreciated. I'm just wondering when this changed, or if this changed. I suspect that it hasn't entirely. Maybe in an environment like Goodreads, where authors and readers interact on a very close and casual level, readers have become more aware of business of writing and therefore more suspect of writers reviewing other writers' work. But I wouldn't feel certain that this is everywhere. I think authors still hold a certain mystique (deserved or otherwise) that to the uninitiated give crediance the tag " by author of..."
Stephen wrote: "Authors definitely bring a different perspective that general readers might miss. They will look at the structure, typo's, grammar and arcs and character development and review from a more technica..."except this writer who still reads like a reader, for her own enjoyment! ;-)
But I won't give a bad review only because the book wasn't for me personally. I might have not liked it, but if it fits its genre, I'll rate it well.
Yeah, I've heard of what Sadie said. Personally, none of the authors whose book I have reviewed have ever read mine, except one! ;-) And I certainly didn't read and review their books because I wanted a review in return...
It seems a little ridiculous to expect authors to be guilty of collusion when writing reviews of other author's works. After all, it would be much more efficient to find reviewers with significant followings and pay them to post good reviews. Better economics, too.And I am sure that one can find reviewers willing to do good reviews for pay fairly easily. Even reviewers who have sizable followings. After all, they're in the business of writing reviews.
Authors, however, are in the business of writing stories. Writing reviews is inherently unprofitable for them, as it takes time away from their paying writing. But we still do it anyway.
Doc
Doc wrote: "..And I am sure that one can find reviewers willing to do good reviews for pay fairly easily. Even reviewers who have sizable followings. After all, they're in the business of writing reviews.Authors, however, are in the business of writing stories. Writing reviews is inherently unprofitable for them, as it takes time away from their paying writing. But we still do it anyway."
hear hear!
Stephen wrote: "Well said doc :)"Thank you.
Doc
Stephen wrote: "Well said doc :)"Agrees. LOL!
As an aside, over at DearAuthor blog, we discussed about the issue where authors pay for positive Amazon reviews: http://dearauthor.com/argolinkroundup... The comments are good to read too because they're from readers and authors alike.
I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. As a reader, I like to write reviews. If I've read the book, I have the right to review. It's honest, it's not paid for, and I've never taken a bribe! LOL
Doc wrote: "It seems a little ridiculous to expect authors to be guilty of collusion when writing reviews of other author's works. After all, it would be much more efficient to find reviewers with significant ..."
Spot on, Doc.
Spot on, Doc.
Dale wrote: "I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. As a reader, I like to write reviews. If I've read the book, I have the right to review. It's honest, it's not paid for, and I've never taken a bribe! LOL"I'm with you!
And Doc is right as well! :-)
I think writers MUST be readers first. If a writer has a decent library of books on GR with both trad and indie authors, I don't thing he/she can be considered biased, right? And a writer who has NO books on his bookshelves is as suspicious - I'd think he/she joined GR only to sell his/her book.
GR is for readers mostly, but if an author is also a reader, why should he/she keep his/her opinion to him/herself only because he/she is also a writer?
I'll keep reading and reviewing (and NOT commenting in any way on any review of my own books). And whatever I read and review, if it was won at a giveaway, I'll definitely say it, if I bought it because I had been following the author and was intrigued, I'll say it, and if nobody cares about my reviews... well, I don't care! I'm sure the author will appreciate it anyway! :-)
Happy reading everyone! :-)