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Friday, July 21, 2017

Book Reviews Please!

Do you ever feel like a beggar when you're asking readers to write a review? 

Yes. People are busy and forget, so it doesn't hurt to remind them, right? It still feels a little like begging to me. But without reviews how will new readers find our stories?

A good review is priceless!

Therefore, I will continue to ask everyone to write them. Reviews create a buzz. It's called marketing, and it takes time. But Buzz sells books. Personally, I love when a friend tells me about a new book they enjoyed. It goes on my "to read" list, or in my Kindle, or they sometimes even share the book. That's always fun. Many of my books have been through the hands of family and friends before I donate them to the library.

What about a bad review?

That's an excellent question, right? The fact is our stories will not appeal to everyone. I cried when I got my first bad review, but I noticed something resulting from it. A bad review can promote discussion, and that is the best way to learn about new books - Word of Mouth!

Do you write reviews?

OMG, yes. I try to review every book I read. I, too, occasionally forget though, then I feel terrible for a moment until I write it. Stories that stick with me are easy to go back and write reviews for, and I don't mind doing it a bit. If it has been too long, I pop over to Amazon and reread the synopsis and that generally brings it back to me. If I just can't remember I will reread it before I write a review.

Where do you write or read book reviews? 

Amazon.com is always good, but my favorite is Goodreads.com. Anywhere that you purchase a book, you can usually write a review - BN.combn.com, Smashwords.com, iBooks.com, Kobo, GooglePlay, etc. You can also post reviews on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ and many more that I don't currently subscribe to or haven't used yet.

Do you always write a good review? 

No. But I share my likes first and stay professional and concise with my dislikes. Again, not every book will resonate with every person. And sometimes as authors, we are asked to review a book that needs additional work/editing/, etc. When that happens, I write the author directly and explain what I am thinking - not for the world to see. We all deserve an opportunity to improve upon the story before it is in front of the masses.

Enjoying the journey, talking to authors.

Don't forget to help authors by writing book reviews.

http://bdtharp.com
Amazon Author Page

5 comments:

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi Bonnie,

I agree with you about the importance of reviews. I both read and write them. I really appreciate it when readers review my books. It is hard asking though. With other writers, I reciprocate. In that way, we help each other. However, I do wish more readers would take the time to write book reviews, especially if they really liked the work. As a librarian, I reviewed for Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. Now retired, my reviews appear on Amazon, Goodreads and B&N online. I don't give negative reviews. If I really dislike a book, which is rare, I just don't offer a review. As an author myself, I know how much time and effort goes into creation of a book. I am sympathetic.

Bonnie Tharp said...

Excellent point, we all know how important they are and how powerful the review can be. Thanks for posting.

Susan Oleksiw said...

You're absolutely right about how hard it is to ask readers to write a review. I know it's important but it is very hard. I review every book I read, usually on Goodreads, and then I post the review to my FB page. I read fewer and fewer mysteries now for fear I'll start incorporating what I've been reading, so right now I read mostly nonfiction and lots of biographies and science.

Unknown said...

I know how much time and effort goes into creation of a book. I am sympathetic.


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