You know I have never thought about leaving a “review” at all – somehow it hasn’t crossed my mind…But on saying that I haven’t been reading much of late, or I start something and 6 pages in, it’s back to the library shelves…or taken to the op-shop.
Once a friend of mine on Goodreads recommended a book I should enjoy – well it was one of the “6-page” problems but I thought I must do it justice – so it was in “parts” so I skipped across to Part 3…and I couldn’t put the darn book down, I think I turned off the light at 2 am but still had 30 pages to finish… (I never did read the rest of Pt 1 or 2, though)
I wrote a couple reviews for two people published from writing group we had a few years ago and also noted on my blog. Prior to that I did include within a blog post tribute a review of another self-published book by former person I met in my work. These are exceptions to what my blog is usually about, just as my two most current book/author posts are, too.
I don’t think it’s gaming. I think people need encouragement to be one of the first few reviewers. They are shy. After the first 20 reviews , that’s not an issue. But I am probably naive!
I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have reviews. I should’ve been clearer. That’s not what I meant. But what I mean is, it is sometimes hard for the best writers who are not very commercially minded to succeed. I wish that there was a way that the cream could rise to the top without them having to become master marketers.
Thank you so much for the reblog. <3
If even one reader gets to understand this and review a book, that’s a plus.
You’re absolutely right, Rachel. Thank you for helping to spread awareness. <3
You know I have never thought about leaving a “review” at all – somehow it hasn’t crossed my mind…But on saying that I haven’t been reading much of late, or I start something and 6 pages in, it’s back to the library shelves…or taken to the op-shop.
Once a friend of mine on Goodreads recommended a book I should enjoy – well it was one of the “6-page” problems but I thought I must do it justice – so it was in “parts” so I skipped across to Part 3…and I couldn’t put the darn book down, I think I turned off the light at 2 am but still had 30 pages to finish… (I never did read the rest of Pt 1 or 2, though)
I wrote a couple reviews for two people published from writing group we had a few years ago and also noted on my blog. Prior to that I did include within a blog post tribute a review of another self-published book by former person I met in my work. These are exceptions to what my blog is usually about, just as my two most current book/author posts are, too.
You deserve a medal. The amazon reviews in particular are rubies beyond price.
I hate that it’s a system that feels it must be gamed! Don’t you wish the cream would just rise to the top naturally?
I don’t think it’s gaming. I think people need encouragement to be one of the first few reviewers. They are shy. After the first 20 reviews , that’s not an issue. But I am probably naive!
I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have reviews. I should’ve been clearer. That’s not what I meant. But what I mean is, it is sometimes hard for the best writers who are not very commercially minded to succeed. I wish that there was a way that the cream could rise to the top without them having to become master marketers.
Oh wouldn’t that be loverly!! You were clear, Kay, as always. One spinoff: we can help a smidgen by being highly selective about the books we review.
As for the obligation to market, I so agree. I am a disaster. I have to force myself to look at reviews of my own books on Amazon… about once a year!