Bitten by Books
Book Reviews
A couple times this week I’ve opened my Facebook to see discussions among my fellow authors and reviewers regarding reviews and review etiquette.
One of my FB friends had reviewed a movie and got blasted for it. He was told he had no right to state his opinions in his review. The commenter was so nasty to him personally it made the reviewer nervous.
Several of his FB friends answered back that he shouldn’t respond to the commenter, to ignore him and let the conversation die.
I’ve also been seeking reviews for my soon-to-be-released romance books and a few review policy pages have stated that they have stopped doing reviews. Why? Because some authors became nasty when they received less than four star reviews, especially one star ones.
That’s intolerable!
Reviewers are becoming scared to review our books. Reviewers do us authors a wonderful service. They give up their time and expend their effort to read our books, write their reviews, and post them around the Internet. I’ve reviewed books. It takes time. Even when the book is enjoyable (and most are) that’s time spent we could be writing our own books, or reading something of our own choosing.
What will happen if we scare away reviewers? One invaluable avenue of inexpensive promotion will dry up.
As an author, I’ve received reviews all up and down the spectrum from one to five—on the same book sometimes. Sure, it hurts my feelings when my baby book earns a scant one or two stars. Even three stars doesn’t make me jump up and down. I’ll admit that recently a reviewer contacted me that they weren’t going to post a review of my book and if they did, they would only award it one star. She was very nice about it and I appreciated her polite approach. I reciprocated and told her thank you and that I appreciated her time and effort on my behalf. And that was the end of our conversation. Since then, the same book has garnered some four star reviews.
Personally, I don’t read too many reviews. I disagree a lot of the time anyway. I watched ‘Rock of Ages’ on TV today for about the tenth time and enjoyed it for the tenth time. Yet this movie only earned one star per the TV rating scale. A lot of my favorite movies (The Rocketeer, Day After Tomorrow, 27 Dresses, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days) only earned two stars. Yet, a lot of movies that earn four stars don’t interest me. It’s the same with books. I’ve read some that I would give three stars or less while everybody else gave them four and five stars.
I know that book reviews are important for both authors and readers. However, I wish people would remember that everybody has their own opinion and a right to that opinion. As long as that opinion is stated in a respectful, professional fashion, everybody should learn to live with it.
Reviews as an aggregate carry the most weight. Whereas one poor review shouldn’t scare away a reader, or one scintillating five star review shouldn’t sell a reader, a large number of reviews one way or the other would give me food for thought.
That said, I still might want to read a book with one star reviews just to find out why everybody else rates it that way, so I can join in the discussion.
Reviews aren’t the beginning or end of a book’s life. Or the author’s. Now, if I can just remember that the next time I get a new review.
Questions for the Readers:
How much do you rely on reviews to make your book purchasing decisions?
Do you still buy a book if it has earned a one star review?
Does it change your opinion of an author if she or he gets into a less than polite discussion with a reviewer?
Are you still willing to give book reviews knowing you might get blasted for doing so? Why or why not?
About Ashley Ladd
Author Bio:
Ashley Ladd is a disabled Air Force vet that is hard of hearing but still loves language, especially the written word. She loves a sexy man, especially one with a military background and they’ll often pop up in her stories. She also loves cats and has been known to empower a cat with the gift of speech. Unfortunately he wouldn’t shut up. J She loves to plug into Pandora and sip Diet Coke while writing, usually with a cat or kid at her side.
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| Reviews of Ashley’s Books |
I do tend to read reviews by other readers, but I already made up my mind that I want to read that book, even if it is rated 1 star. What one person does not like, another one will like.
If i see an author acting less than polite towards a reviewer, it does change my view on them, because we do see authors saying ‘please leave a review good or bad, please give honest reviews on what you think’ the author being snippy in reguards to a review i gave or someone else gave it does drive me away from that author and their work.
i will keep giving reviews on books i like or dislike take it that im no big reviewer, i read what i like and share that i like it and share with whomever is willing to read it. no big deal reading is a hobby i like to share.
Thank you Francesca.
I agree. Most review sites state up front in their policies they will give an honest review. It is my choice at that point to accept and sum it or reject and do not submit. If I accept I’very agree to act professional and courteous no matter the outcome.
I meant to say “submit” nor “sum”. My phone’s auto correct went wonly.
I tend to only read reviews AFTER I’ve read a book, so the star rating doesn’t influence my purchases. After I’ve read a book, I’ll have a look at the reviews, especially the five star and one star ones, because extremes of opinion are interesting
If I saw an author getting into a less-than-polite conversation with a reviewer, that would lower my opinion of the author - everyone is entitled to their opinions and everyone is different. The fact that someone has taken the time to read your book and write down what they think of it shows they have invested time, and probably money, in your work. They don’t owe you a good review, or a bad one. They don’t owe you anything.
Having said that, I tend to publish positive reviews on my blog. My general reviewing policy is that if I’ve enjoyed something, I want to share it with my readers. If I haven’t, I tend not to say anything about it. There are plenty of places to go to read negative reviews - I like to keep things positive!
Thanks Joanne.
I’m quite similar. I review books sometimes too, although not as much as I used to, mainly because I don’t have the time between my day job and working on my books. But when I do review, it takes my time and my effort, and I worry about both the reader and the author. I try to be helpful and pleasant. If I can’t say something good, I generally don’t post a review at all. That’s why I don’t put myself out as a reviewer. I review a book when it strikes me as being particularly noteworthy.
But it’s different for readers who review a lot more often than me, who offer to review for us. They’re giving up a lot of their free time. It’s not just fun and game, getting free books. I know they must get deluged with review requests because I get deluged and I’m not even someone who states I’ll do reviews.
I prefer to keep things positive too.
I very rarely write a review that is below 4 stars. I guess it is just that I am mostly really pleased by my books. The last negative review I wrote… and it was truly not nice, I admit it, I have been repeatedly blasted by the author. I actually half way expected it just because I noticed that every under 5 star reviewer was bullied. Admittedly, that contributed to my bad attitude in her review too. It’s sad bu I have spent more time responding to and dealing with her bullying than I have doing reviews lately…. time to stop letting her rule me and write some more reviews….
That’s a real shame Vanessa. You shouldn’t have to deal with that. I didn’t read your review to know how it came across. I suppose if I felt personally attacked in a review I would be tempted to say something as an author. But I’ve been there and ended up either saying nothing or just saying nothing after biting my tongue - hard. I don’t want to tarnish my image online or further upset myself or my readers.
I’m glad you’re going to start reviewing again.
What an interesting post! Since I am a reviewer (here at BBB) my views on this certainly have that bias but my opinions on this really have not changes much from before I started reviewing for a website.
How much do you rely on reviews to make your book purchasing decisions?
Generally, there are books that I am buying no matter what- ongoing series that I have already put a lot of time into. For those, I am probably not even reading the reviews. For others I like to read the spectrum a few 5 stars, a few 1 stars, and a 3. I find that mostly the truth (for me) falls to the 3 star reviews. Really, the only time I don’t by a book is if there is a ton of 1 star reviews for a book. However, I have a pretty high standard for my reviews. I like detailed and specific criticism- just saying “this book sucks” does not cut it.
Do you still buy a book if it has earned a one star review?
If I am interested in it, yes.
Does it change your opinion of an author if she or he gets into a less than polite discussion with a reviewer?
It really depends- I have seen some overly harsh & personal attacks in reviews. Which is not ok at all and authors should be able to stand up for themselves. Now, if it was a responsible review and the author is just upset because they didn’t get 5 stars- yes that will change my opinion (and my buying preferences.)
Are you still willing to give book reviews knowing you might get blasted for doing so? Why or why not?
Well, I review here and the policy is honesty. Not every book you read is a 5- that is a fact. I always try to frame my reviews in a positive light and really dig into why a specific thing might not work for ME. My responsibility is to our readers who come here specifically looking for reviews. Of course everything is my opinion, which I also try to really highlight when I am explaining what does or does not work (for me). I think for a new author that lower star reviews can be very helpful- sometimes it can take some time time to find your “writers voice” and responsible reviews should make an effort to help you do that. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks Kristin.
Maybe I tend to be on the side of being too polite even if personally attacked. Someone has to be extremely rude for me to respond and then I prefer to do so in private. Or I would agonize over what I hope is a polite and professional way to do so if I answer publically—is that possible online? Politeness is often misread as sarcasm unfortunately. That’s why I very often choose not to respond at all. Even in person I’ve said “thank you” and meant it sincerely and someone thought I was being sarcastic and reblasted me.
I tend to think the 3 star review was on the mark too if the rest of the spectrum were a bunch of 5’s and 1’s. I read books with no problem that get 3 star reviews. A lot of my favorite movies have 2 out of 5 stars.
As an author, I appreciate constructive criticism if less than a stellar review otherwise. I also appreciate at least one line in a review I can use for promotional purposes – at least in a 3 star review or higher. I try to provide that when I’m the reviewer. I’m surprised how many reviews I’ve seen lately that are okay, even decent reviews (3 and 4 stars) but don’t have a good one-liner I can pull out to put on my webpage for promotion.
Oh the internet- making context almost impossible for years now!
I totally understand being wary about how a response may comes across and agree in private is probably the best avenue (if not just completely ignoring). I just don’t mind when authors respond to some truly awful and irresponsible reviews (some of the things I have seen in reviews, elsewhere of course, are appalling. There is 0 need to every say anything about the author on a personal level. You are reviewing a book- a finite thing that you should concentrate on.)
People who don’t take a “Thank you” at face value concern me. I have been lucky in that I have gotten some very nice responses on some of my less than stellar reviews- but again I think if the framing is correct (comes from a respectful place) and the review contain specific critique- it can be helpful for everyone.
The other conversation I find myself having many times over is about a 3 star review. For me, 3 stars are a majority of what I give out & it is a good rating. It means I liked it. I do not hand out 5 star reviews often. A book has to be truly exceptional- the type of book I would purchase in multiple mediums and read over and over again, and one that consumes me. 4 is somewhere between obsession(5) and liked it (3).
I think the one liner is something that reviewers learn to do over time (especially if they are just reviewing in places like Amazon, Goodreads, or Shelfari). I’m lucky- I have an editor here and we have a great support team so those types of things are focused on and when you do it more often- I think that there is an organic movement to that in your writing. I find myself wanting to distill my review into one sentence- that is where my one-liners generally come from, but that was something that happened over time for me.
I don’t think we should get personal about the authors in a review ever either, and that would upset me immensely. I think some authors feel that they are being attacked personally if the reviewer doesn’t love their book and that’s where some of these problems stem.
I agree with you about the ratings. I genuinely like a book if I award it 3 stars. I like the book a lot if I award it 4 stars. It may have some elements of greatness but it may not be stellar in every aspect. But a book has to be really exceptional for me to give it 5 stars. Looking back at my Goodreads reviews, I’ve give more five stars than I thought I had.
I realize that the average reader who isn’t a seasoned reviewer but gives their two cents every now and then on Goodreads or Amazon, won’t necessarily think about including a good one-line sentence that the author can pull out for promotion. I’m sure it is a talent that has to be honed over time.
How much do you rely on reviews to make your book purchasing decisions?
—> Absolutely nada… I honestly do not read reviews or let it base my purchases. Like you… the books people did not like (same as with movies and anime) I love them… The ones that most like I find dull or stupid. I’m a blacksheep.
Do you still buy a book if it has earned a one star review?
—- > that would be “not available” since I pay reviews little mind.
Does it change your opinion of an author if she or he gets into a less than polite discussion with a reviewer?
—-> Really depends on the situation…
Are you still willing to give book reviews knowing you might get blasted for doing so? Why or why not?
—- > I review for Romance Junkies. In the past, before RJ, I would do the occasional review if I won an ARC or if an author or their street team asks for it. So far I have not been blasted for doing it… but I keep in mind an important piece of advice I got when I was writing, and it can apply to writing reviews……. You are not going to please everyone with what you write… There is going to be somewhere out there that does not agree with you. So, they are entitled to their opinions and I’m entitled to mine.
— and I have reviewed books of genres I generally won’t touch. I never gave them low stars. Instead, I find the good points in the book and I would put what I didn’t like.. Such as, there was a young adult book I read that had a love triangle… I stated that the love triangle did not work for me because of my personal perference… and left it as that..
I work as a customer service rep for my full-time job so I know what you mean that we can’t please everybody. I learned that years ago. No matter what people can find something to nitpick about. What one person loves, another hates.
And although I give reviews, I rarely read them. I guess I’m a black sheep too, and go my own way. Maybe I have a weird taste in books and movies.
As a BBB reviewer, this is a really valuable discussion for me. One of the things that I keep in mind is that I’m reviewing a book for a prospective reader and not the author - Which means that I probably fail in giving a good promotional line, so I need to work on that
However, I try to give solid reasons for my opinion in the hopes that the author will see what worked and what didn’t. I rarely give 5 star or 1 star ratings. I set my standard for a 5 based on my favorite knock-your-sock off books. My standard for a 1 is based on the flat-out worse book I’ve ever read, which involved shaking blue blobs of alien sex organs.
As a reader, I pay attention to reviews written by experienced reviewers because there is less bias related to favorite genre or style. And the hardest part of reviewing is to not let that bias color your opinion.
I’ve had some really uncomfortable moments with authors and not because they were angry (that has only happened one time to me). The uncomfortable moments come when I’ve given a less than stellar review on a book that the author has poured their energy and heart into and they respond in hurt way. I want to comfort them and encourage them to take the lessons from the experience and keep going. Truthfully, there have been a lot of GREAT ideas that were just poorly executed. The reward comes when an author is thrilled by the review, the interest of prospective readers is sparked and I’ve gained an author to watch for new work. The one thing I will never do is write a ‘mean’ review!
I hate to hurt anyone’s feelings, so I don’t want to write a lot of reviews, not that I have time to do so anyway. I know reviews are there to help the readers decide whether or not to buy a book so that’s not a good mix. Once when I wrote a less than 4 star review of an acquaintance’s book she never spoke to me again. I think I gave it 3 stars so it wasn’t a horrible review, just not radiating sunshine and roses.
I hope I’ve thrilled some readers with my reviews and I can say I’ve been thrilled by several reviews too. Good discussion!
Until a few months back, I didn’t read reviews… at all. I was never really interesting, if I wanted a book, I bought and that was all. Now I do trust more in reviews, specially from blogs I know, when I’m looking forward to reading certain book. However, if I want that book, I will buy it regardless of the rating it might have. It has happened that sometimes the reviews of the same book go from 2 to 4 stars-hearts and also books I’ve read and loved are low-rating in other sites. That simply shows everyone like different things so you can’t trust completely in them.
Well, some reviewers can be a little agressive but the answers from authors to them can be equally hard. I believe my opinion from the author would change (though it doesn’t mean I’d stop buying their books) because most authors want their readers to leave a review, it doesn’t matter if it’s a good or bad one.
I do not write reviews, I can count with one hand how many times I’ve given them so I never had a problem with any author. But if I ever come across to such a thing, I’d probably keep doing my thing and ignore the author, I’m never one who likes to engage in fights, even less online ones.
What interesting post, by the way!
Thanks Serena.
There’s a very popular site that’s known to be snarky - I mean they warn authors they are snarky up front before they do a review. I asked for the review anyway. And then I was upset by the snarkiness about my book.
My fault - right? I was forewarned. I took the chance.
Still, I was depressed and didn’t write for awhile. But I didn’t argue, I didn’t complain. I just said “thank you” (sincerely) and tried to move on.
I need to keep on doing my thing and just strive to improve my next book, right?
(Hi Ashley!)
Wonderful post!
I don’t actually mention it often but I started writing reviews and later became a book blogger because I LOVE (well written) negative reviews. I can’t count the # of books I’ve chosen to purchase because a reader hated it and gave reasons they didn’t enjoy it that were the very things that made me know that I would.
Author Meljean Brook once wrote an excellent post for her blog in which she stated that reviews aren’t for authors and that is 99% true (of myself). When I am reviewing a book it is not a report card to tell an author she (or he as the case may be) have done well or poorly. I am writing it for other readers, to tell them why they might enjoy an author’s voice or the great world they’ve created, or maybe that they might find the pace was too slow or that it was historically inaccurate and it might be distracting. That other 1% IS for the author. I know the amount of time and effort, late nights and early mornings, tears and laughs, and the many, many things an author misses out on to write a book. Because they’ve put in the work and put it out there in hopes someone will find it and love it that 1% is my way of saying “doesn’t matter if I hated your book or loved it, you deserve someone acknowledging that you did it”.
Great angle!
Rhianna - I really appreciate the 1% for us authors as we do put our heart and soul and life’s blood into the book. I also really appreciate the other 99% as a reader. Even though I typically decide what to read next by the book’s blurb, sometimes the review will make a difference.
I know this isn’t a book review, but my friends and I wanted to go out to dinner a couple months ago and we were about ready to try the only restaurant (an Italian one) by the movie theater we were going to first. But my friend read the restaurant reviews and saw they were horrible. I figured anyone could make a decent pizza, but I was curious and read the reviews too. The reviews said the restaurant even managed to ruin the pizzas. So we found a different restaurant and drove somewhere away from the theater after the movie.
I’m probably a little too diplomatic sometimes when I review, since I realize everything’s subjective. I’m lucky, though-I haven’t had to review anything I really disliked so far. I usually take more stock in samples of the story anyway.
I tend to be too diplomatic to the point of getting quiet (even on a customer service call if someone is getting mean and nasty) or in the case of a book review, I have declined to write one at all if I feel I can’t give a favorable review. The couple times I gave lower than 3 stars (and even reactions I got to 3 star reviews), it was very uncomfortable.
I know I need to grow a thicker skin both as a reviewer and as an author (and as a customer service rep). I’m working on it. As a reviewer, I know I am primarily writing the review for the readers’ benefit, but I still want to be constructive and professional. And I can be sarcastic and snarky in real life about things. I’m not comfortable being that way in book reviews where it can come off being overly mean.
I tend to write my review before reading others thoughts on it. I then read the one star reviews first to see if the things they didn’t like even registered on me. I seldom do really negative reviews. If the book is that bad I usually don’t finish it so they get a DNF and a clip of Thumper from Bambi saying Ïf you can’t say anything nice than don’t say anything at all. I too write to inform the reader who is laying down their hard earned money for the book rather than stroking the authors ego.
I hear you, Lisa. Although I read an article recently that one star reviews is still publicity and can still help the author. I have to wonder how much it helps in the long run for the author’s continuing career.
Money is hard to come by so I feel for the readers who plunk down their cash. I’m one of them. Since I’m the number one bread winner in my family now that my husband’s been out of work (he had extensive surgery and he’s been very ill since) for almost a year, my entertainment budget is tight. I want bang for my buck. So I understand. As an author, I hope I deliver that bang for the buck and I’m disappointed in myself when I see I haven’t provided that one of my readers. I don’t have the right to take out my downfall, or even the reader’s subjective opinion, on them. It’s going to happen sometimes and I as the author have to learn how to deal with it and keep striving for excellent in future works.
Reviews are actually very important for me when choosing a book, which I haven’t already been recommended to by a friend (in which case I buy it straight away based on trust); I tend to read a few from the 5, 3 and 1 stars to get an overall idea and make a sound decision.
I would encourage a discussion between author and a low rating reviewer in order for both parties to learn something from one another. The author could maybe get more clarification and see where they can improve, whilst the reviewer could possibly see a different angle to something they may have missed and even change their minds. But this should only be done when something seems unclear. Usually though reviews are a matter of opinion and when it’s obvious this is the case, then a discussion need not be had. It is an absolute given that not everyone will love your work. It’s also a given that not everyone will agree with your review, 1 or 5 star!
If an author does get in a less than friendly public debate it probably would have some affect on me but it’d be based on circumstance.
What I can say, is that it can be primarily difficult overriding your initial bias and giving an honest review when you’ve been so kindly given a free ARC or want strongly for the author to do well. However, you gotta be careful when throwing around dishonest 5 stars; they’re sharp and can cause bleeding! You don’t do the author any favours, since they can’t grow, if they don’t know; you do your fellow readers a disservice, since they’ll be buying lies and you risk diluting the quality in the market; furthermore you discredit yourself as a reviewer and your words become worthless.
It is hard writing honest reviews that are 3 stars or less; it’s human nature not to want to disappoint anyone but, as stated above, even your review is received subjectively. So the right thing to do is be true to yourself, be professional and polite and be safe in the knowledge that any issues people have belong to them.
I agree that giving 5 star reviews just to be nice isn’t much better, maybe not any better, than giving a snarky, scathing review. It will dilute the integrity of true 5 star reviews if we give . I don’t give many 5 stars and I’ve been wondering if I give too few. I’ll review a book and think it’s good and rate it 4 stars, then I’ll read the other reviews and see a slew of 5 for the same book. But I didn’t get lost in that book and I didn’t see brilliance or perfection that would rate a perfect rating. Usually something fell flat somewhere in the book which negated a 5 star rating.
Yes I agree that most works I come across land no higher than 4 for me. Part of that, I think, is due to being spoilt by entertainment. I’ve consumed a lot of it and even before internet was fully integrated in my life, I’d experienced much art forms and shows of varying degrees. I’d travelled much, been exposed to a range of cultures and also been involved in productions of varying levels myself. Therefore I would say I have a high standard of expectation when it comes to the art that I’m familiar with.
I could be at the same amateur show with my grandmother, where she absolutely loved it and I found it irritatingly mediocre. I don’t claim that any of us are wrong, more that both are right; each to their own. However, I actually sometimes envy those who seem to be raptured by pretty much anything that’s put in front of them. Unfortunately, I don’t have that blissful liberty and maybe I never will so I have to embrace my character, which swings more towards the critical, perfectionist (for lack of a better term), and keep looking for the art that takes my breath away.
This translates easily over to books too. I labour over my own writing and I would expect the same of an author who’s book I’m reading. It’s often disappointing when there are blatant, jarring errors and lots of them, especially when the author has had others look at it and even an external editor too. To err is human, so the occasional typo is acceptable, even expected, but a plethora of them or huge continuity issues etc. are just jarring to the reader. This also goes for the flat writing that you alluded to above, where it’s clear there’s something missing (heart and soul maybe?). More effort on the side of the creating team would make the consumer’s experience more pleasurable. Quality over quantity always for me.
If we share a similar mind, and it seems so from your reply, you are hard to impress … but you wish it wasn’t so. You yearn to give those 5 star reviews; not for the authors sake, not for the readers sake but for yours! We all want to be swept away by that stunning work of excellence; consumed by it’s beauty, it’s poetry and left so satisfied that once you regain your senses, you can compose yourself and wholeheartedly give that 5 star, simply because that was what it was! A Win:Win for all.
One last question/s for you all is actually something I’ve struggled with. That is: Do you think your review of a book can differ based on ‘where you are’ in you life or even in that week? Would a review given to a book you read whilst relaxing on that 4 day vacation be altogether different if you read it in a week at short intervals on the bus to and from your stressful job? Also would a review of a book you read by your own accord in your own time be different to that of an ARC you received 3 days before publishing date and was required to have it done by then? Thoughts welcome ( :
To answer your questions:
Sometimes I do rely on reviews when deciding whether or not to purchase a book. If a reviewer gets excited about a book in his or her review, I would like to check it out myself. And at the same time, I often use those reviews to find out if the book has something in it that I would not like, and if it does, like if a reviewer says a character cheats on another, I sometimes skip the book.
I have still read books with lower ratings, and enjoyed them, too.
Authors have changed my opinion of them in the past for responding negatively to a review. Readers should feel confident in expressing their opinions in a review, and to blast a reader is disrespectful of an author. The reader has taken the time to purchase and read a book, and not everyone is going to like it. Though one person did not, surely one or two others did. People have different tastes, and both reviewer and author should be respectful of that fact.
I would still be willing to review a book knowing I could get blasted. If someone responded negatively, I would just ignore it.
Thanks, Lindsey. I won’t stop reading an author’s books just because they got into a negative discussion with a reviewer or other people. If they get extremely nasty, then I probably would.
It made me sad when I read that some reviewers have decided to stop because it hurt their feelings to receive such negativity from the authors they helped by devoting their time and effort for their books.
I saw a movie recently where the writer’s boyfriend asked a poet to read his girlfriend’s poetry and give an “honest” review. When the poet gave his honest opinion, which was polite enough but not glowing, the boyfriend got his feather’s ruffled. He blasted the poet. I was mad at the boyfriend and couldn’t help thinking, why did you ask for the review if you didn’t want honesty?
For my favorite authors I seldom read reviews before purchasing a book. If the author is new to me I read some reviews, but I don’t base my purchases only on the reviews. I find that the blurb and excerpts from the books are more useful in making my purchase decisions. The excerpts give me a better idea of the author’s writing style and storytelling ability. If I enjoy the excerpts, I am more likely to purchase the books.
I’m with you, Bonnie. The blurbs draw me in and the excerpts will either cement my decision to buy or turn me away.
I don’t bother with that for my auto buy authors - they’ve already proved themselves to me.
I only glance at stars for novels if I’m grabbing free ones off of Amazon. The rest of the time, I judge books by things like the cover blurb and the excerpt. Or I read the reviews for the LOLs. (Crafting and cooking books, however, are a totally different matter.)
A single one-star review? I completely don’t mind that. I might look at it to see if it’s bashing things I consider reasons to buy the book. Like when reviews go off on how awful gay romance novels are for the sole reason that they’re *gay* romance novels.
It definitely changes my opinion of an author if they’re unprofessional in response to reviewers, and it lowers my willingness to buy their books. I don’t want to support that kind of behavior. The internet has too many bullies already.
I’ll still post reviews on goodreads, even if I hate the book. I use goodreads to track what I’ve read, and if I want to read more by that author. If I don’t want to read more, that’s really important for me to know!
What a great way to track the books you’ve read Maire.
If the blurb grabs me, I’ll buy the book - even if I wasn’t shopping to buy a book. Sometimes I just surf book blogs to read guest reviews and interviews and a really good blurb catches my eye - I can’t resist and buy the book.
I don’t like bullies either. As a customer service rep, I come home from work feeling as if I’ve been beat up by mean and rude people. I want to get away from that type of behavior and enjoy a relaxing evening before I have to venture back into the lion’s den.
That said, people should be able to stand up for themselves if personally attacked. But I still think it can and should be done in a polite manner.
I’m a fan of horror fiction, which is almost guaranteed to earn plenty of one-star reviews from readers who hate scary stories and yet buy scary storeis. Go figure.
As for authors who get scrappy with reviewers, it is fun to watch, but definitely a deterrent when it comes to buying their books.
Thanks for joining us, Fox.
It doesn’t make sense when people buy scary stories who hate them then give poor reviews. Or when they don’t like LGBTQ and buy an MM romance. I don’t get it either.
I’ll admit, it’s fascinating to watch authors get scrappy with reviewers - like a train wreck. I’m afraid if I were ever to lose my mind and get involved, I’d be crushed under the train’s wheels. So I don’t plan on that happening.
I do reviews but usually only post mostly positive ones. Don’t like to post negative. That being said most of my books are bought and paid for by little ole me so I can do that. Occasionally I do get books from authors or Netgalley and those I review honestly. thankfully I’ve not had any truly bad books. But I only requests books I am interested in before hand.
Thanks for responding, Pam.
I only request books for review I want to read too. It’s illogical to think we could give a fair review to a type of book we don’t like. We have to like the book’s premise and the basic type of book, so we can give it a fair review.