You can also find me blogging twice per month with The Romance Gems, a wonderful group of twenty-two talented authors. I'll also show up occasionally at Book Gems, and share all sorts of fun things with the readers.
Just so I can get back into the swing of things, I thought I'd write a quick post about the art of writing a book review.
So, you’ve read a great book lately have you? Maybe even found yourself a new “keeper” author. Can’t wait for that next great read?Like any other entertainment professional, authors need encouragement. Validation over and above the initial sale. Where do we get that much-needed encouragement? From “you” the reader, and through an honest review.
Tips for leaving a review:
Most importantly, a review can be short. Don’t feel like you have to recap the entire book. That’s the sole purpose of the posted blurb. Two to three sentences outlining your reaction is more than enough. And, of course, set the ‘star’ ranking.
Example: I usually don't care for secret baby stories, but this one was different. Cody was the smartest, cutest thing ever. Sometimes adults are so stupidly blind, but that's what makes love grand! Great story. ~ 5-star Amazon Review for “Home is Where the Hunk is”
Place your review on bookstore sites, e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as on Goodreads and, every authors’ favorite, BookBub. You can copy and paste the same review everywhere.
Attribute and disclaim. If you received the book from either the author or the publisher, say so using a simple statement: “This book was a gift in exchange for an honest review.” If you use NetGalley or another review service, please also attribute the site: “ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.”
Bloggers get your name and site out there. If you are a book blogger, please post your review everywhere and remember to link your blog site. It’s a great way to bring new people to your work.
If you are friends/follow the author on social media, please post a link to your review and tag the author. It not only shows your commitment to support authors, but it also gives the author a chance to share and celebrate.
If you are friends/follow the author on social media, please post a link to your review and tag the author. It not only shows your commitment to support authors, but it also gives the author a chance to share and celebrate.
Exactly how important are reviews?
In addition to giving the author an often much needed morale boost, posting on influential sites such as Amazon also affect the author’s placement among the site’s metrics. Just remember: they’re not spying on you or your reviews, they’re just counting the author’s promotional marbles!
Reviews are also important when an author is shopping for a new publisher or an agent. Having few or no reviews is even worse than having bad ones. At least the bad ones show that someone was reading the author’s work.
For the reader, it’s a win-win in terms of being offered the opportunity to review ARCs. Most authors gladly share a limited number of books with those readers who take the time to read and post a review.
The majority of authors don’t get rich with their writing. They give up hours of their precious time with family, they forego sleep, in order to produce the best book they can write. All they ask in return (whether you’ve purchased the book or received it for free) is a review. Please consider writing one today.
In addition to giving the author an often much needed morale boost, posting on influential sites such as Amazon also affect the author’s placement among the site’s metrics. Just remember: they’re not spying on you or your reviews, they’re just counting the author’s promotional marbles!
Reviews are also important when an author is shopping for a new publisher or an agent. Having few or no reviews is even worse than having bad ones. At least the bad ones show that someone was reading the author’s work.
For the reader, it’s a win-win in terms of being offered the opportunity to review ARCs. Most authors gladly share a limited number of books with those readers who take the time to read and post a review.
The majority of authors don’t get rich with their writing. They give up hours of their precious time with family, they forego sleep, in order to produce the best book they can write. All they ask in return (whether you’ve purchased the book or received it for free) is a review. Please consider writing one today.
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That's it for my first post. I can't wait to interact with everyone again soon! While we're waiting ... please stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay well read!
Nancy
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