Friday, May 20, 2016

REVIEWS ARE THE LIFE FORCE OF A BOOK

REVIEWS ARE THE LIFE FORCE OF A BOOK

The writing process takes an incredible amount of time. My third book, which came out last March, took me a year to write and get published. 

Writing also includes a ton of self-doubt. This is something that most authors go through. Will the reader like the characters? Relate to them? Does the dialog sound natural? Are there plot holes?

No matter the fictional genre, the writer's overwhelming desire is to entertain the reader. 

Hearing from you is how we know if we've accomplished this goal. We learn from our reviews. For instance, one reader said I needed to 'up the heat level' of my love scenes. I've taken the critique seriously as I'm working on my fourth book, A COLD-HEARTED VAMPIRE. This title will, hopefully, come out next year. 

The days of large publishing houses, those that provide advances, advertising, and an army of reviewers are ending. Brick and Mortar stores are going out of business as more and more readers buy online. Some publishers, like mine, only sell through the internet.

In an effort to get our books noticed, authors now depend on our readers. YOU, the reader, is the most important cog in the wheel. YOU provide the necessary feedback. Every word you write about one of our books provides priceless advertising.

Of course, we hope for positive appraisals but more than that we want honest reviews. A few sentences suffice.Your opinion matters. Reviews don't have to be long essays. Take a look at this short and sweet review which I received on my latest book: A VAMPIRE TO BE RECKONED WITH. It had me glowing for days: 


Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
IT DOESN'T HAPPEN VERY OFTEN BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN AN AUTHOR WRITES A SEQUEL THAT IS ACTUALLY BETTER THAN THE FIRST . IN MY OPINION FOR WHAT ITS WORTH, THIS IS ONE.



Each and every review helps an author connect with potential readers. Statistics show that buyers do check the comments on Amazon and Goodreads before they make a purchase. Additionally, reviews provide name recognition and help the author reach their target audience.

So, please, leave a review after reading a book. I promise, you'll earn the author's undying gratitude. 

REMullins
Author of:
IT'S A WONDERFUL UNDEAD LIFE
VAMPIRE IN THE SCRYING GLASS
A VAMPIRE TO BE RECKONED WITH 

connect with me here or at
https://www.facebook.com/REMullinsauthor/

Buylinks:
Amazon
The Wild Rose Press Catalog 
or any online book outlet

11 comments:

Jannine Gallant said...

Well said. I think I get one about one review for every hundred books sold. If even twice that many left reviews it would make a huge difference in the Amazon algorithm. Reviews matter so much!

Alicia Dean said...

Excellent post, you expressed it perfectly. I have heard that authors shouldn't read reviews, reviews don't matter, etc, but I can't help myself. I love getting reviews on my books. It's a quick, small way for readers to let us know they like, or didn't like, our work. I'm perfectly okay with negative reviews, as long as the reviewer isn't just being spiteful and as long as it doesn't sound like they are referring to a completely different book. Sometimes, it's obvious they haven't read the story. Thanks for the great article and I LOVE the title of your upcoming book. I adore vampires. Oh yes, congrats on the awesome review!

remullins said...

Thank you so much. All reviews matter. Even the one that said the sex scene in my book was so brief and lackluster I might just as well have left it out!

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Reviews can be learning tools, whether they are positive or negative. But when the reviewer attacks the writer, the review is no longer helpful. I've been called stupid, a lazy writer, someone who doesn't know how to do research, untalented. I've worked very hard to get from a small press I adored to the Big Five where distribution and promotion is fantastic. Both the small and large presses have their strong suits, just as the caliber of reviewers. I love the reviewer who takes the time to tell me what she liked and points out an area where I could have done better. This helps strengthen me as a writer. Great post!

Rolynn Anderson said...

Right on, RE. I've just read three books that I can't wait to write reviews as soon as I get time to do it...because they are the kinds of books I enjoy. Tougher for me is to read/review books that aren't my favorite genres. I'm in a book club, so I try to review every book we read in the club...if it's in my genre world and I can rate it with a 4 or 5. I promised myself I'd read at least one book written by each of my pals in Roses of Prose-in my genres of pleasure, and I've gotten a good start on that effort. I've learned we writers know how important reviews are but most of our readers don't have a clue...and/or they aren't confident about writing reviews.

Brenda Whiteside said...

A good reminder. I'm behind a couple of books that I need to review. I wish there was some way to get the word out more about how much we need those reviews.

Anonymous said...

Amen to all that, R.E. Well said

remullins said...

I can't believe how hard I have to work to get friends/family to buy and review my books. Not to be nasty but when I think of all the cookies, fundraisers, Avon, baskets, Tupperware,etc. that I've bought from them over the years it gets me a little steamed. Of course, there are others. A few that I know don't really have the spare money to buy books and yet they've gotten mine. Kisses to them.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Your title of this piece kind of says it all. There is nothing more rewarding than getting that - I loved this book review.

Leah St. James said...

So sorry I'm late to respond! It's true that some people just don't like leaving reviews. They'll rave about a book, tell friends and co-workers to buy it, but they won't put it in writing. It's frustrating. I'm lucky that my sister is steadfastly supportive of my writing and usually leaves a review. Even if she doesn't like something about a book, she'll write what she does like. Great post!

Diane Burton said...

Excellent advice. What a great review! I'm behind in reviewing a few books. I only review books I enjoy. Some books aren't my cup of tea, but I know how hard an author works so I'd never stomp on her book. I'm always thrilled when I read a review of my own book and know the reader enjoyed it.