Mimi Barbour

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Author reviews – part two! Should we or shouldn’t we write them?? #amazon

January 6, 2014 By Mimi Barbour 6 Comments

On Dec 8th I wrote a blog about whether
an author should write reviews on other books. In that blog I promised a
follow-up on expectations.  Here it is.

 
Since I published that last blog, there were more opinions
about the subject that I found interesting. What was also interesting is that
the people who wrote these didn’t wish to be named. Understood and respected.
Both of the authors are multi-published and have been for years.

 

***I think this is a tough decision that each person
has to make for her/himself. It’s perhaps even tougher when you’re an author,
not just a “normal” reader. I read a lot, and it’s for pleasure. I don’t want
to be analytical and I don’t want to keep track of details. I don’t want to
turn reading into part of the business side of my writing life – which, of
course, it would be if I attached any of my writing names to the review. And it
could be one of the unpleasant parts of the business side, and I have enough of
those already. Having said that, I am eternally grateful for every reader who
does take the time to post a good review!***

 

***I’m in the same camp, I’m afraid.  Plus for me it’s a matter of finding the
time.  I used to judge a lot of writing
contests and would spend hours reading and rereading each entry and agonizing
over comments so they would (I hope) sound positive and constructive and
helpful.  Now I limit my judging to one
or two contests a year. The same would be true if I started writing
reviews.  I would ponder over what
ranking to give and what to say about the book, and I would likely rewrite the
review several times before posting it. 
I know this probably isn’t necessary and I’m sure it’s not what most
people do – but it’s what I would do, and it would eat up huge chunks of my
time. If
it’s any consolation, all of this really makes me cherish the reviews my books
have received.  I generally don’t seek
out reviews but I sure do value the time and thought that readers put into
them. ***
 


I sympathize with both these commenters. It does
take time and energy to write a decent review. On the other hand, with each one
I’ve written it’s become easier. I truly believe that undertaking this task has
helped me in my book blurbs, writing my blogs and leaving
comments on others. Most probably, it’s made all my writing a bit tighter which is a good thing. Anytime you train your brain to function in a way that
takes concentration and effort, you will be rewarded.

 

Not only in the learning you’re unconsciously
experiencing, but in the knowing that you’ve given back in a positive way. I guess
I consider it like the Golden Rule – do unto others. Maybe it can even be taken a
step further and considered good Karma.

 

That – I like!!

 

 

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Related

Comments

  1. Pat Amsden says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:19 am

    I never really thought about it that way but I think you're right. It does make your writing skills sharper, particularly when it comes to writing blurbs. And it's a way of giving back. If you've enjoyed a book I see nothing wrong with writing a review. For myself I consider reading part of writing so while I don't think it should turn into a job I think if you read a book and like it writing a review of a couple of lines is not that onerous.

    Reply
  2. Mimi Barbour says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:37 am

    Hi Pat, See, I bet writing that comment took a while and had to be rewritten here and there. Once you write a 30 or 40 reviews, it sure gets easier LOL

    Reply
  3. Ciara Ballintyne says

    January 8, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I write reviews, I just make sure I give objective reasons why. I don't generally give anything less than 3 stars, for the simple reason that I wouldn't usually finish a 1 or 2 star book and I won't write a review for a book I didn't finish. As long as a review is objective, points out the good and the bad, and doesn't involve mud-slinging, I don't see an issue.

    Reply
  4. Mimi Barbour says

    January 8, 2014 at 2:39 am

    Hi Ciara, you made a good point that I never thought to say. Like you, I don't usually finish books that would earn less than 3 points either. And like you, I don't write bad reviews. One thing I have to mention is that I also appreciate when a reader points out an issue they have with the book – good or bad! It helps us to correct the bad and gives us a window into what the readers like when they mention the good 🙂

    Reply
  5. epublishabook says

    January 8, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Now I feel guilty for being so lazy in writing reviews especially for really good books I downloaded on free days – really bad me.
    We all know that reviews are an essential part of success for writers, so looking at writing them as an added benefit for the reviewer is a great incentive. Thanks Mimi for that perspective!

    Reply
  6. Mimi Barbour says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:18 am

    Hi Epublishabook, Makes me smile to write that as a name!!
    Anyway – I'm so glad I was able to make you see just how much it matters to authors when someone who reads their book takes the time to leave a compliment or even advice. :-))))

    Reply

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