My View on Reviews

Book reviews are significantly helpful in boosting sales for authors.

Not only do a customer’s words encourage others to trust the book, but reviews also validate the author’s ability to relate a good story.

Amazon’s algorithm.

Amazon claims almost seventy percent of the eBook market and fifty percent of the print market. Many independent writers, like me, use Amazon as the main platform to market our books.

The more positive reviews a book has, the more it will appear in search results.

For novice writers, obtaining reviews is perhaps the hardest hurdle in their book marketing. Asking for reviews is hard enough but receiving that review is damn near impossible.

Why is it So Hard to Leave a Review?

It takes time and people forget despite the author’s reminder emails.

If a book is difficult to read, or contains content I didn’t like, I won’t leave a review. Period.

But if I enjoy a book, I’m more than happy to leave a review with specifics on the positive aspects of the author’s writing. Any book that I feel rates three stars or above will receive my honest comments on several platforms including Amazon, BookBubs, and Barnes & Noble.

This action takes time and thoughtful consideration, at least thirty minutes.

So, I understand when requests for reviews go unanswered. People have so much going on in their lives already.

The Value of Reviews

When searching for books to read, I dismiss the low and high ratings and focus on the middle of the pack (three stars) where people have taken time to describe specific details about the author’s writing.

This is where you’ll find honesty…the “sweet spot” of comments.

Providing this service for authors, especially the ones just beginning their writing journey, is the kindest gesture you can provide.

What is a Helpful Review?

Provide your honest opinion in your own words. Think about what you would say to your friend if you were recommending a book.

What NOT to include:

• Avoid spoilers and giving away the plot twists.

• Never cut and paste the book blurb into your review

What to Include. 

• Be specific.

• Discuss strengths and weaknesses.

• Focus on themes, characters, and plot.

Examples. The following are actual reviews.

“Soul Snatchers: A Quest for True Human Beings” by Robert W. Morgan

Elements of Robert W. Morgan’s heart and soul lie woven in his tales in this thoroughly entertaining book. His conversational style draws the reader into all the locations he visits. You feel as though you’re sitting beside him as he talks to Nino Cochise, the Tigers, and fellow scientists and believers. At times I was skeptical about some of the claims, but there were also many coincidences, encounters he had that were very similar to my own. I read this book as though I was reliving parts of my own life (and dreams). And then, I read it a second time.

“Accidental Mystic: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Adventure” by Phoebe Ravencraft

When Bethany’s life exploded all around her: her husband wanted a divorce, her stepchildren hated her, and she had no job, she did what every sensible fifty-year old would do, she headed home to Mom and Dad, although it was the last thing on Earth she wanted. She needed a break. She needed a reset. Then she mysteriously arrives in the town of Enchanted and her eyes are opened to all things magical and supernatural. She discovers that she is a mystic who holds the key to breaking a fifty-year-old curse. And while working with a medium, a cursed housekeeper, and a cat familiar to find the cursed vampire, Bethany rediscovers herself. Wonderful reading from beginning to end!

Now that you’re fully armed with new tools, go forth and spread the word about the books you’re reading.

Be kind to the novice writers by buying their books and leaving an honest review.

Remember: What goes around comes around!