Reviews Vs Compliments: Why Authors Need to Understand the Difference


As authors we all know that reviews matter. Having readers share their feedback about our work is one of the best forms of promotional material an author can get. Reviews are powerful testimonials and can play a major role in closing the deal and turning browsers into buyers. Obviously all authors dream of only ever getting 5 star reviews that praise their work. Whilst this would be great it's not very realistic. The good news is that it's not those 5 star reviews that say "this is the best book ever" that will become your most powerful resource. Those one or two short sentences of praise are just compliments. What you want is real reader feedback.

I'm not saying that compliments accompanied by a 5 star rating is a bad thing... far from it in fact. What I am saying is that if you put these compliments vs real reviews the latter will be much more useful.

Something to think about:

1) A book has 10 5 star reviews on Amazon. All the reviews are short one liners saying "This book is good/great/awesome etc". A lot of the reviews posted are not verified purchases (meaning that the book was not purchased from Amazon).

2) Another book has a few 5 star reviews, a couple of 4 stars, and maybe a couple of 3 stars. The reviews list the things the reader liked and didn't like about the book. The reviews hint at who the book might be suitable for. At least some of the reviews show as verified purchases.

Which of the above examples is better for your book? The answer is the second... and by far.

Compliments boost author egos. Reviews help sell books. Know the difference.
Click to Tweet!

Given the rating system used by Amazon a 3 star rating means "I liked it". A 4 star is "I liked it a lot", and a 5 star rating is "it's amazing!". All of which are positive ratings.

If you get a 3 or 4 star rating you should be happy dancing. Someone took the time out of their busy schedule to not only read your book, but also to write a balanced review offering 1) you as an author valuable feedback that can be used to improve future publications and 2) word of mouth advertising to help other readers decide if your book is right for them. If you get a 5 star rating and a full review throw a party and celebrate in style. You've hit the jackpot ;)

As authors we put a lot of time and effort into creating our books. In fact many authors refer to their books as their "babies". Unfortunately this often leads to the authors thinking their book is perfect. When they get a review that isn't a 5 star rating their ego steps up and they take is as a personal attack. If you can't handle feedback from readers maybe you should reconsider your career path. Authors need to have thick skin, and to remember that their book isn't for everyone. 

A writer that can take reader feedback and use it to improve their future work will go far. I think this quote by Ernest Hemingway sums it up nicely:

That's it for today but, as this topic is such an important one, tomorrow I'll be taking a look at what NOT to do when you get a less than perfect review. 

blogsignatureWA

4 Comments

  1. Stephen H. King18 September 2014 at 22:24

    Great post. Well-written, and it also is in alignment with what I've heard as well as the outcome of a panel discussion I was on at my last sci fi con.

    That said, the one thing I wish is that some of those who run book lists would stop requiring 4.x averages in reviews before they post our books. As you said, a 3.0 review is a perfectly good one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jo Linsdell19 September 2014 at 15:58

      A lot of book list sites require a 4+ average. I think partly to keep submissions under control, (If they set limits it makes it easier to keep their email boxes under control ;)) but also because it serves as a way of showcasing the best books. It can be frustrating (3 is a good rating) but it's a good thing really. It helps motivate us to put out the very best book we can and actively market it.

      Delete
  2. Unknown19 September 2014 at 01:08

    As a writer, I love great reviews as well as the compliments. As a reader, when I check out the reviews on a book I'm considering, I gravitate more toward the middle-of the-road reviews rather than the top or the bottom. And when I review, I rarely give out a five star rating unless the book managed to reach deep inside and touch my soul in some manner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jo Linsdell19 September 2014 at 16:12

      Thanks for your feedback L.F. As a reader I pay more attention to the mid-range reviews too. In general, they tend to be the most honest.

      Delete

I love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.

Thanks for being an active part of the Writers and Authors community.