Book Reviewing
by - Devyn Dawson
I have a confession to make... I don't like to write book reviews. I know that is being a hypocrite, but I don't claim to be a book reviewer. The only book reviews that I will write are for fellow Indie authors. As far as traditional books, they tend to have many reviews and I don't feel that mine is needed (any book that has 500+ reviews has plenty.) I know, that is horrible but true. Another confession, I won't write a bad review. Something about me has the ability to put down a book if I don't like it. It confuses me when a review is left on a book about how much a person hated the book and wanted to hurt the author. Why? Why read the entire thing if you dislike it so much? I like vanilla ice-cream and you like cookie dough, I don't want to hurt you because you and I don't agree. As far as Indie books, I write a review when I'm finished - especially if it is someone that I communicate with. Just because I don't like to do it, I will do it for my friends. Honestly, I have so many books on my Nook TBR list that it will be a while before I read them all. That doesn't mean I won't review them, it means when I get a chance to read it, I'll review it.
What do I do when I write a review? I take note of the positive aspect of the book. If the book made me laugh, I mention the humor. If I stay up a little later to find out what happens next, I write about the anticipation. If the book makes me hate a character or love one, I write about how fun the characters are. When reviewing, it is my opinion that there is always something nice to say. I never write a synopsis of the book, the author already has (a lot of reviewers do too, I have no idea why). I'm not trying to blow smoke up anyone's nickers but this is a business and I don't dog businesses. I know how important reviews are to Indies, and I assure you, if I read it I'll rate it.
Yes, some books aren't great and need work, but you don't have to be hurtful. Writer's are human, and words are important to us. Because you've given yourself a title as a 'book reviewer' doesn't mean you have to rip a book to pieces. Lately, it feels like high school with reviewers. The video clips and author bashing isn't necessary. It's like the mean girls from school, the ones that terrorized the quiet kids or the popular girls that hated on the nerdy people. We are all in this for the same reason, we love books. Authors, bloggers, reviewers.... common thread - books.
Play nice, drink your Kool-Aid, and share your cookie.
Stop illegal downloading of e-books. Please do not accept illegal book files.
I whole heartedly agree with you. I have the same mentality; if you don't like something then leave it be, don't waste your time bashing it to bits. Critisism is one thing, completely hating on something is another.
ReplyDeleteI know right! Happy Monday.
DeleteI agree too. I've really tried to reviiew the books I've read. I know how much they help an Indie Author out. I also now do the tagging and the liking, which only recently, I realized how important they are as well.
ReplyDeleteI do not leave harsh or negative comments. I don't see the point. If there are misspelled words or some grammar problems, I don't feel that takes away from a great story.
Characters and story lines are what gets me. If I don't feel connected to the characters or if I can't understand where the story is going, then the author lost me. It doesn't necessarily mean they lost me for good, just with that book. I still always try to leave something positive.
FYI-I'm a huge fan of yours, and so many other Indie Authors.
Thank you Kimber, it always makes me blush when I hear from a fan! I agree, the story counts. Have a Happy Monday!
DeleteYou know I agree with you, 100%! :)
ReplyDelete