Why We Should Reconsider The Way We Review Books
If you are an author, the uncanny ability of book reviews and ratings to fill your day with sunshine or suck you into a storm cloud may resonate with you.
I’ve basked in the glow of thumbs-up reviews and ratings, and endured the gloom of a few poor ones, those fretful 1’s or 2’s on a scale of 1-5.
I am also frequently on the flip side generating reviews as a New York Journal of Books reviewer and frequent early/ARC reader.
Knowing the emotional punch a review and rating can pack, I look for the strength of the story and writing—even when the style or genre doesn’t appeal to my taste. My goal is always to deliver a tactful, honest review, trying to emphasize strengths in writing craft and constructively express what didn’t work for me.
Until recently, I assumed other writers defined poor ratings as a 1 or 2 just like me, and when reviewing, shared my goal to generate a thoughtful, honest review.
So I was surprised to read a few articles that suggest my assumption may be wrong.
First, I read posts with authors lamenting a rating of 3 as a “bad” rating.
Then I was surprised by a discussion suggesting writers should always rate other authors’ work a 4 or a 5 out of a sense of professional courtesy.
Those articles really got me thinking about whether my scale and instincts are off kilter.
Is 3 a bad rating? And, while I share reluctance to rate another author’s work a 1 or a 2, do authors owe each other the courtesy of rating every book a 4 or a 5?
My conclusion may not be mainstream or popular but here goes.
It probably helps to know that for years, my “day career” was in Human Resources. Part of my HR job was to design and guide the performance evaluation process.
Over the years, we tried a number of different rating scales—some with 3 ranking choices, others with 4 or 5. Typically those scales looked something like this:
- Needs Improvement/Below minimum requirements
- Minimally Effective/Meets some requirements
- Effective/Competent, Consistently delivers what is expected
- Highly Effective/Exceeds expected performance
- Exceptional/Always significantly exceeds expected performance
No matter how many choices there were in the scale, here’s what I learned. Many saw themselves as deserving the top rating. They considered 3 as just average, and who wants to be that?
To me, 3 isn’t average, it is effective, solid, what-you-are-being-paid-for performance. It means you are delivering the desired value.
If you apply that to book ratings, 3 is delivering what the reader wishes, giving them their money’s worth.
I rate a book a 3 when the writing flows, doesn’t get in the way of the story, and there are enough plot twists and character development to engage and hook me. For me, a 3 means the story did its job keeping me turning pages, even if it won’t stay with me for long after I finish it.
How is that bad? What is the shame in that?
I have read exceptional books with expertly crafted writing, masterful poetic device, finely honed characters whose voice will haunt me long after the last page, skillfully layered plots probing provocative topics, books that transport me to another world with their exquisite use of detail to reveal character and show a sense of time and place.
And, I’ve read books populated by flat characters, cliché dialogue and description, predictable plots, page after page of telling with very little show.
If we don’t acknowledge those differences as authors, aren’t we doing fellow writers and readers a disservice and lowering the quality bar?
I never want to crush an author’s ego and always try to find the balance between maintaining my credibility and delivering an honest review. Understanding the disappointment caused by a 1 or 2, doesn’t persuade me to rate every book a 4 or 5. If a book falls into that 1-2 range for me, I may stop reading. If I finish, I withhold a rating, or contact the author to share my views and whether they still want me to publish the rating and review.
Does that make sense to you? What do you think? Is a rating of 3 a silver lining or a storm cloud? And, how important is honesty when you get or give a review?
—
Carol Fragale Brill is the author of two novels, PEACE BY PIECE, a 2015 Reader’s Favorite Honorable Mention, and CAPE MAYBE, an Amazon Women’s Fiction Best Seller, Digital Books Today and Wall-To-Wall Books Best of 2014 Indie Book, and a Shelf Unbound Best of 2014 Notable Indie. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Novel excerpts received recognition from Poets and Writers and The Best of Philadelphia Stories readers’ favorites. Her works have also appeared in I Am Subject, Wide Array, New York Journal of Books, Philadelphia Inquirer, Press of Atlantic City, and various online e-zines and business journals. In her “day job” as a Leadership Coach and educator she frequently used stories in training.
Find her book reviews for New York Journal of Books at http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/reviewer/carol-brill
And her blog at http://knowhopeknowgrowth.blogspot.com/
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips
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Thanks for writing this Carol, it’s an interesting piece that’s prompted some equally thoughtful and interesting comments.
In my mind it comes down to the concept of star ratings in the first place. On my blog I don’t give any form of ratings alongside my reviews, as for me it’s too easy for someone (whether a reader, author or other reviewer) to skip straight to the rating and not actually read the review. The UK theatre critic Mark Shenton talks eloquently about star ratings, and refers to reviews as being about ‘inspiring curiosity’, something that a star rating – high or low – doesn’t really do.
https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2016/mark-shenton-sometimes-a-star-rating-just-isnt-appropriate/
I pretty much agree with you on a rating of 3 being pretty good and 5 being exceptional, and obviously websites like Goodreads and Amazon encourage that sort of measure, but in my opinion a well-written review is worth far more than just a rating. That applies whether it’s a positive review or not, as long as it’s honest and constructive. I don’t see a problem with posting a poor review online, as long as it’s written objectively and isn’t purely criticising as a result of the reviewer’s personal taste. I wouldn’t throw it in an author’s face, but I think it’s only fair for curious readers to be able to get all perspectives on a book before they go out and buy it.
That’s my take on it, anyway. Thanks again for this, it’s got me thinking!
Michael.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing Mark’s link. I agree that the review is so much more helpful, for the writer and readers, than a rating. I find more often I skip the number rating.
thanks for adding to the discussion,
best,
carol
This all seems fair to me.
I’ve had great reviews, and terrible ones. Sometimes there’s something to learn from the terrible ones, and that’s a gift.
The important thing for me is that once I’ve sold the book, it’s in print, and the reader has paid for it, it no longer belongs to me. The reader owns the work and will bring whatever he or she brings to it; all of their criticisms are legitimate… to them.
There’s only vanity to good reviews and only misery in bad ones.
For what it’s worth, any review, good or bad, will improve sales on Amazon. The real killer is indifference. If your book garners no reviews it’s because nobody cared enough, either to read it or to review it. I’ll take a terrible review over no review at all, and be grateful for it.
The opinions that really matter to me are those of the people I trust, particularly other writers. When a well-known, well-loved writer is happy to blurb my book, or when an academic/writer whose work I admire enjoys something I’ve done… That’s the real thrill.
“The reader owns the work and will bring whatever he or she brings to it; all of their criticisms are legitimate… to them”
thanks for this wonderful reminder. As writers, I think we often forget the reviews are for the reader.
best,
Carol
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Elizabeth Gilbert’s Top 10 Tips for Writers to Stay Inspired and Kick-Start Your Creativity
Posted by Cynthia on October 26, 2015
67 likes · 9 comments
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The dreaded blank page. You just can’t find that perfect opening line. Or maybe you’ve finally hit the crucial point in your story only to find that – poof! – inspiration has vanished. Whether you’re a seasoned author or someone struggling to get those first scenes down, there’s always a time where the words stop flowing. Elizabeth Gilbert, whose most recent book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, delves into the many ways we can spark creativity in our lives, recently answered some questions from readers via Ask the Author on Goodreads. It’s no surprise that many of her answers offered encouragement and support to other writers. Read on for 10 ways to conquer that blank page!
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Tip #1: Start Writing.
“At some point today, sit down with paper or a laptop, and set a timer for 15 minutes. You are not allowed to stand up until the 15 minutes are over. During that 15 minutes, write something. Anything — a letter, a poem, a list of people you hate, a prayer, all your favorite words, a childhood memory, a dream. Something. When the timer goes off, you’re done. Pat yourself on the back. You did it! Now do the same thing tomorrow. And the next day. You can do anything for 15 minutes a day. Trust me – stuff will start to happen.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #2: Be Creative Every Day
“Don’t give up on your creativity! Can your creativity trust YOU? Are you really showing up for it? Or are you waiting for inspiration to magically find you? You don’t have to work long hours on your creative ideas; just do a little bit every day.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #3: Go Looking for Inspiration
“Most of the inspiration I found in life was because I went looking for it. I spent my 20’s traveling all over the country and world, working in all sorts of different jobs, talking to everyone I met, seeking ideas everywhere.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #4: Surround Yourself With Optimists
“I don’t care how smart and clever people may be; if they are addicted to a dark view of the world, I don’t want them in my house or anywhere near my life. It’s too heavy. For me, the most inspirational people are the ones who put their shoulders up against the wheel of despair and PUSH back really hard — not just once, not just a few times in their lives, but every single day.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #5: Dare Yourself to Keep Working
“I dare myself. I set all kinds of dares. “I dare you to write for ten more minutes….I dare you to read five more pages of this book you need for research….I dare you to edit today for a half hour.” I can never resist a dare. And when daring doesn’t work, I’m not above bribery. (Ice cream today? ONLY IF YOU WRITE FIVE PAGES.)” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #6: Trust Your Curiosity
“Follow it always. If something — anything, no matter how silly or seemingly useless or trivial — is interesting to you, pursue it. Everyone is waiting for lightning to strike, but the creative journey is more of a scavenger hunt than it is a tower of flame.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #7: Create a Ritual
“Nothing I have ever found works better as a ritual for writing than research and preparation.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #8: Don’t Believe in Writer’s Block
“We diagnose ourselves with “writer’s block”, as if we have come down with a disease. I believe that what we call “writer’s block” is usually a misdiagnosis of some actual other emotional problem that you’re having. That problem could be one of many real things: Anxiety, self-doubt, self-hatred, extreme competitiveness, alcoholism, depression, perfectionism, existential despair, etc. Those are all real conditions, but “writer’s block” is not a real condition.” Click here for the full answer.
Tip #9: Write for Yourself
“I never promised the universe I would be a GOOD writer; I just promised I would be a writer. Period.”Click here for the full answer.
Tip #10: Imagine Your Reader
“I never begin writing a book unless I know exactly whom I am speaking TO. Each one of my books was written to a different person in my life — and I write the book as though I am telling that person a story. So choose someone. Someone you love, ideally. Then sit down and tell the story to that person.” Click here for the full answer.
To see all of Elizabeth Gilbert’s answers, click here. What about you? What’s your go-to secret for staying inspired and being productive?
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Comments (showing 1-9 of 9) (9 new)
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message 1: by Marcia (new)
Oct 27, 2015 08:52AM
Marcia Fine As authors we all do some of these; however, Gilbert’s ideas reinforce more of what we need to do, especially being creative every day. Our brains have to keep working.
Marcia Fine, PARIS LAMB
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message 2: by Bonnie (new)
Oct 27, 2015 11:06AM
Bonnie Glee Wonderful inspiration for gitty-up-and-get-going.5:00 a.m. here I come! Thanks
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message 3: by Alison (new)
Oct 27, 2015 03:04PM
Alison Giles Tip 9 & 10 are my faves. I always write for myself, no deadlines, no demands from publishers, no getting up at 5:00, no punishing or rewarding, just writing when and where I feel like it…it’s very freeing creatively. I also like to imagine I am reading a story to my readers (and I usually do have someone in mind) I find this really helps to get a story started.
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message 4: by Karen (new)
Oct 27, 2015 03:27PM
Karen Chase I know it sounds cheesy, but I read inspiring tips from successful authors like Elizabeth Gilbert with the firm belief that something will sink in deeply. Permanently. Successfully.
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message 5: by Elizabeth (new)
Oct 27, 2015 03:39PM
Elizabeth Barrett Great tips. Actually getting to the computer or notebook every day is essential. And routine helps, knowing that there is a time of every day dedicated to writing, even if it is only ten or fifteen minutes. All those minutes add up. And #9 is excellent. Don’t worry if it’s “good.” Let others judge that. Just write.
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message 6: by Christine (new)
Oct 28, 2015 07:41PM
Christine Lamb And then I come ‘out the other end’ and realise that nothing really matters that much because all creative thoughts are recorded somewhere and they are picked up by somebody who wil run with it – and hopefully write that best seller.
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message 7: by Loyd (new)
Oct 31, 2015 12:51PM
Loyd Uglow Tips 1, 5, and 7 are, in my opinion, the most important ones for writers. In fact, they could be summed up simply as “Writers write.” Many things are helpful for becoming a better writer, but I’ve found the greatest benefit comes simply from practice.
Loyd Uglow, Marksman’s Trinity
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message 8: by Blake (new)
Sep 04, 2016 09:56PM
Blake Hall https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1SZ1…
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message 9: by Justin (new)
21 hours, 59 min ago
Justin This is a good list. Don’t forget to go out there and find a good old fashioned writing prompt. There are tons of sites that offer them (Pinterest, for example) and they can really get you unstuck.
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I agree with your thoughts on rating books but find myself changing how I rate a book now as a soon-to-be author versus a few years ago.
Now I realize just how hard it is to write and publish a book, how long it takes, and if I don’t care for a book, I just don’t review it. I end up doing 4 or 5 star ratings now if I rate a book, and I know that we all have different tastes in books so I keep my “bad reviews” to myself.
Personally, I wish they’d change ratings to a possible 10 stars. It would give us a wider range of flexibility.
Hi Jill, I agree, being an author gave me a different perspective on ratings. Before publishing my novels, I never rated or wrote reviews. Now, I realize how important they are and want to support other writers. I also agree, the best solution seems to be to withhold ratings when I can’t give an honest 3,4,5.
I’m not sure a 10 point scale will help. My HR experience was that no matter which scale you use, everyone wants the top numbers. Still, I sometimes write in my review that a book is more a 3.5 etc. so I guess that’s like saying it’s a 7 on a 10 point scale. The real solution might be to ditch the numbers and just right a thoughtful review.
Wow, enlightening and terrifying! Personally, I don’t review books unless I can honestly give a 4 or 5. 3 spells mediocre to me, anything below that is worth posting only if you were so offended by the writing that you feel you need to warn the others. I pray none of the reviewers who subscribe to the reviewing philosophy above ever get to review my books.
Hi E.V., it’s interesting hearing different points of view.
Ratings can be terrifying 🙂
I find most people are generous and tactful when they review and the comments from folks who rate a book a 3 are often not mediocre. I’ve learned a lot as a writer from reader insights and comments, regardless of the number rating they apply.
Agree. I have been shocked to discover that the 4-5 star “writer’s courtesy” rating is expected by many. I’ve seen authors disappointed by 4s, especially when they’re from friends. While I certainly understand the emotional response (I always want to be the A+ student), I logically know that not every reader will Love every book. Even if I write it. 😉
One of the reasons I use Goodreads is to track books read. If I rate every book 5 stars, “It was amazing!”, I can’t use my own list of books to remind me which books I loved. Also, while I don’t like harsh or mean reviews, I appreciate honesty. If I find that a reviewer likes the books I like and dislikes the book I dislike, I am likely to look at their books read to guide my future reading. When I notice that a review read books are all 5 stars, I am unlikely to give those stars value.
Hi Natalia, your comment is so timely for me. I’ve been thinking lately about how the literary quality of books differs across different genres. For instance, there are popular book categories where readers don’t want literature, they want an easy, fast read story. Revisiting this blog on reviews via your comment might be the motivation to write the next blog on that topic. thanks for sharing.
carol
Carol, I’m with you. To give a 4 or 5 as a “professional courtesy” is to do a disservice to other readers who trust your opinion as a reviewer. To me three stars means “decent,” although I do agree that the stars should be assigned based on the rating scale of the site you’re writing for. Many writers are just so-so, but would like to believe they are better than that. They need to keep working on their craft, as we all do. Nice article. Thanks.
Elaine, I’ve been pleasantly surprised that so many others agree with me about being honest, tactful, and constructive in reviews and ratings.
The work on craft never ends, does it?
best,
Carol
The value of the stars depends on where the review is posted. For the sake of consistency of communication, all reviewers should observe the guidelines given by the site instead of personal interpretations.
For example, Amazon suggests a three-star rating is “It’s okay,” where that’s the definition of a two-star at Goodreads. Goodreads defines three stars as “I liked it,” and Amazon says that’s four stars! Those unfamiliar with one or the other could be disappointed in what they perceive as a “meh” rating, where others think it’s a good one.
Authors are encouraged to review at Amazon, but care should be taken in reviewing within the same sub-genre as you publish, as it’s a conflict of interest no matter which way you justify it in your own mind. Amazon has multiple methods of tracking, and authors have had reviews pulled.
Suzan, thank you for reminding us of the difference between Amazon and Goodreads scales, I had forgotten that.
I much more frequently post reviews on Goodreads than Amazon. Also good to be reminded the Amazon ones may be more helpful with sales.
I agree the rating system is a little off, and your suggestions would really help right the ship. Unfortunately, they won’t have a noticeable effect until the majority of reviewers buys in. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make an effort – have to start somewhere. I prefer the Loved it/Really Liked it/Liked it etc. ratings as this really expresses my feelings about the book better than the star system.
On a side note – this reminds me of the humble brag post I saw from an author on FB bemoaning that she had all 5 star reviews and what she could do about it. After a huge eye roll, I did read elsewhere that somehow it is best to have some variety in the ratings. So I guess I feel I am doing my part toward that end when I give a 4 (that probably should have been a 2 according to Carol’s scale).
Lissa, I’m with you and prefer the word scale instead of the numbers. Maybe that’s why we’re writers instead of math teachers 🙂
Smiling that your 4 might be my 2.
carol
I rated a fellow author’s book a 3, and she was hurt. But here was my reasoning. It was a decently written, interesting, but not perfect book, so a 3 was an honest rating. AND – I had positive and constructive criticism in my written review, and so, as I suspected, Amazon listed my review up top in the section, Top Critical Review. I think if a reader saw my criticism before some of the mud that was slung, it would be better for both author and potential reader.
Nancy, it seems many of us have had similar experiences and other authors feeling 3 is a bad rating.
Like you, I always try to write constructive comments, avoiding negative barbs.
In spite of occasional flack, I try to continue to review and rate honestly.
thanks for sharing your thoughts
carol
I agree that the scale tends to be inflated, but also see a 3as a somewhat underwhelming “grade.” Nevertheless I read the comments and have read the weirdest things. Very often the words of the reviewer completely negate the number score for me because they make no sense, or are completely ignorant or biased.
Mary Ann, your first sentence captures the dilemma for me. We see the inflation and still feel 3 is lacking . Sigh
More often lately I pass on the rating and just write the review trying to be tactful and constructive and honest, not always an easy balance.
thanks for stopping by
carol
I tend to think of 3 as neutral, average, OK, didn’t excite me, but got the job done. Anything below 3, suggests a poor reader experience, and anything above 3, suggests a good reader experience – better than OK.
So I can see why people want positive, rather than neutral reviews. I think it’s hard to apply teaching grades to this, as they are clearly specified with qualified meanings.
I think where the ratings are unspecified, you have to assume that the middle ground is pretty neutral, and either direction implies a positive or negative reader experience.
I got a 3 once. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that the reader didn’t consider their time reading my book as a positive experience, but hey ho. Their remarks were OK. I think they just reckoned that being a writer sounded too much like hard work and wasn’t for them, so they weren’t inspired by my book! Can’t please everyone. 🙂
Hi Susie, I smiled at the line “I got a 3 once,” betting a lot of authors would like to say it happened just once.
I agree that comments are so much more telling and helpful. More and more I find myself not picking a number rating, just using the words to express my reaction. That way, just like a good book, I leave it up to the reader to decide.
thanks for your thoughtful comment
carol
This is the baggage a 1-5 rating scale is inheriting: A – F.
A “3” rating is a “C.” You don’t get into college with Cs.
This is also how it is in the workplace from the other side of HR. A “competent” is a C. Once the Ds and Fs are laid off or fired, the Cs become the Ds and Fs.
Until people don’t see 1-5 as A, B, C, D, or F, how reviewers review and how authors see their ratings and how employees see their job security is going to remain the same. 3 = C.
Moriah, baggage is a good way of putting it.
Your post reminds me of when I was taking college courses as an adult many years ago. I always, always strived to earn A’s and thought everyone else got A, too. In other words, I thought A was average.
I was surprised to read the scale on my “report” card that said, A – excellent, B, very good, C- good, average.
i also think back to grade school and high school and agree with you that C was considered a poor grade.
Not sure how we ditch that baggage.
Carol, interesting Article; I believe for the most part that we are in agreement. I am not a published author or writer per se. However, in high school English class I was taught a good writer believes what they are writing about. My teacher said to respect yourself as a writer and more importantly, respect the person who was going to read it. Consequently, for me, it goes hand-in-hand when writing a review that will be posted in a public forum such as online social media, newspapers or a well known magazine. Agreeably, giving a 4 or 5 so as not to offend the author is not truthful to the reader or consumer; as stated there’s no refund for money or time spent. I do agree with your analysis of what should constitute a ‘3’ rating. If the book has fulfilled my expectations based on the book jacket and other reviews, and I got through it completely, walked away with some new knowledge or understanding of the character, then definitely a ‘3’ is in order. To merit a ‘4’ or ‘5’ the book needs to be outstanding in all respects. It would have generated some thought provoking comments on my part and had me engaged at all times. To garnish a ‘5’, a book would need to go beyond this. It would be a book I just couldn’t put down; one I would read through the night! It would have me sharing the book with anyone who would sit and listen to my rantings. These books would need to have left a profound impression that would last several days or even weeks. For me, books that fall within the ‘1, 2’ categories are those that disappoint me in its entirety. These books do not readily engage me due to their poor character development, lack of interesting and variable vocabulary, inconsistencies in key events, and just don’t communicate an interesting plot or story line. I rarely not finish a book that I’ve started to read. However, I will put it down often and take much longer to get it read completely.
Aida, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your insight and agree, our thoughts are similar. I admire that you stick with books once you’ve started them. I don’t often give up on a book, bit sometimes it’s clear a book isn’t a good match for me and I give myself a pass
Yes! I also review books and often receive ARCs. Several online sources state that to not leave a 4 or 5 star impacts the success of the book. I also come from the business/management world where very few associates receive top marks. If a book leaves me in tears (laughter or sorrow or even envy), makes me want to move to the fictional town, etc., that is a standout and something should be left to distinguish that book from others that merely held my interest through the end.
There are no refunds on those books that fail to engage readers. Working on my first novel has given me an appreciation for the enormity of the task and respect is always due but not every book is a five-star in my book.
Suzanne, your comment about refunds reminds me my friend’s mother Taught me, once you start a book you owe it to the author to finish because she worked so hard to write it. For years, I followed that advice. Now that I’m a published author, I think it’s more my responsibility to deliver a book readers want to read than their responsibility to finish. Now, I give a book at least 50-100 pages. If it hasn’t captured me by then, I’m likely to put it down. Too many wonderful books out there
This was an interesting read for me. I’ve always thought that a rating alone was not informative enough. A “3” or even a high/low rating always makes much more sense if the reviewer provides the thinking behind it. This is as true for author reviews of other authors’ works or reader reviews.
Hi Betsy, I agree that reviews give more value to the author and readers than ratings.
Reviews often help distinguish whether it’s the writing, genre, or something about the story that appeals or doesn’t.
The insights readers share in thier reviews have made me a better writer.
Best,
Carol
Kat, I like that both you and Tatjana used the word inflation to describe 4 and 5 rating. It’s nice to hear others feel the same way I do.
Best, carol
I tend to withhold a review if it would be a 1 or a 2, but otherwise I’m all for honesty, in a polite, constructive manner. Awarding only 4 or 5 stars, regardless, is pure inflation of the rating system, I think.
Tatiana, thanks for sharing. Sounds like we are on the same page.
Best,
Carol
I’m with you. Demanding 4s and 5s is just marks inflation. Besides, reviews aren’t for the author, but the reader. If a reviewer always hands out high marks, readers won’t trust that reviewer.
3 is a solid rating. It does mean average, which is not bad. It means the book was worth reading, worth buying, and didn’t make the reader cringe. That said, self published authors think that reviews are for them, but they aren’t. Reviews are for readers; they are a service given by readers for readers, and the cold truth is that 99% of writers can’t write, which is why they get bad reviews from readers, however, they get all these fake rave reviews from their writing brethren in an effort to reciprocate, which is an abhorrent practice. Writers need editors; it’s why King, Martin, and Rowling have teams of editors to comb through their mess and turn words on pages into a story worth experiencing. I’m not implying that these self published writers don’t have great ideas, but their execution is most always subpar. I always check the 1 star reviews, which are obviously by non writing readers, and then check the 5 star reviews, which are obviously by other authors, who only glossed over the premise of the title, but didn’t actually read the book. It’s okay, though; this mostly pertains to Amazon. On BnN, you see a lot of honest reader reviews, and soon, the wheat will be separated from the chaff. Thanks for your article, and I hope everyone here comes to realize that reviews are for readers.
Hi Aaron, good to be reminded that reviews are for readers. I agree we often blur that line.
best,
Carol