Support for Indie Authors discussion

I've only gotten one review in my entire literary career! But it was a favorable one. I actually thought they were being sarcastic.

I was elated. That's all I can say. And, of course, here's hoping for more!

April wrote: "The first time I read a glowing review, I cried. Then I screenshotted it and sent it to my mother, who said, "That's nice, dear.""

A 'That's nice, dear' from mother can be either positive or negative, although yours seems to indicate the latter. It's the same as 'Oh, my' -- can be good or bad.

You're not the only one who cried apparently, April.

Congrats!

Jay wrote: "Well, the back flip would have been a sight to see!

Certainlly would. I have never done a back flip in my life! I trust you will forgive the metaphor!

The bell curve is an interesting take, also.
..."

Of course, I am not suggesting that every book has a bell curve centred on 3*, but that every book will appeal to some and not to others.

Then there are the exceptions: Books that have strong "polarising" content. Books which some people love and others hate!

I was so excited. As much as we say it's about the writing and the inner satisfaction from creating something out of nothing, I think it's such a wonder feeling when someone else tells us that we've done a good job.

Todd wrote: "I was so excited. As much as we say it's about the writing and the inner satisfaction from creating something out of nothing, I think it's such a wonder feeling when someone else tells us that we'v..."

Excitement seems to be a common reaction for everyone, and I agree, there's a genuine sense of satisfaction.

Congrats, Todd!

John wrote: "Would a 5 star review from an unknown be more important to you than a 3 star review from Stephen King? Which would you rather have?..."

Oh my! Is that really a question you need to ponder about? If King would take his precious time to read and review my book, I wouldn't even look at the stars. His name would be plenty enough for me!

John wrote: "You need to keep in mind who is writing the review. Not all reviews are created equally.

Was the review from a respected author/critic or from someone who liked your book but has no cache?

So, w..."

I give the most value to a reader review. When someone who has paid money for my novel feels inspired enough to write a review, it makes my day.

Reviews by publications and professional reviewers are also welcome, because they often reach a wider audience, but I get the biggest buzz from genuine readers who write reviews, because they are honest and heartfelt.

Well, reviews from readers are appreciated. Still the fact that famous authors tend to attract a very large community of potential customers along with their reviews or forewords IS a marketing aspect one may rightfully consider.

I think we all can be happy that we have the chance to discuss it. I felt burdened by having those first attempts, as someone untrained in marketing, all dumped unto my own private person.

In the end each customer makes the own purchase, and I still think that I will never have to worry about becoming a bestseller author. ;-)

'May we all find the solution which works best for our own priorities!'

John wrote: "So, while a 5 star review is great, how would you weight it? Would a 5 star review from an unknown be more important to you than a 3 star review from Stephen King? Which would you rather have?"

Frankly, I don't care for Stephen King, and he's called his own work the "literary equivalent of a Big Mac and fries."

So, am I then justified in discounting a review from King, and perhaps all other authors whose work I don't care to read? Or, are you suggesting that anyone with a bestseller has better judgment than an avid reader? Or, should we add the critics and say that they have better taste than an avid reader?

You state, "Not all reviews are created equally." According to what standards?

A review is an opinion, nothing more. Claiming that one person's opinion is more valid than another's... That's not nearly as cut and dry as you make it sound, not if thoughtfully evaluated.

Any author who receives a five star review has impressed a reader strongly enough for that reader to share their opinion and praise with others. Whether you agree or not, that is an accomplishment that any writer is entitled to enjoy.

Jay wrote: "John wrote: "So, while a 5 star review is great, how would you weight it? Would a 5 star review from an unknown be more important to you than a 3 star review from Stephen King? Which would you rath..."

You're right. A review is a review no matter who wrote it. What John meant is that if a known author (or public figure) takes time to read your book, that in itself says a lot and you should be proud. Not that other people's time isn't valuable mind you, but to have someone famous choose your book, not the neighbors, yours, above all the other books in the world would be a great honor. In my mind, that's the only difference, but what a difference. Don't forget he is also a producer. :P

John wrote: "Reviews are for marketing. Let's admit that..."

Let's not. There are thousands of great books that had lousy reviews and failed in the market, only to become classics to later generations. You should read some of the original reviews for Moby Dick which was not considered an American classic until decades after its release.

If NYT, LA Times, NPR, Publishers Weekly, et al clout is the only review worthy of your respect, you must not think much of your readers.

G.G. was right when she said, "You're right. A review is a review no matter who wrote it."

I'm still a bit new to this, so my first "real" review (from someone who didn't know me personally), rated one of my works as 4 stars. The only reason for the last star? They said that they got roped in, and that it ended too soon. I suppose I can settle for that.

G.G. wrote: "What John meant is that if a known author (or public figure) takes time to read your book, that in itself says a lot and you should be proud..."

I'm proud to have anyone read my books, G.G. And most authors are pretty voracious readers, generally reading as much as possible in their genre. If you knew that Stephen King did not 'pick' your book but it was just one of twenty in the stack that his agent sent over for him to read this month, does that alter your perception?

Like I said, this is not cut and dry.

If someone takes the time to review your book, IMO the writer should be thankful, and is entitled to enjoy this accomplishment.

Sage wrote: "I'm still a bit new to this, so my first "real" review (from someone who didn't know me personally), rated one of my works as 4 stars. The only reason for the last star? They said that they got rop..."

Congrats, Sage.

Jay wrote: "G.G. wrote: "What John meant is that if a known author (or public figure) takes time to read your book, that in itself says a lot and you should be proud..."

I'm proud to have anyone read my books..."

It would certainly throw a cold shower on my 'joy'. Yet, I'd be happy his agent noticed me. :P You see it doesn't take me much to be happy. :P I try to see the good side of things.

And yes I value any and every review no matter who wrote it. That's why I write reviews. I know how great it feels to receive one so if I read a book, it deserves a review. Simple.

John wrote: "So, while a 5 star review is great, how would you weight it? Would a 5 star review from an unknown be more important to you than a 3 star review from Stephen King? Which would you rather have? "

As long as the reviews are honest, I appreciate them. Stephen King doesn't carry any more weight for me than an "unknown".

G.G. wrote: "I value any and every review no matter who wrote it..."

You nailed it, G.G.

John wrote: "Can you get Stephen King to review your book? Probably not, but you can get another author to write a review. My advice is to create a relationship, not a fawning one, but a genuine one to get advice and a review from a "reachable" author. His opinion of your book will have much more meaning and credibility. "

This is the fun folder, so let's keep the topic light and fun. Jay's initial intent was for all of us to share our personal reaction to our first five star review. Who the author of said review is has no bearing.

Christina's right, John. Let's just agree to disagree and move on.

John wrote: "Jay wrote: "Christina's right, John. Let's just agree to disagree and move on."

Sorry, all. I got carried away with the free expression thing."

We're all for free expression, provided it stays on topic and follows the group rules. ;)

April wrote: "Then I screenshotted it and sent it to my mother, who said, "That's nice, dear.""

That's probably more than I'd get from my mom. Lucky!

My first five star review was breathtaking the fact someone took the time to read my novel and give it such an elaborate enthusiastic write up was so surreal. I will treasure it for a very long time

Sage wrote: "They said that they got roped in, and that it ended too soon. I suppose I can settle for that."

Yes, settle for it! That's actually a huge compliment.

I second Dwayne's comment: "...HUGE compliment!"

Jay wrote: "Well, laughter is certainly a unique 'five star' reaction!"

It was in disbelief. :-) I was certain a family member had left that review. When I realized it was an organic review from someone who didn't know me I was speechless. Knowing that someone 'got it' was the most awesome feeling.

I suggest everyone print out their good reviews. Put them into a scrapbook and keep it handy so you can browse through them when doubt creeps in. IMO, there's nothing like a little validation to encourage the muse out from hiding.

Arla wrote: "Knowing that someone 'got it' was the most awesome feeling... there's nothing like a little validation to encourage the muse out from hiding."

Reviews are a little odd in that regard, don't you think? It's often tough to get "validation" from family and friends, yet total strangers offer it unprompted. Rather unique.

And I agree, it's awesome when someone 'gets it'!

Congrats, Arla.

Excited! I simply appreciate reviews. Shoot I even got a completely unsolicited three star that I appreciated because it came from a tough critic. His exact review was "Good read. Not memorable." I looked at his other reviews and most were 1 or 2 star with very harsh comments. So coming from that type of critic, I took the review as a plus.

Jay wrote: "Chikamso wrote: "I eventually managed to set the cocktail glass down but I think I may have had people worried because everyone started staring at me."

Well, if they didn't know about the review, ..."

Ha ha!

Arla wrote: "I suggest everyone print out their good reviews. Put them into a scrapbook and keep it handy so you can browse through them when doubt creeps in. IMO, there's nothing like a little validation to encourage the muse out from hiding. "

I don't do keepsakes exactly, but I will say that my facebook post about my first review came up on their 'highlights reel' thing that year and it brought the warm fuzzy feeling back. :)

First two five-stars were from friends. I knew they would like the book and they did. I was still pleased because I expected them to be reasonably honest (or at least gentle). The next one, from a total stranger, Woo-hoo!! Phoned the kids, showed my wife... the response: "Well of course. Did you put out the recycling like I asked?"

Biggest handsprings, dance on the table, go-out-in-the-backyard-'n-crow-like-a-rooster came when I rec'd my first fan mail...

As a reviewer, I would like to say that it would be nice to hear from an author if they like my reviews and I also don't mind saying and discussing a bad review. But it is good to know that we make you all feel as good as you make us feel.

Dawn, that's music to my ears. Most of the time we hear from reviewers that they don't even want us to read the review much less comment on it.

Dawn wrote: "As a reviewer, I would like to say that it would be nice to hear from an author if they like my reviews and I also don't mind saying and discussing a bad review. But it is good to know that we make..."

And there have been some authors that have flushed their writing careers down the toilet from talking to reviewers. I'm always happy to talk to a reviewer that initiates contact, but I would caution authors from doing more than saying thank you for a review.
You sound like one of the awesome ones that likes to discuss the books Dawn. We authors love that.

G.G. and Riley,

I generally won't discuss through the comments, I enjoy a private conversation through email either through goodreads our emails but I also don't have a problem answering questions from others either. I love books so when I find one that knocks my socks off I want to share. There he been couple of times that another reader asks questions of me about the book through the comments and I'll answer it there incase other readers are wondering the same thing. Thanks for the compliment. I want to see authors succeed, especially in my favorite genres.

Good luck everyone!!!

I never respond to reviews of my book. When I write a review for another book - I feel I am leaving that note for future readers, NOT for the author. If the author ever responded to a review of mine it would feel creepy, like they were somehow lurking over my shoulder and reading my diary.
By the way, I never leave 1, or 2 star reviews. If the book is that bad, I likely didn't finish reading it, and who can truly rate a book they've never completed reading?

I review almost all the books I read. I don't expect to hear from an author about my reviews. If it is an author who is part of a group I belong to or if I've had conversations on line and I have any comments I wouldn't put in a review then I may contact them. It depends on whether I feel it could be helpful.

My resident author says that it is a social taboo for authors to contact reviewers after a review is written.

Lavern wrote: "My resident author says that it is a social taboo for authors to contact reviewers after a review is written."

My mom, who lives in a residence, says that saying 'thank you' is common courtesy. :-)

I think there's a distinction to be made here between a writer attempting to open a dialogue with the reviewer and simply replying to an email with a 'thank you' or clicking a LIKE button.

Attempting to open a dialogue with reviewer: Poor form
A short-short 'thank you' or LIKE button: Acceptable to most.

The latter makes sense. My mom is never wrong.

Goodreads best practices begs to differ with your mom, Jay. Even liking a review is something that should be considered only if you have a passing acquaintance with the reviewer (such as a Goodreads friend or fellow group member).

Christina wrote: "Goodreads best practices begs to differ with your mom, Jay. Even liking a review is something that should be considered only if you have a passing acquaintance with the reviewer (such as a Goodread..."

Really? I'm curious, Christina. Based on what logic?

I didn't find anything in the help files, but then a search of both 'review' and 'reviews' only showed results 1 - 20, of 89, and there was no link to go to the next page (21 - whatever). I haven't figured that out yet, but I'm not worried about it.

Regardless, I'm curious as to how a simple LIKE could cause an upset.

Jay wrote: "Christina wrote: "Goodreads best practices begs to differ with your mom, Jay. Even liking a review is something that should be considered only if you have a passing acquaintance with the reviewer (..."

Just the official position of the group mods because we have seen and heard horror stories.
After all, how would it look if we said, "Do it!" and then somehow you were ridiculed for it. As in life, "Cover thine own ass."

Riley wrote: "Jay wrote: "Christina wrote: "Goodreads best practices begs to differ with your mom, Jay. Even liking a review is something that should be considered only if you have a passing acquaintance with th..."

From the 'cover thy own' viewpoint, I can sort of understand that, Riley. It's somewhat akin to the defense attorney who won't allow his client to say even 'good morning' to the prosecutor. It's rude, but it avoids escalation.

However, if someone takes genuine offense when another person offers a sincere 'thank you' or LIKES what they've done, I think that particular someone needs therapy.

This is the last thing I'll add. I would like to know that the author likes the review. Also, it is not creepy. If you, an author give me an ARC, and I have said yes I'll review it that is an acceptance of communications between each other. If you get it through net galley they will tell you whether contact with author is OK. If it's bad I will send a note to the publisher about why I feel that way. Normally, I do not review a 1 or 2 star because I won't finish it but I do let the author or publisher know.

Authors, if you give me an ARC to read, please make sure it is close to or finished and you are welcome to message me.

Thanks,
Dawn

Wasn't speaking in behalf of the mods. I was merely stating what Goodreads considers proper author ettiquette. They specifically state that replying to negative reviews could result in losing your Goodreads account aming other things, but it is generally noted by Goodreads' staff, reader groups, and others, ti proceed with caution when contacting a reviewer for any reason.

Personally? I will like the occasional review, but mostly from people I know. I'll certainly be happy if someone wants to discuss my work, but they would have to initiate the discussion. I'm far more likely to mark a review as helpful in Amazon because there is a measure of anonymity.

Dawn wrote: "This is the last thing I'll add. I would like to know that the author likes the review. Also, it is not creepy. If you, an author give me an ARC, and I have said yes I'll review it that is an accep..."

This is an entirely different situation. If you are solicited for a review, you already have an established relationship. What I spoke of and what Goodreads warns against is engaging with a random stranger who posts a review.

And no, Jay, I can't understand why someone would take issue with a like either, but it happens.

Lovely review! Congratulations!

My first review was not originally intended as a review, but simply a fan I'd connected with telling me what she thought. Yet it's still my favourite review. She compared my fantasy novel to Lord of the Rings. When I wrote that book, my hope was to capture even the faintest echo of Tolkien's grandeur, and I was incredibly happy when she said that Starscape reminded her of LOTR!

Still hoping for a 5 star review soon, but my collection of 4 stars is great too!

That's why I love betas. There's no problem discussing with them about what's wrong or what's good. That's the reason we have betas. :)

Charles wrote: "I appreciate some of my lower reviews a lot, especially the ones that are like "don't eat before you read this" or "don't read this before going to sleep" or "I will never be able to enter a tunnel again" or "this book made me claustrophobic"."

I enjoy those reviews too! Always nice to know that you've influenced someone, in whatever way. :)

I'm depressed. I've just received my first ever 1 star review. That guy didn't even buy my book. Did a review based on my preview. I want to lay down and die.