Review Group discussion

Warren wrote: "First out of the blocks, Leo!

Please post the Goodreads and Amazon links to your review once they are available."

Will do.

Here is my review of The Memory of Lost Dreams by Devon Custis.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Blog link: http://www.alteredinstinct.com/2016/0...

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-rev...

Amazon UK link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...

Hi, I'm a new member to the group. I would like to add my book if it is still possible. My book is Godeena
My book combines emotional drama, romance and action into a fast-paced sci-fi adventure.

Thanks,
Stjepan

Hi Stjepan,

This group is already full, but you could consider the following groups which are still forming:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The first is an action/adventure/thrillers group, and the second a general group.

Leo wrote: "First review done and sent to the author, now starting The Stratosphere by Brian Cox."

This is my first review group, and I want to make sure I do this right. I have finished reading my first assignment, and I wanted to make sure that protocol is to email the review directly to the author first, as Leo indicates above. Is this considered a courtesy to the author as a heads up before the review goes live?

Michael wrote: "Leo wrote: "First review done and sent to the author, now starting The Stratosphere by Brian Cox."

This is my first review group, and I want to make sure I do this right. I have finished reading m..."

Oh, my first review group too - I was just pinging a copy of my review the author's way because I had criticisms in there that I wanted to just run by them first so they were aware. Didn't want to discourage!

Leo wrote: "Michael wrote: "Leo wrote: "First review done and sent to the author, now starting The Stratosphere by Brian Cox."

This is my first review group, and I want to make sure I do this right. I have fi..."

Ah, that makes sense Leo. Both clever and thoughtful of you. BTW, I'm working on a review for your book presently. Stay tuned!

Actually, Michael, I think you had the anthology with me in up first if I'm not mistaken - so feel free to put it up live without a heads up, look forward to seeing it!

Big thumbs up to you, Leo. I also sent my first author a heads up preview as a courtesy. Since I'm still 9 days away from achieving perfection, there's always a chance I misunderstood the author's intent or made a factual error.

My author responded as a consummate professional and as a human being with a tremendous depth of understanding.

Rafael wrote: "Since I'm still 9 days away from achieving perfection, ..."

I'm sure it's no more than 7. ;D

Rafael wrote: "Big thumbs up to you, Leo. I also sent my first author a heads up preview as a courtesy. Since I'm still 9 days away from achieving perfection, there's always a chance I misunderstood the author's ..."

9 days :D

Well put, Rafael. I wouldn't ever quibble with someone's review but an opportunity for discussion and more elaboration never hurts. Like the author you dealt with, the one I dealt with was also a class act - and I look forward to his future work.

EG wrote: "I'm sure it's no more than 7..."

lmao

My first round reviews are complete:


Goodreads
Amazon

Michael wrote: "My first round reviews are complete:


Goodreads
Amazon"

Many thanks for the review, Michael. Really like your analysis and sharing it on with my fellow authors now. Much appreciated.

Head mod hat firmly in place.

It is NOT standard protocol to send your review to the author before publication. as part as this group.
This group is based on the non-reciprocal reviews, i.e. that the review is in no way influences by the receiving author, therefore
you should have as little contact (review wise) with the receiving author as possible.
We do not want to be accused of producing biased reviews, and having contact with the reviewed author, before the publication of a review, indicates that you are letting them 'proof' and 'agree' to the review.

The author should only see your finished review like they do any other, on goodreads and amazon.
BOTH .com and .UK

PS If you wish to send a private email to the author, such as pointing out a typo, that is a different matter. But do it AFTER your review of a finished product, has been posted.
We seriously need to keep our non-reciprocal non-biased review reputation intact.

Sure thing, and understood. Wasn't sure of etiquette for the group, so thanks for the pointer.

Oh, and also didn't realise we post to both .com and .co.uk so will add my review to the UK version in the morning.

Many thanks.

No problem Leo, the instruction re the two amazons is on the 'ready steady go' post. if you've got any questions, feel free to ask. There are a few old hands in this round, and Warren and I are about to answer any queries.

PS Apologies to Warren for jumping in on his thread, but I'm in a different time zone, so he's probably still in the land of nod!

Thanks, Emma,

I wouldn't have been able to put it any better anyway.

Emma/Warren & Group

There is no question the group’s integrity vis-à-vis objective, non-reciprocal reviews can be compromised. Period, full stop. I see no dichotomy, however, between this ideal and a desire to be respectful of a fellow author’s work. We all know the effort and sacrifice necessary to reach a page where we can write ‘The End’.

A mechanism whereby we can achieve both ideals can only serve to enhance the quality of our reviews and thus the group’s reputation. The solution here, I think, is simply to post the courtesy copy on the group forum. This way the authors (and the group) have an opportunity to correct any factual errors and/or point out flawed logic leading to erroneous conclusions. Reviews are important. Otherwise, this group would not exist. We should make every effort to insure our reviews are the best they can be.

The added benefit, beyond the transparency eliminating any perception of ‘massaged’ reviews, is that it places no additional burdens on the already overworked moderators, whom I am very appreciative of. They don’t have to do anything extra. Moreover, the courtesy copy should be considered optional, strictly at the reviewer’s discretion.

I do welcome any response but regard the moderators’ viewpoint as definitive. If they feel a courtesy copy is incompatible with the group’s standards, this author would consider the discussion closed.

Rafael wrote: "A mechanism whereby we can achieve both ideals can only serve to enhance the quality of our reviews and thus the group’s reputation. The solution here, I think, is simply to post the courtesy copy on the group forum...."

Rafael, my concern with posting reviews here is that since I'm following the forum, I would likely be reading reviews for books that I'll be reviewing in rounds #2-#4. In a review group like this, I would prefer not to read any reviews of any work I'm assigned, so that I don't develop preconceived notions from other reviewers.

Excellent point, Michael and well noted.

All books are published on amazon, so we should assume that the book is at the 'end' status . i.e. a finished work. if the reviewer doesn't understand a particular point, or has failed to make the conclusions the author intended, that is a pertinent point for fellow readers.
Just because an author thinks a book follows a logical plot, it doesn't necessarily mean it does.
This is why an author should make sure he/she has had the book beta read before publication.

Saying that, I have on many occasions, because I liked a particular book, sent my private 'beta' notes to an author AFTER posting the required reviews.

Other authors have done the same for me and I've made many good friends on the group because of it. I've also occasionally altered a review when an author has corrected mistakes and sent me another copy, if I've had time to re-read it.

We authors have to work together, but the status of any review produced via the group has to remain sacrosanct to keep the integrity and the reputation of the group intact.

Rafael, I struggled with similar thoughts when I started reviewing other authors as part of this group. I think the problem is that we have to wear two hats when participating in these rounds, we submit our books as authors but we review books as readers.

The approach I have adopted is to focus on the positives, thereby supporting the efforts of my fellow author, but without losing sight of my responsibility to fellow readers to point out any serious problems I come across. Minor problems, like the odd typo or editing glitch (we all have those) I tell the author about in a PM.

With regard to posting our reviews, I think it all boils down to the rules we agreed to when we joined the Review Group: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

"Reviews should be written with the average reader in mind, they should not be a critique aimed specifically at the author. if you wish to do that, and most authors will appreciate being told about specific typos, please contact the author privately. This does not mean you are not allowed to say a book has errors, as that would be relevant to a reader.

All reviews should be posted to Goodreads and amazon.com and .uk and the links added to your review round thread so the mod can 'tick you off' their list."

Well said Warren.

If you search for errors, you will find them, even in classics. A 99.9% accuracy rate translates into 100 errors for a 100K manuscript. I doubt an error-free novel exists.

Most readers don’t read to find errors, they read for enjoyment.

I have learnt that editing is a lot like cleaning up dog shit in your backyard. As soon as you pack your scoop and bucket away and make your way inside, you discover another turd. Continuing with that analogy, if a guest steps in a dog poo crossing my lawn, I think they have a right to complain. But I don’t think it is reasonable for them to take their shoes off after walking my lawn for ten hours, break out the magnifying glass, and shout “Ah-ha” upon spotting a sparrow dropping hidden in the tread of their shoe.

My comments are not meant to excuse my own editing; all my reviewers have submitted valid, diplomatic and constructive criticisms - criticisms that I value and respect. Unfortunately, something larger than a sparrow's posterior produced my errors! When I can find $1.5K to stump up for editing I will address this. Meanwhile I just have to keep fossicking for the larger "nuggets" and accept the criticism that comes my way.

Sorry if my analogy has offended anyone!

cheers
Brian

As someone reading your book right now, Brian, I can assure you that my shoes thus far are spotless :)

Brian, I love your post! it's so true.

My first round review of Avanaux: A Hickory Lace Adventure.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2AEU7B...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R10HQ...

Warren wrote: "My first round review of Avanaux: A Hickory Lace Adventure.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2AEU7B......"
Warren - thanks for your comprehensive review.

My 'first round' review - Return of the Treasure Hunters*
*I flipped round 1 and round 2 since RA was a little late getting to me. Protect Us is in process.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1K0W3H...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1YPZ6...

/Edited to add Amazon.com link

My first round is up:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/review/R360P82...

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2ERX...

This is going to sound lame - I dont know how to link to an individual review on good reads...

I bought the book, which is why I did not put the disclaimer on my review.

cheers
Brian

Thanks, E.G. (sorry about the US/Spanish quips!)

Apologies to RA for jumping the queue.

Goodreads is a bit fiddly in that regard, Brian. I think this is the link you are looking for:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Thank you, Brian, for your kind, insightful, and very gracious review.

Warren wrote: "
Apologies to RA for jumping the queue.



The round doesn't end until the 25th and I'm halfway through RAs, so it will all work out.

Meanwhile, Amazon.com finally posted the review. Link added to my earlier posting.

Here are my Round 1 URL's for E.G. Manetti's "The Cartel":

US: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3SVQWK...

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1CZD...

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Thanx EG !! I enjoyed it.

Here are my Round 2 URL's for R.A. Roque's "Protect Us":

US: https://www.amazon.com/review/RVXPJKV...

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R19NI...

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Thanx R.A. KEEP writing !!

Verified Purchase redux:

Please note the Amazon US Review page for a book has a blurb arrow next to a book's Star Rating. It states that Amazon US DOES take verified purchases into account when it calculates the star rating.

I didn't see an equivalent on the UK side but I'm not sure 'Verified Purchase' status applies outside the US. I'll stand corrected if our better informed British colleagues can chip in.

Rafael wrote: "Here are my Round 1 URL's for E.G. Manetti's "The Cartel":

US: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3SVQWK...

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1CZD......"

Thank you, Rafael.

Rafael wrote: "Verified Purchase redux:

Please note the Amazon US Review page for a book has a blurb arrow next to a book's Star Rating. It states that Amazon US DOES take verified purchases into account when it..."

I tried on three different pcs and with three different browsers. All I get is a blank popup screen.

Are you on the book's review page? The book's main page displays only a bar graph showing the review distribution.

The arrow is tiny, not easy to spot.

E.G. wrote, "I tried on three different PC's..."

Wow. You've got 3 PC's??!! I can't tell you how green I am right now. :-D

Rafael wrote: "Are you on the book's review page? The book's main page displays only a bar graph showing the review distribution.

The arrow is tiny, not easy to spot."

I found it. Typical amazon - a weighting that takes into account: age of the review, number of helpful votes, and if its a verified purchase. No actual math. So they can change it to suit the whim of the moment.

My reviews, sorry, I'm not keeping track of the order, but that's okay, right?

The Orthogonal Galaxy

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/review/RHRHB8G...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2I3Q...

Tales From the Universe

https://www.amazon.com/review/RV39AMS...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1YMC...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Many thanks for the review, Scott!

Rafael wrote: "Verified Purchase redux:

Please note the Amazon US Review page for a book has a blurb arrow next to a book's Star Rating. It states that Amazon US DOES take verified purchases into account when it..."

I posted a screen shot of the policy on the discussion thread where this topic originally surfaced. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

My second book review is up - of Brian Cox's The Stratosphere, which is just brimming over with ideas. Here's the links:

Blog: http://www.alteredinstinct.com/2016/0...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z8Y81...

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3Q4H...

PS I also picked up a copy of this on Amazon, so when the review appears there, it should show as verified purchase.

PPS Post edited to add in Amazon links.

Book review number three up - of Rafael's The Huntsman. Absolutely zipped through it, great read.

Blog: http://www.alteredinstinct.com/2016/0...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2O6717...

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R109E...

Edited to include Amazon links.

This is my review of "Orthogonal" which is my round 2 review as Scott Spotson will be sending me an alternative to Bridge over Time a little later.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2T6970...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3VD9...

It's also posted on Australian site as that is where I bought it.

Here are my Round 3 Reviews:

GR URL:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29...

UK URL:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R10L7...

US URL:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3CY06J...

Thank you, Warren. I like and enjoyed your imagination.

Thanks, Rafael.

And thanks to everyone who has submitted reviews.

Davon appears to have reviewed Brian's book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
http://www.amazon.com/Stratosphere-Bi...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...

We have one outstanding round one review, unless I have missed something. I will see if I can get an update.

It's coming today.