Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Janna - there are legitimate ways to try to obtain reviews. Goodreads giveaways, approaching book bloggers who review books in your genre, placing your book on Netgalley, to mention a few.

But, like others have said, I wouldn't agonise over reviews. Sure, you should engage with readers in places like this, but not to ask for reviews or even to publicise your book(s). If you appear friendly and interesting, some forum users might click on your name and find your work that way.

Of course, the downside to this approach is that it's very time-consuming. I also have to fit writing around a full-time job (that I hate with a passion, but that pays the bills) so tend to not spend too much time on chat boards. When we have limited free time, we have to prioritise - trying to drum up reviews is extremely low on my list.

Henry wrote: "I would like to add something to this thread.

I'm an author, but I use Goodreads mainly as a reader. I participate in the community, rate and review the books I read, and I interact with other re..."

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Henry, I haven't interacted with you much, but I do read your posts. If your books were genres I read, I'd be buying them and reading as well.

This is not only a touchy subject, it's full of pot holes, snares and blind alleyways that the uninitiated ought to consider before dipping a toe inside. Then again, sometimes subtlety should just be ignored, and tossed aside in favor of heartfelt expression.

There are lots of valid points that have been made and I have no intention of disputing any of them. But take a moment to consider Janna's comments and feel her frustration. She's lost, and thinking that she needed reviews to kick start the process was a natural reaction after visiting Goodreads where offers of performing reviews are everywhere.
And why shouldn’t she think that embarking on this route is not the very first step toward recognition? How many want to buy anything that has not been tested to some degree or another? And who wants to be one to venture into the unknown and buy the work of some unknown author with nothing but empty stars sitting in painful silence beside their lovingly created, and hopefully well crafted work?

The sorry fact is that people, for the most part, are seldom willing to venture into the unknown, they tend to follow like sheep and go with the herd.

Someone recently claimed that sales are the only true indication of a books value, not reviews. I am not sure I agree having read one very successful book that is presently being turned into a movie. The writing was awful and the story weak, but somehow it captured the attention of sufficient number of people that the mindless sheep followed on, therefore assuring what many others consider unjustifiable success.
How many academy award films are truly deserving? It all depends on your interest in the subject, the actors and dare I say it, the reviews that captivate, propel, put off, or virtually ensure failure.

Do the sales volumes of products guarantee quality? Apparently not when the number of recalls for vehicles, or contaminated consumables are publicized for all to see.

So what should Janna and every other struggling to emerge author do? Is she wrong in thinking that a honest review wouldn’t help bring her out of the darkness and into the light? And if not reviews, what is the correct, acceptable way? Is there even one and as she herself asked, should she keep writing at all?

That question, Janna, is something only you can answer.

There are many reputable books and articles pertaining to marketing in the literary world, written by established, formally recognized experts. Most agree that a multiple approach is the most effective. They may be found in most local public libraries.

Website - Designed and dedicated to a specific work. Include a book blurb, author's bio., and interactive communication page.

Participation in Discussion Groups of Literary Websites - Not just those designated for self-promotion. Let members get to know you as a person.

Public Appearances - Author Festivals, conventions, and focus groups: Book Clubs; Book Stores; Public Libraries.

Push Cards; Business Cards; Thank-You Cards - Customized to feature a specific work and the author.

Blogging - Well written and well maintained.

Interviews - Featured in literary magazines, blogs, and websites.

Press Releases - Targeted to local newspapers and periodicals available where the event is scheduled.

None of the aforementioned books include or condone soliciting/purchasing/swapping reviews as an effective tool.

@Stuart, well said.

My simplest answer is (in part) that writers come in all shapes and flavors, with some seeking the adulation of the masses, others seeking fortune, and still others writing because something internal compels them to set virtual pen to virtual paper.

The other part of the answer is that what satisfies one writer won't satisfy all writers. Some seek traditional publication, others independence, some just want to make some money. The results that satisfy are legion.

I continue writing so that one day my daughter can connect on some level with the person I was, because I know the odds are against me knowing her as an adult with children of her own. Fame and fortune would actually not be beneficial in my case, because I want my child to see the value of a life well-lived as opposed to only seeing temporary values that don't last. I'll be satisfied if my child can handle the inevitable crap-storms of the future while having some books of close provenance to (hopefully) enjoy.

The question each of us has to answer for ourselves is what is it that makes writing worth doing? Seek reviews or not. Good luck finding the right answer for your situation, may it not long elude you.

Stuart, did you mean to address your comments to Janna? I'm Sam and I'm a 'he' :-)

@Henry, if I'm not considered too rude, could you PM me the name of the Group?

**I've got a 14 m.o Tiny Demon venting her disapproval at my failings as a minion, so off to Her Grace's service.**

Stuart wrote: "Sam wrote: "Stuart, did you mean to address your comments to Janna? I'm Sam and I'm a 'he' :-)"

Sorry, Sam you are right, it was supposed to have been directed to Janna. Please accept my apology."

lol! No worries.

and notionally its for literary fiction, or genre work with literary values

@Henry,
The only SPAM I tolerate comes in a can, sometimes with bacon and sometimes with jalapenos, best when heated over a campfire and consumed with 'rat' cheese and crackers.

I do strive my best not to be disagreeable till someone's been on my six one time too many -- in other words very patient up to a point.

I opened the link in another tab, and I'll see about joining once Wife is here to be backup. Her Grace is strong (she uses a six pound medicine ball as a toy) and she has an uncannily good aim, so I can't take long.

Jim wrote: "The quarterly sales report and the royalty check that accompanies it is the only truly objective measurement of how many readers thought enough of an author's book to expend effort, time, and money to obtain and read it, even though some of them may not like it afterwards..."

No, they're the only truly objective measurement of the strength of the author's marketing. People don't buy books they've never heard of, and they don't leaf through all nine bazillion books in the Zon's catalog to find the undiscovered gems.

It would stand to reason that if money is the only objective measure of success, then a sociopathic author-accountant whose specialty is actually identity theft would therefore be the ideal role model.

Hi S:
Like you, I am sort of new to this process, and like you, I too have a new book that I'd like to have reviewed. I do not want to overburden you. What kind of stories do you like to read and do you read the entire book or just a portion? Where do you post your review?
Josh

Josh wrote: "Hi S:
Like you, I am sort of new to this process, and like you, I too have a new book that I'd like to have reviewed. I do not want to overburden you. What kind of stories do you like to read ..."
Hi Josh,
I was only adding my opinion to the conversation. :) I am so dreadfully behind on reading right now. I have not actually asked for any reviews on Goodreads. There are a million others asking for that and the forums get overwhelming. I will likely stick to private messages. Keep me posted on your releases.