Goodreads Reviewers' Group discussion

Hey there.

"Received" a review on my first self-published book and was disappointed to see that the first review left was a one star review. Did some deeper digging and this appears to be the norm for the person who leaves reviews as they looked to be averaging one review on books each day. They don't appear to leave any feedback, just one stars.

I've reached out to Goodreads and have asked them to remove the review as I believe the user is violating the terms of service when it comes to placing reviews based on their behavioral history with other reviews they've left with how often they're posting them compared to "reading" stories.

Does anyone else have experience with fake reviews or some readers leaving one stars on everything they've supposedly read? Have you reached out to Goodreads, and if so, what their response was about the topic?

Apologies if I've posted this in the wrong place but looking for some advice on the matter.

Thanks.

Was there a review or just a 1* rating with no text?

Without cause, you're unlikely to get GR to remove a rating.

That kind or review is irritating; but you can't focus on the first review of your first book - you'll get exhausted way too soon.

Concentrate on getting other reviews, and your average will gradually rise if your book is good.

If the reviewer left reasons for the review, do something about the book if they're accurate; shrug it off if they aren't.

We all get them - it's almost considered a badge of honor as a 'real author' to get your first 1* review.

And keep working on the next book.

To feel better, go to Amazon to one of the big sellers - and read their 1* and 2* reviews. Their averages tend to be around 3.5*, and it doesn't bother them that not everyone like their books.

Good luck.

Alicia wrote: "Was there a review or just a 1* rating with no text?

Without cause, you're unlikely to get GR to remove a rating.

That kind or review is irritating; but you can't focus on the first review of you..."

Thanks for the kind words. It's just irritating that there doesn't really appear to be a set way for the site to track people like this. I mean basically everything they left on other books was between 1 and three stars.

Like you said, I'll just try to focus on something else.

May I point out gently that you didn't answer my question? You don't have to, of course, but sometimes people here will share the content of a review. Very occasionally, you can learn something from that.

Alicia wrote: "May I point out gently that you didn't answer my question? You don't have to, of course, but sometimes people here will share the content of a review. Very occasionally, you can learn something fro..."

Sorry for the late reply.

There was no text included with the rating and that appears to be the normal from what I can tell of the person who left the negative rating.