Mr TR thanks you (subconsciously) for all the lovely comments yesterday!
So on to today's topic: reviews. I've wanted to write about this since even before my book was launched, because it's something I've struggled with and I know others have, too. Reviews are such an important part of the process for authors: too many negative reviews can sink sales, while positive and informative ones can give it a real boost.
As an author, giving reviews can be very tricky indeed. What happens if you agree to give a review and you don't like the book? Should you be unfailingly honest, warts and all?
In my opinion: no. Authors are a community; we should support and help one another. I'm not saying we all need to give each other 5* reviews indiscriminately, but I do believe there is a way to keep your integrity intact and still write a generally positive review. And if you really don't feel you can do that, it's probably better not to write the review.
Believe me, negative words from fellow authors sting far more than criticism from readers. Because it's not just another reader -- it's a colleague who understands how difficult the craft is; how hard it is to even get published.
Really, it all comes down to being nice. Do unto others, and all that. If you slate enough authors' work, do you really think they'll look at yours with an objective eye? It's karma, baby! Karma!
What do you think? And as an author or aspiring writer, how do you deal with this issue?
(I should add that this post was not inspired by any of the reviews I've received!)
I actually wholeheartedly agree. "Outsiders" might think it's dishonesty or something, but it's not really - it's just support. As you said if you really didn't like the book you can still give it a fair review, just don't gush or whatever. And I would also say that contrary to popular relief, heaping 5 star reviews on our writer friends isn't the best way to help them, because no discerning Amazon customer is going to believe that everyone who read the book thought it was perfect.
ReplyDeleteHowever I will also say this - it might put your mind at ease! On my Amazon.co.uk, I have all 4 and 5 star reviews, nearly all from Twitter/blog friends. On my Amazon.com, I have some really good reviews and three terrible ones (all, I believe, stemming from the religious thing, in my book, because these reviews are so cutting and personal that they have to backed by anger, an anger stronger than that brought on by a disappointing book!). But yet my .com sales far outweigh my .co.uk sales. What I'm saying is yes, bad reviews are awful to read and no one likes getting them, but unless all your reviews are bad, I don't think they hurt sales too much, at least not on Amazon.
And anyway Talli, The Hating Game is original, funny and a right page-turner - you don't have to worry!
(Excuse the lengthy comment!)
:-)
It's been awhile since I posted a review on a book, mostly because I had too many eggs to juggle and that egg is the one that cracks the most, but I never gave a 1 star review. There has always been something good about a story I've read, and I'll focus on that. I will mention the not-s-good, but luckily, the books I've chosen to review, so far, I've enjoyed. I pick stories in genres I normally read and enjoy and that helps.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, thank you! :) The more I read on the Amazon forums, the more I hear how people pretty much discount the 1-star and the majority of the 5-star reviews and take the middle ones as accurate. And yes, the quality of the product will out, as youv'e proven in your case!
ReplyDeleteNicole - reading and accepting to review books in genres you know you enjoy is a good strategy.
I should add that this post was not inspired by any of the reviews I've received so far! :)
I agree. Although I do tend to shy away from posting reviews at all.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I wanted to say I just read your Mr. TR post. It was great - your love shines through.
This is why I don't do book reviews.
ReplyDeleteIf I don't have glowing, wonderful things to say, I don't say anything. Because we ARE in this together and I want to lift my colleagues up with support and humor and love. (I adored your book, by the way. :)
Every once in a great while I read a book that is SO beyond exceptional, so mind blowing and unique, that I will mention it on my blog as a recommendation...and I can count them on less than one hand in a year of posts and having read hundreds of books in the last 12 months.
Happy Humpday!
Love,
Lola
I think people can leave "bad" reviews and still be nice about it.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't know...I completely understand where you're coming from, Talli and everyone else, but I can't help but feel like a review is just that: a review. I think that you can maintain a good level of respect/integrity (like you said) but still let them know what you liked as well as what you didn't like about the book. I think it would be insightful for the author and they would appreciate the feedback.
ReplyDeleteI know that I would rather want people to tell me what they really think rather than give me fluff, even though it may sting a little.
And like Catherine said, unless ALL your reviews contain negativity, I don't think they'd be a problem. :)
~TRA
htp://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
Well, I'm not a writer except for what I write on my blog and no one has ever asked me to review anything (probably because they have read my blog) ;) ...BUT, I completely agree. I totally believe in Karma and think that if you can't write at least something positive, you shouldn't write the review at all.
ReplyDeleteI only review books I liked, and sometimes I only bring up the stuff I liked about the book. If I didn't like a book, I just won't say anything about it at all. This is part of why I don't ever try to get ARCs for things for the purpose of reviewing (unless I'm somewhere like ALA's conference--then I can't help myself!) Since it's not a critique situation, I don't feel like being unflinchingly honest is helping anyone--the author might be able to learn from the review, but the book is already out so it's not going to change. It would be more helpful to try to improve the next manuscript, rather than having to keep going over the flaws in the last one which is already on shelves. Plus, yes, authors (and aspiring authors) should stick together, even though there is also an element of competition involved.
ReplyDeleteRarely do I read a book that is SO bad I literally can think of NOTHING positive to say about it, anyway, so there is always something! :)
I agree with you. I think if you can't find something positive to say don't say anything at all. But then I am a writer and do know the sweat and toil that goes into getting words on the page.
ReplyDeleteI think that what The Red Angel says is absolutely true for crit partners and beta readers - in other words at the point where there is something the author can do about it. I absolutely and wholeheartedly DISAGREE when it comes to a review of the published book. Far better to decline the review than to give a review that will turn potential readers away.
ReplyDeleteI think reviews can bring up legitimate points without being scathing. Writing reviews is a skill in itself!
ReplyDeleteI have no problem giving reviews. Although maybe that will change with the passing of time, but for right now I feel more like a reader than anything else so I'm comfortable reviewing.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I don't like a book, but it's only because I didn't connect with it, not because the writing or story was bad. In that case I try to steer the right readers to it... you know..."if you like mermaids and love stories, you'll probably like this book"...that kind of thing.
People will usually read what they want to read regardless of reviews, but sometimes having a little extra information helps move the decision-making process along.
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ReplyDeleteReally enjoying reading everyone's opinion of this - thank you.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I'm with Dominic. If it's at the point where the author can change it or if it's brought up in a private exchange between author and reviewer, then I think it's valid and fine. But it's different, I feel, when it's in a public forum.
I should stress I do think if you're a reader, go ahead, sound off if you didn't like the book! But as a fellow writer who may have a better understanding of the blood, sweat and tears and the many things authors have little to no control over when it comes to the selling and marketing of the book, well... every little bit of positivity helps.
Really interesting reading all the views on this. I wonder if I'm a bit too sensitive?
I agree, Talli. I like to review books - all this year I have been reviewing books on my blog as a record of my (fairly eclectic!) reading habits - but I won't review books I didn't enjoy - I'm not a critic, or in the habit of busting other people's dreams. There is a nice art with reviewing books though - in a way it is like writing a blurb - and most especially it's the challenge of getting across a flavour of the book rather than spoiling it for those not familiar. It's all about the karma, baby!
ReplyDeleteIn my college fiction workshop, I was told that for every negative thing you have to say, you should have at least one positive thing to say. It's important to be honest but not to the point that you are damaging the person. Authors relate to one another a lot differently than to non-writers. I agree that we need to have that sensitivity in mind but we shouldn't lie about our opinion either. Best to keep it balanced. :)
ReplyDeleteAggh. This is a sensitive topic. On the one hand you don't want to rave about a book you disliked. But on the other hand, writers are a community and we should offer each other support. Ultimately, all reviews are subjective - what one reader loves another will hate. So, even if I wasn't crazy about a book, I remember it is just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you. In fact, for a long time I refused to do reviews because I won't ever give a bad review. But I agreed to join the Bookanistas because our policy is to only post positive reviews, and the publishers who send us ARCs know that about us. They know if we don't like it we won't review the book, but at least we won't trash it. And when we love it, we sing its praises for all. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of depends on how far along the artist is in their career. If Stephen King writes a book that I think is garbage I'm not going to really think twice about knocking it because it's not like it's going to be career ruining. Now if it's a fledgling author that is only just getting published I would opt to not review it just because I could empathize with that.
ReplyDeleteYou have to separate yourself from it. You have to draw the line.
ReplyDeleteYou're an AUTHOR. Sure you read, but it's not your *job* to honestly review books. In my opinion, authors should only talk about, star, and/or "review" books they love. Show the support, you know?
However, if you were a BOOK REVIEWER, that's your *job* to honestly review books, good, bad, and ugly.
So I stick with what my JOB is.
I'm rather torn on this issue. I'm a writer, but I will always first identify myself as a reader. I started writing at age 9, but started reading at age 4.
ReplyDeleteGranted, I would never flame anyone. I also rarely heap praises on a book, even if I really enjoyed it.
I don't read critically, so unless there's something really sticking out that bothers me, it won't get a mention. I always just do a quick, broad-stroke review. "Good plot, funny, fast-paced"--whatever.
I read reviews on Goodreads, but not Amazon. And when I go to those reviews, I want some honesty. Especially if I'm paying for the product...
I agree if you're giving public reviews. If I don't like a book, I don't give a review. I know how much hard work goes into writing the book and like me, I assume they're giving it everything they got. That deserves commending and respect. The book is written and done. If the author seeks your opinion to help their writing in the future, so be it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think if it's just not your thing then let the author know personally and don't post a review. Better to hold your tongue I feel. If I felt a book was badly written and needed work again I'd let the author know. I have no respect for those that stomp on others to make themselves feel important, it's so unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteThe Arrival, book one of the BirthRight Trilogy, on Amazon 1.1.2011
www.damselinadirtydress.com
I always do my best to give a completely balanced review. Even if I really didn't like a book, I'll still point out things that are well done, or talk about the author's strengths (in addition to saying what I didn't like). If I read a book that I loathe, then chances are I won't review it at all.
ReplyDeleteHonesty is always best with me, but there are ways of giving an honest review without completely slating an author's work.
Not to worry, Talli. From what I've heard of The Hating Game you've got nothing but praise coming your way :)
That's why I don't review books anymore!
ReplyDeleteI think letting the author know you didn't like it (and why) and giving them the option to say no to the review is good.
excellent post, Talli! I've decided to go w/the "no review" option if I don't like a book. Primarily b/c since I write for the paper here, I have many non-writer readers who frequent my blog AND thank me for reviews... urgh. :p
ReplyDeleteIf I ever give a "middling" review, it's for something that's an est'd NYT bestseller where I'm pretty sure my 2 cents won't hurt anyone's sales~ :o) <3
Yeah, a bad review of a fellow author's book can really come back and bite you in the butt!
ReplyDeleteDon't stress about it. Write the kind of reviews that you can live with after they're written & posted. Your reviews of others' books will be out there for a long time. So think carefully of what your words can do to the author and to the readers.
ReplyDeleteI've bought books based sheerly on bad reviews because what the reviewer hated, I knew I'd like. And I know lots of avid readers who do this on a regular basis as well.
ReplyDeleteSo, probably nothing to worry about one way or the other.
As an aspiring author, when it comes to book reviews I stick with the adage, is you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. I agree, we need to support each other as much as we can and leave the critical reviews to the critics.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I can't imagine disliking a book so much that you can't find anything you like about it!! That's just ridiculous to give a *review* that simply picks out what you disliked about the book. Why not pick out what you like about it? What the author did right instead of what didn't work as well? And I think that's the true professionalism, not tearing into it under the guise of *honesty.*
ReplyDeleteI'm not talking about gushing here. But analyzing what worked in a book and expanding on that can make an excellent review. There's no need to delve into what didn't work for you.
Wow, so many wonderful comments. I think tact can help when reviewing books. The biggest thing I think about if I don't care for a book is that this author's editor and agent believed in it enough to publish it. So, while I might not be the right audience for this book, that doesn't mean there aren't others out there who are. Cheers~
ReplyDeletei agree - i only review books if i like them. other things - plays, cds - i give my honest opinion. i recently reviewd chris benjamin's drive-by saviors for atlantic books today and was happy to, because i loved it. you can read the review here - http://payperhackwriter.blogspot.com/2010/11/drive-by-saviours-worth-stopping-for.html
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone, for all these wonderful perspectives.
ReplyDeleteElana, I really like how you've phrased it. If I was a book reviewer, then yes - I would be honest, warts and all. But you're right; it's not my job as an author to do so.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteA review is that: a review.
It's not a critique: fault finding mission.
Those who criticise are usually jealous wannabe writers and/or who don editor hats like you or I would don a kiss-me-quick hat for five-minutes of infamous glory on world stage! ;)
best
F
best
F
Honestly, If I can't back a book positively, I just won't review it. At the same time, i value honest reviews that highlight the negative as well as the positive when I'm looking to buy a book. As long as I feel they are fair, yes, they will sway me in whether I buy the book or not.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Talli. I recently came across a horrible review for a friend's novel, of which I had given 5*'s to. (They were genuine 5*'s and not just because she is my friend)
ReplyDeleteSo, I read this review and this person had basically attacked this authors writing. There were no constructive comments, just a slating! And this person said some nasty things. It angered me so much, I commented on their review to tell them.
The point I was making to this person, was that not everyone is going to love every book they read,I am not so naive to think that, however, there are ways to say if you didn't particularly enjoy a book. What help is it to either reader or author if you say 'this book is rubbish.'
Why is it rubbish? What would you have liked to see done to it to make it better? No author is adverse to a little constructive criticism, but it has to be that, constructive. Otherwise, you are just putting down someone's work, of which they would've slave over for months and maybe even years. It helps nobody.
If I read a book, which I really do not enjoy and cannot think of any helpful things to say - I do not review it. Simple as that.
There are some horrible people out there who do not know how to write a book review, and they are damaging sales/rank of these poor authors. But, it just means the rest of us have to stick together and keep going!
(wow, that was only supposed to be a short message agreeing with you...ooops! Major rant alert!)
My rule of thumb - be FAIR to the author as well as to the potential reader especially if you have paid monies to buy their book and by your review are advertisiing for others to part with their money too to read something that is purely subjective to begin with anyway.
ReplyDeleteNow if that isn't the longest sentence on this planet, I don't know what!
:-) Take care
x
I am not a negative person therefore whatever I read I think someone has thought alot about writing this , much time and effort also, Not everyone can like everything that is written but one should think of the dedicated writer,
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Hi Talli - I completely agree 110%. A review from a reader is completely different than a reivew from another writer.
ReplyDeleteTalli,
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree. We should treat others how we want to be treated. Even if someone doesn't like a particular piece, there is always something positive to be found in a piece of writing, and if a review only focuses on the negative, that's just plain...mean for lack of a better word. I agree with you, karma will get those mean reviewers!
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ReplyDeleteRachna was talking about this same topic just a little while ago.
ReplyDeleteI think that in every book - even in a book I don't like - there are going to be good things. Places where the author's talent shines through. Those shining talent moments are the things I would highlight in my review.
And if I really did have genuine problems with a book then there are nice ways of saying it.
It never helps to be negative because even if I don't like something, that doesn't mean that someone else will feel the same way. And trashing a fellow writer's work is just not cool.
The only time I ever say something harsh about someone's work is if I feel that the author's intention was not good or was even harmful. That's when I speak out because it's a matter of integrity and calling that author out on the issue. But that's a rare occurence anyway.
Jai
I review honestly but am never cruel or misleading. If I don't come for it straight then what will my reviews be worth? I would say to an author that I may not be the right choice in reviewers for them.
ReplyDeleteThere's such a distinction between an author's review and a reader's review. An author is bringing a knowledge so different than a reader to the review, and so is better able to mine the intricacies of the story to be fair in the review.
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe in being honest, even though personally, I have a hard time dishing criticism. I could never write an entirely negative book review. :) But when I am reviewing other authors' work, I do keep in mind the long, challenging process and how much work goes into it and try to be fair.
ReplyDeleteYou know how I feel, and that is fellow authors should write about the positives of a colleagues book. After a book has been published, it's a too little late to be pointing out any negatives—save those for beta reads on the next book.
ReplyDeleteI was going to write a post on this yesterday but didn't. I've recently read a book where I agreed to write a review. I know the writer well and frequent her blog. However, I just didn't like the book at all. (Oh, btw, it's not your book.) I'm still debating what to do but I can't write that I liked it because although that wouldn't hurt her feelings and I would be lying. But, I can't be hurtful either. I will go through your comments and see what others had to say.
ReplyDeleteCD
Well said, Talli. Two motos of mine (cliches though they may be):
ReplyDelete-If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all
-Treat others as you wish to be treated
That sums it up.
I firmly believe in karma!
ReplyDeleteI think it's possible to find something positive within any book to discuss.
I love this post & plan to do a reviews type post of my own sometime soon. I definitely agree that authors need to support each other. I have never (and will never) give any author a bad review because I know how hurtful it can be...and I know how much work that author has put into his/her book, whether it's my reading taste or not. If I don't like a book, I just won't review/rate it. That's what I hope people will do for me in return.
ReplyDeletehonesty is always the best policy. just be respectful. easy as that :)
ReplyDeleteAs a writer, I couldn't find the merits in reviewing a book I genuinely didn't like.
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, I appreciate reviews -even negative ones- that are balanced, give specific, intelligent examples of what drove the reviewer to their opinion, and realize in the end that it's just that, an opinion, with which I may wholeheartedly disagree.
I used to review books for my local newspaper, but really it was more of a 'book recommendation' because if I didn't like a novel, I couldn't bring myself to write about it. After all it was only my opinion and someone else might love it, but my saying negative things about it could affect sales and I wouldn't want that on my conscience! (I'm sure not that many people read my revews, but you get my point!)
ReplyDeleteFor me, it was a case of 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.'
I think "criticism" is viewed as a dirty/bad word. It's not. It's a writer's best tool. If I am being asked to review a book I will read it critically, and give honest feedback - I wouldn't feel I had any integrity otherwise. However, I will not, and do not respect other writers who do this, diss a book or simply list faults. Criticism does not mean list clangers. That's just opinion and opinion is neither here nor there. If there's something that snags you with a book, sure, flag it, but evidence it, and most crucually, note why it snags you - what's your bias? What critical perspective are you coming at it from? Then balance it with constructive comments and note where the book works. Praise should always outweigh the faults else don't bother commenting.
ReplyDeleteIf someone were reviewing my work - after all the effort I put into it - I'd want honest/genuine feedback.
Really thought provoking post, Talli. Everyone's points are equally valid and it just goes to show how different we can be yet still be there to support one another. Thanks.
I just wanted to clarify my last comment further. Focus on the positives but if there's something that eats you up, mention it if you have to but be constructive - always! Ying and yang/balance/karma. Be excellent to one another (as Bill and Ted said)! This really has made me think!
ReplyDeleteI write reviews for the Historical Fiction Blog and our general policy is never to slate a book, be sarcastic about the writer's style or plotline and never compare them unfavourably to another author. Everyone gets something different from a novel and what one person may love, another won't appreciate. We give our informed opinions as readers, but we have no right to condemn a book as not worth reading. If we cannot think of anything positive we simply give a synopsis and a line saying the book may appeal to readers who like zombies with their romantic heroines! I have only had one novel I felt I couldn't write anything positive about due to a plethora of historical anachronisms which suspended my credibility. [One character said that due to the trauma her friend had experienced she would need a lot of counselling -in 1793!] I informed the publisher and apologised, explaining my reasons and they were very understanding: and they still send me books to review - so I didn't shoot myself in the foot!
ReplyDeleteI find the redeeming quality in the book and talk about those even if there are on of the billion secondary characters in the book.
ReplyDeleteEven if the book isn't your "cup of tea", certainly you can find some nice things to say about it. And you're right, if you can't, then you shouldn't write the review. I have started writing reviews, but this is why I hesitate to agree to a review before I've read the book.
ReplyDeleteI try to give a balanced review of a book whenever I'm asked to review one but I wouldn't write a write a review of a book I didn't like. After all a book I may not like somebody else might love.
ReplyDeleteIf anything I would give the book to someone who I think would like it - so it would get a genuinely good review :D
I follow the golden rule, if you can't say anything nice (or at least neutral), then don't say anything at all. Geesh...if more people stuck to that half of the media would be out of a job. :)
ReplyDeleteI've written negative book reviews, but only for established authors, and usually for books that have been around a while. I think among newer authors we do indeed have a job of promoting each other, and usually there is something to like you could emphasize. I feel like my integrity requires honesty, but not full disclosure... pick the good, limit what you say that is bad, and if that is not possible, don't put it out there.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for support! When critiquing a genre I'm just not into, I still support 100% but also let the author know his lawyer, alien, or whatever novel isn't what I usually read.
ReplyDeleteSome people think honesty is giving bad reviews. That's what I think. Most people don't want to hurt someone's feelings and will go easy on them or not review at all. If I hate a book, I don't review it. I'm still working on Hating Game and liking it. I love the new cover.
ReplyDeleteAs you know I've been struggling with this too. I totally agree that we should be supportive and not tear another author down if we dislike something. That's where that saying 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all' comes into play, right?
ReplyDeleteBUT. I do still think if there is something you don't like about a book, that you should find a very polite way to put it. The reason for this is, that I don't want people to distrust my opinion. I like to be honest, and I like to think that when people ask for my opinion, that they know I'm not going to butter it up for no reasom, or just to get a good review from them. I want them to know that they're going to get the truth out of me. I want their trust.
But yes, I totally agree, if you don't have anything nice to say, just don't review it. But it doesn't hurt to be honest. as long as it's done with tact and it is accompanied by positive traits too.
Talli,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the poll summarizing the 3 different points of view. I found it very interesting.
I'm sorry I missed this yesterday. Harry Potter finally opened in Korea and I went to see it after work ... didn't leave a lot of time for blogging.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I wrote about this as well. I originally wanted to do reviews on my blog. I requested electronic ARCs from a site I found, read the first book and hated it -- due to craft issues, not story. I didn't know what to do. I decided that I wouldn't be doing reviews.
I know everyone says that authors should support one another and I believe that. I also don't want to burn bridges.
I think Elana said it best in her comment. An author isn't a book reviewer.
I don't do very many reviews because I find it impossible to hurt a writer by chewing on his baby. I mostly recommend books I've enjoyed and include a short synopsis and a sentence or two why I liked it.
ReplyDeleteReal reviews are hard because the reviewer needs to read analytically and take notes, then be 100% honest. I've done a couple, and find I hate to read that way. Takes all the fun away.
I think Elana's comment is an excellent one - you review a book depending on what your job is. As an author, I wouldn't dream of talking about a book I hate - unless, of course, it's a classic and the author's dead - and while I do sometimes mention books I am not a huge fan of, I do still try to find good things to say about them. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteJust been reading your post on the results too, and I can't seem to comment on it. Was that deliberate or is there a blogger glitch at work?
I have written book reviews for newspapers. I think you have to be honest and make negative comments if you think think they are warranted. However, I do believe in constructive criticism.
ReplyDeleteI would only review a book I really enjoyed. If I didn't, I wouldn't feel right either 1) lying or 2) only giving the positive aspects. I guess if the author asked me to review it and it wasn't my kind of book, I'd have to 'fess up and pass on reviewing.
ReplyDeleteElana's answer made perfect sense.
This is a great question. I don't review a book if I don't like it. Opinions vary and I wouldn't want my negative opinion to affect someone's choice to read or not to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree that writers need to support each other. I rarely review books, though... because I thoroughly suck at it! But when I DO wtite a review, it's because I have something positive to say. Huge believer in karma! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't do a lot of reviews but I do praise books that really have an impact on me.
ReplyDeleteIt's a slippery slope, otherwise.
yeah, great post.
ReplyDeleteI've been review a few books on my blog and I have never felt comfortable saying anything negative other than - 'it wasn't the best I've read'
I've been thinking perhaps I should say that I'm commenting on a book rather than reviewing it.
Hi Talli .. great post - I'm late to the party .. but a while ago someone was put off reading a book, because of the review - but the subject was one they were interested in .. so bought it anyway.
ReplyDeleteThoroughly enjoyed it & realised that the reviewer had a personal point of view on one tiny part of the book .. but how many others were put off by the negative review about the whole book - not just that tiny bit.
I'm sure reviews can add a nice warning note, or say a personal gripe is ... but overall the book is really good and interesting ..
Cheers - now off to read your next post, which is relevant to this one .. Hilary
Talli I really found this post interesting, as I've been thinking about this question myself after writing a negative review on Goodreads only to find the author was also a Goodreads member. I suddenly felt really bad about the review I'd written, especially because I know what it's like to be torn apart by anonymous internet users.
ReplyDeleteBut on the other hand, these authors have been lucky enough to get published, and I think if anything that should subject their work to more scrutiny, not less. I think a good rule of thumb is to only say stuff you'd feel comfortable saying to the person's face. Sometimes, some negativity is justified, as long as it's calm, reasonable, and supportable, and not vicious.
My two cents, anyways! Maybe one day that poor author I lambasted will be able to repay the favor. ;)
Mmm, tough question, and one well discussed by you. I've been careful to only accept books that I knew I would be able to say something positive about. So, I've been selective in advance of even reading it for a review. But, truth is, I've rerely if ever encountered a book that didn't have something redeeming about it. So, as a community of authors, we can foucs on the positive features. Good post for thought and discussion. wb (Note: linked from Crusing Altitude, or something like that :)
ReplyDelete