Catherine Dilts
  • About Catherine
  • Catherine Dilts - Blog
  • Rose Creek
  • Short Stories
  • Annie's Fiction
  • Survive Or Die
  • Rock Shop Mystery Series
  • About Catherine
  • Catherine Dilts - Blog
  • Rose Creek
  • Short Stories
  • Annie's Fiction
  • Survive Or Die
  • Rock Shop Mystery Series
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

News 

11/29/2016 5 Comments

Your Opinion Treasured

Picture
I will admit, I am slightly envious of Dale M. Courtney, brave author of Moon People. Dale's book has spawned 133 Amazon reviews that challenge each other for creativity with lines like "I feel as if I have been unbound from the restraints put in place by a dozen English teachers."

"There's no such thing as bad publicity" has been attributed to P. T. Barnum. While authors crave good reviews, not every story appeals to every reader. But seriously, I'd prefer reviews that don't attempt to out-snark each other.

Have you ever had someone ask for your opinion, and when you gave it, you got the impression it wasn't appreciated? I wonder whether Dale reads his reviews and weeps, or laughs all the way to the bank...

Writers tend to be sensitive about their work. They want to know what you think, then bristle, cry, or sink into depression if you don't deliver high praise. Yet we depend upon opinions - in the form of reviews - to create chatter that will get our books in front of more readers.

I am excited to have "met" some readers through Goodreads who want to begin reviewing books. This is such an incredibly important aspect of publicity for an author. Reviews represent a reader's genuine reaction to our work. When posted on Goodreads, a website, a blog, or a heavy hitter like Amazon or Barnes and Noble, reviews can stimulate sales.

If you look up big name authors on Amazon, they may have hundreds, even thousands, of ratings and reviews. Lesser known authors scramble to get a dozen. There is some computer or mathematical magic that happens when authors receive attention. Momentum builds. The more people read and review, the more people read and review, and on and on.

I encourage you to rate and review books. Why?

  • You might think your comments won't make a difference. They do!

  • You might not know what to say. Give your honest impression. "I liked this book because..." There was a cat on the cover. The main character rocked. You can't stop thinking about the story. A funny line got stuck in your head like a song virus. Or maybe there was something you didn't like. I did say honest! 

  • You might find posting your first few reviews to be awkward. It does take time and energy you might rather spend reading that next book in your TBR stack. But my experience is that Goodreads and Amazon make reviewing easy. If you really enjoyed a book, and you want more of the same, write an encouraging review. You have influence!

I wish a special blessing this holiday season for all the reviewers out there! And especially ones who take a chance on new or unknown authors. Also, I wish authors like Dale M. Courtney all the best as they blaze new and unique literary paths!

5 Comments
Char Dietz link
11/29/2016 09:52:39 am

Catherine, another post that gets to the heart of what matters to authors. In honesty, I thought you'd be quoting some snarky reviews you'd seen, but naturally your books would only receive high marks. Truthfully, I've even written a few snarky ones myself--then I later regret it. But heaven help me, I'm not a Dan Brown follower--and the Twilight Series--it could have been a masterpiece with a little editing. What I tell my readers is just what you said about,"I like the cover," or "It's a page turner," or even, "Enjoyable book". Anything simple works, even if it says, "I don't like this book," it's still a review. And as you pointed out, we need reviews. I stack books I've read and will review next to my computer to remind me to practice what I preach. Thanks for the post.

Reply
Catherine Dilts
11/29/2016 11:59:55 am

Hello Char! Many writers set their own criteria for which books they will review. I prefer to only post positive reviews, and try to review books from new or unknown authors. If it stank, or already has dozens of reviews, I won't post a review. Even Moon People got five star reviews, even if they were sarcastic stars.

Reply
Char Dietz
11/29/2016 09:01:35 pm

Ha! I love "sarcastic stars". Your points are well taken. Catherine, I just remembered, I didn't get a review posted for your book. You write well, and I enjoyed your story. I'll put it on my "to do" list unless you already have hundreds of reviews..(Big smile here)

Patricia Stoltey link
11/30/2016 09:12:25 am

I've been trying to do more mini-reviews especially suited for Goodreads and Amazon on the books I can give 4 or 5 stars. I figure everyone can read the synopsis for themselves, so I just want to comment on what I especially liked in the book.

Reply
Catherine Dilts
11/30/2016 10:41:16 am

Patricia, that's what I do now. Trying to write a detailed review for everything I read is impossible time-wise. I leave that to the folks who are dedicated reviewers. Thank goodness for reviewers!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Subscribe to this blog:

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly