Book reviews—love them or hate them, they are part of a writing career. I confess as a reader, a truly bad book review might steer me away from a book just as a good book review might convince me to buy it.
Unfortunately, for authors, no one can guarantee a great review because most reviews are based on the reviewer’s personal reading tastes.
If you are a published author, then chances are you have gotten a review at one time or another. And if you've been around for any time at all, the odds are you've gotten a less than favorable review from someone.
As much as it pains me to say, I've received my fair share of them. I don't think it matters how seasoned you are or how much you prepare for them, they still sting.
Although the poll below is not a scientific poll, it is a quick snapshot of what some readers are thinking.
I got 100 responses from readers to the following questions.
Here’s my summary of the results:
Do you read book reviews? • 48% said yes
What do you look for in a book review? • 47% said the story description. • 22% said the rating analysis. • 12% said snappy writing. • 2% said the rating.
How influential are book reviews on your purchase of a book? • 44% said somewhat • 12% said hardly • 8% said not at all • 5% said very
If a book had the lowest rating possible, how likely would you be to buy it? • 28% said hardly likely • 25% said no effect • 12% said somewhat likely • 12% said not at all likely • 4% said very likely.
So, what are your thoughts on the subject? Do book reviews matter to you as a reader?
Al the best...
Mary Eason
www.maryeason.com
Shadow Games – Available now at Champagne Books
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment