Liz Kreger blogged about reviews last week. In my comment on her blog, I talked about a movie reviewer for my local newspaper whose reviews I distrust. He and I have different tastes. If he weren’t paid to see romantic comedy, I doubt if he would watch any. But most book reviewers choose the books they review. For the most part, they don’t get paid and aren’t going to spend their precious time reading a book they might not like. And when they’re done reading, they take the extra step and write a thoughtful opinion. I don’t know an author who doesn’t appreciate reviewers.
Indie authors really appreciate this. A review from a book blogger or a review site gives credibility to your work. Most reviewers have followers, and they’re getting the word out about the book. Even if the reviewer doesn’t love the book, a well-written review points out what works for the reviewer and what doesn’t. From this, the reader can decide whether it’s something she might like. At the least, it gets your name out. Studies have shown that if you see a name often enough (I think it’s 7 times), you’re more likely to buy that product. You remember the name and usually not how it was mentioned.
I also appreciate readers who write reviews. Though not all of the reviews are raves, I understand that this is subjective. We don’t like the same desserts or foods or movies. And to have the large majority of the reviews like and even love my books…that’s a wonderful feeling.
If I’m on the fence about whether to buy a book or not, I will read the readers’ reviews and they do make a difference. I’m so pleased that we have reviewers at Magical Musings on weekends now. I read every one, and because of them I have a couple new books listed on my ‘buy list.’
Lately I’ve been buying products online, and I read reviews for them too. We need new pillows, and the reviews for one pillow decided me. Now I have to wait for a sale.
What about you? When you’re uncertain, are you more likely to read reviews?
I do read reviews. I usually read the high and the bottom ones. If I’m reading reviews for books, I don’t pay A LOT of attention unless there are a slew of 1′s and then I wonder. What I enjoy in a book may not be everybody else’s cup of tea.
If I’m looking at an object, tool, equipment, etc to buy, I will check reviews. The 2′s and 1′s are usually more helpful than the 5′s!
Cyndi, I have to admit that if the book review is all 5s, I wonder whether they were all written by the reviewers’ friends. For the pillow I was looking at, I think two of the reviewers said they bought it for themselves, then their spouse liked it so much, they ended up buying another for him/her. That’s what sold me.
Reviewers are awesome. I always appreciate someone who takes time to read and review my stories. It’s like getting a gift!
Love the kitty picture, Edie!
It’s like getting a gift!
Misty, a great way to put it!
I’m glad you like the picture. I figure I can’t go wrong with a kitty picture.
Ohh pic of me
Bf is always online reading reviews, not the fun reviews though, but for technology
He would never buy anything before having really researched. And I am the same with books, well and I am impulsive too, but I do try to read a lot before. And I need negative and positive ones cos I can’t buy if I only see glowing ones
blodeuedd`s last blog was …Review: Wonder Girls – Catherine Jones
B, that’s a great picture.
I’m glad you stopped by.
I need negative and positive ones cos I can’t buy if I only see glowing ones
I agree. I think we’re smart enough to figure out whether what bothered the reviewer would bother us. I got some reviews of mine that didn’t like sex scenes – and mine are on the tamer side.
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Edie, I agree that it’s wonderful when someone posts their opinion. It does take time and energy. I’ve started leaving restaurant and hotel reviews on Trip Advisor, because I appreciate reading them. I also spent a ton of time reading Consumer Reports and studying customer reviews of dehumidifiers and air purifiers (can you believe it’s because our cat has such strong allergies? LOL). So yes, I do use them. A negative review may not stop me from buying something, but it will temper my expectations.
As for book reviews, I don’t read tons of them, but I do look at the ratings. And yes, it makes me feel better when I see those stars spread across the board.
Amy Atwell`s last blog was …Icons: Sir Alfred Hitchcock
Amy, I read a lot of reviews but except for books (and that’s mostly under a different name), I don’t usually write a review. Good for you for taking the time to do it.
And speaking of reviews, I discovered a new one this morning for Better Than Dessert. It’s made my day. I appreciate reviews and look at them depending on certain criteria. For example, I need some everyday T-shirts and the brand I used to buy is no longer available. I loved the brand because the sizes were consistent and I like the quality of the material.
Since I’ve been burned with sizing fluctuations in the past and since I mostly online shop before I ordered any new shirts, I read the reviews.
As for books, I look at some, but not all especially if I don’t know the author and/or a reader friend hasn’t recommended it. A read a few good ones and not so good. Then I decide if I want to try it.
Casey Clifford`s last blog was …A Much Needed Vacation
Casey, congrats on the review! I have to try clothes on or I don’t buy them, but I know many people who buy online. Even shoes fluctuate from brand to brand.
I’ll read a sample of the books in addition to the reviews. That usually helps me avoid the books that I might not enjoy.
I have to admit, I don’t often read reviews. I agree with that statement, that if you see a name 7 times, you are likely to buy the product. I belong to a lot of YA book clubs/pages on Facebook. They are always posting things like “What are you reading now and what would you rate it.” “What is your favorite book you read this year.” Etc. I see many of the same book titles or author names popping up and the ones I see often I always add to my list of must reads. One way or the other, it’s important to get your name out there!
Beth, that’s so smart of you to do now. Get to know the people in the sites before you sell. That way they won’t think of you as just there to promote your book.
I’m on the KotC right now, which is for Kindle readers. But I went to look at my numbers on PubIt, and my numbers are up in Nook, too. I’m sure it’s because of the KotC mention. And the great cover that caught the readers’ attention. So getting the name out means a lot!
I admit that I’m an impulse buyer and don’t search out reviews of products … although my daughter (of all people) and my sister does. I personally don’t like purchasing things on line, although I will ‘pon occasion. I like being able to see and feel the product before I buy it. Tad old fashioned that way.
I love reading a positive review of my work and sorta hem over anything remotely negative. Doesn’t offend or depress me … I’m usually just curious as to why the story didn’t work for a particular person. As you say, everything is subjective.
And yes … love the kitty picture. Better than the one I found last week.
Liz, like the kitty in the picture, I think we all just need more kittens in the books. Or dragons.
Sorry for the late response, Edie. Just got my internet back after nearly 4 days of on/off then totally off. But we’re back. Yay!
I LOVE reviewers, and I am so busy, I love reviews because they introduce me to books I’d otherwise not hear about. That’s why I love the new MM reviews, because, like you, I’ve found a whole lot of new books. I always read reviews before I buy a book online (not always practical if I’m in a bookshop, because then I just buy based on cover/blurb/story) and I am perfectly okay with reviews across the board.
I think the ten reviewers we have here at MM, who are all readers, get a great mix of books and they all do a great review.
Michelle, I’m so glad you put together the MM reviews. Thanks for doing all the work.
I’m also glad you’re online again. Yay!!!
Hi Edie,
I do tend to read reviews if I’m not familiar with an author, but often I end up liking books or movies that others didn’t. I’d much rather hang out in a bookstore and flip through books to get an idea of what I like–and it’s nice that we can do this on the computer with samples, too.
Virna, I love the samples on the internet. We can’t tell if the plot will fall apart after the beginning sample, but at least we can tell if we like the tone and the writer’s voice.