I have to start off by telling you that to an author, a book review can mean the difference between enjoying a champagne luncheon and wallowing in packages of Milano cookies.
Let me ‘esplain.
Writers live and die by two things: book sales and book reviews and, apparently, they go hand in hand. The better the reviews, the more “buzz” there is about your book, the greater the readership, hence, the greater the sales.
For a relatively unknown writer such as me, I live for good book reviews because it means that, hopefully, I’ll garner more readers who will invest their time and their cash in my books after they hear and read positive things about the works.
I’ve had great 5 star reviews on books that have served to make me happy I am alive, to one stars that have thrown me into Milano cookie eating despair. Since I read and review books through Netgalley, I know the benefit of a good review and how a bad one can hurt the author’s soul and pocketbook.
I read a lot of books. A lot. And across all genres from romance to women’s fiction to biographies to police procedurals and even cozy mysteries. Most of the books I choose to read and review from Netgalley are from authors I don’t know that well from a professional standpoint. Some are tried and true favorites, to be sure, but the majority are unknown to me. And, I would imagine, when my books go up on Netgalley, I am unknown to most of the readers who request mine as well.
With thousands of new books being uploaded every day, statistics will ensure you that a large percentage of them are….horrible. And I’ve read my share of horrible. When that happens, I usually DNF ( Do not finish) the book and therefore, don’t rate or review it. If I do happen to finish a book I’m struggling with, I usually give it a 3 starred rating ( NEVER LESS) and try to point out some salient, redeemable points about the book and a statement that it just wasn’t for me. I don’t bad mouth the author, or rip apart the characters, or demean the work itself, again, because as an author I know the blood, sweat, and nightmares that went into writing that book.
But, alas, not everyone does the same when they review a book. I’ve recently read some scathing things ( not about my books!) written by people who felt it was their duty to make the author’s life miserable by bashing their book. As if it were the author’s fault the reader didn’t like the book. Have they ever thought, like I do, that the book just didn’t speak to them? There’s no crime in saying that. We’re all different people with different mind sets and expectations. If a reader’s expectation isn’t met…okay. Move on to the next book and maybe you’ll be happier.
I truly believe that if reviewers who write horrible reviews or give 1 starred ratings knew how that damaged the writer from a professional ( read MONETARY) viewpoint, they wouldn’t be so harsh.
But….I’m probably wrong about that, because in this day and age of internet anonymity, where anyone can say anything they want without the threat of consequence or harm, rudeness and meanness run rampant.
Just saying’….
So, if you do happen to read one of my books and liked it – please consider leaving a review/rating on either goodreads, amazon, or Bookbub for me. Truly, every good review and rating helps. Bless you.
Until next time ~ Peg
And don’t forget, my newest book DIRTY DAMSELS, is out! It’s available in ebook or print and in exclusive to KU and AMAZON for now.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XmMfBn
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2JkOZpA
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2XcgTZS
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2xnWg2x
Here are some GOOD reviews to read about DIRTY DAMSELS:
Katie O’Sullivan’s review left me in tears!
Goodreads reviews
Amazon reviews
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Peggy Jaeger, Author 