October 26th, 2008 | by Cassie Ryan |
I’ve recently had several friends tell me about books they really enjoyed, despite the fact that the reviews on Amazon, RT or wherever weren’t so hot. I’ve also recently had several newer writers send me very upset emails about reviews they thought were unfair, or less than stellar.
I myself try to ignore the bad reviews, smile over the good ones, and go on with my writing.
After all, not everyone likes the same books. Not everyone is going to “get” my sense of humor, or like the sexuality level of my books—under either pen name. And not everyone is going to enjoy the paranormal elements in my books, or understand the warped inner workings of my mind. And that’s okay. After all, the great thing about this business is that there’s something for everyone. Books are not a one size fits all type of proposition—thankfully!
A bad review doesn’t mean I’m a failure as a writer, just like a stellar review doesn’t mean I’m the next Sherrilyn Kenyon (although wouldn’t that be cool? 
)
Opinions (i.e.reviews) are like belly buttons—everyone has one, and they are just one person’s opinion at that time, and should be taken as such.
I know I’ve read books when I was younger that I absolutely hated, and now that I’m older and my tastes have changed, I absolutely love them. And by the same token, I adored certain books in my twenties that I can’t stomach at all now. And, I must mention, there are books that I loved then, love now and will most likely love until I take my last breath on this earth. Such is the beauty of books.
So – I have a few questions for everyone depending on if you are an author, a reader, or both.
For authors: Do you read your reviews? How do you let them affect you and your writing if at all?
For readers: Do you read book reviews? Do they affect your buying habits for books? Do you write reviews for books you like/don’t?
Now since I’ve asked, it’s only fair that I answer my own questions, right? So here they are.
I already told you above, I read mine, just to know what’s out there—after all, good review quotes make great promo! Not to mention a great review is great motivation to put my butt in the chair and write each day. I read the bad ones, but try not to take them too much to heart. After all, my books are selling, so someone out there likes them. I don’t want to let one person’s opinion overshadow my entire writing career. Just because they don’t happen to “get” my warped mind – there are others out there who will and do.
When I’m buying books, I rarely look at reviews—unless it’s a book by one of my friends, and that’s more for, “Oh, cool! Look, my friend X, got a five star review!” I do chat about books with friends, and friends who have the same reading taste as me, I listen to when they rave or don’t rave about a book. But I’m such an eclectic reader, I enjoy a wide range, and buy that way. If I REALLY love a book (i.e. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead was the last one I wrote a review for on Amazon), I will write a stellar review for it. But if I hate it, I just won’t say anything. I don’t like putting negative energy out there for someone just because a book didn’t click with me.
So, fess up. What do you do?
Cassie
I do read my reviews but I don’t let them affect my writing-that would be the worst thing I could do. I feel like you, everyone is entitled to their opinion!
by Kate Pearce · October 26th, 2008 at 5:12 pmAs a writer, I do read my reviews, both good and bad. The good ones are great for promo. As for the bad reviews, I skip on over to the bestsellers and read theirs, lol. That always helps cheer me up when I get one, as I know I am not alone.
by Devyn Quinn · October 26th, 2008 at 5:57 pmAs a reader, I absolutely don’t let a good or bad review influence my reading choices. I choose a book based on my interest, and if it is something that interests me, I will read it and form my own opinion.
I ignore what I don’t like about my reviews
and focus on the good. 
by Brit Blaise · October 26th, 2008 at 6:12 pmAnd, yes, tastes do change.
Sounds like we’re all pretty much on the same page with reviews ladies
Do you any of you write reviews for other authors’ books?
Cassie
by Cassie Ryan · October 26th, 2008 at 6:41 pmI read mine, in fact, I tend to wonder “does anyone like me?” if I don’t find at least one or two.
My current release, a contemporary romance, had a good review and a not so good one, so I try to remind myself it’s a tie, and a tie goes to the writer. (lol, thanks Stephen King! –if you’ve read his book On Writing, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.)
As far as reading other author reviews — sorta. For a girlfriend, you bet. But do I let that dictate what I buy as a reader? Nope, not really.
by Candice Gilmer · October 26th, 2008 at 9:36 pmI’m with you. If it is a good review, I get a charge out of it and it gives me more motivation to write. If I get a bad one, and I’m sure I will, I’ll still thank the reviewer for reading but I’ll press on and not let it get me down.
If something really moves me, be it visual art, literature or music, I’ll shout it out and tell everyone I know. If it doesn’t, I’ll keep that to myself.
by Lisa Pietsch · October 26th, 2008 at 10:35 pmI do read my reviews. Sometimes I’ll even Google for them if they’re slow to come in. I love a good one (who doesn’t!) because I can use it for promo and it’s always a feel good moment! The bad ones, I try and shrug off and realize everyone has different tastes.
I sometimes check for a friends review if the review list is in front of me. But very rarely does a review effect whether I’ll buy a book or not. Because it’s so subjective.
by Shelli Stevens · October 26th, 2008 at 10:42 pmAs a reader, I’m always looking at the reviews on the cover or inside when its an author I’m unfamiliar with. If it has loads of them, then I know have a pretty good shot of reading the book and not stopping half-way through.
As a writer, I’m guilty of googling to see if I’ve got a review. So far I’ve been lucky and haven’t gotten anything scathing. Yet. I have to admit, when that time comes, my hearts going to fall right down into my stomach.
I think if there’s several negative reviews out on a particular book, there’s probably going to be some truth to whats being said and its bound to affect a books sales.
by Carol Webb · October 27th, 2008 at 12:56 amI try not to read my reviews. And if I do, I try to take them in the context they were intended. I never get pissy and try to explain myself
As a reader, reviews do count. I do pay attention to buzz and what other people say, but too much buzz will make me walk away from a book–FAST
by Amie · October 27th, 2008 at 10:11 amWow – sounds like I struck a chord with this one
Thanks everyone for stopping by!
I do Google both my pen names now and then and have a Google alert set on them. I find all kinds of cool blog mentions and other great stuff that way that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise
Cassie
by Cassie Ryan · October 27th, 2008 at 12:34 pmI think reviews are great as long as they reflect the true feelings of the reader. I would rather have someone tell me the truth then lie and tell me it was okay when it wasn’t.
As a reader I try to review everything I read. I try not to write a ugly review, because I don’t think taht’s fair to the author who has obviously taken the time to try adn write something. However, I will not hesitate to let you know if I loved it or if it was just okay.
I have picked up books based on others opnions of them, but I do not base my reading on other people’s review.
by Buffy Christopher · October 27th, 2008 at 4:38 pmAs a reader, I don’t pay attention to reviews because I don’t have time to read them.
As a writer, I think we should ask ourselves if someone has a point if they didn’t like something about our books and either learn from it or ingore it, but don’t let it stop us.
by Tina Conine · October 27th, 2008 at 10:17 pmHi Cassie! I read reviews occasionally on Amazon, when I’m considering making a purchase. Opinions vary so much that it’s really difficult to make a buying decision based on reviews though. There’ll be violent opinions against a book, countered with raves. I trust word of mouth from friends more than anything.
Elizabeth Amber
by Elizabeth Amber · October 28th, 2008 at 1:00 amNICHOLAS, THE LORDS OF SATYR
RAINE, THE LORDS OF SATYR
LYON, THE LORDS OF SATYR (Aug 2008)
DOMINIC, THE LORDS OF SATYR (March 2009)
erotic historical paranormal romance
Kensington Aphrodisia
http://www.elizabethamber.com
I agree, Elizabeth. Amazon opinions are as diverse as political views…lol. I often rely on word of mouth of friends, too. Or, I just actually go to the bookstore and flip through a chapter or two before I lay down my cash.
by Cassie Ryan · October 28th, 2008 at 11:07 am