tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post3819142605645114415..comments2024-03-29T00:35:40.557-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: One Important Way for Authors to Get Discovered by ReadersJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-36717751800889723132014-12-13T14:37:24.936-05:002014-12-13T14:37:24.936-05:00I have been an aspiring author for years, and have...I have been an aspiring author for years, and have several short stories for readers to relax and enjoy. Go to Writers Cafe James Nuzzello. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52082829474096286822013-07-03T01:28:30.535-04:002013-07-03T01:28:30.535-04:00I recently came across your blog and have been rea...I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.<br /><a href="http://www.buraq-technologies.com" rel="nofollow"> website design</a><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52890678967599713052012-01-27T15:35:48.143-05:002012-01-27T15:35:48.143-05:00Almost always I will read a book based on a friend...Almost always I will read a book based on a friend or family member's opinion!Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27656287600912687002012-01-24T20:33:57.924-05:002012-01-24T20:33:57.924-05:00I'm so glad to have read your article and the ...I'm so glad to have read your article and the comments. I must admit, as an author, I do not look forward to receiving poor reviews (fortunately, I haven't - yet!) but I want any reviews of my novels to be honest. How else will I learn to improve my story telling, or know if I have improve?<br /><br />I have read the works of other authors and if I feel compelled to write a review, I am honest but not unkind. I can always find something positive to say, although what I don't say is perhaps more significant. If I give a dishonest glowing review to a flawed book, it will affect my credibility as a writer. If I cannot recognize poor writing or plot construction in another writer's work, how can I prevent it from occurring in my own?<br /><br />Thank you!R.E. Donaldhttp://redonald.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-69907183480468282802012-01-17T18:19:22.982-05:002012-01-17T18:19:22.982-05:00I should add that the overwhelming majority of aut...I should add that the overwhelming majority of authors have accepted my 'negative' reviews graciously which only makes me think more highly of them and be willing to readtheir subsequent books :)Relhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14857426893482706263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86813151712042296792012-01-17T18:16:31.148-05:002012-01-17T18:16:31.148-05:00Sometimes, Jody, there is a tension between a desi...Sometimes, Jody, there is a tension between a desire to encourage and promote authors and maintaining authentic reviews for review bloggers. That is why I am particular about noting when I am endorsing a book. As you know there is a difference between a review and an endorsement. <br /><br />Interestingly, I have found that the closer I am to an author in a sense it is easier to write a negative review. At least the author knows me and hopefully, understands I have reason for my comments and that I am not being spiteful! In fact, I have just posted a less than stellar review for an author I love to read. While I hate doing that, I have an obligation to be honest about my opinion and I have a desire to maintain credibility as a reviewer. <br /><br />I also have other avenues on my blog for the author promotion side of what I do - character spotlights, author interviews, preview posts and more. Just because I haven't enjoyed a book it doesn't mean others won't!Relhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14857426893482706263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7620744753903101892012-01-17T15:55:23.391-05:002012-01-17T15:55:23.391-05:00Honestly, sometimes I skim reviews on blogs or Ama...Honestly, sometimes I skim reviews on blogs or Amazon or wherever. But mostly, I like to read the synopsis and maybe the first page or two. If it grabs my attention, I buy it, whether the reviews are good or bad or in between.April Plummerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12000526454256802504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39589084610246689392012-01-17T15:38:50.209-05:002012-01-17T15:38:50.209-05:00Years ago, I had a rule that if I spent money to b...Years ago, I had a rule that if I spent money to buy a book I would read it to its conclusion. Having come to my senses, I now realize why some rules are meant to be broken and it's because the words "The End" are much too far away. Maybe if I read book reviews I could've saved a dime or two.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30056632893248497622012-01-17T14:37:09.494-05:002012-01-17T14:37:09.494-05:00LOVE all of your thoughts today, everyone! It'...LOVE all of your thoughts today, everyone! It's so interesting to see that even the majority of commentors look online for their book reviews. I imagine we are a skewed group since most of us are pretty active online, but still, I think it shows the importance of the review sites!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70327503860021695362012-01-17T11:17:40.752-05:002012-01-17T11:17:40.752-05:00When I see a book that has all 5 starts, to me tha...When I see a book that has all 5 starts, to me that either means it is an incredible book, or that the deck has been stacked. If I get the feeling that it is the latter, then I move on. Everyone won't love a book, and so there should be some less than 5 star reviews. I think that is good for a book.<br /><br />If I write a review of a book, I want to be honest, both for the writer and the potential audience. I am free with my 5 starts but at the same time, I am not afraid to be honest if the book is a 3 star. Target markets are not the same. What is a wonderful book for one, is boring for the rest. As it should be!<br /><br />Candace Davenport<br />www.ourlittlebooks.com ~ Little Books with a Big MessageCandace Davenporthttp://www.ourlittlebooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-61273989329733484082012-01-17T10:30:34.854-05:002012-01-17T10:30:34.854-05:00I don't do many reviews for the same reason. I...I don't do many reviews for the same reason. I'm VERY picky and I'd hate to give a bad review to a fellow blogger's book. If I do review a book it's because I really loved it or it was good enough that the few picky "mistakes" I found wouldn't warrant not buying the book. But it's a hard line. As for how I buy, I do check reviews and rely on fellow bloggers I know who like the same sort of books I do. Even so, sometimes I'm still disappointed. Which is why I like my local library. If I don't like it I can return it without feeling Like I wasted any money.mshatchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06308916014310536449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9697136383958761552012-01-17T10:28:45.765-05:002012-01-17T10:28:45.765-05:00I find being able to sample (read the first 2 chap...I find being able to sample (read the first 2 chapters) is helpful not just as a reader but as a writer. If I don't choose to purchase, I ask myself why or why not. The next question is, 'Is my writing like that?' Authors should read the Kindle version or their book or at least skim through it. One of my <br />last samples had every other line reduced to one word; the next line was the regular length. <br />After 2 pages of this I just couldn't go on.<br /><br />One thing that concerns me is the published writing from 'content farms'. That is, magazine articles or on-line articles pasted together without regard for copyright or accuracy. I think short stories should be clearly labelled as such and equivalent pages listed. Some reviews I read are from people offended that the book they bought turned out to have 12 pages and 3 of them were for the next 'book' in the series.Idahttp://www.idafreer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23244296698331458422012-01-17T10:21:00.366-05:002012-01-17T10:21:00.366-05:00Very nice post. I am often asked to review books ...Very nice post. I am often asked to review books on my blog and I have declined. First of all, I do tend to a be a bit more critical because I approach books from a literary standpoint. Secondly, if I dislike a book I will not post a review on Amazon or Goodreads. This is because I know that I don't approach reading in the same way as the average reader. I don't want to discourage them from books that they might find valuable. Instead, in the books I do review on these sites I try to describe what it is about the book that appealed to me. the reason I do this is because the people who read my books often want to know what I'm reading and what I thought about it.<br /><br />Amy<br />http://neftzger.blogspot.com/Amy Neftzgerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07290229026909232592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9956654141156663912012-01-17T10:07:29.611-05:002012-01-17T10:07:29.611-05:00I'm with Beth: good old-fashioned word of mout...I'm with Beth: good old-fashioned word of mouth from friends who like to read similar books. I also have been trying out new authors based on bloggers' recommendations or meet and greets. <br /><br />Another extremely helpful post!Lindsay Harrelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379628592162011068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-89585060487359485292012-01-17T10:07:25.500-05:002012-01-17T10:07:25.500-05:00Nice post, Jody,
I rely on friends, my local libra...Nice post, Jody,<br />I rely on friends, my local librarians, Goodreads, and reviews. However, with the eclectic taste of readers I will sometimes go out on a limb and find I like something someone else really didn't like. That may be because I'm a fanatic about historicals and some readers just don't enjoy them and therefore don't give them the rating I think they deserve. It really is a subjective world.Jillian Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12565274151603868808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50691822540793849582012-01-17T10:04:41.491-05:002012-01-17T10:04:41.491-05:00Such great insights today, Jody!
I do tend to eva...Such great insights today, Jody!<br /><br />I do tend to evaluate others' reviews, though I wouldn't let a two star review necessarily influence my buying decision if the rest of the reviews were much higher. Perhaps, the reviewer was having an off day or the subject matter just wasn't her taste.Cynthia Herronhttp://www.authorcynthiaherron.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10970278143976257532012-01-17T09:57:53.518-05:002012-01-17T09:57:53.518-05:00Wonderful and timely post - like so many others ou...Wonderful and timely post - like so many others out there, I'm in the process of launching a book right now, and reviews are an integral part of my marketing plan. I agree wholeheartedly that strong-arming readers into 5-star reviews is a tactic that ultimately only serves to undermine the value of those reviews in the first place. If we as authors put our time and effort into #5 on your list - giving reviewers a book they WANT to review - it seems intuitive that the rest will follow. Thanks for another great post, Jody!Jen Bloodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17750979789472540108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33359164570188833352012-01-17T08:44:11.655-05:002012-01-17T08:44:11.655-05:00Oh, I definitely count on book recommendations fro...Oh, I definitely count on book recommendations from trusted bloggers, and strangely, I'd say more so than from friends & family. And I love reading amazon reviews as well as goodreads! It's true that people trust people, rather than some organization when it comes to reviewing products. I'm glad you mentioned the point about reviewing friends' books. I think it all comes down to discernment as a review-reader... I have no problems with friends reviewing friends' books. There's something to be said about loyal support in a world that's often filled with negativity. But I also think as a review-reader, I can sense when a review is just tossed out there with either generic, glowing praise, or generic, scathing criticism. After reading enough reviews, you start to pick up on stuff like that.Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15634681223129304563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33258370608201855922012-01-17T08:34:35.565-05:002012-01-17T08:34:35.565-05:00That's exactly how I find most of the books I ...That's exactly how I find most of the books I choose to read. Forums, blogs, review sites. I'll mention another author's book on my blog if I think it's so good I can't shut up about it. Rarely do I do anything like an in-depth review. Just a paragraph or two about why I liked it.Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2648087666790652052012-01-17T08:29:02.541-05:002012-01-17T08:29:02.541-05:00I think #5 is so important - give them a great boo...I think #5 is so important - give them a great book! YES, YES< YES!!!!!!!!!!!Christine Fonsecahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16986034666903054819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1320421136623130872012-01-17T08:16:33.597-05:002012-01-17T08:16:33.597-05:00Great advice. I especially found the last part abo...Great advice. I especially found the last part about not writing reviews a blessing. I've felt pressured to read and review books, and actually have not enjoyed it one bit. So thank you!!Amanda Beth - Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514425540981957702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7218475063931974232012-01-17T08:01:49.948-05:002012-01-17T08:01:49.948-05:00Since my primary book supplier is the public libra...Since my primary book supplier is the public library, titles and covers are important to me. Other than that, <br />personal recommendations make a huge difference followed by online reviews.Lizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16170701034715108039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11050385347869181582012-01-17T07:52:56.847-05:002012-01-17T07:52:56.847-05:00Once again, Jody, practical information with a lot...Once again, Jody, practical information with a lot of takeaway value. With a debut novel coming out, I'm so thankful you're sharing wisdom. <br />My preferred mode for finding a new book or author: personal recommendations. Next: reviews. <br />And when I review a friend's book, I always try to find something positive to say -- or I don't review it. Sorry. I just can't be snarky or negative reviewing a friend's or colleague's book. I'm a writer -- I know how hard they've worked, even if I don't agree with how they wrote "The End."Beth K. Vogthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032849469366266791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6320035086760073002012-01-17T07:50:08.755-05:002012-01-17T07:50:08.755-05:00This sounds like solid advice. Will keep in mind w...This sounds like solid advice. Will keep in mind when the "big" day comes. Thanks!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73388493936739024412012-01-17T07:47:01.071-05:002012-01-17T07:47:01.071-05:00Great post! I especially like this: "They nee...Great post! I especially like this: "They need the freedom to rate our books with as much subjectivity as they want." I couldn't agree more. As much as a bad rating or review can sting, we have to realize that not everyone will like our books. And that's ok. I review books as a freelancer and it's tough sometimes to find a good balance, especially when I didn't enjoy the book. I always try to find the positive and also mention that my personal tastes might not reflect the average reader. That's what it comes down to sometimes. We can't bash a book simply because we don't personally enjoy that type of writing. Other readers may love it. But it's a fine line.<br /><br />I do think it's fine for authors to post reviews for their friends - most readers aren't aware that you're a friend (at least on Amazon and other book sites). But I don't think it's right to falsely rave about a book I'm not thrilled about. I don't want my friends taking my suggestion and wondering what I was thinking! :-)Lynda Lee Schabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827732317985384301noreply@blogger.com