Are Reviews TOO Subjective to be Worthwhile?

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I just finished reading a YA dystopian called The Uglies by Scott Westerfield.

What I found interesting, is that after finishing the book my thoughts differed widely from some of the top reviews. For instance, the top review remarks "Couldn't put it down" and that she read it in one weekend. But the book took me literally weeks. I listened to the audio version on my ipod while exercising, but it didn't have enough draw to keep me listening at other times.

The reviewer also liked the main character Tally and said she was "a well-developed character, thoughtful and fully understanding the consequences of her actions." On the other hand, I thought she was shallow for most of the book, and I didn't like that she lied the entire book–until the last couple of pages.

It's always interesting to me to see the subjectivity in the reviews of the books that I read as I compare my experience to that of others. And of course it's always interesting to see the complete contrasts in reader's reactions to my own published books.

Just to give you an idea of some of the most obvious contrasts, here are a few from my latest release, A Noble Groom:

Plot:

*I thought this book was unpredictable, I could almost never fully have a guess on what was going to happen or how something was going to take place. Which I liked a lot!

*Excellent writing, but the same old plot . . . I just got bored.

Opening:

* I have reviewed books for years and I can honestly say that it is very, very rare for a book to grab me from page one and hold my attention all the way through. A NOBLE GROOM did that. Even though I was busy with other stuff all day long, I still devoured this book and wished it wouldn’t end.

*I enjoyed the whole book, but it did take me a while to get captured by the story and get to where I wanted to keep reading.


Ending:

*I felt the story so intensely, it mattered so much to me that things turn out right! She does a good job of ending the story . . . I didn't guess the ending. Not at all. I found it realistic and definitely interesting--and of course, happy.

*While the ending was very nice, it did leave me with some questions and I wish we would have been told how things fared for certain characters.

Ability to put down:

*You know a book is great when you stay up past 1:00 am to finish despite the fact that you have to wake up a few hours later for work. This book is worth the lack of sleep.

*I did think the book was a little slow paced. Although there was some drama, it wasn't exactly a book that I had to stay up all night reading.

Compared to my other books:

*I think I've discovered a new favorite author. Jody Hedlund. I've now read all four books that she has published - and each one keeps getting better. Her latest book, A Noble Groom, might be my favorite book of hers yet.

*Not my favorite Jody Hedlund novel, but still good.

Interesting to see such stark differences, isn't it?

But it brings up the point of this post: Are reviews TOO subjective to be of any help to readers who are trying to decide whether to read a book? After all, if reviews have such contradictory views of the same issue, how is a reader to decide which reviews to believe?

As a reader wading through reviews and trying to narrow down which books to actually purchase and take the time to read, I often have doubts: Will I really like this book or not?

I find myself having to weigh other factors like: how many five stars there are compared to the other numbers, the quality of the writing in the sample pages, and how prolific and popular the author already is.

And still, after all the reviews and everything else, the number one factor that will drive me to a book, is the BUZZ. If I see a lot of chatter about a book on Twitter or a variety of friends mentioning that they've enjoyed a book, then I'm much more likely check it out.

What about YOU? How helpful are reviews to YOU? Do you find them too subjective in helping you make the decision to purchase a book? How do you wade through the contradictory comments?

Is Our Culture Becoming Too Critical and Open?

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

Lately an author friend shared a snippet of a critical email she received from one of her readers. After reading the rather brash words, I was struck with the feeling of, "Wow, since when did readers become so critical?"

In my opinion the reader had a condescending tone and mentioned some nit-picky issues that had no bearing on the worth of the story. (In fact, I've read the book–which is excellent and has finaled in numerous national contests–and I didn't notice those issues).

As I thought about my friend's email along with some of the more negative reviews and emails I've gotten, I couldn't help but wonder, have readers always been so open with their thoughts or is this analytical honesty a growing trend?

On the one hand, readers have always enjoyed discussing the merits or problems they find in books–hence the popularity of book clubs.

On the other hand, I can't help but think we're seeing an increase in readers sharing their thoughts about books more publicly (instead of privately or in the confines of book groups). And hence with the increased openness, we're also seeing more negativity (as well as positivity).

And let's face it, when a handful of people start being brutally honest or saying exactly how they feel (without holding back), and other people read those comments or tweets or reviews, then it opens the windows for them to share just as openly too.

Obviously the growth of social media has changed the way our culture operates. Every TV show has a Twitter hashtag for live tweeting. Every star has a Facebook page for interacting. And every book has a Goodreads page for reviews.

People everywhere are voicing their thoughts and opinions about everything, without reservation. The windows are wide open, the bars are down, and people feel the freedom to say whatever they want no matter the repercussions.

In fact, when I was recently watching American Idol and browsed the idol hashtag, I was surprised by the level of emotion (even cussing) that people tweeted when their favorite contestant was voted off. And during the Survivor finale, I was taken aback by the number of blatant hate tweets leveled at one of the finalists.

Many were spewing out whatever came to their minds. And when so many are vomiting their every thought (whether critical or not), then that gives others permission to do the same.

Does that permission to vomit our every thought carry over into the reading world as well?

As an author, I admit, I'm usually a much more critical reader than non-writers. I can rarely read a book without my internal editor turning on. I analyze the writing mechanics, plot, characters, you name it. It takes a well-written and riveting plot to capture me.

But because I know this criticalness is a hazard of the occupation, I also tend to be gracious in my reviews. I realize that most average readers will probably like the stories that I don't. They don't have the same expectations that I do. Thus I'm careful to temper my reviews with grace.

I've realized that in a culture of openness, I don't want my subjective criticisms to negatively sway someone who may not have even picked up on the faults if I hadn't pointed them out. Why focus on the wilted petal on an otherwise beautiful blooming flower?

The other issue is that after being in the public spotlight with my own books, I've come to realize that no one is perfect. I won't be able to write perfectly and therefore I shouldn't expect it of others. If they have some faults in their book, I remind myself that I have just as many, if not more.

All that to say, sometimes I wonder if we're taking our public openness too far these days. For example, when people read scathing reviews on Amazon, does that make them feel that they have the permission to write the same? When readers nitpick a book, then does everyone begin to think a nit-picking review is the norm? Even going so far as to send nit-picking emails to authors?

Yes, I've thrown out a lot of thoughts for us to think about today! But this openness is an issue I'm still mulling over and trying to understand. My conclusion for today is the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you're criticizing. If you wouldn't like it done to you, then why do it to someone else?

What are YOUR thoughts? Do you think our culture has become too open and thus perhaps inadvertently fostered an attitude of negativity? Or do you think the openness is a good thing?

Seven Ideas for Crafting Creative Book Reviews

*Pin Credit: Caroline Flory*

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I've been really blessed with some fantastic readers! I don't catch all the blog reviews that readers post about my books, but when one comes to my attention, I try to add it to an ongoing list on my Books Page.

So far readers have written over 40 blog reviews for A Noble Groom (and if I've missed your review, PLEASE let me know!) A BIG thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write something up! I appreciate it SO much!

From a reader's perspective, I appreciate the wide variety of types of reviews.

The least helpful to me personally are the book reviews that simply give an overview of the plot. Usually I can get that kind of summary by reading the book description or back cover blurb. The exception is when I'm reading reviews on books that my kids want to read. Then as a mom, I appreciate a longer, more detailed summary of what's in the book.

The most helpful types of reviews are those that offer personal impressions, in particular what the reader really enjoyed about the book and then perhaps what didn't resonate (if anything). I really like when readers break down the review into smaller sub-sections like "What I Liked" and "What I Didn't Care For" or categories like Plot, Characters, and Writing Style similar to what Kathi O. Peterson did in her review of A Noble Groom.

From an author's perspective, I appreciate any review or mention of my book no matter how big or small and no matter how it's organized! Lately in particular, I've noticed that some reviewers have been thinking outside the box and offering their reviews in various formats.

Here are just a few of the creative types of reviews that readers have done with my latest book A Noble Groom: 

1. Spotlighting the main characters in a movie star format. Rel Mollet does a great job at this, and here's her Character Spotlight for Carl and Annalisa the main characters in A Noble Groom. She describes the character's physical appearance, what movie star they resemble, quirks, and strengths and weaknesses.

2. Chatting with the main characters in an interview format. Karlene Jacobsen made herself the interviewer and asked questions of both Carl and Annalisa like how they met, whether it was love at first sight, why he decided to stay and help Annalisa on her farm, etc.

3. Sharing the writing lessons learned from the book. Amanda Barratt picked five writing lessons she learned from reading A Noble Groom including lessons about similes and metaphors, conflict, descriptions, making likable characters, and romantic tension.

4. Making a video review of the book. JoJo Sutis from JoJo's Corner does a variety of video book reviews and recently did one for A Noble Groom. She starts by giving a basic description of what the book is about and then ends with her specific impressions of the characters, themes, etc.

Here's an idea of what she does:




5. Making Pinterest pins out of quotes from the book. Caroline Flory made pins out of quotes that were meaningful to her from the book. She pinned them onto Pinterest, used them in her review, and also sent them to me so that I could use them too. (The top picture of this post is one of her pins!)

6. Sharing the review in a party format. Jill Kemerer does a fantastic job celebrating releases and supporting author friends. For every one of my releases, she's thrown a party, had virtual food, invited friends to join in the fun, had giveaways, and celebrated the milestone.

7. Writing a short story or poem to highlight the author or review. Lisa Bartelt did a great job with this, basing her review off the book series by Laura Numeroff’s brilliant “If You Give a …” series of books. To give you an idea of what she did, here's her review:

If you give me a book by Jody Hedlund, I will want to start reading it right away.

If I start reading it right away, I will let the children play anywhere in the house.

If I let the children play anywhere in the house, the house will get messy.

I will feel guilty and want to clean.

I will help them pick up,

Make them dinner,

And put them in bed as early as possible so I can get back to my book.

If the kids are in bed and the house is quiet, I will keep reading.

I will stay up too late.

In the morning, I will need extra coffee to start my day.

If I’m drinking coffee, I will need a book to read.

So I’ll continue reading the new Jody Hedlund book.

One cup of coffee will turn to two.

And soon it’s midmorning and I haven’t washed a dish or folded a piece of laundry.

I will Tweet the author to tell her my house is being ignored because her book is so good.

She will have no sympathy and tell me I can clean later.

I will turn on cartoons so the kids will leave me alone to finish the book.

I will set the book down a dozen times near the end to wait on them.

When I read the last word, I will close the book,

And sigh.

I will plunge my hands in the dishwater and feel a sense of loss.

Because if I finish a Jody Hedlund book, chances are,

I’ll want to read another one. ~Lisa Bartelt

So what kind of reviews are most helpful to you? What kinds are the least helpful?

Should Authors Stalk Review Sites?

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

Review sites are for readers. Let's just get that out there up front. The reviews are NOT intended for authors (for feedback, instruction, critiques, etc.). When a reader posts a review, he or she is doing so to inform and enlighten other readers about the book. Or at least they should be.

But even though reviews are intended for readers, most authors (myself included) check the review sites on occasion to see what readers think, to find out the number of stars, and the rankings. Some may even stalk their reviews daily (or hourly!).

And just why are authors drawn so magnetically to the reviews on their books?

I can think of a number of reasons. First, the reviews bring immediate gratification, and in an industry where everything takes so long, that instant "reward" is hard to resist.

Also we're writing to bring readers pleasure, and so we have a deep need to make sure that we're actually doing what we set out to do. We want reassurance that we're on track, that our stories are resonating.

But is it healthy for a writer's mental well-being to stalk the review sites? Should authors work harder to stay away? Are the review sites really the best place for us to find the reassurance we long for?

A couple of weeks ago, I read Lynn Austin's newest book All Things New, set in the south during the reconstruction era after the Civil War. I found the book just as well-written and meaty as always. So I was somewhat shocked when another reader (who claims that Austin is her favorite author) left her a two star review saying that story bored her and that she felt like it was written by someone else.

I had a much different reading experience. I genuinely enjoyed it and thought it was one of her most interesting books yet. But the other reader said, "I kept hoping the story would finally take off, sadly the book finished and I was glad it was all over!"

Of course, this kind of contradiction has happened to me too. In fact, one day last week I came across a blog review claiming that my first two books were much better and had more depth than my newest book, Unending Devotion. That same day, a reader emailed me to say that Unending Devotion was my "best book yet."

Who's right?

We could go on and on with contradictory reviews. Even the most popular, best-selling books elicit a wide range of reader reactions, usually a large number of both five and one star reviews.

If we're checking Amazon or Goodreads or blog reviews, then we're going to eventually hear a lot of negative stuff.

The trouble is, we tend to take lower ratings very personally, whether we want to or not. We let the negative comments dig in and discourage us. Even if we have thick skin, those comments still seem to worm their way inside. And sometimes they hurt, even fester.

We start to feel unsettled and insecure. We may even begin second-guessing ourselves and our stories, let the reader opinions confuse us, and lose confidence in our voice. Perhaps some of us may wonder if we're really cut out for a writing career after all.

Yes, reading reviews on our books can eventually weigh us down, depress us, and take the joy out of writing.

In the days before the internet, authors couldn't rush off to see what readers thought of every intimate detail of their books. If an author got lucky, they would get a book review in a newspaper or magazine from a coveted critic. Or maybe handwritten letters came in from time to time applauding them. But that was it.

For the most part, authors could write in blissful unawareness, without knowing what readers were thinking about their stories. Sales statistics were the primary way of determining how an author was doing (and actually they still are!).

But now due to the internet, readers have a very strong voice. And it's only growing stronger. There aren't just a couple of coveted critics anymore who are writing reviews about our books. There are hundreds of critics.

Yes, there are many benefits to online reviews. But in this modern age, I'm realizing that we as authors need to protect ourselves from too much criticism (and perhaps even too much praise). When we take the reviews too seriously or look to the reviews for our worth, we start to lose faith in ourselves.

We have to remember that subjectivity plays a huge role in the writing world, that we can't please everybody, nor should we even try. People really do have different tastes in what they like, in what they consider a good story, and what they prefer to read.

Reviews don't define us or our writing. We can't let all the voices out there distract us from listening to our own unique writing voice and following the passionate stories birthed in our hearts.

Writers, do you read the reviews on your books? Why or why not? 

And readers, do you think authors should be reading online reviews? Why or why not?

Author Etiquette 101: How To Support Readers

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I had a recent post for readers: 20 Easy Ways Readers Can Help Promote a Book. As you would imagine, I had a great response to the article from authors. Many of them wanted to share the article on their blogs, websites, and newsletters. And I happily granted permission.
 
However, I also received responses from readers who weren't so enamored by the post. They said there have been all too many times when they've helped promote a book only to have their efforts unappreciated or ignored.

Ideally, readers would like authors to stop by during an interview, say thank you for the tweet about their book, or simply notice the things they do to help promote.

Granted, authors are busy. We have a difficult time keeping up with writing schedules, deadlines, social media, marketing, etc.

But does busyness give an author an excuse not to show appreciation to supportive readers? What comprises good author etiquette? How much interaction should an author have with readers who help promote? Should an author say thank you? And if so, in what situations? Are there times when an author's silence is best?

As always, I don't have all the answers! So I'd love for you to chime in the comments with your thoughts. However, I can share what I've done (or am learning to do).

Here are some simple ways authors can support their readers:

1. When another blogger invites you to GUEST POST or hosts you for an INTERVIEW:

*Make a point of visiting the blog at least once or twice during the course of the day(s). Leave a comment and answer questions. This lets guests know you have visited and care.

*If you won't be able to visit the blog during the day, let the host know you'll be busy but that you'll try to stop by at a later point.

*If you have the chance, post a tweet or facebook comment to your followers letting them know about the guest post/interview. This can potentially increase the traffic and readership of the blogger who is hosting you.

*If possible, put a link to the interview on your blog and/or website as another way to bless the other blogger with more traffic. We want to always be thinking of how we can give back in return for all we've been given.

*After the interview/guest post, send a personal email thanking the blogger.

2. When a reader posts a BLOG REVIEW of your book.

*Set a Google alert to raise awareness of blog reviews (set the alert to your name as well as the title of your books). Ideally if Google worked the way it should, I should receive emails whenever anyone posts about me or my books. But nothing ever works ideally, and thus I probably only get a fraction of the alerts. Nevertheless, some is better than none.

*Try to visit the blog and thank them for taking the time to write the review (ESPECIALLY if the reader contacted you personally to let you know about the review!)

*Keep a running list of the blog reviews someplace on your website. You can see my running lists here. Whether or not anyone ever goes to those blogs to read the reviews, I'm not entirely sure. But by posting the reviews on my website, I let my readers know I appreciated the review enough to highlight it. (And by the way, if I've missed listing your review, please let me know!)

*If the review is unflattering or negative, it's best not to say anything at all or try to defend yourself. You'll only come across looking unprofessional.

3. When a reader TWEETS or makes a FACEBOOK COMMENT about your book:

*Respond back. Plain and simple. Tweets can only be 140 characters. And Facebook comments are short too. There's really no excuse for not taking the time to briefly write back.

*On twitter, I'll occasionally retweet that person's comment to highlight their praise as another way of saying thank you.

4. When a reader reviews the book on an ONLINE REVIEW SITE (like Amazon or Goodreads):

*The online review sites are for readers to share their thoughts with other readers. So it's best for authors not to jump into the fray. I never comment on reviews, not even to "like" them. I want readers to feel safe leaving their honest opinions without worrying if I'm hovering nearby.

*If I see that someone I know has left a review on one of the online review sites (i.e. an Influencer, blog friend, or reader that I've gotten to know), then I will send them a private message thanking them for taking the time to post their review.

Summary: Yes, authors are busy and may not always have the time to keep up. But readers often lead busy lives too. If they can take the time and effort to help promote one of our books, then we can surely make a little bit of time to offer our sincerest thanks. Maybe we won't be able to do all of the above all the time. But we can at least SAY a simple thank you.

Readers, what do you wish authors did better to show their gratitude for your help promoting their books?

Authors, what are some other ways we can make our readers feel appreciated? Is there anything else you've done or seen others do?

 

One Important Way for Authors to Get Discovered by Readers

With the growing masses of books hitting virtual shelves, how can the average author hope to get noticed by readers? And likewise, how can readers discover new authors without having to wade through thousands of books?

Writers are trying all kinds of techniques in order to help their books stand out—luring readers with free or cheap books, doing social media blitzkriegs, and desperately trying to find any way to push their book into the spotlight.

Readers are growing frustrated too. They buy cheap e-books only to find them riddled with typos or bizarre stories that aren’t worth their time or money.

Authors and readers alike are struggling through the changes brought about by the growth of e-readers and e-books. Authors who’ve put in the time and effort to learn the craft and perfect their stories don’t want to get lost among the dregs. And readers are looking for ways to find good authors and books without having to sift through the masses of books out there.

So what’s the solution?

Smashwords did a survey back in September of 2011, which netted some interesting results. The questionnaire “challenged readers to select the single most common criterion they follow to discover their next read.”

The most-selected answer was "Recommendations from fellow readers on online message forums, blogs and message boards, with 29% of respondents choosing this.” (Emphasis mine)

The latest Romance Writers Report (RWR) reiterated the growing importance of review sites: “In a blizzard of e-books, readers will look to names they trust for recommendations. Review sites are likely to flourish for the same reason . . . Fewer stores and less shelf space in the big boxes will make online reading recommendations increasingly important.” (Emphasis mine)

I like what successfully self-published author Joanna Penn said in her article Book Marketing Tips From Amazon’s Bestselling Self-Published E-books Of 2011: “I am personally convinced that book reviews and an accessible price point are the best sales tactics for selling bulk fiction e-books, providing the book and cover are good enough in the first place.” (Emphasis mine)

In other words, readers are turning to online review sites to help them wade through the flood of books in order to find authors and books they can fall in love with. 

What does that mean for authors?

1. Your marketing plan should include book reviews. One of the keys for getting your book to stand out is to get it into the hands (or e-readers) of online reviewers.

2. Look for variety in reviewers. Asking your twenty closest writing friends and family members to write reviews will only “stack the deck.” I continually hear readers say that they don’t trust reviews that are mostly 5-stars and with good reason if we as authors are arm-twisting or enticing friends into writing good reviews for us.

Instead, get to know your audience and target them. In a practical article that outlines his success with blog reviews, Tim Ferriss says: “You are not after the biggest audience possible, you are after the right audience.”

3. Give reviewers permission to be honest. They need the freedom to rate our books with as much subjectivity as they want. If we’re barging in and berating reviewers for less than stellar reviews, then we risk losing the trustworthiness of the review system that readers are looking for.

Remember review sites are for readers. I know that seems like a no-brainer. But if authors jump into review conversations, their presence or comments may prevent readers/reviewers from feeling like they can share openly and truthfully about the book.

4. Maintain a level of professionalism. Yes, this will be hard at times especially when we feel personally or unfairly attacked. But if we want the good part of reviews which can help us stand out in the crowded market, then we also have to be willing to take the more difficult aspects of it as well, including negative feedback. Often the most professional thing we can do is refrain from saying anything altogether and just let reviewers and readers enjoy interacting without our interference.

5. Above all give reviewers a book they will truly WANT to review. Enough said.

6. Finally, authors beware of writing reviews. Authors usually take two extremes—being overly critical or overly praiseworthy. I find that I’m much more critical than the average reader. My internal editor rarely turns off. Thus, my reviews will likely be more picky than most readers—which is why I rarely post public reviews.

On the other hand, in efforts not to hurt our fellow writers, we can move to the other extreme of only posting glowing praise (with the ulterior motive of hoping our fellow authors will do the same for us).

As writers, if we can’t find a middle objective ground, then we should probably shy away from writing reviews and look for other ways to support our fellow writers.

What about you? What’s your preferred mode of finding a new book or author? Do you look to online review sites for help? Or do you look elsewhere?

Book Reviewers: Wrong & Right Ways to Solicit Reviews (Part 2)

Book reviewers are an author’s best friend. I’ve discovered over the past couple of years of marketing that book bloggers have an enormous influence over readers’ buying habits. As authors we can’t forget to include reviewers as part of our marketing strategy.

If you're looking for book bloggers, Deborah (from Books, Movies, and Chinese Food) recommended using Book Blogs Search Engine. (Thanks, Deborah!) Through the site, authors can search for specific book bloggers who might be willing to provide reviews.

But what is the best way to ask book reviewers if they’d read and review our books?

Well, first and foremost, we MUST write a praiseworthy book. Enough said.

Second, we’ll likely need to have the means of offering free books to reviewers. Some publishers will giveaway free books for authors (and have review programs). But many authors will need to budget money for the giveaways.

I invited Rel Mollet, a well-known book blogger in the CBA market, to share a few of her insights about soliciting book reviews—the wrong ways and then some right ways.

1. What are some of the ways authors annoy book reviewers? What is the wrong way to go about asking for a review or gaining attention?

Demanding requests, ignoring review policies, haranguing reviewers with how amazing your book is, unrealistic requests (eg. Please read and review my book this week!) and failure to acknowledge a review that has been personally requested. In other words, doing the opposite of the etiquette hints in the next question!

2. What are some ways authors can solicit reviews in a positive way? What is good etiquette in interacting with reviewers?

• Be smart about the bloggers you target.

Identify which bloggers/reviewers read and review the genre you write in. Investigate the blogs you are interested in. Are they a respected blogger? Don’t just find a blogger who only posts 5 star reviews or send books to those who only do pro-forma posts. Ask around ~ don't send your YA book to a mummy blogger just because she has kids! Find a blog with a YA focus. Book bloggers know other book bloggers – contact a respected book blogger and ask them to refer you to other well-respected reviewers.

• Look for a review policy.

Most serious book bloggers will have a review policy – read it and respect it! If the policy says the blogger doesn’t review speculative fiction, don’t ask them to read your book on time travel, no matter how amazing it might be! Reviewers will always be impressed that you have taken the time to read their policy. A blatant disregard for their policy is a sure fire way to ensure your request is ignored.

• Write a personal email addressed to the reviewer by name.

A personalized email is courteous and respectful and shows you have actually looked at the reviewer’s blog (as most bloggers will have their name easily accessible). “Dear Blogger” or “Dear Relz Reviewz” is less likely to garner a response. Provide a summary of your book, cover art and indicate a reasonable time frame in which you are hoping for the book to be reviewed. Also, request where you would like it reviewed, on a blog, at Amazon, Goodreads or another location.

• Respond graciously.

Unfortunately, I have had to decline numerous requests for reviews due to a full schedule but that doesn’t mean a writer should never ask that blogger again. Don’t burn future review opportunities by a testy response when a reviewer has had to decline your request.

• Do not send unsolicited copies of your books.

Bloggers have reading and reviewing schedules that are booked solid, often for months into the future. An unsolicited book, just like an unsolicited manuscript, is unlikely to ever be read, let alone reviewed. Don’t waste money on postage without an acknowledgment that the reviewer intends to read your book.

• Do send a gentle reminder.

If you and the reviewer have agreed to a time frame, do not feel bad in following the reviewer up with a gentle reminder. I’m embarrassed to say that there have been times when I have simply forgotten a commitment I’ve made to review a book. I would rather be reminded so I can rectify the situation rather than live in ignorance of my error.

• Consider other options to a review.

A blogger may have other opportunities to publicize you or your book, even if they don’t have time to read your book. Personally, I also do author interviews, character spotlights and character interviews on my blog and that can be a less time consuming way for a blogger to publicize your book. (Some inside information: more often than not, those posts receive more hits than actual book reviews ~ that is certainly true on my blog!)

• Acknowledge the review.

If you have personally requested a review, a thank you is always appreciated via email or DM on Twitter or Facebook, regardless of the reviewer’s opinion of the book. Leaving a comment on the reviewer’s blog, liking the review on Facebook or retweeting a positive review link is another way of showing your appreciation which takes no time at all.

Thank you, Rel, for taking the time to share your insights with us! Head over to Rel’s blog if you’d like to see how she does a Character Spotlight, Author Interview, or Book Review. I was fortunate enough to get all three from Rel for The Doctor’s Lady.

How about you? Other book bloggers, do you have anything to add to Rel's list? And writers, when you think about asking for reviews, what's the most daunting aspect of the process for you? (Asking for the reviews? Giving out free books? Wondering how people will like your book? Other?)

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BLOG TOUR STOPS & BOOK GIVEAWAYS!

Saturday 10/8: I'm visiting with Catherine Johnson on her blog and sharing how I come up with my plot ideas!

Book Reviewers: An Author’s Best Friend (Part 1)

One of the best resources for both readers and authors are online book reviewers—particularly book bloggers.

Readers often trust the honest reviews of book bloggers (especially because online bookstore reviews can often be stacked by friends and family).

Authors covet all the help we can get in spreading the excitement about our books. Book reviewers can play a huge role in word of mouth promotion, spreading the buzz about a book beyond the scope of our usual circles.

But with all of the books out there, how do reviewers decide which ones deserve a spotlight? What are some wrong ways to go about soliciting reviews? And what are some of the best ways to garner attention from reviewers.

To help answer some of my questions, I invited Rel Mollet of Relz Reviewz, a talented and prolific book reviewer (from Australia!), to share some of her thoughts. She’ll be answering a couple of questions today and Friday.

1. First, give us a behind the scenes look at what goes in to being a book reviewer.

Most serious book bloggers/reviewers, once they’ve gotten over the initial thrill of receiving free books, are only in it for the love of it. Reading, reviewing and blogging is extremely time consuming and something bloggers/reviewers take very seriously.

Here’s an overview of the process I (and many other reviewers) go through:

1. Select a book (surprisingly, not an easy process with so many great books available!).

2. Read the book.

3. Write my review, appreciating the writer has spent months if not years investing themselves in the story, so choosing my words with care and integrity.

4. Locate cover art.

5. Locate and link to the author’s website and blog.

6. Locate and link to Amazon and Koorong (Aussie bookstore).

7. Link to other blog posts I have posted previously for the author.

8. Post review with said cover art and links 5 – 7.

9. Publicize my review on Twitter and FB, linking to the author, publisher and/or publicist.

10. Publish my review on Amazon or CBD (if requested).

11. Email review link to author, publisher and/or publicist.

In exchange for a $12 book, I spend anywhere between 5 and 10 hours of my time, with the variation mostly dependent on how long it takes to read the book. Bear in mind I am a fast reader so for other bloggers the time frame is likely to be longer.

As I said, we are in it for the love of it! What that means, though, is that most bloggers review because they want to support the industry they love, the writers and their fellow readers.

2. With so many talented authors and books out there, how do you choose which books to review?

With great difficulty! I'm offered books to review from a number of sources including publishers, publicists, and authors. I can also request books from the same sources and blog tour programs.

As much as I would love to read and review every great book available, with a family and day job commitments, that's just not possible. I've chosen to limit my blog reviews to Christian fiction as a starting point. I know there are amazing general market and non-fiction books out there I’d enjoy reviewing, but I’ve chosen to draw a line in the sand and stick to it. From there I still need to be selective if I want my family to remember who I am! Here are just a few ways I decide:

1. Of course, there are authors I love to read so they are easy to choose.

2. I also try to accommodate publicists and publishing houses with whom I have built a rapport and relationship, especially if a particular request has been made.

3. I also love supporting new authors. So if I have the opportunity to do so and I’m interested in their novel, I’ll work them into my schedule.

4. I base some review decisions on what I believe the readers of my blog are interested in, even though a book may not be my usual cup of tea.

My (Jody's) closing thoughts: In the scheme of marketing and promotion, we as authors can’t overlook book reviewers! I’ve found them to be some of my biggest and most critical supporters in spreading the news about my book.

Come back on Friday for Part 2, when Rel will be sharing some things that annoy book reviewers as well as some positive ways authors can connect and cultivate relationships with reviewers.

Question for you: If you’re a book blogger, how do you decide what books to review? And if you’re an author, have you given enough importance to book reviewers in your marketing plans?

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BLOG TOUR STOPS AND GIVEAWAYS:

Thursday 10/6: I'm visiting with the adorable Casey Herringshaw on her blog and sharing one of the most enjoyable aspects of my writing career.