Faith Mortimer-author of crime, suspense, romance & action
  • HOME
  • SIGN UP TO MAILIST
  • Faith's Blog
  • CRIME BOOKS
    • Excerpt from The Assassins' Village
    • Excerpt from Children of the Plantation
    • Excerpt from The Surgeon's Blade
    • Excerpt from Camera...Action...Murder!
    • Excerpt from Childhunt
    • Excerpt from Devil's Brae
    • Excerpt from A Deadly Learning
    • Excerpt from Behind a Twisted Smile
    • Excerpt from A Brutal Trade
    • Excerpt from The Green Room
    • Excerpt from Paradise Prison
  • ADVENTURE/ROMANCE BOOKS
    • My Action & Adventure books & synopsis
    • Excerpt from The Seeds of Time
    • Excerpt from Harvest
    • My Romance books & synopsis
    • Excerpt from A Very Distant Affair
    • Excerpt from A Very French Affair
    • Excerpt from On Christmas Hill ~ A Seasonal Affair
    • Excerpt from A Very English Affair
    • Excerpt from Not Just For Christmas
    • BOOK REVIEWS
  • The Diana Rivers Page
  • Book Reviews
    • Reviews for The Assassins' Village >
      • Cyprus Weekly Feature 27th May 2011
  • Friends & Links.
    • Independent Writers
  • About the Author
  • Writing

There's reviews...and there's reviews.

24/4/2012

6 Comments

 
Picture
There’s reviews…and there’s reviews.

The subject of reviews and what makes a good qualified review has troubled me for some time (probably ever since I started receiving them on my own books!) Now I’m not about to start a whinge over my own book reviews as on the whole I’m very grateful for those readers who take the time to read and write reviews and in the main my reviews are looking good.
And I’m the same as many authors and look forward to the next review. But sometimes I really wonder about some of those so-called ‘reviewers’.

When above all else the purpose of a review is not to caress the author’s ego or put them down. A review is written so readers can ascertain the calibre of a book. By being given information and opinions on the book readers can make their own decision on whether they might want to buy and read that book.
So what should a reader look out for in a review? I know what I like to see included and below I’ve mentioned a few of my favourites.


First, I want to know that the genre is one I want to read. If it’s a genre I hate then I won’t read it, no matter how many 5 stars the review is given. The only exception here is when the book is remarkably different from others in its genre – then I might be tempted.

I like a brief description of the plot – just a few lines will do to hook me if it’s written well.

If the book is based on murder then it should say how blood thirsty the book is. Some people hate lurid scenes, some adore all that gore. I for one don’t. Other topics that should be mentioned in a review is whether there is religion, strong sex, politics and or distasteful subjects such as child molesting. To not include scenes like this might incur bad reviews from a purchaser. If I buy a book with good reviews then I want to know that I’m not going to be disappointed by reading some topics that are taboo for me. However, if some scenes such as I’ve mentioned do in fact further the plot then mention that too. As a reviewer, everyone has different likes and opinions. Someone you like/dislike may work in entirely the opposite way for another reader.


I believe a review should include something that stands out and is not mentioned in either another review or from the synopsis/book description. This might be the style of writing, the gentle humour or a quirky character which adds to the story.


I always think it’s nice if you can recommend this book to certain people – adults who like horror, romance, or which age groups it will apply to. If there is something that is going to be hated by some people then mention this and why, without giving the whole plot and story away


If the book is part of a series, then you can compare this with the others. Likewise if the writer has written other books, say how their characters and story flow (or not). Has the writer developed both characters and plot-line?


I like to know if I’m going to be hooked from the beginning with a fast-paced book or if I’m going to be drawn in gradually. Am I going to be entertained, educated, amazed by the pace, action, drama, originality and can I relate to the story in any way? Is it believable?

I love it when I have finished a book and yet I can’t get it out of my head. Share if this book has affected you in any way, either in a good or bad way as both are important.


And what do I hate to see in a review and believe adds nothing of value ? All too often I see reviews written by people who believe the following points add something and yet I truly believe they do nothing.

Being downright nasty about the author. You are reviewing the book, not the author.


Using rude comments. I won’t mention any here, but we’ve all seen them and some are outrageous. If you think the book is bad then use a kind word you can use and give your reason why you think the book is bad.Giving a reason/s is vitalbecause some readers’ ideas may be completely different from yours. From the author’s side, giving reasons for dislike may help them to improve future writing, but only if your logic is solid.

Sarcasm. What does this do except show up the reviewer?


Spoilers and destroying the book’s ending. After reading a book and then writing a review because you enjoyed it, part of the purpose of that review is to help the author sell extra copies. Don’t tell future readers the whole plot and essence of the story. No one will buy the book if they already know the ending or all the exciting stuff?


When mentioning the negatives include at least one positive comment in the review. There’s usually at least one likable thing in any story and someone might buy the book, purely due to that one positive comment you’ve made.

I think many reviewers forget that they should not be trying to persuade readers to read or not read the book; instead they should be telling them what they thought of the book. This means a reader can make their own informed personal decision to buy or not buy. There is a big difference.

And if a hate a book? This is dead easy. If I really think a book is appalling then I simply don’t review it.

If it’s that bad then whatever I write, it won’t serve the purpose a review is intended to serve. Readers don’t care if I hated the book; they just want to know if they will hate it too. And essentially that’s what your review would tell them. You can try softening a review, but usually it is better to ‘walk’ away and forget about it.

As a writer I receive reviews of all sorts, good and bad. It hurts when I receive a review which clearly indicates the reader has missed the point entirely or hasn’t even read beyond the first few pages. Or I don’t know what I’m talking about – I spend weeks in research and most of my work is first-knowledge. But what really pees me off is when I read a review from someone who can’t even spell let alone write!!

But when I read a new 4 or 5 star then, wow! It really makes my day! I am after all human like the rest of us.

So, please whether you’re a reader or writer, remember you are reviewing a book not the writer, and your job is to tell future readers what you thought of the book!

I've just sent my latest manuscript off to my editor, so fingers crossed she likes it and gives me the go ahead to publish hopefully next month!! Look out for 'Seeds of Time' and the follow-up 'Harvest'.

Happy reading everyone! And thanks for dropping in once again. Take care

Faithx






6 Comments
    Picture
    Awesome Indies Approved Author
    The Independent Author Network
    Follow this blog

    Archives

    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    July 2010
    March 2010
    January 2010
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009

    Categories

    All
    #1 Dark Minds Novel
    2011
    #2 Dark Minds Thriller Suspense
    5 New Paperbacks
    99c/79p Special
    99c March Mayhem Days!
    99c Sale
    A Child Barefoot In The Far East
    Action
    Adventure
    Affairs
    Afghanistan
    Agatha Christie
    Agent
    A;isha Paige
    A King In A Court Of Fools
    A Mark Of Excellence ~ Phenomenal Books
    Amateur Dramatics
    Amazon Crime And Thriller
    Amellia's Call
    American Friends
    Anthology
    Are You Sitting In A False Comfort Zone?
    A Safari -Sibel Hodge
    As A Reader Or A Writer
    Assassins
    A Terrific May For The Assassins' Village And The Crossing
    Aubergine Chutney
    Author
    A Very English Affair
    A Very French Affair
    A Very French Affair On Kindle Books & Tips
    A Very Happy Christmas To Everyone
    Awesome Indies
    Azure By Chrystalla Thoma
    Bargain Book
    Bbq
    Beautiful Words
    Best Time To Be A Writer~Ever!
    Bible
    Blog
    Blogging -what's It All About?
    Blogging. What's It All About? Part 2
    Bookbub & The Diana Rivers Trilogy Vol 1
    Book Extraganza
    Book Giveaway
    Book Sale
    Book Signing
    Book Signings
    Boreal And John Grey
    Buy
    Camera Action...Murder
    Captain Bligh
    C C Mackenzie
    Character Writing
    Childhunt
    Children Of The Plantation
    Children Ofthe Plantation
    Children Of The Plantation 2 In Movers Shakersd37e39f2c2
    Christmas Romance
    Concentration Camp
    Cookery
    Cosycozy Mystery9b736d59c1
    Cypriot Village
    Cyprus
    Daily Cheap Reads
    #Dark Minds No 2
    David Ebsworth
    Death At Sea
    Devils Brae4fb8b26e5e
    Diabetes
    Diana Rivers
    Dire Straits Economy
    Does Genre Sometimes Confuse You8305e4eafc
    Donna Fasano
    Dont Lose Your Bottle Or Keep Your Pecker Up Take Couragee600336908
    Drama
    Drama And Romance
    Earthlink Series
    Earthquake
    Easter
    Echoes
    Echoes Of Life And Love
    Echoes Of Life Love02517c322e
    Editing
    Editing Penf56bf26058
    Egypt
    English
    Ent
    Eoka
    Ereader News Today
    Erotic
    Erotica
    Faith Mortimer
    Fans
    Fathers
    Fear
    Fig Recipes
    First Novel Pains
    First Person V Third Person
    Flooding
    Footprints In Singapore
    Free
    Free Kindle Books
    Free Today Children Of The Plantation
    Free Today The Surgeonaeab4e7c20
    Friendship
    Frugal Reader
    Gales
    Ghandi
    Giveaway
    Golden Eggs
    Grief
    Happy Valentine! Half-Price Special
    Harvest
    Hate
    Helthy Eating
    Historical Fiction
    Hopping The Boxes
    Hoppin The Boxes
    Hurricaines
    Hurricane Irene
    Indie Writer
    International Best Sellers
    Jacob's Ladder
    Jan Ruth
    Jealousy
    Jenny Twist
    Jeolousy
    John Locke
    Kindle
    Larry Enright
    Libya
    Loss
    Love
    Low Price
    Macbeth
    Magic
    Magic Teapot
    Managing My Expectations When Running Up That Hill
    Mandatory Evacuation On August 27
    Mastermind
    Midnight Skye
    Mountains
    Moving Swiftly To Autumn
    Murder
    Murder Mystery
    Murder She Said!
    Mutiny At Sea
    Mystery
    Mystery Sleuth
    Mystery Suspense
    Mystery Thriller
    Nazi
    New Release
    On Christmas Hill ~ A Seasonal Affair
    On Christmas Hill~ A Seasonal Romance
    On Not Hiring An Editor
    Or Money For Nothing.
    Osama Bin Laden
    Passion
    Questions Of Trust
    Radio
    Readers Beware! Your Favourite Author May Have Another Life!
    Rebecca With 2 C
    Reclaim My Heart
    Regret No More
    Rescue Ship
    Reviews
    Romance
    Romance & Drama
    Sailing
    Sale
    Sam Archer
    Sandstorm In My Heart
    Sarah Barnard
    Savoury And Dessert
    Seasonal Romance
    Seb Kirby
    Second Chance
    Seeds Of Time
    Sexy
    Shakespeare
    Sharks
    Sibel Hodge
    Silver Rain
    Singapore
    Sinking Yacht
    Soups
    Split Decisions
    Storm At Sea
    Storms
    Summer Sale
    Swallows
    Tarek Refaat
    Ten Brides For Ten Heroes
    Tenerife
    That All Important First Line
    Thea Atkinson
    The Assassins
    The Assassins\
    The Assassin S Village
    The Assassins Village
    The Assassins' Village
    The Assassins Village0948caef2c
    The Assassins Village Is Free!
    The Assassins Village Is Freea3cbdf90a5
    The Assassins Vllage
    The Assassin' Village
    The Atlantic
    The Atlantic Ocean
    The Baby Trap
    The Bamboo Mirror
    The Bamboo Mirror
    The Crossing
    The Diana Rivers Mysteries Volume 1
    The Magic Teapot
    The Seeds Of Time
    The Surgeon
    The Surgeons Blade65ffc6983f
    The Surgeon's Blade & Children Of The Plantation
    The Surgeons Blade Free Today4d74ca531d
    The With Love Project
    Thick As Thieves
    Tim Ellis
    Traditional Writer
    Tripoli
    Visitors
    War Of Hearts
    We All Have Choices -except The Glorious Dead
    Wenona Hulsey
    Wg2e Street Team
    What Price EBooks? A Writer Has To Eat!
    Whispers Indie Chicks
    Why Books Make The Very Best Christmas Presents! And Are You A Readaholic?
    Writer
    Writer And Author Libby Fischer Hellmann
    Writers Don’t WANT Everyone To Read Their Books
    Writers - Who Will Make It?
    Writing
    Ww2
    Yacht

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.