I always hear authors talking about how reviews are just for people who are looking for something to read and that it's not really meant for the authors. While I agree with that, I think that maybe it could be for them. I consider reviews constructive criticism. It can be used to help them improve on their writing skills. But then there are some (not all) authors who go bananas after someone gives their book a low
rating. If they take a review personally, then they should definitely stay clear of them. There was an incident last year where an author stalked a reviewer for giving her book a one star rating. It was such a big shock to the blogging community. I even got scared that it could happen to me or anybody.
rating. If they take a review personally, then they should definitely stay clear of them. There was an incident last year where an author stalked a reviewer for giving her book a one star rating. It was such a big shock to the blogging community. I even got scared that it could happen to me or anybody.
This is not the first incident that I have heard of. There was another time when an author and her agent went off on a blogger for also giving her book a low rating. And how they started giving reviews of 4 or 5 stars a "like" on Goodreads. As well as another author who created a bingo card that sort of made fun of the way some bloggers reviewed books. Like how some people use too many gifs. I decided not to read her book after that.
I know that reviewers can sometimes be very mean and harsh on their reviews that they start attacking not just the book but the author as well. And that's not okay. There is a line that should not be crossed.
I have seen authors talking about how when they read negative reviews of their books that it can be hurtful for them to see so I know that reading reviews might not be for every author. But then others talk about how it brings them joy to see reader's enjoy their books.
Whenever I write a review, I always tweet out the link to the author if it's 4 stars or above. I don't think it's okay when people rate a book like 3 stars or below and they tag the author. I find that to be disrespectful. I mean they are spreading the word about the book. But when the authors sees that, it can be hurtful. Every author knows that not everyone is going to love their book. But when someone directly sends them a link to a negative review, I don't think that's right.
Maybe some authors will be thankful that they took their time to write the review either way. And they'll be cool about it. But it still might be hurtful to others and can bring them down.
There were some bloggers talking about how they don't ever send their reviews to authors because even if it's a good star rating of a book, their might be things they talk about that they didn't like in the book. And that would hurt the feelings of the author. It kind of got me thinking if I should even be tagging the author. Everyone seems to have different opinions about it.
Here Are Some Of My Thoughts from Both Sides:
Whenever I write a review, I always tweet out the link to the author if it's 4 stars or above. I don't think it's okay when people rate a book like 3 stars or below and they tag the author. I find that to be disrespectful. I mean they are spreading the word about the book. But when the authors sees that, it can be hurtful. Every author knows that not everyone is going to love their book. But when someone directly sends them a link to a negative review, I don't think that's right.
Maybe some authors will be thankful that they took their time to write the review either way. And they'll be cool about it. But it still might be hurtful to others and can bring them down.
There were some bloggers talking about how they don't ever send their reviews to authors because even if it's a good star rating of a book, their might be things they talk about that they didn't like in the book. And that would hurt the feelings of the author. It kind of got me thinking if I should even be tagging the author. Everyone seems to have different opinions about it.
Here Are Some Of My Thoughts from Both Sides:
Yes Factors:
- Reviews can help authors better understand what the readers are looking for.
- Authors can improve their writing.
- They are motivation.
No Factors:
- Bad reviews make authors want to go back into the story and edit it.
- They exist ONLY for readers to connect and discuss what worked and what didn’t.
- They shouldn’t affect the outcome of the book.
- Negative reviews can ruin someone's whole day.
What do you think — should authors read their own reader reviews?
