I’m blessed by readers who enjoy my books and then leave reviews about what the story meant to them. I also admire those who might not enjoy a book but point out what they do and don’t like in a gracious, helpful way.
Good reviews are like the finest chocolate. Here’s one and I call literary. You can tell the writer, an author herself, knows her craft well and has a deep love for the written word. What a joy to read! If you’ve not met Rachel McMillan, she’s an amazing wordsmith!
Many reviews are short & sweet. I’m blessed by one word reviews like “Great!” Some reviewers explain what the book meant to them personally. These heartfelt summations make very worthwhile reading and allow an author a rare glimpse into a reader’s head and heart. No one can refute what a book means to you. Every person is unique so every review is unique, a gift from their perspective, much like a person’s fingerprint.
From a marketing standpoint, good reviews drive sales. And the more reviews, the better. Amazon even sits up and takes notice when a book reaches 50 reviews and then they bump the book up to another, better level of exposure. Publishing is a business though my creative mind and heart views a book differently.
When my debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, released almost ten years ago, I read even the one stars in hopes of improving my writing and learning from them. But I found that what one person hated another loved. My publisher told me it takes at least three or more positive reviews to overcome the sting of one negative review. I confess I don’t usually read reviews now unless a reading friend sends me a link.
So for readers who enjoy a book and care enough to leave a review ~ huge, heartfelt thanks!
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Thank you for sharing this! I try to leave a review for every book I read in the hopes it helps. Love your stories.
Jeanne, You are an author’s dream reader! Your heart for those of us who write is reflected when you say you hope your reviews help. They truly do! I’m so thankful you found my books in the sea of books out there 🙂
Thank you for always finding ways to connect with your readers and encourage us! You are an amazing author and it is a joy to be part of your journey. Thankful for you, praying for you, and cheering you on, friend 💛.
You make it an absolute joy to write! Need a million more Staceys. Thank you for being an encourager & praying!
Has it really been 10 years?! Time sure flies!
I don’t recall how I found The Frontiersman’s Daughter, but I do remember how I felt when I read the story. It was like falling through a time portal. I was there in the story. I’ve felt that way with all your books. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of story telling! ❤️
Trisha, Your comments ARE like candy:) Love how you say ‘time portal’ as that’s a historical author’s highest hope. Thankful you found Lael! What a faithful reader & reviewer you are. So happy you’re giving your son the gift of loving history too!💛
I try to write reviews for the books I read, to help the reader as well as the writer. I often earn Amazon gift cards for doing surveys and such, and am very stingy on which books I spend those dollars on. Your books, dear Laura, are absolutely worth every penny. You are right in saying what one person doesn’t care for, another delights in. So keep writing what God puts on your heart and the readers who have already found you will follow. I know many others will be directed towards your books along the way. I pray my reviews help with that.
Stephanie, So admire your writing reviews for both the writer and the reader. You do SO much for books and your motivations are beautiful. Thank you, thank you! I’m always amazed that anyone finds my books as I heard a recent stat that 5,ooo new titles are launched on Amazon alone daily. Christian fiction is a small segment of that so you do a huge part in spreading the word of clean, edifying reads. Book missionary extraordinaire, I often think. Thanks, too, for understanding that writing is a gift and I write the books I feel led to write, no matter the critics!