Yeah, I was never a fan of those either.
If that's the first thing that comes to mind when I say the words Book Review, then you're probably in the great majority of people who never post them.
I get it. No one wants to have to have to spend all that time after reading a book, writing up a long summation of what they read, why they liked (or disliked it), and then assigning it a grade.
That sounds like work to me. I don't know about you, but that's my least favorite four-letter word.
Books are all about relaxation and escapism, not work!
Of course, if you're of that mindset then it makes sense why you would rather gouge out your left eye rather than write that review your author friend has been begging you for. Seriously... It's been how many weeks?
Where's the review Leboski??
All joking aside, you hear us authors telling everyone how important those reviews are for good reason. A book review is the Consumer Reports of the book world. Your voice is what helps convince or confirm the level of enjoyment a person is going to get out of reading a particular book.
But, did you also know, for the indie authors out there, those reviews also qualify or disqualify books from getting certain promotions or spaces in advertising campaigns? Books must have X number of reviews and a total average of 4.5 stars in many cases to be targeted by algorithms on some sales channels? In other cases if a book is not rated enough times they may not accept an authors request for advertising? In a marketplace that is all about visibility, being disqualified for advertising on the basis of not having enough reviews is a killer.
Your review can literally make or break a book. You hold so much more power than you probably imagined. And we all know that,
With great power comes....
Oh yeah. I'd totally be an evil overlord if ever given enough power. But we're not talking about me here.
We're talking about you, oh mighty and benevolent guardian of the review stars. You, the wisest of all literary consumers. The power you wield is both frightening and awe-inspiring. It is for this reason we authors (*nudge nudge*) prostrate ourselves before you in the hopes you might see fit to pass judgement over our words.
Now, back to the original point I was making. Where were we? Oh yeah. Book Reports.
A review is not a book report.
Say it with me...
A Review is NOT a Book Report.
A review answers two simple questions.
1- Did you enjoy the book?
2- Would you recommend this book to someone else?
That's it! Really!
No need to give away spoilers and twists in the plot. We authors actually hate that.
No need to tell people what the story is about. The synopses usually does a good job of that.
You can write as little or as much as you want. You don't have to make it a laborious task, though. Posting a review takes no more than a few minutes but can make a world of difference. So, please, if you have read a book recently, consider posting a quick review.
The author will thank you!
And now, a word from our sponsor....
Just kidding. I have no sponsors... yet. But you can watch me make a fool of myself every week on Spilling Ink.