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Savvy Authors Are Book Reviewers

Posted by Sherrie Wilkolaski on Fri, Jun 22, 2012 @ 08:00 AM
  
  
  
  
  
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by Sherrie Wilkolaski

Once upon a time an author published a book.  After the book had launched they patiently sat in their imaginary castle tower, waiting for the book reviews to start magically posting to Amazon and Goodreads.  As the weeks went by, no book reviews appeared and the author lost all hope that their dream of seeing positive comments, recommendations and endorsements would never come to life.  Do you know what I say to those fairytale authors?  Jump.  Jump from the tower into your moat of denial, not only will you never get any book reviews, it will be a lifetime before you see any book sales.describe the image

If the author doesn’t care about the success of their own book, why would anyone else. 

If you’re an author interested in getting book reviews then consider writing book reviews for other authors in your genre.  Reaching out to other writers is a great way to introduce your own work. 

What are the benefits of doing book reviews for other authors and vice versa?

  1. Getting reviewed.  The more reviews the better and having an author provide a review that supports your book, gives your book instant credibility.  Be sure that you contact authors that you feel are of the caliber you’re looking for, when asking for a review.  Even if another author isn’t interested in doing a review for your work, go ahead and do a review for their book.  You’re putting yourself out there and connecting your name with that author and your niche.

  2. Writers are readers.  You just may find a new fan of your work.  Authors like to read and if they are already writing in your niche, you could find an ally.

  3. Cross-promotional opportunities. Authors writing in the same genre have their own audience, which is also your potential for future readers.  Swapping reviews of each other’s books is a great promotional opportunity.  Have the author include a mention on their website, blog or newsletter.  If they will provide a link back to your website, even better. 

  4. Reviewing books lends to credibility.  If you’re selective on the books you review and specialize in a niche, you can establish yourself as an expert in that genre.  Great for any author.

  5. More reviews means more online mentions.  With every review you post be sure to include your name and tag it with “Author of” and list your book title.  It doesn’t get any better than that. 

  6. Free books.  As an established book reviewer, you can start getting free books.

How to find books you want to review?

  1. Look at your competition. Make a top 10 list of books you want and should be reviewing. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the author either.  It’s also good to actually good to go out and buy the competitions books.  Don’t forget to take advantage of your local library.

  2. Find books that you actually want to read.  Novel idea. Pun intended.

  3. Use social media sites that target readers.  Sites like Goodreads, LibraryThing and Shelfari are a mecca of readers all talking about books.  See what is hot and what books are of interest from popular readers that are off the beaten path.  Either direction is sure to provide you with a list of potential titles that will keep your bookshelf full.

Biggest piece of advice…if you say you’re going write a review then do the review.  If you don’t like a book, do your best to write something complimentary.  If the book is not your cup of tea, there is nothing wrong in telling the author you’ll be unable to complete the review.  If they provided a book to you, kindly return the book and wish them well.

Are you a savvy author?  Tell us about your book review experience…

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Comments

Hi Sherrie, 
You've said it, I've said it, and it's axiomatic: If you're writing in genre X, you have to be an avid reader in genre X. So why not write reviews about the books you read, for all the reasons you so carefully enumerate? 
Two additional points, though: (a) I never, never charge for my reviews and an author should never, never pay for one! I tend to favor indie authors in the books I review. As an indie author, I know I have limited money resources, so I expect that most indie authors have the same problem. But the real reason for not paying is that readers of the review will automatically assume that this biases the review. (b) If you write a review, go beyond the simple "atta-boy!" or "atta-girl!", or their negatives, "This book is terrible!" You don't have to throw in all the bells and whistles an MFA prof might use in a book critique, but let the reader of the review know a bit about the plot, style things you like and dislike, and whether the book was entertaining. That's what a fiction reader wants to know. Non-fiction is a whole other basket of clams. Probably the most important thing for me there is whether the author seems to know what he or she is discussing and whether it all makes sense and informs me. 
Finally, can we all petition Amazon to change the way they rank the reviews of a book? Negatives, the last review, and some algorithm that factors in how much the review helped...all these are weighted too much. Moreover, the quality of reviews on Amazon is all over the board. I've seen some really good reviews (my Bookpleasures reviews are often reposted there and they always have non-trivial content). I've also seen some terrible ones. Amazon doesn't seem to worry too much about controlling the quality either. 
All the best, 
Steve 
Posted @ Friday, June 22, 2012 8:29 AM by Steven M. Moore
This is good advice, but it neglects one of the consequences of reviewing the 'wrong' book, and by that I don't mean the genre irrelevant to your own ( because mostly writers span many) but finding, sometimes desperately, positives because negative reviews can be merely a matter of personal response and not relevant to others who might enjoy the book. I tend to read Amazon reviews if I am buying book or film (cold) but personally recommended books are more difficult, the relationship can be at stake.For me it is a pleasure to share a book that I have enjoyed (and some appear on my blog site), but when there is no reciprocity I just assume my work had no appeal, and leave it at that. The only time I had equivalent pleasure in criticising was one excessively over-hyped book, but that was for different reasons, a critique of the values that hyped it, not just the kind of book that reflected those dominant values in the 'literary' world.
Posted @ Friday, June 22, 2012 10:07 AM by Philippa Rees
@Philippa, 
First, although I suppose it's a nitpick, for me the genres a writer spans (mine are sci-fi and thrillers) DEFINES his or her unique genre (mine IS sci-fi thriller). The second point in that long first sentence that bothers me is the implication that the reviewer must say good things or not say anything at all (I might be misunderstanding your intentions, of course--if so, I apologize). With many authors, and especially indie author, I find a wide range of quality in the writing. If you peruse some of my reviews, you will see that sometimes I'm brutally honest. I think I'm more lenient than that MFA prof, but, if I can't understand the dialog or become lost with the writer's use of POV, I'll say so. I won't let the hyped bestselling authors off the hook either. Of course, some of the stylistic points are subjective, but a shabby product reflects negatively on all of us, especially when it comes to indie writers. 
Take care, 
Steve 
Posted @ Friday, June 22, 2012 11:34 AM by Steven M. Moore
I write reviews for other writers, but I prefer not to make a swap, review for review. I only want reviewers who wanted to read the book. I do provide free copies (paperback or Kindle) to anyone who expresses an interest in writing a review. If they don't write a review, I don't push it--don't want to anger a reviewer. I also belong to a group (John 3:16 Marketing Network) where we have a reviews wanted database. It helps.
Posted @ Friday, June 22, 2012 2:11 PM by Sid Frost
I have been blogging about just these same issues. Sherrie makes an excellent point. With my clients, I try to get them started reviewing books early, before a book is published, pointing out that all book reviews will link up to an Author Page on Amazon, providing instant connections and samples of writing. Most will not do this. 
 
 
 
Sadly, many of today's new writers are not willing to step out of that "Tower of Me." It's partly a matter of educating the modern consumer (reader/writer) to new manners and expectations on the Internet.  
 
 
 
I always volunteer to do a review in return if someone does a review for me. The exception is when I've had a part in writing or editing the book--that's a conflict. I am very cautious if I know the writer has not used an editor and whatever I say is appropriately toned down. My credibility is a stake, although I may want to help someone. 
 
 
 
BTW, there's an art to writing a review. It does not need to go into depth, tell the whole story, or run five pages, but it needs to offer something of value. Study reviews in the paper or Publisher's Weekly and maybe readers/writers will get a feel for a rhythm and tone that works.  
 
 
 
I belong to two rather large writers' groups and have proposed using this simple gesture to support one another. There are some who will demand a review (this happened recently) and then not offer any reciprocity. "I'm just too busy for that," one new writer told me. "I can't bother with other writers and I don't have time to read." I wonder if she'd ever considered those pesky "others" as possible customers. A gracious attitude smoothes the way for everyone. Michaele Lockhart, Author of Hoarding Lies, Keeping Secrets
Posted @ Friday, June 22, 2012 2:46 PM by Michaele Lockhart
I do book reviews for Amazon Vine and also reviews for private orders when they ask me and send me either the book or allow me to get a free e-book. I don't do reviews for manuals, children or YA as I don't know enough about them. If I can't give at least three stars, I don't do the review and tell the author why. Many times I find like a bunch of typos, wrong words, etc. I don't say so in my review but I send an email to the author so they can change the book if they wish. I started doing book reviews to make me a better author. I have gotten some very good first time authors and then some not so good. I don't charge anything and I feel I am doing a service to help authors.
Posted @ Friday, June 22, 2012 5:31 PM by Joan Adamak
Hi Sherrie: 
 
Some very thought provoking comments.Very good advice. We have to help each other and if we wait for the "great review" to make it, we may never get it. I think it also gives one the experience and helps in getting better as you do previews on a regular basis. Points well delivered.
Posted @ Saturday, June 23, 2012 8:08 AM by Giftus John
What do you think about the Kirkus reviews? I was encouraged buy a librarian to purchase one($300 for one to be completed in 10 weeks--they wanted $600 to do it in five weeks.) I have ordered one, but am having second thoughts.
Posted @ Saturday, June 23, 2012 9:40 AM by Margaret McMillion
@Margaret, 
You broke one of my rules! Look at this way...for $300, you're close to Infinity's trade paperback price (whatever it is now); for $600, you're close to Infinity's trade paperback + eBook deal! As a writer, you are better served by getting your next book out than by making Kirkus more rich. And, if you're an indie author, Kirkus will put you into their indie review catalog so that they can continue to pander to the Big Six (who do pay for those Kirkus reviews). I love librarians but, push comes to shove, they don't know much about today's digital publishing revolution! 
Take care, 
Steve 
Posted @ Saturday, June 23, 2012 10:37 AM by Steven M. Moore
Great article, especially the reminder to be positive. Each book is a dream and we absolutely need to respect them.  
 
Una Tiers
Posted @ Saturday, June 23, 2012 1:33 PM by Una Tiers
I was really encouraged to read your advice. As a new author of nonfiction/self-help books I knew from the beginning I'd have to lead the charge to make any headway at all on promotion let alone sales. My books are enrolled in Amazon's KDP program so that's helped to introduce them to a bigger audience and I've been approaching other authors about review exchanges and so far that's working pretty well. I'm scheduled for my first author interviews in July so that's exciting and scary. My next goal is to organize a joint promo but again I know that's going to be a challenge because while there is a vast sea of fiction writers, it's a lot tougher to find nonfiction/self-help authors. I'm thinking once I find a half dozen or so willing partners we can look at other opportunities to support each other. Anyway, I'm in danger of crossing the "too much information" line so thanks for the tips and inspiration!
Posted @ Sunday, June 24, 2012 12:17 PM by Marquita Herald
Good article Sherrie! I have been saying this for the past several years. 
 
This is a great opportunity for bibliophiles, authors, writers and others. Reviewing provides you with several perks. 
 
-Free books (many of which are Advance Reader Copies by well known authors) 
 
-Published web writing experience  
 
-Insider views into book promotions and publication 
 
-The opportunity to meet authors in the genre 
 
-Great to post on your resume as you will get credit for your reviews 
 
-Meeting like minded Bookaholics 
 
-Have a flexible and fun reading experience at your leisure!  
 
And if you are interested in becoming a reviewer, you can contact me at bookpleasures@gmail.com
Posted @ Sunday, June 24, 2012 3:15 PM by Norm
Thank you to everyone for your comments.  
 
Margaret, Paying Kirkus Indie for a book review is a smart move. Your librarian was correct in making that recommendation to you. They are one of the few reputable book review services that offers reviews for self-published titles. A Kirkus Indie review will get your book reviewed as well as get it published on their site and in their printed publication. Yes, there is a fee involved but it will be worth it. They have a solid reputation and librarians and other book industry professionals, media, etc. subscribe to their publications and take stock in their reviews. Their primary review division works with traditional publishers and they do those reviews for free. I always recommend to my clients that they do have some professional reviews of their books done, in addition to reaching out to authors and colleagues, etc. This includes, Kirkus Indie, US Review of Books, PW and Foreword. Please keep in touch and let me know how your review turns outs!
Posted @ Sunday, June 24, 2012 4:31 PM by Sherrie
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