We all have our favorite authors, favorite genre, even favorite plot lines. Yet how many of us write reviews when we finish a book. I try hard to write reviews for every book I read. Sometimes I’m an epic fail. Book reviews don’t have to be very long. I’m not sure how many people take the time to read a long one. I know I don’t. Often we are intimidated by those professional sounding reviews that talk about things like POV. All authors need reviews. It shows publishers that the author has fans. It helps the author get noticed. Amazon gives them more screen time if the reviews reach the key levels of 50 and 100.

Your review can be a few lines, a few words even.

I loved the story.

This is my favorite author. This book did not disappoint.

I love Mail Order Bride stories, and this was delightful.

The characters were so real.

I dreamt about the story and what was going to happen next with the characters.

You don’t have to give a 4 or 5-star review. Sometimes 2 stars reviews can help with sales too.

I prefer the bedroom door closed. (Someone else might like it open.)

The story world was so weird. (another sale to those who love weird.)

I wish I’d read the first book in the series then things might have made more sense. (Possible series sale.)

Each of these comments is short but lets the author know why you gave it a lower rating.

If you are worried about typos

Amazon and Goodreads catch them and highlight so you can correct them before you post it.

The authors you love have a better chance to get more contracts with lots of reviews.

Show some love by praising their work for others to read.

It only takes a few minutes of your time to write one. I posted six this week. None of them are more than a paragraph. And two of the books were 2-stars.

It’s your opinion

Reviews are opinions and everyone has different expectations of what they want in a book. Romance readers have a hot-o-meter when it comes to sexual tension. Historical readers want accuracy in setting and culture. Fantasy and otherworldly fans may gravitate toward specific characters ie.. vampires, aliens, or shapeshifters. All of these expectations determine the kind of review the reader will give.

Some readers are afraid if they give a negative review the author may respond with angry comments. Most authors don’t. As I said reviews are opinions and an author who isn’t thick-skinned enough to handle a less than stellar review without waging a war against the commenter probably should find another profession.

Writers, do you post reviews of books you read?

No. Do you claim you don’t have time? You had time to read it. Use the review writing as an opportunity to warm up your brain for the projects you’re creating. Besides if you write reviews, those authors may return the favor.  And I am going to pretend there are no authors out there who never read. Writing reviews should be part of your marketing strategy. It shows you are part of the reading community. And readers love to talk about books.

No need to write a new review for each book sale site

Everyone can cut and paste the same review on Amazon, Goodreads, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and any other site where you buy books. It’s especially helpful to post reviews directly on the publisher’s website.

Please, please, please write reviews.