Book Bashing

We authors are constantly asking our readers to spread the word about our books. To tell their friends, to review them on Amazon and Goodreads and to recommend them on Bookbub. 

There are so many books out there and we want our books to “stand out in the crowd,” to be read by as many people as possible. After all, that’s why we write. We have something to say that we believe will benefit others.

Word of mouth, reviews and recommendations are crucial to the success or failure of a book. Words have power! The more positive reviews a book gets, the better its chances. By the same token, too many negative reviews can result in fewer readers.

One of my favorite quotes, “One man’s garbage is another man’s gold” says it all, which is why my personal policy is to NEVER write a review unless I believe a book deserves at least 4 stars. 

Because reviewing a book is not the same thing as reviewing a toaster.

The toaster either performs as it’s supposed to or it doesn’t. If you review the toaster, you’re helping others to make a decision as to whether or not they should buy it. That’s a good thing.

But a book review is subjective, based solely on the reviewer’s opinion. Not on fact. Because the fact is we all have different tastes. I might not like a book you would love and vice versa.

So, if you're ever tempted to write a negative review for a book, please think twice. Ask yourself this question: Do I want to be a book promoter or a book basher?

Imagine This

Imagine this: You’ve just brought your newborn baby girl home from the hospital. Words can’t describe the feeling of pride you have as you hold her in your arms. It’s a dream come true. You’ve waited nine long months for this moment. And it hasn’t been easy. You’ve painted and decorated the nursery and spent hours trying to come up with the perfect name for her. It’s been a lot of work but it was a labor of love and it was worth every sacrifice and uncomfortable moment as you gaze at her sweet face.

Many of your friends and family members came to your baby shower and now you’re eager to share this wonderful time with them. And even though, to you, your baby is the most beautiful baby in the world, you want to hear others say that. Several people send cards and gifts and some take the time to call, which you very much appreciate, but what means the most to you is the people who “go the extra mile,” by stopping by to see your tiny bundle of joy. “She’s beautiful!” they say, and “She has your eyes.” And that means the world to you!

Now, imagine the baby is a book.

You’ve spent at least nine long months plotting, researching, writing, rewriting and editing it. And it hasn’t been easy. You’ve worked hard to come up with just the right title, blurb and cover for the book and you’ve spent countless hours promoting it. It’s been a lot of work but it’s been a labor of love. Finally the Big Day arrives and your book is published! It’s a dream come true. Words can’t describe the feeling you have as you hold it in your hands.

You can hardly wait for others to read it and, even though you know you’ve written the best book you could, you’re anxious to hear what people think of it. Friends and family members come to your book launch and several people take the time to contact you to tell you how much they enjoyed your book and that thrills you. But some people “go the extra mile.” They write a review on amazon and, because reviews are crucial to the success of your book, that means the world to you!

Do you take the time to write reviews for the books you've enjoyed reading? If not, why?