"SILENCE AIN'T ALWAYS GOLDEN"

 

                         

                                                The Importance of Book Reviews

 

            So, you’ve just finished reading a great book. But it shouldn’t end there. There are a few more steps to complete the process.

1.       Rate the book on a scale of 1-5 stars.

2.      Write the review.

3.      Share with other readers.

    Book reviews are like a lifeline to authors. It’s how we stay relevant and marketable in this industry. Vitally important that you, as readers, keep the ball rolling.    

    Short of begging, all authors can do is make suggestions and request you share their work.

    Okay, so you’re not a writer, and penning book reviews is hard to formulate and express in your own words. I understand but do the best that you can.

    Come on, how hard is it to write a short paragraph about a book you’ve just read? Not to mention how hard it is to keep that knowledge to yourself and not share it with anyone who wants to listen.

    As a lifelong reader, I can hardly contain the joy of a well-written book, unforgettable characters, and an overall great story.

    Reviews have nothing to do with building egos. It is, however, how authors build partnerships with a multitude of readers.

    For one, we feel honored that someone enjoyed our books enough to share a review and pass it along to other readers.

    As authors, we depend on real reviews and not bought ones from sites that urge you to pay for solicited opinions.

   What’s the point of doing all the hard work of writing a fantastic book to only have it critiqued by someone who doesn’t value the many hours, days, and months dedicated to the project?

   I’m sorry, but I disagree with that entire process.

   Book reviews are essential and crucial to the survival of many authors. Still, it is insulting resorting to such a level to gain a review.

   Not an exaggeration, and shame on those sites (you know who you are) that even offer this service to authors. And I further rebuke those authors who participate in such a shady practice and dishonest actions to inflate reviews.

  I’m a fan of the truth, and it doesn’t matter that I’m a fiction writer. To have anything less than an honest opinion of any of my work is an insult to my profession.

   Silence is golden, but in some cases, it could determine life or death.