Anatomy of Book Reviews – It’s All in the
Stars …
Are you an avid Amazon book reviewer? Do you
love reading a book, sharing your thoughts in a review—and bestowing it your 1 (rotten
tomato) to 5 (GOLD*) stars?
Author to Reader—do you know how to write a
review that makes you look good, informs prospective readers, and gives the author an honest critique?
Amazon author rankings are enigmatic at best
and confidence-destroying at worst. Unfortunately, many readers who review and
wield their star-power arbitrarily, know not what they do …
PUISSANT (pwisʹɘnt; pyooʹi sɘnt) adj. – powerful; strong; n. puissance [WW #107]
In a book or product review, or even life, power
without substance is false positive.
Today’s puissant word is prompted by a nice
4-star review received on Amazon,
for my latest book. 4 and 5 stars are always appreciated. You hear a “but”
coming, though, right?
But … it’s time to address those delightful readers who mean well, while
not truly understanding what their reviews and star gradings actually do to or for, an author—much less for other readers, for whom they should be writing. (This article refers
to real people/reviewers; see Forbes article about fake reviews.)
I appreciate each and every review; yes, even
the antagonistic ones. All are puissant in their own way. I learn
from the negative as much as I stroke my ego reading the glowing reviews. Not
all reviews are created equal …
When reviewing, do you consider too, the book
and author you’re writing about? To a puissant and voluminous author (you
know, the Stephen Kings* of the world), one review does not carry as much weight and affect
rankings like a book with, say, less than twenty-five reviews. (*King averages
2,000+.) So …
A review with less than 5 stars, while perhaps
admiring in content, creates a quandary for prospective readers and frustrates the
book’s ranking.
Although the reader obviously liked my book,
he didn’t actually review it. It’s
wonderful he felt urged to take a fun trek down Memory Lane—the true objective
of the Blast from Your Past! books.
His comments broke down to about 80% his DJ
history/memories (and I’m OK with that), 15% making nice about my book (so glad
he’s looking forward to the next one!), but only 5% worth for other readers. More
importantly, he did not tell us why
he gave the book only 4 STARS.
It’s all in the puissant stars … FYI,
there is little negative difference in author rankings between 4 stars and 1.
There is a HUGE drop in rankings, though, when we receive 4 stars rather 5. And
Amazon’s algorithms pick up on the negatives …
And it’s compounded if there is no explanation from the reviewer as to why less than 5. Without a reason, the
review is a disservice to prospective readers, and reduces the book’s
visibility. If you have NOTHING negative to say about the book, then for heaven’s
sake, award it 5 stars!
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| Just threw this in to see if you're still reading 😉 |
So dear readers, be truly puissant in your reviews,
whether for Amazon or other public venue. Grade books and other products authoritatively.
Tips: Always state reasons for your opinion
and comments. Does it warrant a negative? Then try “constructive criticism.” Bottom line—why did
you hate it—or why did you LOVE it?
To other authors: remember, you can’t please
all the readers all the time. Be confident in your writing and appreciate the
negatives, while you cherish the puissant positives.
*Note to Amazon: the stars should be in a rainbow of colors to reflect our true
opinion: 1=red (hated it); 2=pink (some redeeming value); 3=blue (just OK);
4=purple (good, could be better); 5=Gold (excellent!).
Word Challenge: PUISSANT. Make your book and product reviews puissant! Guide others
who peruse them, and offer commendable insight, as you fit puissant into your week
of thoughtful writings.
Write first for
yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
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