Like a Book? #Writing a Review Helps Authors

by +AneMulligan  @AneMulligan

Reviews are the lifeblood for authors. Once a book has 50 reviews, it gets better exposure on Amazon. I borrowed this meme from Linda Yezak's blog, 777 Peppermint Place, because it's worth knowing. 

Do you write reviews? If you're not sure how, go to Linda's blog. I put the link above. She explains how to do it.

TWEETABLE: Like a Book? #Writing a Review Helps Authors #amreading

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Triple Threat Marketing. Or How Not to C4 Your Marketing Attempts ~ Kelly Klepfer

Triple Threat or How Not To C4 Your Marketing Attempts

by Kelly Klepfer

Many authors have to do the majority of the marketing for

their books. Actually, let's just say all y'all do, some just have a little help from the pros.

One of those huge areas is securing reviews and influencers.

In case you need a refresher on dealing with reviewers, let me give you some behind the scenes help.

1) Searching for the Landmines

Most respected reviewers are sought after. I get at least thirty-five requests a week to review books. I can read, at best, two books a month. That leaves a lot of requests denied. My advice to those of you who need reviews and get a no from the reviewers you'd love to read your novel is to find newer reviewers who are honest, respectful and like your genre.

How you find these reviewers? Search out titles that are similar to your story and find reviews that meet your checklist.  Dig a little deeper and see how long the reviewer has been at it and how often she/he reviews. Authors who want to be published often go the review writing route first so they know a little about publishing and can write. Look for someone who has been reviewing on Amazon for about a year or two and has climbed pretty high on the top reviewer list. That's a good sign because it means people/customers read that reviewers opinions and consider them in their decision to buy or not buy. A really popular reviewer is going to get scads of offers though, so you want to find ones who are heading toward popular but not quite there yet for the quickest turn around.

2) Watch Your Step

Most reviewers have likes and dislikes. I don't really care for heavy political thrillers or sci-fi because I have a tendency to shut down when names, terminology and techy things are thrown at me. I also get a little gaggy when it comes to romance and Amish fiction. I know. I know. Un-American or something along those lines. But it is what it is. I'm very likely not going to love your book if you fall into those categories.

Find someone who loves books like yours. If you write clever dialogue or snarky characters or can make me cry with the depth of your prose, then I'm your gal. Feel free to use this when running your book past me. If you offer a reviewer a book he/she won't like, you won't get a good review and you might be burning a bridge. If you come upon an idea that would be his/her cup of tea in the future but you are under "tricked me with that stupid romance" in his/her memory banks you might regret the charcoaled remains of the bridge.

3) Put on Your Seatbelt and Big Kid Underoos

I don't need a thank you. If I loved a book that is thank you enough. But what I definitely don't need, what is completely inappropriate, and what is not burning bridges but C4'ing them into oblivion is suggesting that I didn't "get" a book, and that you'd like to explain it further to me. If it's written and published you've had your chance.  Another dynamite comment would be " if you would make a tweak of your review that would be awesome."    

Why is this an issue? Well, by seeking a review you are taking a chance that reviewers won't love or get you. Reviewers are representative of readers. Not everybody is going to get you, like your story, your sense of humor or your favorite outfit. It is what it is and you give up all control once your book is in the hand of the reviewer. Keep the lid on the gasoline can and respectfully and silently agree to disagree.

This might be a new thought for you as authors: my reviews are written for my audience, and yours. Readers. I believe that the majority of reviewers would agree with that statement. Otherwise reviews would be blurbs and wouldn't necessarily be considered in whether or not to part with money for a book. What I would like to know about a book before I buy it is what I like to share with readers. I do my best to do this kindly. I will not write a review on a book I don't like at all. I review books I'd buy or think others would find worth reading. But what I write -- with the exception of mechanical issues like the spelling of the author's name -- is my opinion of the book. If I am asked to reassess or change my review I am very, very unlikely to read any more from that author. Yes, I have been challenged, and yes, it is really annoying and no, I will not change a review and yes, I have put that handful of authors in my "don't go there" file.

Here is an additional marketing bonus tip. . . and you might be surprised at how often this is an issue. When you agree to do something to market your book, follow through. A blog post, an interview, a review of your work are all bridges to relationships with other folks in the industry and ultimately to your readers. Your choices, even the tiny ones, can honestly make a huge difference in your career. Be responsible, reliable, professional and humble. It will take you far.

Bio: Kelly Klepfer finally figured out that she loves to learn. And then share what she's learned with others. She reads and reviews and manages Novel Reviews because there is much to learn about life from fiction. Her own personal journey includes a zany mystery novel in process, co-authored with Michelle Griep, violin lessons, and cooking, baking and making some serious messes. Kelly shares about her life at Scrambled Dregs blog, in a collection of randomocity, recipes and her lessons learned.

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You're More Influential Than You Think

By Michelle Griep

Is there an author you'd love to support but aren't quite sure how to go about it? Are you in the middle of a book that you think the world should know about? Simply want to promote some wholesome fiction? Have I got some ideas for you!

The Top 5 Ways to Promote A New Book

1. Put the book face out on the bookstore shelf.
This one is my personal favorite and the tactic I most frequently employ. Yes indeedy, people do judge books by their covers whether they admit to it or not. If a book's cover is visible (vs. only the spine), there's a higher chance a prospective buyer will pick it up.

2. Buy the book and give it to others as a gift.
Birthdays. Holidays. Just-because-I-love-you days. You know you're going to have to give out a present sooner or later. Why not kill two birds with one purchase?

3. Post a review.
You don't have to be a writer to do this. Simply write down what you liked about the book, in your own words, and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Facebook, wherever.

4. Read the book where people will see you.
Tote that book around to doctor's offices, the dentist, or on the bus. Crack it open and read when you have a few spare minutes of waiting. Most often, others will ask you what you're reading and voila. Instant commercial break.

5. Ask a bookstore clerk or librarian to help you locate the book.
Grabbing the attention of librarians or store clerks draws their attention to a particular title. If enough people do this, a buzz is created...at least in your little corner of the universe.

So don't belittle yourself. You have way more influence than you think. Spread the word about books you love. Believe me, the author will be VERY thankful!

Michelle’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Her recent release is A HEART DECEIVED, a gothic regency put out by David C. Cook (June 2013). If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or www.writerofftheleash.blogspot.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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I Kissed Reading Goodbye~A New Look at Book Reviews by Amy Drown

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce friend and author, Amy Drown. I've been following Amy's book reviews for some time now, and her structure for book "breakdowns" seems like a breath of fresh air in the often polarized world of reviews. I especially love how she includes her expectations going into the book based on the book blurb/cover art. This lets authors know if their blurbs/covers are hitting the mark (as indies, that job falls on us!). I know you will take away something new from her post today, and I hope you go over and read some of Amy's reviews here.~Heather Day Gilbert

I KISSED READING GOODBYE

A New Look at Book Reviews by Amy Drown

I used to love to read. Anytime. Anywhere.

High school family vacation to Hawaii? My sister and brother went surfing and snorkeling and swimming at the beach every single day. I stayed in the shade and read. They got sunburned. I got through six novels. Twice.

The last time I moved, it took thirty-six boxes just to pack my personal library.

Last year’s Christmas tree theme featured Scholastic Book Club favorites from my childhood and a giant bookworm for my tree topper.

I. Loved. Books.

I loved writing, too. Reading and writing were the ebony and ivory of my harmonious, happy, blissfully ignorant life. But then I became a “professional” writer… and that one word—Professional—dragged my reading bliss down a dark alley, slashed it, stole its wallet, and tossed its lifeless remains in a dumpster.

Learning to write killed my love of reading.

But why?

Like Neo in The Matrix, the moment I chose to become a writer, I chose the pill that opened my eyes to what the world of novels and writing really is. I began to study the crucial components of storytelling. I started crafting my writing with purpose and voice and structure. I developed a critical eye.

Today, like Neo, I can no longer accept the simplicity of a novel for what it is. I can’t help but see the reality and hard work behind it. I’ve been transformed, and there is no going back. I have officially kissed reading goodbye.

Now I am a student of novels.

What’s the difference, you say? How does studying a novel differ from merely reading it? Consider the following three factors:

1. Expectation.

Everyone who picks up a book has certain expectations about it. They want to be entertained. Learn something new. Enjoy a heart-pounding romance. Be scared silly and kept awake all night. The general reader may not be able to describe these expectations if asked, but they are aware of them nonetheless and will react if these expectations are or aren’t met. They will sigh. Smile. Cringe with delight. Tell their friends about it. Or they will toss the book across the room and bash it on Amazon and Goodreads.

A student, however, is not only aware of their expectations, but can articulate them. Can’t help articulating them, in fact. From the moment I pick up a book from the shelf, I know exactly what to expect from it in terms of genre, character development, story arc, theme, series potential, even publishing line. And my expectations fuel a very thorough…

2. Examination.

Because of my expectations, it is no longer enough for me to simply “like” or “dislike” a novel. I have to examine why.

Were my expectations met? Why or why not? Why did this description make me laugh? How did the author carry her theme through all 400 pages? When did I find myself truly sympathizing with the heroine’s plight? What made me fall in love with the hero? And the most diabolical question I can no longer resist… what, if anything, would I change about this story?

3. Experimentation.

Despite the number of months, even years, writers put into creating their novels, the new student in me can’t resist experimenting.

If I like a particular passage or turn of phrase, I’ll experiment with ways to create something comparable in my own stories. If a theme or character motivation doesn’t appeal to my writer’s instincts, I’ll dissect it, rearrange it, and piece it back together in a way that satisfies the scholar in me.

So what does a book study look like?

With these three elements in mind, I have developed a rather daunting book review system. Before I open a new book, I jot down my thoughts about what I expect the story to deliver in terms of story, subject matter, and writing skill. Then, as I’m reading, I highlight favorite passages and note any questions or concerns about where the story is going. When I’ve finished the book, I look at whether the story met my expectations, and analyze twelve crucial areas of storytelling to help compose my thoughts in greater detail. Finally, I pull those thoughts together in a short summary conclusion, and identify a few bullet points for Pros and Cons about the story, and post it on my website and social media.

It may sound like a lot of work, but in reality it adds less than one hour to my overall time spent with a book. And that is an hour I am absolutely willing to invest because—and this is the reason we writers are encouraged to read extensively—such analysis ultimately improves my own writing. And while it is rather intimidating to post such an “honest” review publicly, nearly every author I have reviewed has thanked me for being so detailed, and I’ve developed some new amazing friendships with fellow writers who appreciate that honesty!

So the next time you pick up a book, I encourage you to take a moment to think about what you’re about to read, what you hope to get out of it, then don’t be afraid to be honest in your assessment of it. Experiment. Learn. Become a better writer by becoming a better reader.

I dare you to kiss reading goodbye.

# # #

AMY DROWN is a fiction reviewer for The Christian Manifesto, one of the publishing industry’s leading review websites. She studied History at the University of Arizona and the University of Glasgow. An executive assistant by day, she is also an award-winning photographer and musician. But her true passion is writing edgy, inspirational stories that explore the deep roots of family, friendship and faith. She is a 2013 My Book Therapy Frasier Finalist and Bronze Medalist, and an ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist and First Impressions Finalist. Connect with Amy, learn more about Deep-Rooted Fiction™, and read her in-depth book reviews at www.AmyDrown.com.

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On Reading your One-Star Reviews...because Your Book is a Work of Art

by: Julie Cantrell

(Today, author Julie Cantrell provides a counterpoint to Randy Ingermanson's blog post last month, which likened reading your one-star reviews to eating rat poison. Even as I struggle to decide which reviews I'll read as a now-published author, I find both arguments compelling. Again--if you're an author and you take Julie's approach, please share in the comments! If you can't handle reading those one-stars, go ahead and admit that too if you want! And a massive thanks to both talented authors for sharing their strategies with us. --Heather Day Gilbert)

Julie Cantrell’s debut novel, Into the Free, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and went on to become both a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller. It received two Christy awards, including Book of the Year, as well as the Mississippi Library Association Fiction Award. Like Into the Free, the sequel, When Mountains Move, was named a top read of 2013 by USA TODAY and LifeWay Christian Stores. Julie is writing her third novel from her home in Oxford, Mississippi where she operates a sustainable organic farm with her family. 

Learn more: www.juliecantrell.com

The Author as Artist
by: Julie Cantrell

What happens when we watch a film? View a painting? Listen to music? We not only expose ourselves to a work of art, we react to it at an emotional level. And if we’re willing, those emotions can take us to a higher intellectual plane as well, nudging us to think more deeply about our own beliefs and actions in this world.

Each person reacts differently to each piece of art based on personal experiences, psyche, and mood at the time we view it. Art is meant to evoke strong reactions – whether positive or negative – and as artists, writers must accept and acknowledge both extremes from our readers without taking any of that feedback personally.

As a novelist, I separate myself from my work. It’s not always easy to do because these characters become such an integrated part of me by the time the stories hit shelves, but I never take a review to heart. I don’t swell when the books are well-received, and I don’t plummet when they aren’t.

I rarely read my reviews, to be honest. But sometimes I do visit Amazon and skim through the latest reader posts. While there, I don’t just read the five-star reviews, as some authors insist is the only way to maneuver these minefields with my soul intact. Instead, I go straight to the one stars and then work my way up. 

Today, Amazon lists my debut novel, Into the Free, as having 402 reviews. Here’s how it breaks down.

            5 Star               305

            4 Star               69

3 Star               17       

2 Star               7

1 Star               4

So what did the folks who hated this book have to say about it? I want to know. Not because I want to get my feelings hurt, I am human after all, but because I enjoy hearing other people’s opinions.

One reader said, “This book has a worldly view of Christianity” and advised readers not to waste their money or their time on this story, while another gave it a one-star because: “This is a Christian book.”

Another said folks should read it “only if extremely bored,” while another thought the level of abuse described in the beginning was so intense she could “not make it past the first chapter.”

See how subjective these are? Those are the comments that make up the four one-star reviews this book received. And each one contradicts the other. It’s either too Christian or not Christian enough, too boring or too dramatic.

How can a writer please every reader? The simple answer is, we can’t. (Click to Tweet!) And we shouldn’t even try. Our job is to provide the art and then to sit back and let readers react as they may.

I value those one-star reviews as much as I do the five-star ones. Why? Because those readers FELT something when they read this book. The words I put on paper stirred their emotions on a strong level and got them thinking. That is my goal as an author. Not to convince everyone to feel or to think like me, most of my characters don’t even think like me, but to get my readers to feel and to think. Period. 

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Who Likes Bad Reviews???

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature those comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, released in November by Love Inspired. Her second novel, Lakeside Family, releases this month. Happily married for over twenty years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.

NR: Leave a comment for Lisa and be entered in a drawing for a signed copy of her book. (U.S. residents only, please)

Bad Reviews Can Help You to Become a Better Writer

One star.

Wow.

I read the reviewer’s words that expressed her displeasure after reading Lakeside Family. My breath caught in my throat as my heart thumped against my ribs. Heat crawled across my cheekbones. How could she write such things? Didn’t she realize the struggle and tears that went into this story?

Of course she didn’t. She read the words on the page and wrote a well thought out review citing examples from the novel to prove her points. Despite the one star, I appreciated her feedback.

After I pondered her words a while, I considered how I could learn from it to create more likeable characters from the beginning. But, I also had to consider this character’s journey throughout the story. She carried a heavy load and needed to go through her own emotional journey to hear truth so she could learn to trust.

Authors risk public feedback the moment their books are made available to the public. Of course we want our readers to love our stories and our characters. But you know what? We won’t be able to please everyone. We simply need to write our novels to the best of our abilities and know we are offering our finest work. As authors learn more in the craft, they write better books.  

When we do get those tough reviews, we need to consider the source. Is the reviewer someone who reads a lot of books, reads a variety of genres and expresses her opinion clearly? Reviewers who like a book, but give it a lower score based on genre frustrate me. Reading the back cover copy gives the reader a general idea if the novel is Christian or secular.  

After reading the reviews, ask yourself if there’s some teachable moment threaded in the reviewer’s words. Is more than one reviewer saying something similar? Talk these concerns over with your agent and editor. Is this a weak area in your writing? Should you strive to change that particular component?

Finally, believe in yourself and your abilities. You can’t allow every review to shake your confidence. Otherwise you will be too paralyzed to write something new. When your novels are released, simply remember you did your best, your editor loved the story to have offered a contract and you won’t able to please everyone.

Bio: Married 23 years to her real life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two college-aged sons and will be facing an empty nest soon. By day, Lisa is an early childhood educator, and by night, she is a contemporary romance novelist with Love Inspired. Lakeside Reunion, her debut novel, is a 2012 Carol Award Finalist. Lakeside Family, her second novel, releases in August 2012. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Agency. In her free time (ha!), Lisa enjoys good books, chick flicks, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. To learn more about Lisa, visit her website at www.lisajordanbooks.com.

Lisa is celebrating the release of Lakeside Family with a month-long party of giveaways, including Coffee Lovers and Tea Lovers baskets. For more details and to enter the gift basket giveaways, leave a comment on: http://lisajordanbooks.com/novels/lakeside-family-book-release-celebration/)

Lakeside Family
The one man she never wanted to see again is the only who can save her daughter’s life.

In the space of a minute, Nick Brennan learns he has a nine-year-old daughter— and that she desperately needs his help. All this time, his high school sweetheart, single mother Josie Peretti, thought he knew about their child. And that he just didn’t care. About the ill little girl—or Josie, the woman he’s never forgotten. But Nick made a long-ago promise never to forsake his family the way his father did. A promise he vows to make good on now… if only Josie will bless him with a second chance.

Read Excerpt

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Riding the Review Rollercoaster, by Karen Witemeyer

Despite two RITA® finals and a spot on the CBA best-seller list, Karen Witemeyer still has to dig out her heart armor every time a new release hits the shelves. Her newest book with Bethany House, Short-Straw Bride, will be releasing later this month, so she's banging out old dents and preparing herself for the upcoming barrage.

Riding the Review Rollercoaster

One of the biggest adjustments for me as I transitioned from unpublished to published author came in learning how to handle reviews. Listening to a critique of your work is never easy. Anyone who has entered a writing contest and received feedback can attest to that. But when your book is published and available for public consumption, your feedback no longer comes to you in the privacy of an email. No. Now it comes in public forums for the whole world to see. 

So how do you handle the ups and downs of books reviews?

Option 1 - Avoid the rollercoaster all together

Some authors have wonderful self-control and simply elect not to read reviews. Positive or negative. If you can resist the curiosity burning in your brain, this is a wise option. The good reviews won't puff you up with false pride and the bad reviews won't destroy your confidence with their stinging criticism.

Option 2 – Stay on the kiddie coaster

You don't want to get discouraged, so you opt to read only the 4-5 star reviews on Amazon and the blog reviews that are written by people you know. While this option offers a lot of encouragement and warm fuzzies, I would caution against it because it's too easy to start believing your own press. When you read gushing, glowing reviews claiming you are the best writer to have ever put words on a page, pretty soon you start to feel like you've arrived. You've mastered the craft. This attitude can be destructive in its own way to an author's career. If you're not constantly growing and seeking to improve, you become stagnant and predictable and lose the spark that earned those glowing reviews in the first place.

Option 3 – Hang on and enjoy the ride

This is option I prefer, though the ride can get pretty bumpy. The highs are breathtaking and glorious, but the lows are just around the corner. The key to enjoying the review rollercoaster is to face it with as much objectivity as possible and to armor your heart in advance. No matter how fabulous your characters, how action-packed your plot, or how stellar your craft, there will be readers who don't like your book. Accept that fact now and gird your loins for the reviews those readers will write. Yes, they will still hurt. But if you've prepared in advance you can read them with enough objectivity to look for nuggets of truth that will help you improve your writing in your next novel. 

Did the reader fail to connect with your heroine? Look for ways to deepen your characterization or make your heroine more likeable. Did she complain that the pace was sluggish? Look for ways to add more action to future plots. Did he lose interest in the story? Look for ways to infuse more conflict and employ more hooks.

Don't dwell on harsh words or spiteful attacks that can steal your passion, but sift through the negativity to see if there is anything of value to take away. And if a shot penetrates your armor, reread some of your gushing 5 star comments to stop the bleeding, then get back to work on your next project.

One other note I will mention about reviews, NEVER respond to a negative review. No matter how careful you are, it almost always comes across as defensive or as a case of sour grapes. If you need to commiserate with someone, so do in private with a critique partner or a trusted friend, but train yourself in first aid so you can bandage the wound and move on. The more you prepare in advance, the thicker your armor will be. Who knows, maybe you’ll laugh with your writing friends and brag about finally getting your first 1 star review as an author’s right of passage. 

So how do you handle criticism when it comes to your writing? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the soon-to-be-released, Short-Straw Bride. U.S. residents only, please.

SHORT-STRAW BRIDE

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

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