We’re all guilty of it. We really LOVE something, yet we forget to share our appreciation by simply leaving a good review. I have a pile of reviews I’ve been meaning to get to, and will write, but they keep stacking up.
I think the key solution to this problem is to write reviews immediately. Don’t let them pile up like mine because then it turns an enjoyable task into a daunting one. Even though I’m a little behind, I ALWAYS review because I understand its importance.
So, if you don’t write reviews, let’s debunk your excuses for why you don’t:
“It’s a waste of time.”
WRONG. Leaving a review is never a waste of time. Why do you think so many companies encourage and often reward customers for it. Your voice deserves to be heard, so offer some honesty … hopefully, it’s kind but sometimes constructive criticism can be beneficial. Some of us are looking to improve what we offer — if we can — and your feedback may be pertinent to making that possible.
“Nobody reads it anyway.”
Also, WRONG. Someone will always read your review; an author, agent, potential reader, customer, who knows! Your review may be the reason someone picks up a book or considers something else. Help guide their decision in case they’re seeking it.
“I always forget.”
GUILTY. Yes, sometimes I get too engrossed in the next book of a series to write the first book’s review, but I always go back and make sure I do it. We’ve all been there, but the best thing you can do is TRY to remember, especially if you’re on Goodreads or Amazon.
Why Should You Leave a Review?
Opinion
Tell the world what you think of the story, but be kind. Even if you didn’t enjoy it, there’s no need to be cruel. Your voice matters and for some people, it may be a deciding factor on whether or not they pick it up. If you really believe in the story, then make that known with a positive review. The author always appreciates it.
Improvement
Some authors won’t see every single review because they find constructive criticism hurtful, but there is always room to grow. An author might not change their writing style because you don’t like it, but someone else might. It’s good to know where your target demographic lies and why. Your review, whether positive or negative, can help them identify that.
Proof
A proof-of-payment, sort of. By leaving a review, you are showing customers that the book is being purchased and, hopefully, enjoyed. For authors, it means that we don’t stay holed up under the covers hoping we haven’t written the worst thing ever told.
Sales
Sales connect with proof that people are purchasing this. The more that customers purchase and discuss a book, the more it earns popularity, and the more sales it usually sees. So if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it.
Encouragement
Positive reviews can leave an author encouraged to write more books for that series. So if you love an idea and want more, make it known. The author might be willing to hear you out, especially if others share your opinion.
Credibility + Support
The more reviews an author has, the more credibility they receive, which means more readers will consider looking at their stories. It’s a cycle that can lead to more readers.
Not every author struggles with receiving reviews, but Indie-published authors like myself ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS appreciate any and every review that’s written. So THANK YOU if you write reviews and THANK YOU IN ADVANCE if you’re going to start.
