Recently there has been much talk in the land of blogs and Twitter about the “YA Mafia” and whether aspiring authors should post negative reviews and lots of talk about being nice. I believe much of it started with Becca Fitzpatrick’s article, or at least this is when I started to take notice. Since then, other bloggers have spoke up. Dear Author, Babbling About Books and More, The Book Pushers. Read the links for a full understanding but the gist of it is that some authors have noted that maybe aspiring authors should not post negative reviews of books because in the future they may not get the support of that author they “bashed” in their review. That maybe these reviewers should “be nice.” (Which makes me cringe and sounds totally condescending)
After reading Jane’s post at Dear Author, I love that she stresses reviews should be honest and consistent. Because without those two things, there is no basis to start a conversation about the book nor for the reader to decided if he/she wants to read the book. I have no aspiration to become an author. My passion lies within reading, and telling you what I have read, and talking with other readers. The topic of an aspiring or even an established author reviewing books is not a black and white issue. But from where I sit, a reader at heart – when I read a review, I want honesty. I don’t care if you want to be an author, or if you work in an office, or in a grocery store, or if you are a stay at home mom. I want honesty. Which seems so simple, yet sometimes so hard to come by. This is what I liked about the book, this is what I didn’t like about the book. Simple. But why is it when I see negative reviews, I see so many – “thank you for your honesty” comments. Why don’t people say that for a positive review? Is it because they think a positive review isn’t always honest? Do they think the blogger is taking a risk by posting a negative review?
Reviewers build relationships with their readers and this is where consistency comes into play. What is great about blogs is that everyone is different – but hopefully as you become familiar with blogs, you start to learn the blogger’s tastes, and if it is similar to yours, trust develops. You can buy books off of this blogger’s recommendation. You are not always going to agree, but you know there is a consistent, solid foundation around this blog/reviewer.
In my opinion, reviews should always be written for the reader. If a reviewer writes a review to be nice to an author, is that helpful to your readers? Or if it is only positive because maybe the reviewer is friendly with the author on Twitter or they are going to see them at a convention - how in the world is a review like this going to help anyone decide if they should read this book? Isn’t that the main point of the review? And if you have read the book, and you want to talk about it, are you really engaging in honest conversation? No. And I’m not saying that I sit here reveling in negative reviews. Is it fun to email an author the link to a review of their book when you have a lot of negative comments? No. But again, reviews are for the readers. Period. So if you love a book – tell me why. If you hate a book, tell me why. Most importantly, keep reading and keep blogging. And keep your opinions coming!
Yes why I say the honesty bit..I guess it's cos I know how hard it can be sometimes to post a negative review (afraid the author is gonna jump me). And yes the reviews are for us, I need negative reviews, all positive reviews makes me think something is wrong
This latest wank has made many, many rounds and the most I got out of it was that reviews should be honest.
Absofuckinglutely!
You bring up a great point that people only comment about honesty when it's a negative review. I don't think that implies a positive review is not honest, merely that a positive review is expected.
The comments on a positive review tend to be "I agree, I loved it!" or "Thanks! I'm buying this now." There's a feeling that it's easy to be honest when you love the book. When you hate a book, you get the reviewers that either soft peddle the review – coaching the negative in terms that actually sound positive – or usually a reviewer refuses to say anything.
If a reviewer offers a honest, intelligent opinion, good or bad, then more power to them. It is rare it seems.
There is potential awkwardness for everyone…reader/reviewers as well as author/reviewers, because we are all communicating via twitter, facebook, at conferences, etc. Any threats issued due to negative reviews (authors refusing to do blurbs…hee hee…are you freakin' kidding me?–or refusing to offer reviewers ARCs who aren't kissing arse) are ridiculous. As long as reviewers are honest and professional in their work, they have every right to their opinions.
I feel terrible for leaving negative reviews! It must be hard to write a book and put it out there to be judged by the masses. I do, however, believe in being honest, so if I didn't like a book I generally say why. I try not to be horrible, I just state my case so if people want to take notice of it they can. I don't believe in making a big song and dance (as I have seen on some reviews!) about the fact I thought the book was sub-par
As an author, it's really hard to find balance when talking about other people's work. There are a lot of books I don't enjoy, but I don't like to talk negatively about them in public because I've been in their shoes. I know the amount of work that went into getting the story out there. Is that to say I don't think anyone should post negative reviews? Nope. I just know I don't. I'm not going to bullshit though either. If I don't like a book, publicly, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut LOL. It means I'm only going to praise books that I really think are worth someone's time.
Having said that, I can also address the "thanks for your honesty" comment. I LIKE to say thank you for reviews. When people take time out to read and write up commentary about my work, that means a lot to me. For a not-so-great review though, saying "thanks" seems…weird. "Thanks for telling me you think I suck." I just can't do it, so the best I can do is say, "Thanks for your honesty." When I get a good review, I can say an all-around thanks and mean it for everything: your honesty, your kind words, your recommendation to readers, the whole thing. Recently, I've been trying the whole don't-comment-on-reviews suggestion that I've seen mentioned over and over again. Honestly? ;-) I don't like it. Even though I've tried to promote the reviews on Twitter and Facebook, I still feel like I should be saying thank you. Odds are, I'm going to go back to doing so, because it makes me feel like a better person.
But the general thank you from an author for a good review–at least from this author–means thanks for everything :)
*nods head* I agree with you 100%. You have to be honest regardless of what your doing or aspiring to do in your life. I have read some books where it was given all 4's and 5's and then sat back and wondered if we had all read the same book. Because I didn't read a 4-5 book. I read a 3 maybe.
I don't have a problem with reviewers who only give positive reviews IF they are clear that that's their way of operating. It's okay to say "I'm only going to talk about books I loved" and hell, I have lots of books I loved that I could post a review of. If my entire blog was only filled with those reviews that doesn't make it dishonest, again IF, I'm clear about that. If a book is not on my site it would mean either I hadn't read it or I didn't love it.
The problem is when someone gives a book they were meh about a rave review because they somehow feel obliged to. Either they got the book from a publisher and now HAVE to review it, or they are afraid of the backlash should they give a popular author a low rating, or it is a friend and they are just being nice (which is hard to avoid).
So I guess it comes down to honesty. Don't tell me you fairly review every book if you only post the reviews of books you love. If that's the case and I trust your judgement (we both love the same books more or less) I'll just come to you to check if you loved it before I buy it. But please please please don't give a mediocre or horrible book an A+ rating, or do it consistently (hell, we all have our moments of weakness when pure fluff and trash makes us fall in love) and then expect me to trust your judgement.
Reviewers need to be clear about their style and strategy. Either you review everything without prejudice or you only review books you love. Both are okay, just don't lie about either one.
But I want to add tha ton that same note I have also seen a book given 2s and 3s and after I was done reading I gave it a 5 because I thought it was brilliant. My opinion as a reviewer is just that…an opinion. That and $6.50 will get a you a cup of coffee at the evil empire.
Blodeuedd – I agree I don't always feel comfortable writing negative reviews..but I also agree with need to see both sides :)
Kassa – Yes, a positive review is expected. And to be honest, a lot of the books I either like or just feel…meh about. To ME, a C is I like the book, but I have a few issues. There are not a ton of books out there I dislike. Some books I only read the first 20% and DNF – and I don't always blog about those because I'm not sure if reading 15-20% of the book is enough to review – in some cases.
Yes – intelligent, honest good or bad – that is what we need :)
Penny – Oh – I feel awkward. I have been known to wake up at 5am to email a good friend to freak out on her. I've personally had very good relationships with authors..and have never had an issue if a negative review has been posted.
Nix – By negative reviews I don't mean you have to bash the book by any means – I mean it gets a D or F or DNF review from me. Sometimes a book makes me angry, so the review might be a bigger deal (or at least to me.
Seleste – I'm glad you commented because I know you will be reviewing now at Wicked Little Pixie. Like I said, not being an author, I can't sit here and say either way necessarily – it is a complicated issue – which is why I tried to make this more about reviewing in general than authors reviewing.
For the "thank you" – I don't have a problem at all with authors saying thank you. I see the "thanks for your honesty" comments on negative reviews from just readers. Let's face it – I know I've commented the same thing on others negative reviews. For one, if I haven't read the book, I can't argue or agree. So I guess the "thanks for your honesty" is a standard thing to say ;)
As just a reader, I think there is a difference between a well thought our negative review and a diatribe of nastiness because the book isn't up to their high standards. I tend to take those for BS and move on. I will check the realm of reviews to see what people are saying to get an idea why the populace rated things one way or another.
Additionally, its all about perspective. I tend to love quick reads which are engaging but do not require much thought. These books will never win a Pulitzer but I am okay with that and review and rate from my prospective. I hope my reviews help other like me who just want a good mindless read.
Tori – Yes – it is totally an opinion!!! This book didn't work – FOR ME. There are some who rate a book low if there is infidelity, or some who rate low if there is any mention of rape. Which is fine – as long as you explain your reasons. Reviews are all opinions, which is why you can blog hop, or jump on Goodreads and see many, many more ratings :)
Tam – yes..I love how you state that :) I have a blog I like to go to where she only reviews books she would give a positive rating too..but she is very clear that that is her policy. You know going in…so yes – blogs need to be clear on their style.
And YES – don't give a mediocre book 5/5 just because the an author gave you an arc…or something else along those lines.
My momma always said that honesty is the best policy. LOL I agree with you 100%!!!
***What is great about blogs is that everyone is different – but hopefully as you become familiar with blogs, you start to learn the blogger’s tastes, and if it is similar to yours, trust develops.***
I agree with this and that is why I base a lot of my purchasing of books on your reviews. We seem to have the same taste and you have introduced me to many new authors and urban fantasy. More importantly— BARRONS! You and FV introduced me to the RAWR of Barrons!
I guess some authors see aspiring authors who review and end up giving a less than stellar review as a way of not being supportive.
I'm straddling both sides of this fence and I wonder what if about myself and my future.
You say it perfectly though-
"reviews should always be written for the reader."
I totally agree with your views on honesty in reviews. Great post. :D
Nice post Mandi. I base some of my book buying on reviews, I look at the negative first and then the positive.
Seeing all the hype on Goodreads about authors making comments on negative reviews, I can see where it would be intimidating.
Thanks for this post Mandi. I agree with what you are saying here.
I think it's just hard when people's feelings are hurt, which happens when one's works isn't received as favorably as they hoped.
Good post, Mandi. I think when you write any opinion and publish it, there's the potential of pissing people off. I once wrote a positive review and criticized by a group of fangirls for not being positive ENOUGH. You have to be prepared to take criticism for what you write, including fiction, and stand by your work. If you're not prepared to do that, keep it to yourself.
I can only comment from the readers point of view. I read a lot. And I am thrilled to be able read a review by a blogger I have come to trust on a book I might be on the fence about reading. It has also opened my reading world by leaps and bounds and I've read genre's I either had never heard of or might have been shy about giving a shot. I guess bottom line is-I value the honesty of the review-negative or positive.
Heather – yes..and that falls along with consistency – if you can find a blog that likes the same kind of read that you do :)
Amy – LOL..I'm so glad you met Barrons! ;) I kinda miss him :(
KB – yes..for the readers!
Bells – thx!
Lizzie – yeah – the GR thing is getting lots of drama too…
Missie – Oh..I agree. I appreciate authors so much :)
Heidenkind – Yes..I agree. Everyone is going to have a different opinion.
Lisa – I completely agree
Very good point — the review is directed toward the reader. The point of reviews is to give potential readers/buyers the inside look at what's in the book and how that content went over with the reviewer. I have had some very nice comments from authors, but that is really a side issue for me. It is the reader who will profit most from the review and to forget that is to be ignorant of why reviews are important or why anyone should even bother writing one. Thanks for a very good post.
I try and write honestly in my reviews. As a reviewer, if I'm not honest, where's the point in having the book blog in the first place? I write about books because I love to read, and I want to share my thoughts – like you say, I just want to talk about books, because I love to talk about books!
Mostly I don't write many negative reviews because I'm pretty sure when I buy a book that I'm going to like it. I also don't write many negative reviews because if I really don't like a book, I just won't finish reading it.
I don't understand why an aspiring author would want a quote or whatever from an author who's work they didn't like anyway.
(This was a huge reply, but I've chopped bits out and I'm going to give it it's own blog post, I think.)
~Ailsa
I think this is a really interesting topic.
Honest positive reviews don't get much credit for their honesty I think because you're not likely to get bashed by the author for giving a positive review so you have nothing to risk by posting it.
Whereas a negative review could really change everything like we've seen over the past few months with all sorts of authors bashing reviewers for literally just giving a honest negative review because of certain aspects of the book.
I think this is something I notice more as a new shiny reviewer that the reviews are an honest reflection for myself to look back on and 100% of the readers because I don't want them to buy a book I secretly hate and I don't want the reader to feel let down by my review and opinion.
Mandi – THIS to everything you just said in that post!
I think this is a sign that some people are uncomfortable that bloggers are becoming more influential and dare I say it with some bigger known ones powerful than established review publications. I think due to this its easier to attack bloggers/reviewers for being unprofessional as a way to undermine them and also to control and shape how reviews should be done.
I can totally understand why some reviewers will want to stick to books they like while others may want to be more honest. And I agree that those who are happy for saying they will only review positively you know what you are getting with that reviewer!
For me my most difficult reviews are the average books because I find it hard to feel passionate about them while books I loved or disliked, I feel more strongly. But I've said this in my own post at The Book Pushers that there is no wrong way or right way in reviewing. As long as you don't become insulting/incoherent and personal about the author and have relevant points about the book – good or bad.
Not everyone will agree if they liked a book or not and stacking reviews so that its only positive just subverts and silences real discussions about books and we need that!
YES!
I feel like this topic is only just heating up. Between the posters you mentioned, and *that* author who claimed 'book bloggers don't sell books' – it all seems like the authors are trying to steer reviewers in a certain, positive direction … and I don't necessarily agree.
The second I browse someone's book blog and see that they only ever hand out 5-star reviews, I click off. No thanks, not for me.
I think reviewers really show their mettle when it comes to reviewing books they didn’t like. It’s much harder to write a sincere review explaining what didn’t work for you than it is to outpour a total gush-fest.
That being said, don't be mean. There's a difference between saying "I felt like there was a lot of summary and not enough dialogue" and "I would rather stick a fork in my eye than read another book by this author".
I think some authors just need to suck-it-up! Accept that your book is out there, in the universe. It is a commodity, and we as consumers will be honest about what we think of it.
Great post.
I have to jump in here with a little social perspective that authors and publishers seem to miss out on in their general argument. Blogging and Marketing are two different animals, and should always be kept as such. People don't review books because they are trying to sell them. They review books because they are trying to express their opinion (good or bad) of the quality of the content. Should we only accept the opinion of a car salesman on the quality of the car being sold? The answer is obvious and should not even need stating. While it is important to understand how much effort went into the creation of something, that doesn't mean you have to take the artists word for how exceptional it is. That's almost as moronic as saying customers should never review the food they have eaten at a restaurant, unless they hold a degree from the culinary institute. Please – are they SERIOUS?
FANTASTIC post Mandi! You are so right about bloggers/reviews building trust. And once that trust is established, readers will probably want to buy every book that blogger suggests…even when it's not something they would usually read. ;)
I completely agree about wanting honest reviews. Even if the people writing nothing but gushing reviews are honest, if that's all a reviewer puts out there it makes it hard for me to judge how my taste will line up with their own. You can't appreciate the good without experiencing the bad.
I commented a time or two on the GR author alert thing but mostly just read the comments. I was honestly flabbergasted by the number of people that were surprised at the thought of reviews being written for readers only.
I just can't imagine who else they think they're writing them for. If you wanted to provide insight for the publisher or author, wouldn't logic dictate that you contact them directly?
Having said that, even though I roll my eyes at the sly threats directed at aspiring authors, I can't really complain about a publisher (not an author) making a decision not to hire someone because they bashed their label constantly or some such. It's a business and it's their choice. Just like a restaurant not wanting to hire someone who did nothing but write bad reviews about their crappy food. *shrug*
Thank you Mandi. I agree – I need consistency and honesty. If I have that, then I can make informed decisions about whether or not a book works for me.
Dr J – Yep..totally agree
Ailsa – Oh yeah..there are lots of books I don't finish and don't write a review for…I get a lot of unsolicited books, so if I was going more off of just rec's I might not have as many I didn't like.
Ally – I don't think anyone would feel let down by your opinion. Because it is just your opinion..but I agree you can't promote a book you actually dislike.
Has "Not everyone will agree if they liked a book or not and stacking reviews so that its only positive just subverts and silences real discussions about books and we need that" <—- Yes THIS ;)
Danielle- you have to back up your opinion – whether it is good or bad. Yes, there are times I read something and think, I really liked it (or didn't like it) and I'm not sure why..lol..but I think you should try to explain yourself either way.
Kevin – Yes – it is our opinion. Which is why we need to encourage discussion and opinions.
Julie – yes yes!
Catherine – yes, the aspiring author thing is complex..and when business decisions come into play – it is hard to say who is right.
Orannia – Yes!
Yeah, saw that too over at Dear Author. Glad you brought it up here too, Mandi.
I'm a reader, not an author of any type, shape or form. Well, I am an occasional reviewer, but I don't think that counts. I believe in honesty in a review, but my honesty about how I feel and think about the book. Of why it didn't work for me. We all have different tastes; therefore, different reading genres.
I respect all authors for their talent. When they write, they put their heart and souls out there. I won't be the one to trample them.
Wonderful post Mandi-I mean it! There is no way to make everyone happy, so when you review something you just have to go with what you thought of it-love it or hate it.
Thank you for being honest :)
couldn't help but say it, I love that you tell us exactly how you see it. Anything you grade above a B I just go and buy it because I trust in your reviews. Yes sometimes I read it and think huh? how did it get this or that rating? but thats how it is no two people can have the exact same tastes. When other bloggers just give it a wonderful review and then I read it and its downright awful you can be sure I never visit that page again because we obviously DO NOT have the same tastes ;)
this is an awesome post and I agree 100%.
I review books for a blog and I hate to give bad reviews (no one does)but sometimes you have to.
The approach I take is I try and find something – anything positive I liked about the book and talk about that first, maybe the writing style or scene setting, etc. Then I will look at the negatives and try and give specific examples as to why it didn't work for.
Most of all DO NOT BASH THE AUTHOR just because you did not like the book. I think that makes me madder than anything. You need to keep your comments professional and about the book. Afterall a lot of readers rely on bloggers for their opinions about a book.
I'm sort of stuck in an awkward position between long time reader and author just starting out. As a reader, I believe 100% in honest reviews. I agree with you. If you like it, tell me why, if you don't, tell me why.
As an author, though, I feel like I need to employ diplomacy lol. I do understand the hard work that goes into writing a story and it makes me hesitant to write something bad because I know that it can be very hurtful. Unless there are specific reasons, in which case it's constructive criticism and I appreciate that.
As for commenting on reviews, I will absolutely say thank you to a reviewer for having taken the time on my book. But in private :) I think making it a public comment on the review itself is a little weird and puts the reviewers in an uncomfortable spotlight. Having no love for those myself, I won't shine it on others.
I think people say "Thanks for your honesty" with a negative review because (personal observation here)negative reviews seem to be unpopular opinions. As in, that particular reviewer is the only one who isn't saying "This is a five star book! Everyone must buy it as soon as possible!"
The biggest problem I have with this "Be nice" sentiment is, there's nothing wrong with saying "I didn't enjoy this book and here's some reasons" or "This book didn't do it for me and here's why". Book reviews are for the readers, not the authors. If by chance an author sees a positive review and it makes their day, that's great. However, I've always thought book reviews and book review websites were meant to tell readers "It was good/It was bad/You'd be interested in this book if you like…"
I have always wondered if author reviews are biased sometimes, just for the reasons stated. And because, really, we have become a society where people can't take criticism without firing back. Isn't that what the phrase "constructive criticism" means? That's what bosses and peers do- and who would know better than another author about what works and what doesn't? Non-author reviewers are good, for me, because they look/read the meat of the story and are able to give me a reader's point of view.
Of course, reviewers are like art critics- beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I may find myself loving something someone else reviewed and hated. And I have. But it doesn't mean I disrespect the reviewer. Putting yourself out there like that has to be hard to do and a thick skin has got to be part of the job description.
Keep up the good work!
Artemis – Reading a book is so subjective. I think Tori and I have similar tastes but there are times where we disagree – you have to take a review as an opinion.
Colette – yep!
Yaquelin – we will never all agree 100% of the time..but some of the fun is talking about our differences etc… Thx!
Heather – totally agree!
Alianne – thanks for your feedback :)
Jess – no, I totally agree. I didn't like this book – here is why – I don't see a problem with that either.
ev – Yes – everyone has their own opinions. And I give authors a lot of credit. If it wasn't for them…I wouldn't be able to do this :)
I have nothing to add that hasn't been said, but I agree with you 100%. Reading is a leisurely activity and one that brings joy to one's life. Thus, reviews should reflect what you enjoyed about a book, and if you didn't enjoy it, tell us why. Period.