I started as an indie author a year ago. Like every writer, I met with various kinds of people. Many of them supported my work, and I am very grateful to them. Also, some authors underestimated me, in a way “you need to learn a lot, to read more books from other authors, don’t rush with your stories. “
Every author needs a review. In this way, a book will get free marketing, because readers will grab a book that is recommended . Which was the movie you last saw in the cinema, and why? For sure, it was the one that the media recommended. Later you decide did you like it or not. The same is with books, you wish to see why people brag about a book, what is so special there? Impressions are very important.
I read and review about 22 books. My intention was to expand my knowledge, improve my English, and help authors dear to me. I chose them by myself because I am allergic to recommendations like: “Read and review my book. Purchase it.” This reminds me of sellers door to door. Those are one, I slam the door in their faces.
If you want to be a helpful reviewer, here are some tips:
Be honest. If you say that something is good and barely worthy of reading, say what you really think. Just say it short and clear. Don’t insult the author personally, because this is unethical.
Don’t talk about yourself and your work in the review. Amazon will get banned if you promote your work under others’ book reviews.
Don’t preach. Every author takes a good effort, hours and hours of writing and editing are in one book, so don’t talk from heights about the book.
Prove that you really read a book. Once a woman wrote a review, negative tips about my book and she admitted that she only read the first chapter. If you did not read the book, you are not qualified to judge the content.
Don’t judge a book by the cover. Once a man reported my book cover, which is symbolic, without reading what is a book about.
If you don’t want to make a review, say it politely to the author by email. Say it short, I don’t like it, I can’t give a review. You need not write the Bible why you don’t like it and burst your ego.
It is important how to say something, not just what you wish to say. If you say “sorry, I think this book needs editing”, it is not the same as you say” you have no clue about writing”.
They rejected great authors like Agatha Christie many times before they got famous. You never know how far the author can go.
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