Why it’s kind to review the books you read–good or bad

You reach the end of the book you’ve been reading. You’re elated! You’re sad it’s over. Or maybe relieved? Frustrated? Sobbing! Tears of joy, sadness, anger?

Quick! Before all those feelings leave you, go review that book!

“But why?” you ask. “It’s way past my bedtime. I’m tired, and I don’t want to leave a review. Nobody cares whether I leave a review or not.”  

Okay, so it might be the wee hours of the morning. And if that’s the case, fine. Go to bed, but leave yourself a note so you remember to write your review in the morning. Because here’s the thing: your review matters.

A lot!

It matters to the next person who might be thinking about buying that book. And it matters to the author who spent an ungodly number of hours writing it!

It doesn’t have to be long.

Two sentences. Heck, one sentence, just simply stating what you thought.

“Great characters, awesome plot. Couldn’t put it down.”

“Cool idea. Narrative was confusing at times, but the story was overall awesome.”

“The sex between the vampire and the ghost was a little too hot for my liking.”

All good reviews!

“But wait. Two of those weren’t entirely positive,” I hear you saying.

To which I say, That’s okay!

It doesn’t have to be all sunshine and butterflies.

Even a review that points out the things you don’t like can be valuable to readers, and to the author!

Confusing narrative? That’s the kind of stuff I take seriously when I read it in a review. Authors want to know what stood between you and that five-star review (especially when it’s put in a constructive way. More on that later.)

Sex too hot for your liking? Ooookay.  That’s like a beacon to readers who like the love scenes extra steamy in the books they read. You’re helping other readers identify a book that might be their next favorite.

For authors, reviews are about numbers. The higher the average star rating, the better, obviously. But before you can get to the average star rating, your book just has to have enough reviews to register. So don’t be shy.

Just be kind. 

Remember, kind isn’t always the same as nice. You can leave an honest review and still be kind, even if your review isn’t positive. Just avoid trashing the author personally and you’re on the right track. If you’re writing the review to help (not hurt), you’re doing good.