Book Reviewers are Brave and They Shouldn’t Have to be

I really hope this post doesn’t sound self-righteous. I’m not perfect. I slipped up once in an interview and said that I disagreed with something a reviewer had said (without naming the reviewer or saying exactly what they said.) That aside, I think this post is very important for the reading and writing communities.

First off, we NEED each other. Without readers, authors would have no reason to publish books. Write books? Sure. But publish them? It just wouldn’t happen. And without authors, there would be nothing new to read. It’s symbiosis. We help each other thrive. There is a special kind of reader, the kind that leaves reviews. Without them, books would languish on the shelf. Careers would fail. The whole system? I don’t think it would be entirely stable, to be honest.

Readers who leave reviews shouldn’t have to be considered brave, but in this day and age, I’m sad to say they are. Too many authors (and some of their fans) forget a few very important things about reviews and reviewers.

• Reviews aren’t for the author.

Reviews are for those considering putting time and mental energy into reading the book in question. Leave the reviews for potential readers. (Some read reviews to learn and grow from them. Personally, I leave that for my beta readers and editors. Although a reviewer on my street team left a very thoughtful review, which I read and gleaned fabulous advice from.)

• Even negative reviews sell books.

            Have you ever seen a book with only glowing, five-star reviews? Those books lose credibility because all-positive reviews just is not the norm. Let’s face it: a lot of people look at only positive reviews and think, “Yeah, their friends and family are the only ones who read this. Pass!”

            Also, what one reviewer says they hate about a book could be the reason a reader glancing through that review clicks “BUY NOW!” One reviewer’s “trash” is another reader’s treasure.

• Most reviewers do this for FREE.

            Even if they were paid lots of money, they’re still human beings with feelings. No one deserves to be harassed, bullied, doxed, or anything like that.

• I’m willing to guess that most negative reviews aren’t personal.

            They’re not out to get you. They’re not out to ruin your career or make you cry. This isn’t personal.

• You are not your book. There is more to you than what you do.

            Separating yourself from your work is hard. I know. It is a constant battle for me. But if you realize that your worth doesn’t come from the books you publish, you won’t feel so attacked when you see one-star ratings flow in.

There’s been a lot of turmoil in the writing and reviewing communities lately. Readers, readers who are reviewers, and writers all need each other. Let’s treat each other better.

Beth