I think I can speak for most of my fellow authors when I say we love it when readers leave reviews for our books. One of the best—and easiest!—ways of supporting us is to let us know what you think of our work. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone back to read old reviews and been greatly encouraged to keep on writing. (And FYI: Your reviews also help us with marketing because many promo sites require a minimum of 10 reviews before an author can use their services.)
While I was reading some old reviews recently, I was quite delighted to see the different kinds of reviews readers leave. I broke them down into five types that I’d like to share with you below:
Detailed:
“This is a wonderful story about second chances. While in college Brandon fell in love with Bria, but she chose someone else. He went on to become a successful romance writer. Bria becomes involved with someone else and has a son. When Brandon sees Bria again he realizes he still loves her. It is a great story of two people reuniting who go through several ups and downs but eventually fall in love and become a happy family.” ~Amazon Reviewer
Reflective:
“I liked the characters. I liked that Brandon was quiet, sensitive and able to forgive and love others. I liked how Brandon and Bria met again. I liked Bria learning to trust God and forgive herself.” ~Amazon Reviewer
Personal:
“I love the Spark family. This band of brothers is great. I love how close they are, yet how different they are from each other. I can relate with Brandon as I am an introvert and my husband has social anxiety. My daughter though is more like Bria, almost a social butterfly.” ~Amazon Reviewer
Descriptive:
“This book is sweeter than a hot fudge sundae with more sparks than a sparkler on the Fourth of July. Faith and family step in and save the day! In the end we are reminded that prayer works!” ~Amazon Reviewer
Succinct:
“Quick, clean read. Lots of misunderstandings, but communicating finally happened. Satisfying ending.” ~Amazon Reviewer
Isn’t it interesting how these five reviews are all talking about the same book? I like how each one reflects the unique perspective and personality of its reviewer.
What type of book review do you usually leave? What type of book review do you appreciate reading? Please let me know in the comments below!
Free Book: In case you were wondering, the reviews above were for my book, A Sudden Spark, book 2 in my Spark Brothers series. You can get it for FREE today on Amazon! And yes, I’d love for you to leave a review after you read it! :)
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
I don’t take any notice of reviews. Everyone takes something different from a book. I don’t write reviews as a rule because I don’t find them useful.
Hi Liwen Ho! Unique blog today. As a retired English teacher I enjoy reading and writing reviews. It is a way of keeping track of my reading. Plus keeps my mind sharp. I have written over 600 reviews on Amazon. Most reviews are succinct with a reflective and sometimes personal element. Thanks for the free book. Best wishes.
My reviews depend on the book. There are some reviews that are longer than others, some that just say I liked the book, and there’s only one review that I did that had three stars. I try to not put any spoilers in my reviews! And, no, it wasn’t one of your books! Lol!
Hi Mary! That’s interesting to hear. I know for myself that I always read reviews, but I take them with a grain of salt, since I know everyone has their own reaction to a book, like you say. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Hi Renate! 600?! Whoa baby. That is amazing. I’m sure those authors you reviewed for appreciate you! Thanks for sharing!
My book reviews generally fall into the “Succinct” category. I don’t do a plot synopsis because the book description already covers that. Thanks for the tip on the free book today! I’m going now to download!
Hi Trudy! Haha, no worries. That’s so interesting to hear. I do agree that different books evoke different reactions, thus different reviews. But yay for not putting spoilers in them. I forgot to mention that in my blog post, how I’d rather not get a detailed play-by-play of a book, but read it for myself. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Laurie! Succinct reviews work well. I hope you enjoy Brandon and Bria’s story! Thanks so much for reading it.
This 76 year old has done reviews for over forty years. Depending on the books, I do detailed, or a variety of the kinds of reviews mentioned! If I don’t like the book, I just don’t review it! Authors deserve the respect of a good review, that’s their livelihood!
Hi Rebecca! That’s awesome. Thank you so much for doing reviews! They really do make a difference. :) Thanks for reading and commenting, too!
I struggle with writing reviews. I feel that the author deserves some honest encouragement but don’t want to leave a blah “Nice book. Do it again.” When I do review a book, I usually wind up with some combination of Reflective, Personal and Succinct. I probably need a system to clear up my own mental Review Muddle.
My books are more personal I think. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Lincoln! Let me speak for (I believe, all) authors that we appreciate any kind of words of encouragement. Thank you for so much for wanting to encourage us. :)
Hi Lucy! Personal is great. I think those kind of reviews let authors know what kinds of stories their readers appreciate. Thanks for sharing!
I always leave positive reviews.
I hadn’t thought much about it, but I prefer to read detailed and reflective reviews.
Mine can be anything but detailed. I’m always afraid of giving spoilers.
I almost always leave positive reviews and I’ve been known to comment on reviews left by others.
If I’m on the author’s launch team, I try to leave a thoughtful and more detailed review. I usually do NOT mention much about the plot (except things like “lots of dramatic plot twists!”), but if I liked the characters and how they matured.
If I”m not on the launch team, my reviews tend to be pretty short.
If I didn’t really like the book, or if it has thousands of reviews already, I don’t bother to write one.
Hi Denise! That’s great. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Hi MaryEllen! That’s cool. I actually like reading comments on reviews and seeing readers interact. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Margaret! Mentioning “plot twists” is a good way to not give anything away. I always appreciate the thoughtful reviews you leave for my books. :) Thanks for commenting!
Hi. Interesting question. Yes, I post reviews. I keep track of all my reading/books on goodreads so my reviews tend to be detailed – for my own recall later of what I’ve read & when (I read a lot!)
I have developed a system & try to mention whether the book is suitable as a standalone; a HEA; the violence, sexual, or profanity content/level in case anyone is looking specifically for that information; and whether or not I recommend it & for whom.
I also try to be consistent with myself in my ratings, whatever others are doing – 5*= I absolutely loved it; 4= I liked it a lot; 3*= it was ok, but perhaps not memorable; 2*= a total Miss for me; 1*= I felt cheated . I’ve only done one 1* and not many 3*.
I Do read reviews before I buy (especially the 1, 2, & 3*. because I figure the 5* reviews might just be “super” fans (which I also try to identify myself as, if that is the case). Low reviews can be helpful as a purchasing guide or easily disregarded if the complaint is a non-issue for me. ;).
I also always read the “blurb” & I post on Amazon unless everyone (hundreds) have beat me to it. If it’s been awhile, like with an oldie reread, sometimes a I’ll repost a review (especially if there aren’t many) because oldies can still have wonderful merit. I try not to do spoilers – except for “Cliffhanger!!!” because I detest them. ;).
Hi Penelope! Wow, that is a very detailed and thorough system. I do appreciate you specifying how clean a book is; many readers like knowing that ahead of time. Thanks so much for commenting!
I am in the succinct category. I struggle to come up with enough words. I read reviews for authors I’m not familiar with to determine if it is suitable. If I can’t leave a positive review I don’t review.
Hi Diana! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I write a lot of reviews. I tend to be descriptive. But one place I review for wants no spoilers so I try to be succinct. And one place I leave my reviews has a short space for reviews, so again I try to be shorter and to the point.
I try very hard to leave reviews for every book I read, even though they are for pleasure. It’s something I can do to help my favorite authors out!
Awesome post, Liwen! My reviews tend to be a mix of reflective and personal, and occasionally veer into the descriptive and succinct categories! 💕🙂