I was thrilled when a reader recently gave one of my publications a five-star review on Amazon. (Most of my reviews have been on Smashwords, so just getting one on Amazon was exciting.) Then I read that some people don't think very highly of them! In fact, I read that one reader discounts all five-star reviews, assuming that they come from friends or family. That reader also discounts all the one-star reviews, and reads only the others, the moderately-starred two-, three-, and four-star reviews.
Do you tend to give out many five-star ones? I used to casually give top reviews to every book I rated on Amazon. After realizing that they are meaningless to some people, I've started giving four-star reviews instead. That's probably more realistic, after all. I suppose a five-star should only go to the best book you've read all year, or maybe in the last six months.
I like to do other authors favors. I know how hard they work and what an effort it is to get to the stage where you have a book to be reviewed. But if it's not a favor to give a five-star review, then I don't want to do it.
By the way, if I couldn't rate a book at least four stars, I wouldn't even think of reviewing it. What do you think? Do you take the five-star reviews seriously? Or not?
(I'm still thrilled with the five-star review I got, no matter what!)
(Painting: Starry Night Over the Rhone by Van Gogh)
I hadn't thought about the friends and family thing Kaye, but I do read the reviews before I buy something on Amazon. Good for you, Kaye! I know your book is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI do take five star reviews seriously. While most people might have one or two buddies or family members who would post a five star review, I think most reviews come from strangers. I know they do in my case!
ReplyDelete~ Krista Davis
That's good to hear, Krista. Are you disappointed at a four star review?
ReplyDeleteIf I really like a book, I tend to give it 4 stars; I reserve 5 stars for my VERY favorite books that I rave about and tell people they have to read (probably a couple a year), because that's what makes the most sense to me. When I see ONLY 5 star reviews of a book, and only a few reviews at that, then I get skeptical that it's just friends and family. But as long as there are reviews of all kind, I do take the 5 star reviews seriously.
ReplyDeleteGigi, that sounds sensible. I'm happy to say I've never seen a book with all one star reviews. It only makes sense that a book resonates differently with different people.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann, I'll look for your five star review. :)
I used to give 5-star reviews on a regular basis, but as I've matured (maybe the 'b' word is involved—but only a little *grin*), a terrific book, worthy of both time and dollar, is a 4-star.
ReplyDeleteThe last 5-star review I gave was to my sister. I gave her 5 because I wanted to encourage her, and I was really pleased with her book. But now? I wish I would've given her 4 stars because it wouldn't have screamed "Friends and Family."
That's exactly what I'm afraid of, Peg. I don't want someone to think I'm giving a dishonest review. Maturing can be good!
ReplyDeleteI look at the review more than the number of stars.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I tend to think the five stars are friends and family. However, I do read them for content. Maybe they point out something that I am looking for in a book. I also throw out the 1 stars. They're generally not well reasoned, but rather snarky. If a book has four stars, that's really a recommendation to me.
ReplyDeleteTHat said. I'd give you five stars, and do it honestly.
Well put, Kath. And you're so sweet to say that last thing! I am, by the way, very very happy with four star reviews. I have a four star and a five star on Smashwords for my short story collection and am ecstatic about that! For my novel, I hope to get four and will be perfectly satisfied with those!
ReplyDeleteI disclose that I have a relationship with the author if I have one. That way, they don't HAVE to suppose. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a very good idea, Sarah! I think I'll do that in the future.
ReplyDeleteFive stars is for a book I really enjoyed and on which I couldn't find any flaws. Most aren't like that, of course, but I do restrain myself for giving very low reviews. Then again, that may be because if the book is no good, I'm not going to use precious time to read it.
ReplyDeleteI actually had the chance to read five-star books when I travelled to Argentina because in one of those apartments in Buenos Aires I was given for rent, there were books in the room so I read them. I definitely loved them, I thank the apartment landlord who left those books there for tourists to read while on their trip!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks for stopping by, JL and Julie!
ReplyDelete