Authors reviewing their own works? - Page 3

kcmay · 10-16-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Rarely will an Indy work rank a 4 (but it could happen in some cases) much less a 5 and, sadly, you see that all the time. How many posts do you see in Book Bazaar where someone exclaims that they have a 5-star average?

I guess it depends on who you ask, CI Bond. I happen to think 5-star novels are "so good, I'd read it again." It doesn't need to be The Greatest Work of Fiction Ever To See Print to earn a 5-star review. Many people agree with me, which is why so many books by indies and non-indies have them. To me, a 3-star book is so-so. I finished it, but might not recommend it to my friends. Beauty (and good fiction) is in the eye of the beholder.

GraceKrispy · 10-16-2010, 10:19 PM

I rate and review indy works, and some of them can rival, or surpass, some of the "professionally" published books out there. I have rated indie books everywhere from 1.5 stars to 5 stars. (If it's a .5-1 star, I probably stopped reading somewhere along the way and moved on) 5 stars means a book I really liked and think others would like, too.

If I give a book 5 stars, I think the writing is quality and the storyline solid. It's a book I'd strongly recommend and would read again. It's often a book that I like even better than some of the stuff I've gotten from the library or bookstores. I honestly think there are indie books worthy of 5 stars.

emellaich · 10-16-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcmay

I guess it depends on who you ask, CI Bond. I happen to think 5-star novels are "so good, I'd read it again." It doesn't need to be The Greatest Work of Fiction Ever To See Print to earn a 5-star review. Many people agree with me, which is why so many books by indies and non-indies have them. To me, a 3-star book is so-so. I finished it, but might not recommend it to my friends. Beauty (and good fiction) is in the eye of the beholder.

The truth is that it is very rare for any book to receive a five (or even four plus) star review. I'm not talking about individual reviews, but about the average for the book. You and I probably have very different opinions on books. I know many folks here on MR who would rate books very differently than I would. For example, there is an entire thread here on "classic" books which I don't really get because I don't enjoy that type of books.

The point is that a fair set of ratings on a book that is interesting to me ranges from say 3.5 to 4.3 . When I see a rating around 5-ish, I suspect the ratings are only from insiders.

MrPLD · 10-16-2010, 10:27 PM

The problem is that the linear 5-star rating makes it difficult to truly impart an opinion on the minor imperfections of a book. Does a minor defect warrant a 20% cull (1-star) on the review? It depends a lot on your own personality, if you're the type that tends to be forgiving and lenient then you'll err to the 5-star, if otoh you're stern and absolute you'll fall to the 4-star position.

Personally I liked the multiple field 5-star rating, where you can rank the various attributes of the book (spelling/grammar/proofing, typesetting/layout, plot, characters), of course that'll tend to put off a lot of potential reviewers.

C.I.Bond · 10-16-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPLD

Personally I liked the multiple field 5-star rating, where you can rank the various attributes of the book (spelling/grammar/proofing, typesetting/layout, plot, characters), of course that'll tend to put off a lot of potential reviewers.

Oh, that would be a great system, I was thinking of doing something similar if I started reviewing books. I try to think in terms of a bell curve in terms of over-all story. Top 10% get 5, 20% get 4, 50% get 3, and the other end fits as well. The problem is art is subjective and no one thing is the same as another but if the average doesn't sit in the middle - 3 then what’s the average for? I suppose it helps to clarify things, to say in your review that a 3 is a ‘buy’ and a 2 is a ‘don’t buy.’ The other way to rate is by gut reaction… did you love it? Why? But then you have to quantify the depth of your love and qualify it with words. A 5-star love verses a 3-star love… I am still scratching my head over this one…

______________________________________
I suffered for my art and now it's your turn, but at $0.99 can you afford not to suffer? Blood Bank

kcmay · 10-17-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPLD

Personally I liked the multiple field 5-star rating, where you can rank the various attributes of the book (spelling/grammar/proofing, typesetting/layout, plot, characters), of course that'll tend to put off a lot of potential reviewers.

I'm with you on this. B&N has changed their rating system to include the ability to differentiate characterization from originality from writing style, etc. which I think is a big step in the right direction. For reviewers who'd like to downgrade (or praise) one aspect of the story because of flaws (or excellence), there's a mechanism for doing that. Readers who aren't so particular can just jot a couple sentences about why they liked or didn't like the story without worrying about the categories.

bobavey · 10-17-2010, 08:56 PM

It would be impossible for someone to be objective about their own work.

Beneath a Buried House

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SE7J6I

MartinParish · 10-17-2010, 09:33 PM

It's amateurish and counterproductive. Reviews written by the author -- or by their friends and family -- are usually obvious from a mile away, and they only make it less likely I'll buy the book. I mean, how bad does your book have to be that you feel obliged to write a favorable review yourself? or recruit your friends and family to plug it for you? C'mon, guys...

Andrew H. · 10-17-2010, 11:07 PM

An author writing his own review is not just tacky - it would make me not buy the book because it seems fraudulent.

Of course, if an author were really clever, he would write a one-star review saying things like:

I didn't like this book because it was so exciting that I had difficulty sleeping. Even after going to bed late because I couldn't put the book down. Also, the sex in the book was so hot and steamy that I had to stop reading and take a cold shower, which I didn't like. Finally, I really didn't like how realistic the characters were - I prefer books in which the characters are more generic.

:-)

brecklundin · 10-17-2010, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr ploppy

Did he like the book?

I could never review my own work because once i am happy with it, and hand it to a client (talking software here not photo's as I suck hard at photo's...hahaha) know what is wrong with it even if it does the job I always hate the code or how I solved this or that problem.

Then again, if I were to ever write a book, good gawds I couldn't let ANYONE read. I for sure would have to be the first in line to write a scathing review just to let people know I am aware I suck...hehehehe...

FizzyWater · 10-17-2010, 11:50 PM

I think a corollary to this is the authors who post about their "brilliant, insightful" book (or some other such hyperbole).

When I'm feeling kind, I assume they're quoting a review. But the post seldom mentions that. So you're left with an author telling you they've written a "brilliant, insightful" book. That's just as arrogant as writing their own reviews.

To those authors I'd say: get a little polish, folks! I've seem posts in various email groups where the author says something along the line of: "I hope you don't mind my sharing a wonderful review my book just received", then quoting the review. Whether that email is deliberately coy or truly ebullient, at least they've made it clear they're quoting someone else's opinion.

simonroyle · 10-18-2010, 12:48 AM

Self-Flagellation For Idiots - a review by Padel Mehard *****

This is a spanking good read. Bound to be a hit, not for the faint hearted but perfect for the feeble-minded. The author, Padel Mehard, takes us on a journey of brilliantly, insightful, flashbacks, interposed with the harsh realities of a Dystopia driven mind-set.

This 15 page fiction novel, is novel, in that everything has been done solely by the author; from the large 18 point fonts used throughout and the paddle-shaped exclamation marks; to the blank cover page with the Disney copyrighted font set, and even the reviews (such as this).

No one comes close to matching the sheer, hard-hitting genius of Mehard. Well, maybe Dan Brown's priest in The Lost Cymbal, does come close, and in fact, readers who enjoyed that - will definitely love this. I undeservedly give this book 5 stars; one for each of the Chapter headings.

By now you won't regret it I promise R.R.P 89.99

ManosHandsOfFate · 10-19-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I just went through having a friend demand why I hadn't reviewed his book of which he'd given me a copy. I said I hadn't gotten around to reading it yet and that didn't seem to be a requirement. So, I took some time, read the book, and wrote a review. The author was a little miffed that I didn't give it a five. I responded that when I see a book with just five reviews and they're all fives I assume it's his parents, two grandmothers, and himself.

So, I'm curious. If an author reviewing his own book is tacky, does tacky also cover friends and family? I'm a casual friend but I wuold stand behind my review.

I'm looking forward to seeing a review that says, "I want my son to get a job."

An old college friend just sent me a digital copy of a SF book he published.

It's bad.

I haven't yet put up my review on Amazon but I likely can't give it more than two stars. Although after reading the first chapter of Dale M Courtney's Moon People, I might be tempted to give it three.

All his other friends have given it four stars. On the very slim chance that some complete stranger decides to buy his overpriced, crappy book, I want them to know what they're getting into.

Worldwalker · 10-19-2010, 03:19 PM

I won't review for people I know, and anyone contemplating a book knows this up front. I simply say that I have to make it one standard policy or some people will wonder why I won't review their book but I would someone else's, and I can't give a 1-star book 5 stars. Everyone assumes it's someone else's book I mean, and I'm safe from the wrath of the terrible writers (except, of course, that they still want me to read the thing).

kennyc · 10-19-2010, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Worldwalker

I won't review for people I know, and anyone contemplating a book knows this up front. I simply say that I have to make it one standard policy or some people will wonder why I won't review their book but I would someone else's, and I can't give a 1-star book 5 stars. Everyone assumes it's someone else's book I mean, and I'm safe from the wrath of the terrible writers (except, of course, that they still want me to read the thing).

Good policy!

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10-16-2010, 10:19 PM	#32
GraceKrispy It's Dr. Penguin now! Posts: 3,909 Karma: 4705733 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: (USA) Device: iPad mini, Samsung Note 3, Sony PRS-650 (rarely used now)	I rate and review indy works, and some of them can rival, or surpass, some of the "professionally" published books out there. I have rated indie books everywhere from 1.5 stars to 5 stars. (If it's a .5-1 star, I probably stopped reading somewhere along the way and moved on) 5 stars means a book I really liked and think others would like, too. If I give a book 5 stars, I think the writing is quality and the storyline solid. It's a book I'd strongly recommend and would read again. It's often a book that I like even better than some of the stuff I've gotten from the library or bookstores. I honestly think there are indie books worthy of 5 stars.

10-16-2010, 10:27 PM	#34
MrPLD Author's pet-geek Posts: 933 Karma: 1040670 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North Queensland, Australia Device: Kindle 3 Wifi, Onyx Boox M96	The problem is that the linear 5-star rating makes it difficult to truly impart an opinion on the minor imperfections of a book. Does a minor defect warrant a 20% cull (1-star) on the review? It depends a lot on your own personality, if you're the type that tends to be forgiving and lenient then you'll err to the 5-star, if otoh you're stern and absolute you'll fall to the 4-star position. Personally I liked the multiple field 5-star rating, where you can rank the various attributes of the book (spelling/grammar/proofing, typesetting/layout, plot, characters), of course that'll tend to put off a lot of potential reviewers.

10-17-2010, 08:56 PM	#37
bobavey Bob Avey Posts: 117 Karma: 501082 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Device: none	It would be impossible for someone to be objective about their own work. Beneath a Buried House http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SE7J6I

10-17-2010, 09:33 PM	#38
MartinParish Author of 2184 Posts: 61 Karma: 810 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Kindle	It's amateurish and counterproductive. Reviews written by the author -- or by their friends and family -- are usually obvious from a mile away, and they only make it less likely I'll buy the book. I mean, how bad does your book have to be that you feel obliged to write a favorable review yourself? or recruit your friends and family to plug it for you? C'mon, guys...

10-17-2010, 11:07 PM	#39
Andrew H. Grand Master of Flowers Posts: 2,201 Karma: 8389072 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Naptown Device: Kindle PW, Kindle 3 (aka Keyboard), iPhone, iPad 3 (not for reading)	An author writing his own review is not just tacky - it would make me not buy the book because it seems fraudulent. Of course, if an author were really clever, he would write a one-star review saying things like: I didn't like this book because it was so exciting that I had difficulty sleeping. Even after going to bed late because I couldn't put the book down. Also, the sex in the book was so hot and steamy that I had to stop reading and take a cold shower, which I didn't like. Finally, I really didn't like how realistic the characters were - I prefer books in which the characters are more generic. :-)

10-17-2010, 11:50 PM	#41
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 4,220 Karma: 73492664 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Oasis 2 and Libra H2O and half a dozen older models I can't let go of	I think a corollary to this is the authors who post about their "brilliant, insightful" book (or some other such hyperbole). When I'm feeling kind, I assume they're quoting a review. But the post seldom mentions that. So you're left with an author telling you they've written a "brilliant, insightful" book. That's just as arrogant as writing their own reviews. To those authors I'd say: get a little polish, folks! I've seem posts in various email groups where the author says something along the line of: "I hope you don't mind my sharing a wonderful review my book just received", then quoting the review. Whether that email is deliberately coy or truly ebullient, at least they've made it clear they're quoting someone else's opinion.

10-18-2010, 12:48 AM	#42
simonroyle Addict Posts: 309 Karma: 500370 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bangkok Device: kindle	Self-Flagellation For Idiots - a review by Padel Mehard ***** This is a spanking good read. Bound to be a hit, not for the faint hearted but perfect for the feeble-minded. The author, Padel Mehard, takes us on a journey of brilliantly, insightful, flashbacks, interposed with the harsh realities of a Dystopia driven mind-set. This 15 page fiction novel, is novel, in that everything has been done solely by the author; from the large 18 point fonts used throughout and the paddle-shaped exclamation marks; to the blank cover page with the Disney copyrighted font set, and even the reviews (such as this). No one comes close to matching the sheer, hard-hitting genius of Mehard. Well, maybe Dan Brown's priest in The Lost Cymbal, does come close, and in fact, readers who enjoyed that - will definitely love this. I undeservedly give this book 5 stars; one for each of the Chapter headings. By now you won't regret it I promise R.R.P 89.99

10-19-2010, 03:19 PM	#44
Worldwalker Curmudgeon Posts: 3,085 Karma: 722357 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: PRS-505	I won't review for people I know, and anyone contemplating a book knows this up front. I simply say that I have to make it one standard policy or some people will wonder why I won't review their book but I would someone else's, and I can't give a 1-star book 5 stars. Everyone assumes it's someone else's book I mean, and I'm safe from the wrath of the terrible writers (except, of course, that they still want me to read the thing).

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