Quote:
Originally Posted by Giggleton
Should I be hypercritical or extremely gushy? Consider this response from an author after I sent him my review prior to the reviews publication,
"I wish that you placed your last line—the fact that you enjoyed the novel and laughed--at the beginning of your review. As written, I don’t know that anyone would read beyond some of the criticism. I hope that you will consider some modifications to your review —I do not think that what I suggested would compromise your viewpoint—only make it more balanced. You said that you enjoyed the book—please give other people the chance to enjoy it as well."
Is the true purpose of a review to get the browser to click the button? Or to get the browser to not click the button? That is the question.
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I've seen this mentioned before- this idea of sending a review to the author before publishing. I think it really taints the honesty of the review. That being said, I do point out both what worked and what didn't work (for me) in the review, and I always start out with a positive first. I also point out when the book needs to be edited, often giving specific examples. If I don't mention anything about the grammar or a need for edit, then the book was (in my estimation) fine in that regard. So I agree with another who said "just be honest."
WRT to a bunch of great reviews listed and I have a totally different perspective, I've had that experience, too. So I always check out the "other" reviews by those reviewers. 9/10 times, the individual has ONLY reviewed that book, or books by that author. It's a plant. Some authors seem to have more friends (or more time to create sock puppets) to help out in the review category.