Hollerin Holly’s News and Reviews
by Holly Philippe
Reviews Blues
The beginning of the infamous book review was first published on October 10, 1896 by Mr. Adolph Ochs and was a four column insert in the New York Times newspaper, which was edited by Francis Whiting Halsey. It contained ten reviews one of which was Mary Augusta Ward’s “Sir George Tressady”. In 1911 they moved the review section of “The Times” to Sundays with the thought in mind that readers had more time then to read them.
The significance of a book review is profound. Readers do pay attention to not only the good vs. bad reviews, but also the amount of reviews it has received.
One review begets another. A positive ranking plays into the booksellers’ algorithm. Authors need to urge readers to leave a review of their books as much as possible. 85% of all Amazon Kindle readers rely on book reviews before making their online order to purchase a copy of the book.
A bad review is still a review so remember that when a not so satisfactory response comes in and you feel angry or inadequate as a writer. Everyone has a right to their own opinion and you are not going to please the populace.
Just remember that the reviews you receive on your work is not one of self, it’s referring to your book, so don’t take it personally. Keep encouraging readers and fans to reflect upon what they have read because it truly does make a difference.
Everybody needs to read this! The people I feel most comfortable begging for reviews–close friends and family–are of course the people Amazon can identify and disqualify from reviewing my work. It seems like it’s not a big deal, but especially us little writer folk need feedback of all kinds just to survive.