There’s been a lot of heated discussion on other online forums about reviews. I’m new to being reviewed, so I find the process fascinating. Yes, the negative reviews sting a bit. But I went into publishing knowing I wasn’t going to reach every single reader, just as my art isn’t for every viewer.
When I visit review sites and see nothing but glowing 5-star reviews of other writers, I get a little suspicious. Are these sock-puppet reviews by the author? His or her doting family and friends? Reviews rounded up by the publisher themselves? Paid reviews?
A mix of reviews, with clearly-written critiques backing up the ratings, seems much more honest.
Here’s the review range I’m getting at the moment with my book, across many different platforms: some 3 and 4-star ratings, a scattering of 1 and 2-star slings, and a few interesting 5-star notes with great things to say about my world building, plots, and characters. I’m not hitting it out of the park with every reader, but enough of them seem to understand my book and like it. Those are the folks who worry me while I’m writing the sequel, because I really, really want to earn their continued trust.
But of all of them, I cherish a 1-star review most. Why? Because it’s unintentionally hilarious. It shows no proofreading attempts, a limited command of written English, and the reader broadcasts a shallowness of reading experience that is nearly breathtaking. This review is the literary equivalent of that regrettable ‘Monkey Jesus’ restoration job in a Spanish church. I go back to this review and draw comfort from it.
Because I would not want to have written a book that this particular reader would enjoy and understand.