The Importance of Book Reviews

 

Normally, authors have one request: leave a book review. But why is a review so important? You might be wondering what difference your opinion makes in the big scheme of things, but readers are valuable resources! Here are a few reasons why leaving a review is so helpful.

It Gives the Author Valuable Feedback. If you loved the story, let the author know. You might think it’s enough that you purchased the book, and yes, that’s awesome! But what are your thought? It's possible that you could feel totally swindled. Reading a book takes time— was it worth it? Were you entertained? Would you recommend the story to others? If you didn’t like the story, why not? What could the author have done differently? Be sure to give your opinion without giving away the details of the story. Also, keep in mind that reviews and star ratings are two completely different things. While star ratings indicate whether you liked the book or not, it truly doesn’t provide any other useful information.

It Validates the Book & in Some Cases Equates to More Sales. Have you ever come across a book with an interesting description that had no reviews? While you shouldn't base your decisions on of the opinions of others, the lack of reviews can really cause one to pause. Why hasn’t anyone said anything about it? Does anyone like it? Is it a scam? A book with no reviews looks almost as bad as one with poor ones. Essentially, a book review tells potential readers that it’s a real product and gives them an idea if the story is something they might enjoy. On some sites, books with more reviews are more likely to be shared with potential readers. More visibility produces more buys – when you look at it this way, reviews become even more important. 

Leaving Reviews Assists Sites with Sending Recommendations. Did you really love a particular book? Well, it might take the author at least a year to release another novel. Luckily, some sites have the ability to take your likes and send recommendations you might enjoy as well. Recommendations are a great way to find out about works you may not have come across on your own. That’s a win-win for everybody!

So, the next time you’re finished reading a book, consider writing a review. While writing a review might sound technical, it’s truly no different than discussing the book with a friend. Say what you enjoyed (or didn’t), tell what you think the main idea/lesson was, and wrap it up with an overall rating. Authors all around the globe will thank you for it.