I really like this post, Jeannie - I think good reviews really can help authors. Or, I like to think so. It's funny. I don't really read reviews. Or at least, not "real" reviews. For some reason I can't shake the "habit" of checking star ratings/reviews on amazon. Ok, so more the ratings, not reviews.
More ironic? I don't like reading reviews... but I write them. O_o I don't know how that works. I enjoy it. (I don't enjoy the drama that can come with it.)
I have to admit... I'm for allowing readers to have their own opinion. A reason why I don't like/read a number of amazon reviews is they're just blather or attacking an author personally. But, I also think blogs/sites that *only* post "positive" reviews are pointless. Sure it's all fluff and love and kitties, but sometimes, there are pitfalls in a book. I know some authors have taken constructive criticism as you do - and used it. YAY! I think that's the whole point. And you know, some readers really like reviews. And I think everyone understands reviews are opinion and they consider them accordingly.
What I don't understand is people harassing a reviewer, telling him/her that s/he is a BAD PERSON and mean spirited and ugly inside because they gave a book an average/bad "grade." I've also heard the phrase "authors behaving badly" - with ... well I'm sure you know. As you said -reviews are opinion. Sure, we can disagree, but as long as the review is thoughtful, and isn't trying to be incendiary, I say all is well. Of course, I do understand an author seeing his/her book got an average rating/grade is painful. Win some, lose some.

ETA: by "good" reviews I don't mean exclusively positive ones; but ones that are thoughtful and well written. Honest, shall we say. Because I know I'll be mad if I read a review that raves about a book, but when I buy it, the book is pure drivel.

I got a B- review of my last book on a prominent romance website and the reviewer wrote:" I don't know why I didn't like it. Maybe I just had PMS."

Huh? Really? Then honey, don't review my book until you feel better! Grrrrr! Just two years of my life poured into it. No biggie.

I think sometimes prominent reviewers don't realize the power they wield, and to treat that power so casually really bugged me. I don't care if she didn't like the book or loved it, but for heaven's sake, she was like a Middle School girl leading the clique wherever her latest whim takes her. And I say that, because then, in the comments, folks (who hadn't read the book!) piled on: "Sounds silly!" "Thanks for the warning about this one! I'll stay away!" And etc....

Did it sink the book? No, the book did fine. Lots of people loved it. Lots of people hated it. But after that one particular review, I was determined to never read reviews again. And I"m like you, Jeannie, I almost never get what reviewers like in a book. The "hottest" books, I can often barely finish.

I would only use a review to help me make a decision on a book if the author is new-to-me or one I've read before, but was disappointed in the last of their books I read. Does that make sense? There are a few authors I used to count the days until the next book only to be disappointed with the direction a series had taken or with new characters who left me cold. If characters are not people I would like, I don't generally enjoy the book. However, I don't read that many reviews all in all. I would rather spend my time immersed in a novel than reading about one.

PMS? That's reviewing at its absolute worst. What even worse is that anyone would comment or agree with a review like that. However, like you point out, the impact is minimal.

I especially hate the "grading" or "rating" -- as a former teacher, it takes a lot of reasoning and criteria to put a grade on something. It's a huge responsibility, and when a student or an administrator would ask you why that grade, you had to have really good reasons, and most teachers are willing to reconsider grades if there is good reason. I have never heard of a reviewer reconsidering or retracting a review (which your PMS girl certainly should have -- that one deserved a public apology and re-review).

In weak moments, I think that we authors should have a "rate the reviewer" website -- a place where we can point out intelligent, useful, well-written reviews, and the opposite. Then I think, really, it doesn't matter. Even with the most popular reviews, even with RT reviews, editors have said over and over that these have absolutely no impact on sales or contracts, so there's no point in getting ruffled about it.

To answer Jeannie's question, I never read reviews before I sold, and as a reader, I don't read them now, either. I still pick out my books based on my own opinion, I just get what I like or what seems like it would appeal to me. I enjoy hearing from readers, that's always rewarding and fun, but as for official "reviews" it's not something I worry too much about.

As a writer, I sent out my early books to a lot of sites, but now I only send to a few places that I trust do fair reviews. I found that editors now and then ask me to send them review quotes for anthology jackets, etc, and so it's good to gather a few quotes here and there. There are a few reviewers I have come to know, and I like them, and I know they do a good job.

In general I listen to successful writers who have been around for a while (Jennie Crusie, JoAnn Ross) and I don't read reviews unless someone mentions a good one (need those quotes! LOL). I know Nora has said on her Q&A on ADWOFF that as much as she enjoys her readers, she doesn't let them influence her writing, and I think that's smart. I don't take reviews as writing advice. That's what I have an agent, editor, and cps for.

Sam

I think reviews are a mixed bag. I do read reviews of books. I like to see what people hated about a book in case it's something I won't like. I also like to hear if an element I especially do like is present--like banter or brothers! Thoughtful reviews that include some substance are helpful to me in choosing books. I like excerpts, too, and they are more useful than reviews in many cases.

In some cases for an author, getting a good review can be helpful. I got a good review on His Secret Past last year and that one review has led to some ongoing (and free) publicity. In that case, it's working out pretty well. I'm so thankful I've only experienced the ripples from a good review--bad ones scare me. (I have a serious self-confidence deficit.)

I've had a good giggle at the RT reviews for my first two books. One said, "The story is a nice change from your typical romance" and the other said, "...a novel idea for a story." I thought my books were pretty standard romances, but apparently they strike RT as different than the norm. They were both very nice reviews--I'm not quibbling about that and I'm delighted they reviewed the books. I just think it's funny to see how books hit some people.

When buying for my son, a 12-year-old avid reader who is positively allergic to any hint of *kissing*, reviews have become essential. I check carefully to see if a romantic plot is included in any books I buy for him because if he catches a whiff of lovey-dovey behavior, he puts the book down and my money is wasted. Well, wasted for him. I do read most of his books, too, and I don't mind a little kissing. ;-)

Great comments. I'm reading a book right now that I love. I can't wait for my daughter to read it, since the heroine reminds me of her and I'm very curious as to what the reviews will say about it. This one has to be a 4.5 star book. (Usually the first step toward it being a 2, lol.)

I have been guilty of reading a book/seeing a movie because of a bad review. Sometimes, after reading/viewing, I think the reviewer approached the subject matter with the wrong frame of mind. Sometimes they're looking for something that the author/director never intended to be there and missing the boat on what the author/director did intend to get across.

Diana--That PMS comment is awful. What a flippant way to treat two years of work, and I'm glad that it didn't affect sales. I have seen a few comments on most hated book lists where people will defend a book. Hurray for them going against the trend.

Betty--I like your idea of reading reviews after being disappointed in a previous book by an author before plunking down hard earned cash. I've had the experience of reading a book and thinking, Wow, I'm glad that wasn't the first book I picked up by that author or I would never have read her again. Everyone has a clinker now and then, so I try to give second chances--just in case.

Aliquis--I love a "good" review--thoughtful and with constructive comments. I can take them or leave them, but it gives me something to think about.

Sam--I don't let reviews of a single book influence my writing so much as I look for trends. And even then I don't discount the trend, but I know if I'm going to use that particular device, I'd better put a new spin on it--which some people will either love or hate.

Critical comments can sure seize a writer up, though. I have one friend who took the comments in a review of her book to heart and then spent her next book second guessing herself. That's why I don't read too many reviews of my own stuff now. I let my editor decide what's good and bad. I trust her implicitly.

Ellen--That's so cool that your review led to good things! This is the system working at its best.

I admit that I sometimes do read reviews, Jeannie, but definitely with a grain of salt. It's only one person's opinion, and so much can be affecting his/her opinion. When I do read reviews, a lot of times it's to try to get a feel for a book I don't know much about. The best way to decide whether to get a book though is recommendations from a trusted friend AND having the chance to flip through a little of it. That's why I love Cigars and other sites that let me get to know books and authors more closely--it's a much better way for me to get info :)

Sorry, and to answer your questions--I think the reviews are just a piece of the puzzle, and I definitely discount ones that are too flip or too gushy. I appreciate ones that are well-considered and try to articulate what the reviewer liked or disliked because sometimes the things that matter to that person won't affect me the same way. I haven't personally been outraged (that I recall) by a review, but I do remember some pretty big brouhahas concerning a few authors and their responses to less-than-glowing reviews. I do think that as an author, it seems best to just let those go--keep writing, because your writing is connecting with your readers, and you can't please everyone all of the time.

I don't read reviews very often and most of the time the only reason I read one is to find out what the book is about (especially on Amazon). And if I do read a review I ignore what is said about the book. Reviews are just one person's opinion and how do I know I would agree with their opinion????. I do write reviews but try to refrain from saying anything bad about the book. I use the "if I don't like it I don't review it" idea.

are from Romantic Times. But then if the story summary sounds good, I may look for it in the store, read the back and the first page and decide on my own. Lately though since I order from eHarl, I haven't gotten to read the reviews in RT because I get the book before the magazine is published! So I use the magazine just to know what other books are out there.

I think a reviewer, who gets paid to do this, shouldn't be cruel in their review. If they don't like a book, say 'this wasn't a story for me', don't cut it to shreds. I know writers have to take rejection with a grain of salt, but to be blasted by a reviewer isn't necessary. There are a lot of words out there to choose from!

Jeannie, I never read reviews. Or hardly ever. I usually choose books based on the back cover blurb and what I read on the first couple of pages. So many times, I've read a book that hasn't grabbed me or that I thought wasn't particularly good, only to see that it received great reviews, or vice versa. I heard a story about a Harlequin author who received a rating of "F" from a review site whose name I won't mention. I thought that was pretty mean and nasty, but the book ended up being one of her best-sellers. I think sometimes a really, really scathing review can generate even more interest in a book than a good review can. After all, how many writers want to see what a "bad" book looks like? Personally, I've never read a romance book that I would qualify as an "F".

I've received a lot of fan mail from readers, usually an email where they tell me how much they loved such-and-such a book, and why. I love getting these emails, but admit there's a part of me that wants to tell them, "Go post it on Amazon!"

Jeannie, the reason you state at the end of your email is exactly why changing your writing to fit reviews, even if there is a trend, isn't worth it. There will always be a set of folks who won't like something. Trust your editor, trust your agent, trust yourself.

However, there's another reason not to change your writing based on reviews, and this is a biggie that no one ever seems to think about: for every negative review out there, there are hundreds, even thousands, of readers who loved that book just the way it is, AND, your editor and agent loved it. Basically, the proof is in the fact that if your sales numbers are good, reviews are not a good reason to change anything, period. Could end up doing more damage in the long run, even. When your editor comes back to you with low sales numbers, etc or you have a stack of rejections from agents, then it's time to reassess, but not on the basis of reviews. Reviews may have value for some readers in making decisions, but I can't see them as advice for writers.

I *do* like many of the review sites -- I don't read them, but as a writer, I keep a few aside that are friendly and good at what they do. They love romance, and they help me promote my book. However, while I suppose it's true that bad press is still press, I will not send a book to a site that makes a habit of slashing books, and definitely not to one that "grades." Even if they give me an "A" I still find it annoying -- grading and ranking is usually what is done to subordinates, boss to employee, teacher to student. If they have to rank, I prefer the numbers of coffee pots, stars (the standard, like movies and hotels) or plain old 1-5.

Sam

I also find myself in the position of being a reviewer who doesn't read many reviews. I'm an (unpaid) reviewer for an online site. I enjoy sharing my thoughts about books I've read and enjoyed but I absolutely refuse to trash a book or an author publicly. Just because I didn't like the book doesn't mean thousands of others won't love it. I do discuss what works and doesn't work for me in a particular book but I try my best to do it in a fair and constructive manner. The site where I review uses a grading system. I'm not crazy about that but several readers have told me it helps them. We grade on a scale of 1-5 (5 being best). My own personal rule is that if I can't give a book at least a 3 then I pass it on to another reviewer. I've also posted reviews at Amazon and B&N for books that score high on my own personal scale. I subscribe to RT and use those reviews to find out what books are coming out and get a quick storyline summary if I'm not familiar with the author or book.

What drives me absolutely nuts is reviewers who include storyline spoilers in their review. I don't want to know spoilers ahead of time! Why would I want to buy the book after you tell me everything that's going to happen?

I don't read reviews. Some books are not everyones cup of tea, but that doesn't mean it is not a good book.

This has been a great discussion. Thanks to everyone for chiming in. I just finished reading Kristan Higgin's Too Good To Be True a few minutes ago and looked up the review. The reviewer and I agreed! Four stars it is. Any book that makes me laugh out loud is a four star book in my rating system.

This is an interesting topic with great insight into how authors’ view those who review their work. I am a reader who occasionally records my impressions of a book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and a couple of other sites. I use the word “impression” because I don’t like “review.” It sounds too much like passing judgment on someone’s hard work, dedication, and hours of heartburn. I am about the least qualified person in the world to assign one star or a lousy D grade to the final product of someone’s commitment (gee, I sound like a bleeding heart liberal). I generally either like a book or I don’t. If I don’t, I say nothing. But this is just me. I admire and respect the talents of the writers I’ve run across on this site. Keep up the good work. We all need a little romance in our lives occasionally, even if it is secondhand.