These are becoming increasingly important, to readers and writers alike, and this poses problems. For example, how many are genuine? How many are from camp followers, who may not even have read the book? Or maybe sometimes the bad ones are from people with an axe to grind? I try to be scrupulous, and don't even label the nice ones (about my books) as "helpful", as that doesn't seem fair, but does everyone play by the same rules?
As a reviewer for the Amazon Vine programme, I find the task can be difficult. If I love the book, that's great. Writing a glowing review is easy. But what if I hate it? No-one want to be unkind, but sometimes...
I am just reaching the end of a book which is tedious beyond belief. It is a second novel (the first, which I haven't read, was very successful, so I had quite high expectations), and I have been very disappointed. And while I don't mind speaking my mind (politely) about a book by an established author, is it fair to do so about the work of a relatively new one?
This novel has a boring plot, no tension, two-dimensional characters and many basic grammatical mistakes. While it is an unedited proof, I have a horrible feeling that the frequent uses of the first person "I" instead of "me" (when it is the object of a verb), and "sat" instead of "sitting", have already got past at least one editor. The style, too is irritating. In fact, I can't find a single positive thing to say about this novel.
And yet I must. Because the book hasn't yet received any Amazon reviews, and its author may be very hurt if I say what I feel.
Oh dear.
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This is quite worrying. Has it something to do with a depressing trend away from good grammar, spelling and punctuation? There is no doubt that bad writing does not mean a book won't sell. I would give "The da Vinci Code" as a prime example. I have recently finished reading that, out of curiosity having been to Milan last month and viewing the beautiful and moving fresco of The Last Supper.
ReplyDeleteThe other point perhaps worth mentioning is that, invevitably perhaps, all reviewing must be subjective. One reader will love a book, another will not, regardless of the book's literary qualities.
I think I managed about two chapter of da Vinci, and then the awful writing got in the way.
DeleteMy Mum is part of the Amazon Vine programme, too, and not that long ago she wrote a review that wasn't altogether positive, either.
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, I'd write an honest review. It may help the author a lot more than you think. And even if it doesn't - you know you have been honest, and of course you'll still be polite.
Dr. Henry Tegner says "There is no doubt that bad writing does not mean a book won't sell", and I so agree with him! My mother-in-law gave me a book by a famous author; this lady churns out novels by the dozen, and has made a fortune selling them. It was the first time I'd ever read anything by her, and I couldn't help thinking that even I could do better, if I set my mind to the task.
You're right. Good writing doesn't seem to sell books, especially if the plot is strong enough. And it seems that a lot of people don't mind about the writing. Sadly.
DeletePS: I have started on "Basic Theology" last night :-)
ReplyDeleteI do hope you enjoy it!
DeleteOh, dear, what a horrible position to be in. I do sympathise, Frances x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa. But I suppose if you can't stand the heat etc etc!
DeleteThat's a hard one. I think I'd be honest, but I'd also try to find SOMETHING nice to say and phrase it in the nicest possible way. I also mightn't say everything I hated about it!
ReplyDeleteAmazon reviews, though, are really not to be trusted - they are so easily faked. Except that everyone does trust them of course. .
Thanks, Jenny. I do always try to find something good to say, though in this case it's going to be hard!
DeleteSo far as books and music are concerned I may take notice of what is written but I make up my own mind. For me it's different for Amazon reviews of other things though. So I'm not entirely logical. I suspect most people are not logical either and will take yeas and nays from reviewers on subjects as the mood takes them.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, GB. Most people read these reviews on an ad hoc basis.
DeleteHow often will you be called on to offer a critique of Amazon books? Can they fire you? If your answers are frequently and no, then I suggest you establish a line of honesty and fairness with your reviews and then 'tell it like it is.' In fact, the review you wrote in this post is perfect. Don't soft coat your criticism about the writing. New and old writers need to sharpen their skills in these areas.
ReplyDeleteJill, are offered a selection each month, but have to review 80 percent in order to be sent more. No sure whether we can be fired! It's all quite relaxed.
DeleteI finished that awful book last night. I shall try to dredge up something positive, but have to be honest. Sometimes people email to ask whether I would review their new book. They never seem to consider that I might not like it! In any case, I always refuse. Politely...
I tend not to read reviews and go on the sales figures, except for Fifty Shades of Grey!
ReplyDeleteReviews can be helpful, Maggie. As for Fifty Shades, well....nuff said!
DeleteI'm a Vine reviewer too and have often found myself in the same position Frances. In fact I think was one of my reviews that you commented on and both of us got some nasty remarks from other readers.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the point in not being honest? I can usually find something positive to say, but there have been times when I've really struggled to find even a tiny plus.
I'm not an author, I could never write a novel and I admire anyone that does, however I do feel that some published authors really shouldn't be!
I think the massive sales of Fifty Shades of Grey prove my point - I've not read it, I don't intend to either, but from what I have heard of it, the writing is terrible.
Hi, Anne. well, I've written that review, and now await indignant comments. But I had to say what I thought (although I did find one nice thing to say about it!).
DeletePS I only wrote my review of this novel this afternoon, and already two people have disagreed with it. Interesting, especially as there are no other reviews. I suspect insider voting!
ReplyDelete