Reviews Light the Way
by Ami Hicken King
Reviews create angst. Writers don’t love asking for them and readers often dread writing them. Here’s the thing:
- It’s not that your readers don’t want to support you, it’s that they don’t know where to begin.
- It’s usually the dreaded refrain of: I don’t know what to write!
- It’s a truism that surprises me.
Readers put a lot of pressure on themselves unnecessarily, eventually working themselves into a lather by wanting to do it “right.” They create a writing overlord in their minds that stops them before they begin, overcomplicating the process. Help your readers by asking this one question:
What would you tell a good friend about this (book, product, class, etc.)?
If you have readers in the same boat of review dismay, I have more exploratory questions that you can copy and paste to jump start the process for them. Asking (and answering) these kinds of questions could have some of the following benefits:
Reader benefits:
- Helps them get a foothold into their reviews.
- Shows them that they already have something to write.
- Reminds them that what they have to say is important and helpful.
- They don’t have to start from scratch because their answers are often a review as is or can be adjusted for a review.
Review benefits:
- It’s a more genuine response and flows easier.
- Lights the way for other people with similar interests or curiosities.
- Frames reviews as creating a community/reader-to-reader altruism (away from stilted attempts to people please).
- May relieve some pressure.
Your readers want to help and intellectually know that a rising tide lifts all boats. Emphasize simplicity—this turns the iceberg into an ice cube, so to speak, so readers can get on to helping not only you but other like-minded folk who want to read what you have to offer.
Below, I have some questions that you can copy and paste for your readers.
Dear Reader, does leaving a review make you feel like this?
Reviews are hard. I get it. Are you stuck on where to start or are you overcomplicating the process?
Let’s think about reviews in a different way.
A review is leaving an honest opinion so that other readers can make their own judgement call. They can be attracted to a work that might suit them; be drawn into something different than they normally read; or say “no thank you” in advance (this isn’t a bad thing, by the way). It’s like a conversation.
Reviews light the way for others to find books or products that will suit them (or show others that this is not for them, so they won’t be disappointed). You are helping to create a community, sometimes a community of superfans.
Start with simple questions:
What did you like?
What didn’t you like?
What would you tell a friend?
A review doesn’t have to be a great critical analysis (go to town, if that’s your jam). But, do not leave a book summary because you are not sharing anything the reader can’t get from the author. A summary (of sorts) is the book blurb’s job—if the blurb is not doing its job, well then—that’s your review!
A review is something from one reader to another.
How can you write something so someone else will be curious about the book you’re reviewing? It comes from your personal experience, feelings, and reactions to the book.
Remember, a review can be as short as a sentence or two. It's how you feel, not what you think others will want to read, or even how your ego wants to sound. That’s what gets missed in the anxiety of review writing.
I’m going to repeat that:
It's how you feel, not what you think others will want to read, or even how your ego wants to sound.
Review readers are looking for key words that resonate with them. Use those in your review. Like humor? Talk about that.
Examples:
- I had to go into the other room to read this because I was disturbing the peace. This novel was hysterical, and I couldn’t stop laughing. (This reviewer loved the book)
- While this wasn’t a humorous novel, there were parts that made me snort and chuckle. I enjoyed the contrast. (specific example of something reviewer liked and perhaps something that sets it apart from others like it)
- My husband enjoyed this author’s sense of humor, but I tend to like ____ better. (Perhaps reviewer didn’t love the book but didn’t dismiss it outright/was kind about it)
- If you like witty banter, I think you’d enjoy these characters. (technique comment)
For those who want more exploratory questions, I’ve listed some below. You don't have to ask yourself all the questions. The questions above are a great start and can produce material for your review. Keep in mind that even small parts of your answers could provide you with a review.
Find an answer that floats your boat? Done. That’s your review.
- What was something you liked, enjoyed, or appreciated? Maybe even laughed at?
- It could be a character, scene, element, sentence, saying, etc.
- Was there a feeling the novel invoked or perhaps a specific scene or character?
- Were you sad to leave that world? Were you satisfied about one element and dissatisfied about another? Happy for a character? Want a sequel? Share that.
- Did you learn something new? Get excited about something? Great! That’s something to chew on and potentially include. Excitement is contagious (and fun, just saying).
- Did something bother or confuse you? Honestly, the book reviews where someone’s clutching their pearls about something are the books that I take a second look at, especially if I’m on the fence. Because, you know, people are curious and want to know.
- If it’s nonfiction and you’re confused, maybe you weren’t the target audience, or the blurb wasn’t on point. Kindly phrased, that’s helpful feedback.
- Were you surprised by something? Shout. It. Out. (no spoilers, please)
- Or did something specific strike you? One reviewer liked some specific phrases, and another wanted more of a specific character. One even wanted a specific character to have his own book. These were comments in actual reviews. They shared what and why. Interesting and helpful.
- Who do you think will enjoy this book (or product—some of you may be leaving reviews for classes or small businesses)?
- Why?
Remember, this comes from your heart and that’s the best review you can leave.
Write the way you’d speak and say what you mean. Being truthful doesn’t have to be “mean” and liking a book doesn’t necessitate being overly effusive. People can tell when you’re being honest and that counts for a lot, even if you think your review isn’t great or important.
You are a torch bearer—you are shining the light on the path for others. That’s not a complicated action, but it’s important. Your real response demonstrates your humanity and your helpfulness.
Fun fact: Your voice matters and it helps authors and other readers tremendously. You are an important part of this process.
Bonus points: Magnify your voice and the love. Leave reviews in multiple places. (Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, the author’s website—you get the picture).
Pro tip: save yourself some time and copy and paste your review to multiple platforms.
So. Darn. Helpful. (and very much appreciated!)
Think back to all the times you’ve read something helpful; were given a different perspective; or someone’s light lit up the best path for you. Shining your light helps others find their tribes and in turn helps authors be seen. Every review counts because we live in an economy of numbers, but what counts even more is a genuine response to another human’s work. You have that power, please consider exercising it!
Writers, where do you land in the spectrum of review land? How do you feel about reviews?
* * * * * *
About Ami:
In Ami's world, all is not as it seems...
Her historical fictions series, Lawlessness & the Law, is a mix of western, romance, and political intrigue. There are also some snappy dialogues and a funny animal or two. A lover of whimsy, laughter, history, and animals, she blogs about general observations, shenanigans, and historical tidbits, ranging from off-beat to serious. Ami is a collector of curiosities, ideas, and perspectives, riding a fine line between adhering to rules and being a scofflaw.
You can often catch her with a hot beverage in hand, talking to her dogs, or watching the birds in her yard and the clouds in the sky.
She loves connecting with people and hearing their stories.
If you’d like to see a pic or two of what she sees, find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest @amihickenking or on her eponymous website.
Top image from Depositphotos.
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25 comments on “Reviews Light the Way”
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Oh, my, this is good! I love the sample reviews that you provide, showing that a reader can (and should) have fun with it. Once, I left one about a book a local author wrote, transcribing her father's stories verbatim. She warned me that the language was coarse, to put it mildly, but that it was a vital part of his character, which she did not want to dull with sugar-coating. In my review, I warned the author that she'd be receiving a bill for laundry, for my tears of laughter had soaked the bedsheets (I read in bed), and another bill for medical attention, for I had split my sides, too, from hilarity.
That's hysterical! I love it. Thank you for sharing that, made my day.
And thank you so much!
I think it's more of a disinclination to write generally than any anxiety over writing reviews specifically. If your suggestions help boost reviews I'm all for them! Nice essay!
Yes, there are a lot of people who just don't write reviews for whatever reason, but I was surprised by those who didn't know what to write or stressed over writing a "good" one.
But if you have someone who's on the fence about their contribution or even the necessity of their review, perhaps a little nudging can help them at least see reviews differently. Hopefully, sit down and write one. 😃
Thank you!
Thank you, Ami! You've given me new ways to approach getting my readers to leave reviews.
Thank you, Lynette! I hope the reviews come rolling in. I find asking for reviews the hardest part.
Ami - thank you for this essay. Tremendous and timely. I suppose I do not like asking for reviews because I am so 'afraid' to write them. The magic was right before me all the time; thanks for articulating it for me: voice and heart.
Perfect!
Jennifer, I'm right there with you! I struggle asking for them and I have struggled writing them. Voice and heart are so overlooked--it took me helping someone else to find the help I needed. I'm so glad you found the magic--that brings me such joy!
Thank you!
This is fantastic, Ami!
I think my favorite is to give a review that shows what you'd tell a good friend about the book.
When I leave a review, I make it a short one. The longer reviews are great, but I believe those multiple paragraph reviews scare off others who think that is what is expected.
Yes, Ellen! That's one of my favorites, too. Nice and easy--plus, I think those responses make the best reviews because they're so honest (and usually, not as stilted). That's what people want to read.
I hear you--a lot of text does scare some people away, unless you're looking for more conversation about the book.
I appreciate it, thank you!
Thank you for sharing this, Ami. When I first saw the variation of it in your newsletter, I knew we needed you to expand it for WITS. Just good solid info that can be encouraging to authors and readers!
You're welcome!
It was a fluke that I wrote that newsletter variation. I felt compelled to because I have a friend who didn't have anxiety about writing a review, she just didn't write them and had no idea where to begin. I was surprised, especially since this friend has strong opinions and good things to share.
Thanks for inviting me to do this!
I began writing reviews and publishing them on my blog in 2012. I write them as a way to support fellow authors. Over the years, I've written many but every time it feels like a steep mountain to climb. I like your approach, Ami, and plan to start with that simple question the next time I have the urge to write a review.
Leanne, this is fantastic! I love that.
Yes, reviews do start to feel like a steep mountain no matter how much you love a book and would like to show support. It can feel like a broken record, at times, but doesn't have to.
I'm so glad you like it! I hope it carries you far and brings you ease with your good work.
Reviews are gold, and the best ones, star dust.
I've received some of my best from older men (I write mainstream fiction) whose reviews in other places I liked. I researched them a bit (making sure they didn't only read traditionally published fiction), and found men (and women) who wrote detailed literate reviews of similar kinds of fiction.
I approached them personally, explaining what I liked about their other reviews, saying why I thought they would like my books, and it takes me a couple of days per.
The success rate has been ~50%, and I love the reviews they've written.
I've asked for - and received - permission to use their words in my marketing, and each has agreed effusively.
Like all of us, I've had my share of less-than-stellar reviews; those are the mark, in my mind, of the working writer. The first book has currently 61 reviews with a 4.2* average. The second has only 13 reviews - but they are all 5*. They are long dense connected books, and take 11-12 hours to read, so I'm not surprised readers/reviewers are harder to find.
Typically, if a reviewer has read (and liked) such novels as GWTW, Dune, The Thorn Birds, and Jane Eyre, they are my kind of readers.
I'm chronically ill, so all of this takes away from writing, and I'm slow at the whole thing (I started in 2000), but I'll take it. When down, I read some of the really good ones and it helps.
That's a great strategy! I'm so glad they're receptive and you love the reviews they write. Most people really do want to help and for some, it brings them great pleasure. Winner-winner for all participating!
Your final share reminds me of something a coach once told me--create a "hype file." That's a place where you put the nice things people have said to you or the reminders of successes that will give you a boost in one place. That way, you'll have something to lift you up or remind you that you're doing all right when you need one! Something you're doing with your awesome reviews.
It sounds like you have a basket of great strategies for yourself!
Take care.
I also supply ARCs to people who request them - with no obligation attached except to state they are willing to consider a review (and I don't nag). Details on prideschildren dot com.
Some of my readers are also chronically ill, and on very limited budgets, and have said the kindest things when they have the energy to review.
People really are kind. And yes to no nagging.
Ami,
I loved this post. It was soooo informative and inspiring.
Thanks for the creative examples.
Be blessed!!
Thank you, Jackie!
I'm so glad you love it! I almost left the examples out, but I love humor a little too much and decided to leave them in. 🤭 I'm so happy you were informed and inspired! I appreciate it.
Take care!
Thank you, Ami!
The suggestions you shared, along with your permission to pass them on to our readers, are well worth my subscription to Writers in the Storm. (Okay, WITS is free, but this article - and this website - are incredibly valuable to me.)
You're welcome, Deb!
WITS is awesome and also, 🤭😂.
A reading log can help, too. It keeps a reader organized so they don't forget to write the reviews. I'm a little behind on reviews.
Yes, that's a great suggestion all around. Sometimes, I need a little something to jog my memory down the road. Plus, it's a lovely record for journalers.
Better late than never! Reviews are like a little gift.
Thank you for that suggestion.
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