I won't lie, my reading has slipped in the past few weeks. Mostly because I am deep into edits for John O'Brien's new release, writing the fifth book in the Zomblog saga, wrapping up final edits on the sixth book in the DEAD series, Dead: Confrontation, edits on Mark Tufo's upcoming release just beginning, edits for Chantal Boudreau's next book in her Fervor series (one of the most under-rated series ever...trust me, you should read these books), and listening to the final product on a couple of my books that are coming out on Audible.com very soon, and my daughter just having moved in (not to mention her new 9 week old Border Collie puppy).
But it seems that reviews have almost completely fallen by the wayside lately. I have only written a few in the past couple of months. And my own books have not seen new reviews in a while. Most disappointing is the lack of reviews for the new book in my That Ghoul Ava series in comparison to the number of review copies that I gave out. (3 out of almost 100 is pretty bad.)
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not seeking pats on the back or anything of that nature, I prefer honest reviews. Not everybody will like what you do. (Heck, some people will hate it solely based on the fact that it was written by me...but I could give a flyin' monkey's butt about those people anyway.) And the trend is the same on my audible titles. Actually, to date I have yet to see any reviews on Audible.com.
So, here is my question. Where have all the reviewers gone? Or is it just me? Now, I will say that when I put out the call for any of my peers to tell me what they thought, I heard zip. (That stung considering how many of their books have been read and reviewed by yours truly.) So, yeah, as we go into the weekend, I am actually breaking my rule and being kinda cantankerous. I have avoided call outs and climbing up the crazy tree...but, honestly, after a while, you feel like saying "WTF". Next week I will probably be back to my normal cheerful self, but right now...well, I am just not feeling the love.
We are a narcissitic lot, authors I mean. So wrapped up in our own 'dramas' it becomes difficult to get entangled in others. So to speak. Okay enough with the prose, I know I'm guilty, it's not that I've avoided reviewing your work, its that I've avoided EVERYONES work. Cop out? Maybe. But I've literally received hundreds of books for review and my OCD nature made me feel like I had to do each and everyone one of them...yesterday. That was when I finally said, 'NO, I will not take in any further books for review and of those I already have I cannot guarantee I will ever get around to reading them.' I don't know if that's selfish or just self-preservation. I'm not sure why folks would want me to read their books anyway, I'm a fucking horrible reviewer. I know how personal writing is to the story teller, I would never tell them I thought their work was anything but golden gilded words on paper. Sorry that's the truth of it. With all of the above being said, Todd man I'm horrible at this reciprocating bit. I'd like to make it up to you though for all the hard work you do for me and just being a supportive person. If you'd like, I'd be honored to put up a link to your work on my authors page and let my readers review your work. (They're much more honest than I am!)
ReplyDeleteMark, I hear you on the "wrapped in our own dramas' bit. But before I give an emphatic "YES" to your offer (which I guess I already just did...so, that is a moot point now) you probably should hear this from one of your fellow authors. YOU, my friend, have reached a point that others aspire to. You have name recognition. Your books hit the list the day they are released and linger for months (which is a testament of your GROWING popularity). While you are not on the hallowed ground of King or Koontz, you are established and have a large following. With that comes the plethora of "Can you give me a cover blurb for my book?" requests and the like. The wonderful thing about you Mark is that you are like the pretty girl who doesn't realize it and still thinks she is Plain Jane. Like it or not, my friend, you ARE a name in the genre and the business. You are a respected author. But enough of all that gushing...HELL YEAH! is my response to your generous offer.
DeleteYou really think I'm pretty? Thank you man, your words mean a lot. I hope my actions prove my sincerity. Give me the link you want posted and I will put it up, I hope we can share my perch. You have to bring the dessert though. (I really like apple pie)
DeleteIf I have noticed one thing, and one thing I believe to be detrimental to the way the small publisher is viewed, is this constant swap meet attitude to reviewing. "I'll review yours if you review mine" and all that bollocks. I don't know if I am the only one, but it seems to have been a lot of change of the past year, folks don't review so much because of repercussions from snot nosed authors who feel the need to reply to one star reviews, thus putting off the average reader/reviewer. It harms the honest, hard working writer such as you and me. I also understand the lack of reviews - trust me, I do - I sent out copies, was pleasant (as always) and waited. And waited...so all I could do was return to the fold of my fellow scribes and lament about the cost of hope. Maybe its just something in the air, maybe it's just a quiet lull. Let's hope it will pass and by the way - count your blessings and cheer up you ol' grump! You will always have loyal fans and friends who will always be there even when the chips are down...it's not all that bad my friend. Just gotta wait out the clouds and as we all know...each of them has a silver lining.
ReplyDeleteRD,
DeleteI agree on all you have said. And yes, this could just be a quiet lull and maybe I was/am in a strange place mentally right now. I even struggled on pushing the button for this post because you can not "unsay" or "undo" anything once it lands on the internet. However, I also subscribe to the "a closed mouth does not get fed" axiom.
My friend,
DeleteI wish I was a big name like you, one day (god willing) I will be. Yet, this much I do know, I know you are one of the most talented writers in the field and I have put forward this blog in a review group I run. By the way, there is no worries with concerning yourself with repercussions. The internet is filled with opinions (and often ones with merit or good foundations - trolls if you will) so I admire your bravery in baring your soul and putting yourself out there for the world to see you as you are really feeling. That takes a brave soul with courage in their convictions. I know I cannot do much to help, but I will do everything in my power to help a friend in need. You believed in me and I in return, believe in you as friends should. If there is a way I can help I will find it. Until then, I hope you can find a light at the end of this tunnel.
I meant without merit. Doh!
DeleteWell I left a review!! so ner!! but then I am THE Avid Fan.... just ask Mark Tufo, I hang out in his barn, stalking him every other Thursday. I wonder if others reviewers feel as I do, buried under a mound of TBR books and not sure where to start. That said, I am itching for all the above mentioned books!
ReplyDeleteYou always do...and like I told you the other day...you have tons of us in the writing world who REALLY appreciate you.
DeleteI've handed out a few copies and am hoping to get some reviews in return. I'd love them to all be 500 word or so, 5-star reviews that really dig into character analysis, symbolism, and world-building. But I sent out my own books, so I'll take what I can get.
ReplyDeleteThat said, real life has been very rudely intruding on my reading, writing, editing, publicity, and sleeping schedules, so I'm a bit behind in reviews I've promised, too. I bought, am reading, and am enjoying That Ghoul Ava, however, and will try to broadcast a review to the world in the next few days.
Be at peace, now, brother. We shall escape these doldrums...
and then WOE to those who have courted our rage!
Heh. My bad. Sometimes I get a little 'Count of Monte Cristo.' I'm better now.
And speaking of YOUR new release, nothing like a public call out. When would you like to be interviewed and featured here and where is my review copy? You already know that my list of automatics include you, Catie, Mark Tufo, Armand Rosamilia (if he ever asks, and Rhonda Hopkins.
DeleteI've done Zero pimpage on the book thus far, but I'll send you that review copy (and anyone else who wants one... just sayin') I don't want to do a half-assed roll out, and I haven't made time to do it properly, so it's just quietly hanging out on Amazon at the moment.
DeleteCoincidentally, I'm giving away copies of That Ghoul Ava and Catie's book, Forever Road on my blog. I think both of my followers would like them ;-).
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
Oops, and I meant to say "I'd love to do an interview and feature whenever you want," and "Thanks!"
DeleteI'm honored to be included on your auto list, Todd. Thank you so much!
DeleteI have That Ghoul Ava to read, I just haven't had the time yet. But I will get it done and reviewed soon. Life's been kind of crazy lately for many of us, I think.
Have a great weekend!
Todd, one thing to remember about me is that I am slow. I am so slow that you'd think I take molasses enemas. The only person I know who moves slower than I do is my husband. Which is probably why our marriage works as well as it does.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I do owe you some reviews, and I'll get on them. I needed the prod.
Shame faced note: As much as I enjoy your DEAD series, I dread reviewing it because the whole series has blurred together in my mind. Don't you hate when that happens?
Grins and hugs.
Catie,
DeleteYou have done so much, between reviews on your blog and inviting me on more than once. And after 5 entries, it is normal for the story to start and become one long tale that melds into itself...at least I feel that way when I read lengthy series.
Though not a professional author, I do read quite a lot. My Kindle allows me the chance to discover many new (at least to me) authors whose works I can purchase at an excellent price. It seems the least I can do is to provide those authors my thoughts on their short stories and/or books. If I were a talented writer hoping to find an audience so that I might be able to enjoy a relatively comfortable living creating and sharing my art on a full-time basis, I believe that the comments and validation of my peers and audience would be of tremendous value.
ReplyDeleteHowever, having written a good number of these reviews, I'm hesitant to publish some them on Amazon. While I'd never try to provide anything other than praise when deserved or constructive criticism when warranted, I've seen and read tales of vindictive authors skewering anyone who they felt might have given a review that could hurt sales -- and by extension, perhaps their future in a tremendously competitive profession.
If my thoughts might help someone in even the smallest way, I'd be happy to oblige. I'm not sure I have anything to offer, but I'm willing to help if I can increase the available amount of entertaining and quality literature by assisting writers improve their chance of being a financial success in their chosen field.
I guess I'm asking if most authors are OK if a reader tells the world that a story wasn't necessarily worth a 5-star rating or was maybe even a regretted purchase, as long as that opinion was explained in a fair and reasonable manner. I don't have the time or literary knowledge to write a lengthy and hopefully intelligent review of every book I read, but I'd like to do a little extra for those I find to be exceptional in some positive way. If a story isn't one I enjoyed, I don't mind explaining my reasoning without resorting to silly and juvenile insults. Is it all right to only give back a paragraph or so, even if the book was pretty good? I would really appreciate some guidance on the type and style of honest feedback new and struggling authors want.
Sorry about this needlessly long and rambling diatribe. It's clear to see that I need an editor. I would appreciate some advice, though.
Jeff VanLandingham
Jeff,
DeleteI can only speak for myself when it comes to "less than stellar reviews, but I have always invited an honest review. I went into this business knowing that not everybody will think favorably of my work. And while I will not likely change the way I do things based on reviews, I am always interested to know why something did or did not work for people who read my work. Many of my fellow author friends feel likewise when it comes to honesty. And yes, negative reviews can sting, but the ones that are constructive can often be very helpful..
I hope that helps. And thanks for taking so much time to pose your point here.