By Nancy Jackson
By doing book reviews, I am able to combine my two favorite things, reading
and writing. As a new author myself, I can appreciate what the words of someone
can do or say for the works that I’ve had published. As an avid book
reviewer, I take my job seriously, knowing the author has spent a lot of
time and energy into their material.
There are many different ways to do a review, but I tend to focus on how the book made me feel and the writing style of the author. Some book reviews tend to sound more like a book report or either gives away too much information or is overly opinionated.
My first love is and will always be writing, but since reading is such a close
second, it just makes sense to combine these forces together and be proud of
the end result. I receive many wonderful emails and messages
from authors I’ve reviewed and not only does it reinforce my enjoyment
of it, but it reminds me why I care so deeply about it. If someone sent me
a story that I just couldn’t get into or was edited so horribly, I would
have to write that author and explain my reasoning for not being able to give
a review. I realize that there is a possibility that
what I write may influence someone to buy or not buy the book, so if I only
have negative things to say, I don’t think it’s my place to trash
someone who may actually have put a lot of effort into their writing.
Sometimes it is the fault of an editor or publishing house not bothering to take the time to go through the finished product and the author is stuck with typos, poor quality printing, or worse yet pages that are duplicated or blank. That of course is not the fault of the author, but I can’t very well suggest purchasing a book that has mistakes to that degree. I have seen a few typos in even the most successful authors on the bestseller list, and those can be overlooked.
I don’t have a particular genre that I prefer to read, but I enjoy fantasy,
horror, comedy, dramas, thrillers, erotica, and pretty much anything save for
political, war, or science fiction. I do wish I could get into science fiction,
but an author is going to have to write something pretty original to catch
my attention. I appreciate style, substance, and great character development.
Descriptions and chapters dripping with atmosphere get top votes from me as
well as smooth and believable dialogue. I’ll admit that
too many curse words and slang tends to deter me from the story and I rarely
finish those. Recently I reviewed a book that had the majority of the dialogue
likened to how people speak in Newfoundland. It took me a few chapters but
I got into it and it never detracted away from the flow of the story. More
than anything, it’s fascinating to read how a story unfolds.
Many people feel reviewing isn’t a rewarding experience, as a majority
of sites do not pay, but I have to disagree with them. I take great satisfaction
in my reviews and am not only making the author look good and getting their
work noticed by more readers, but I’m also putting myself out there and
my opinions, thoughts, and ideals. I want people to know that if they read
something I’ve written, they are coming away with an honest and realistic
opinion of the book. The thanks and sincerity I have received are more than
enough, and of course I never balk at the author’s who
like to do more, but it’s simply not required. I feel
rewarded with my finished product and can only hope I’ve helped the author
in some way. Along the way, I also learn more about the whole writing business,
so it’s a great tool for learning. I have the opportunity to deal with
publishers, editors, the authors, and publishing houses. I see which publishing
houses release my favorite books and where I’d like to possibly submit
my own stories. I believe that networking is a great and useful tool to learn
more and also give back to.
Reviews mean more to me than a little blurb or one line sentence. They are
a foundation of helping a consumer decide on a product. There is more than
meets the eye as someone picks up a book simply because the cover caught their
attention. Great reviews typically mean more interest will be piqued in buying
it, and if I’ve helped someone get there, I’m proud. Word for word,
there is always a reward in writing, whatever it is you may write.