How to Write a Review

I am not saying this for myself. I have author friends who needs reviews for their books too. Book reviews are important for an author, just a review for any product-- it helps people decide if the product or book is worth paying for. Without them, no one knows how good or bad a product is.
Here is how you review a book:

1) First make sure the book you are going to read is something you read. If you are not a sci fi fan  then don't download or order one because chances are you will not give it a review.  I had bought a few books or downloaded them only to find out that it goes against my beliefs. I felt trapped. I couldn't lie and say "I love this book! I wish I could write like this..." because it would not be honest.

2) Read the book. I understand we don't have enough hours in a day to read. Some of us work and have families, but I think us authors don't expect the book to be read in one day. Just whenever you can, sit down and read.

3. There  are places where you can go to write a review: Goodreads, is a good place, but if you go there, you need to there when you begin to read the book because you will be adding it to your shelf and updating how far you have read (if you like) then  when you are done, you update it by clicking "I'm finished." That takes you to reviewing the book. Other places are where you download or purchase the book. When you go there, type in the name of the book in teh search box and it should take you to a page where you can review.

What is a review?
A review is writing what you thought about the book. At Amazon.com, after the review section, you can add a title of your review: "An enjoyable  read" or  "Unlike any other books", anything that would interest curious readers about your review. Also you can rate it from one star (Poorly written book, it shouldn't have been published) two stars ( Could have been written better) 3 stars (It's okay) 4 stars (I love this book!) 5 stars (This book is fantastic! I can't wait to read the next book!) It's like one of those on the scale from one to ten with ten being the greatest.

It is sad when an author who is looking for  a review promised a free copy in exchange for the review and they never get it.  The least the reader can do is let the author know, that they haven't finished the book, but they will as soon as they can.

I hope that no one thinks less of me by writing this. As I said, it is not just for me!

Love Me If You Must

I just got done reading a book by Nicole Young. I normally don't look at reviews because I wanted to find out for myself. The book was free so I downloaded it.

If I have more than one book yet to be finish reading, I go through a process of taking turns. (Most read one whole book before they read another). Of all the books I have read during tat time, hers I couldn't wait to finish. I was unaware of the one star reviews she had received. I pretty much read the book based on the description. I am glad I downloaded it.

Today after I read those horrible reviews, my spirit was lifted. I knew  that authors would received them. How many times have my author friends told me that? Yet, hearing that, did not lift my spirit. It only put me further into the pit.

I worked hard at my manuscripts. maybe I am not as good with words as some authors are, but my stories are great! So is hers! I have only read one and knowing that she is a Christian, I will probably read the other two later.

Someday, hope to thank her. She is my inspiration that no matter what people think of your books, you can't  stop there. She wrote something that is very true and it is almost my thought:  It is important to have something to support yourself.

After my first YA fiction is published, I am taking a hiatus (Unless I get a job before then). People have been kind to offer editing or whatever for free, but I have a feeling it will only be short lived. As  I heard people say to why they won't do it for free: "It is my livelihood." Well, I can't put food on their tables. I am really hoping for a miracle. Who knows maybe sales will pick up for The Past Hunter and I will start getting royalty checks, but until then, I will write but not published. Perhaps when  things begin to change for me, my friends will see that I overcome the odds.