Reading the Reviews of Your Book(s)

Some writers avoid reading their reviews--other obsess over them.

Believe me, I'm happy that a reader has taken the time to read one of my books. However, sometimes I'm kind of amazed by some of the reviews.

Right now I'm in the process of re-editing the books in my Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series for a new publisher. I began with the first book in the series and I"m now working on #7--Angel Lost. It has the most reviews of any of my books which makes me think I must've had some kind or promotion going on though I can't remember what.

I've been sending snippets of reviews to be put on the covers of each book, and while reading the reviews of this one, some of them surprised me.

Most of the reviews were 4 or 5 stars, but there were a few others.

In this particular book there is no upfront murder--the plot focuses on other things going on in the characters' lives--a wedding is being planned, a police officer is suffering PTSD--though it's not called that in the book, a pervert is stalking women jogging on the beach, and an angel (or what looks like an angel) appears in a plate glass window, a main character is kidnapped. And there is a serial killer making his way down the coast. 

One reviewer didn't like the fact there was not the usual murder.

Another didn't like the fact that some of the characters went to church and prayed. Since most of the people I know do attend church and many pray--it follows that I would have my characters do the same. And in this book, it is quite appropriate that they do so.

On complained that the book was too tame--another praised it for not having any bad language or detailed sex scenes.

The only thing I think this proves is that people have a variety of likes and dislikes, and I'm willing to accept the bad with the good.

Besides being re-edited, the book will have a new cover. 

You can be sure I'll let you know when it's available.

So, writers, do you read your reviews and do they influence how you write the next book?

Readers, do you read reviews of books to help decide what you want to read?

Marilyn


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