Sunday, February 10, 2013

2-Year Blogoversary Celebration: Day Seven ~ Keli Gwyn!

5 Reasons Book Reviewers Rock
by Keli Gwyn

Do you post reviews of books you read? If so, you’ve made many an author’s day.

As a debut novelist whose book released last year, I learned what an important role book reviewers play. I know they write reviews. What I didn’t know was how much that entails and how many other things they do.

As I reflected on the many things book reviewers did for me, I came up with five major ways they serve authors.

Book reviewers are promotion pros.

Even in today’s hi-tech world, the best form of advertising is still word-of-mouth. When it comes to creating buzz, book reviewers are masters.

• They shout out news about cover sightings.
• They share blurbs for upcoming releases.
• They share previews and sample chapters.
• They hold online release parties.
• They interview authors so readers can meet them.
• They spread the word on Facebook.
• They post reviews on booksellers’ sites.
• They post reviews on Goodreads.
• They post reviews on their blogs.
• They tweet links to their reviews.
• They hold contests, helping get books in readers’ hands.

Book reviewers are insightful readers.

When I read reviews, I’m impressed by how deeply reviewers delve into a story. They’ve made observations about elements in my story I hadn’t even noticed. It’s evident how much thought they put into their reviews, doing many of the following.

• They evaluate the plot.
• They assess believability issues.
• They reveal key conflicts.
• They analyze the characters.
• They discuss how well the setting is depicted.
• They scrutinize the historical details of stories taking place in the past.
• They highlight interesting aspects of a story.
• They explore themes and underlying messages.
• They state whether or not a story meets expectations.
• They use labels that help readers, e.g. sweet, gripping, or funny.
• They make comparisons to other books or authors’ styles.
• They offer cautions, as needed.

Book reviewers are encouragers.

As an author, I know firsthand how uplifting it is to read reviews, especially those from readers who enjoy our work. Sure, there will be some readers who don’t care for our stories, but what I’ve found is that while they might point out what didn’t work for them, they’re quick to note what they liked as well. And, oh, how we love it when they ask us to keep the books coming.

Book reviewers are sources of inspiration.

Authors can learn a great deal from reviewers. They point out our weaknesses, enabling us to improve in those areas. They identify our strengths, letting us know what’s working well. But they don’t stop there. They might tell us how they would have handled things differently or what they would like to see in future stories. Such feedback can get our creative wheels spinning.

Book reviewers are great friends.

As I’ve interacted with those who reviewed my book, I’ve enjoyed myself immensely. They’re bright, generous, fun people, and I’m happy to have them as new friends.

Questions for You

If you’re a book reviewer, what do you find most rewarding about writing a review?

If you’re a reader, what elements do you find most helpful in a review?

~~

Some places you can find Keli: Her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.


Giveaway!! 



Enter to win a copy of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California! I read this book last year and loved it! Giveaway is only open to the US. 

Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

107 comments:

  1. I'm enjoying this blogoversary. Thanks for all the great giveaways. Please enter me in the contest!

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  2. In a review I find it interesting to know where an author is coming from and why they chose to write what they did. What was there purpose or message? It makes the book more intimate to me.

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    1. Kate, I like finding out what led an author to write a certain story. Sometimes the story behind the story is every bit as fascinating as the book.

      I had fun creating a video that answers the question about how I got my ideas for A Bride Opens Shop. It can be found by going to my website, visiting the Study, and looking at the Story Ideas page.

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  3. As a reviewer I like that people read what I write about the book and then pick it up and read it based on my review.

    As a reader I look at the reviews sometimes to decide if I really want to get the book or not. I do not like spoilers in the review unless they are clearly marked.

    Thank you for the giveaway

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    1. Angela, as an author, I love when a reviewer posts a review that encourages others to read the book. Thanks for being a reviewer who does just that. As a reader, I'm with you. I don't want spoilers. I want an hint about what to expect, but I enjoy the thrill of discovery.

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  4. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Katie J

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    1. Thanks for joining Melanie for her Blogoversary, Katie.

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  5. I have read this book so dont want to be in the drawing but must say as a reader and reviewer I love to share the feelings I had while reading the story with others. A good story by an author takes a lot of research and dedication to his or her craft and I only hope my little part helps their career just a little..
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    1. Paula, I, for one, appreciate all you do to help authors spread the words about their books. Your part is not a "little" one, by any means. Your efforts are a BIG help. :-)

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  6. A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California looks like a great book :)

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Hannah. You know how to put a smile on my face. :-)

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  7. I am a reader and often will look at the reviews on Amazon or somewhere like that before buying a book. I will check some of the best reviews and that a few of those of people who didn't like it to see why or why not!

    I don't want to read the whole story in the review, don't share to much in a review...

    Patty

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    1. Patty, I think checking the reviews of those who liked a book as well as those who didn't is a great idea. I've done the same thing. Sometimes I what I read in a unfavorable review tells me things I won't find in a favorable one and piques my interest about a book even more. Perhaps the reader doesn't care for a certain element in the story, but it's an aspect I find intriguing. And I'm with you. I don't want too much of the story given away in a review. I like to think of a review as an appetizer and the book as the full meal.

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  8. Keli makes being a reviewer easy! Her debut novel was so much fun with lots of feisty moments between Elenora and Miles :)

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Anne. Where can I send the chocolate? :-)

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  9. I have been writing book reviews close to two years now and I have also begun a new book review blog coordinating the reviews of faculty/staff at our Christian school. Two blogs! Now my answer to your question:

    **If you’re a book reviewer, what do you find most rewarding about writing a review?

    I have found getting to "know" authors, having a small part in the promotion of quality books - especially Christian books, and feeling the sheer joy, appreciation, and thankfulness that authors share with me that "I" would review their book. All the while, it is "I" who is truly honored to be able to get to "know" these authors, to be able to experience the opportunity to read and review their books (because you know, these are bits of their hearts).

    godleyv [at]yahoo{dot}com

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    1. Vera, I'm impressed that you manage two blogs. That's quite an undertaking. I found Chat with Vera. What a great site! I've added it to the Christian Fiction Reviewers page on my website, which is located in the Library.

      I enjoy getting to know reviewers. As I said in the post, I've met so many wonderful people who are reviewers. I'm very appreciative of all you do to help authors. I do like the way you understand that there is a bit of heart in every book we write. I concur. :-)

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  10. I like when a book reviewer has a grading system that they stick to. It helps me flesh out what each grade really means and whether or not I'd like the book.

    mestith (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Meghan, rating systems can be very helpful. I've seen some systems that are quite creative.

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  11. I have been a reader for years but I recently started a blog to review Christian Fiction. I am very new to reviewing but find the sense of accomplishment rewarding as well as the feeling of, even in a small way, helping the author.

    Jasmine A.
    montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Kudos on starting a book review blog, Jasmine. I hope you find it a rewarding undertaking. If you'll share the link to your blog, I'd like to take a look at it.

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  12. As a reader I glance at the reviews at Goodreads and Amazon before and after I read a book. I find that if someone leaves a very negative review, it makes me want to read the book, especially if others liked it. I believe in giving an honest opinion about a book I have read but that doesn't mean you need to break an author down. I try to always leave a positive and negative if I deem in necessary.

    your1chef at aol dot com

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    1. Christine, I'm with you. I think honest reviews that include information about what the reviewer liked as well as well as disliked can be quite helpful. Having that kind of information helps me make informed decisions.

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  13. As a reviewer I have enjoyed getting to know authors. I started reviewing books on my blog in 2009. At first it was just to express thoughts for my own personal use, a way to keep track of the books I read. Then when authors started contacting me to review their books I tried to be a bit more professional/encouraging. It is still hard for me to write reviews even after a little over 3 years, how much is enough, and how much is too much is what I struggle with the most. I like honesty in a review yet not harshness. There is no reason to be rude. I dislike reviews that attack the author personally. I love it when an author visits my blog and leaves a comment about what I thought about their book. Thanks Keli for the blogger appreciation!

    Julie@My Favorite Pastime

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    1. Julie, I appreciate the thoughtfulness and thoroughness you obviously put into your reviews. It's so rewarding to me that reviewers put as much effort into writing reviews as authors do in writing their stories.

      I took a look at your blog, My Favorite Pastime, and was impressed. I've added it to the Christian Fiction Reviewers page on my blog, which is located in the library.

      It's interesting for me to hear that you like authors to visit your blog and comment on your reviews. We authors struggle with that very issue. On the one hand, we want to acknowledge and thank reviewers, but on the other hand, we hear that our presence can inhibit open discussion by other commenters. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this, as well as the thoughts of others.

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    2. Oh good question Keli! First off thanks so much for stopping by my blog and adding my blog name to your Christian Fiction Reviewers page. I stopped by your blog and signed up for your emails and also "liked" your page on facebook. Sadly I have not read your book (gasp!), which I have seen around the blogs and REALLY want to read(I'm a CA born and raised girl!).

      For my blog I do not think that author visits are very intimidating since I don't have that many followers! ha! It seems I don't get much traffic or people are stopping by and not leaving comments. But when people do comment I appreciate it. Yes, knowing that an author will like or dislike what I had to say about their book can be intimidating, I am not a person that wants to hurt other people so to say something bad about a book they have sweated over and love is very hard. And then when I actually get to know the author it is even harder to say something about disliking their book! I guess I could see people's points in the idea that an author jumping into the commenting on a blog might be intimidating, but I would say for me it would only be intimidating if the author became defensive or angry at the commenter.Which I have seen happen unfortunately. I haven't had it happen on my blog so I guess that is why I continue to appreciate authors stopping by and saying hey :)

      Hope that helps?

      Julie@My Favorite Pastime

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    3. I was happy to add your blog to my Christian Fiction Reviewers page, Julie. Thanks for signing up for my newsletters and for "liking" my Facebook page. I appreciate your support greatly.

      Thanks for taking time to answer my question. It's interesting how authors and reviewers face some of the same challenges. Authors put their work out there, knowing readers are free to say whatever they want about the stories. On the other hand, reviewers do their utmost to share honest, thoughtful reviews. I understand and appreciate that.

      I know there are a few authors who get upset about reviews, but the way I see it is that reviewers are doing their job and should be respected just as much as and author wants to be. It's a mutually beneficial relationship that works best if authors and reviewers extend professional courtesy to one another.

      I like interacting with readers. As I said in the post, I learn so much from readers who post reviews. They help me see my stories from a different perspective. Plus, I really have gotten some great ideas from reviewers.

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  14. I like to know how the story goes in a review. WHat it's about & how well it is written.

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    1. Thanks for visiting Lady Saotome and sharing in the fun at Melanie's Blogoversary.

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  15. I enjoy when a review includes whether or not a book is a clean read read! So many times I think that a book looks so good after reading the publisher's synopsis and then I read a review and learn that the book has some nasty content in it :(
    Thanks, Melanie, for all your reviews!!

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    1. Nicole, like you I appreciate it when reviewers offer cautions. Some books are suitable for teens, whereas others aren't. Some books deal with topics that might make readers uncomfortable. Some are sweet, whereas others have a bit more spice to them. Having that information helps readers make informed decisions.

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  16. Thanks for this giveaway.

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    1. Thanks for joining in Melanie's Blogoversary fun, Deborah.

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  17. I'm a book reviewer too and I appreciate this post. Thank you.

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    1. Susan, thanks for helping Melanie celebrate her Blogoversary.

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  18. As a reviewer: I love being able to think back through the book I just read, and pick out things about it. Being able to write my honest feelings I am able to remember what the book is about, and I will be able to find the review on my blog and know how much I liked/loved the book.

    As a reader: I lean toward Goodreads and other reviews to see if I would be interested in a book. I also love the fact that we are all different in what we like or don't like, and finding a book that has vast opinions makes me want to read it, not only for the book, but to see what others are saying, etc.

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    1. Werejumpin, I, too, use reviews I write as a way to remember what it was I liked about a certain story. They're a great way to summarize the key elements.

      Isn't it great that there are books out there for every type of reader? The variety is astounding. Remembering that tastes vary helps me remember that what one reader disliked, another might like.

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  19. I don't want a rundown of plot, but I like what specifically made them like/dislike a book.

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    1. Melissa, it sounds like we like similar things in a review. I can get the plot summary in a back cover blurb. What I want to know are things such as: Did the reader like the characters? Was the pacing good? or Does the author do a great job bringing the setting to life?

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  20. As a reader I like to see what others have said about a book in their reviews. I dont like reading too many spoilers but I like to know a little about the characters and if the story line flows smoothly. I read Goodreads reviews.
    marypopmoom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Mary, I like reviews that talk about the characters, too. It's fun to know what others thought about them, if they're likable, etc.

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  21. I enjoy reviewing books because it really makes me think about the story I have read, so I feel that I get even more out of it.

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    1. Michelle, I think it's neat that writing reviews helps you get more out of the stories you read. I've found the same to be true.

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  22. Thank you for your Guest Post and for your giveaway.

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    1. Thanks for helping Melanie celebrate her Blogoversary!

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  23. I have been an avid reader of Christian fiction for years. I love books so much and enjoy leaving reviews. I know I read reviews and it helps in my decision making ....if I will purchase a book or not. I hope my reviews will help others. I also like to let the authors know I have enjoyed their work. On a rare review I will also have to let a reader know if I find cursing and really strong bedroom scenes...going to far. These are things I do not want to personally read in a Christian book...well any book..lol
    I do not like to read a review that just copies the back of the book or gives step by step the plot. I like to read it for myself..a little goes a long way.
    I would love to be entered in this drawing. My e-mail is: sunydey26@aol.com

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    1. I appreciate that you put so much thought into your reviews, Johnette. Those that offer cautions can be helpful. That way readers aren't surprised by certain elements.

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  24. As a reviewer my favorite part is when I love a book and get to rave about it like a crazy fan girl the most rewarding part is when the author comes and comments on my review!

    As a reader I'm pretty picky about reviews. I usually only read those of the bloggers whom I know I have similar tastes to mine. That being said I like reviews to be a little on the shorter side and I hate spoilers. I also don't like when half of a person's review is just a rehashing of the description.

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    1. Abbi, I must say that "crazy fan girl" reviews are as fun for the author as they are for the reviewer. :-)

      Another reviewer/commenter mentioned that she likes it when an author comments on her reviews. As I told her, we authors are often in a quandary. Do we comment on blog reviews, or not? On the one hand, we want to acknowledge and thank reviewers, but on the other hand, we hear that our presence can inhibit open discussion by other commenters. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this, as well as the thoughts of others.

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  25. Congratulations on your Blogoversary, Melanie! Thanks so much for having me as a guest at your celebration. I'm honored.

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    1. Thanks, Keli!! Loved your guest post! ;)

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  26. I absolutely LOOOOVED this post Keli! I was utterly encouraged by it and deeply touched by how helpful you commented that book reviewers are. Some of us get distracted and sidetracked by perfecting the book review and making it look professional as well as entertaining that we forget/overlook the simple pleasure of reviewing the book. Thank you for your kind and honest sentiments in this post :)

    I enjoy "meeting" and befriending authors as I review different books, helping the reader make an informed decision about purchasing the book, and I enjoy the journey of the story and how it leaves an impression on me. Each story is different and unique. It's always a pleasure getting the word out about that story as well as voicing how it touched me or inspired me along the way. There's a lesson to be learned from each book as long as I have the courage and talent to find it, then write about it.

    Thanks so much for posting this, Keli, I need to print it out and remember it :)

    Also, a BIG TIME shout out and special wishes **HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY** to Melanie on two glorious years blogging and the difference she makes in the blogging community!!! You and your blog are SUCH a blessing to your readers and authors, Mel, and we love you for it :) Happy 2 years and still going strong, hugs Mel!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kara!! *Smiling* Such a nice comment! Thank you! :)

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    2. Kara, thank you taking time to leave such a wonderful comment. You show so well how much thought reviewers put into their reviews. As an author, I greatly appreciate that.

      I love how you look deep into a story and share in your reviews the way it impacted you. That kind of information gives potential readers a real sense of the story that they can't get from a back cover blurb and is one more reason reviewers rock. :-)

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  27. I recently became a book reviewer and open up a blog called Crafty Booksheeps just for this purpose! I think whats more rewarding is helping that author out by leaving a good review for them! To know someone might be effected by your review and buy the book!

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    1. Laura, I love the name of your blog. That's clever. :-)

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  28. if it is a good book love helping spread the news about the book

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    1. Thanks for all you do to help spread the word about books you enjoyed.

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  29. Thank you for this post. I enjoy writing reviews on goodreads and amazon. Sometimes I don't know what to write or if it even matters. So reading this post really helped show me what I should do differently and what I should keep doing.

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    1. Leah, let me assure you that reviews matter. We authors love them. Reviews are one of the big ways readers hear about our stories. Thanks for being a reviewer who shows authors so much support.

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  30. What a wonderful post, Keli!! I absolutely agree and am SO thankful for everyone who reviewed my book. :-) Happy Blogoversary!

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    1. Jessie, I know you understand the value of reviews and appreciate the reviewers who write them. They're wonderful people, aren't they?

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  31. If you’re a reader, what elements do you find most helpful in a review? I want to know if the story is enjoyable, for example, is there a twist, is there something that pertains to my idea of getting away such as the story is set in a small town, is the moral of the story a positive one just in case one of my kids picks up my book and starts to read it.

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    1. Emi, it sounds like you're a savvy reader who relies on reviews to help you choose the books you read. Reviewers really help us by letting us know about the story, setting, characters, etc. and by offering those all-important cautions that can alert us to issues that help us avoid elements we're uncomfortable with.

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  32. The most rewarding thing about reviewing a book is the fact that you may help lead people to the message they need. Especially when it's a book I love. Recommending the book is great, but when you put what you loved about it and how it affected your life into words for others it just gives that extra touch. It is SO satisfying when you get that email from amazon that says someone found your review helpful! :)

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

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    1. Amada, what a lovely name you have. I appreciate the fact that you take the time to add that extra touch to your reviews, letting readers know how a story affected you and the messages it includes.

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  33. I read and do some reviews, I don't read fast enough to do a lot, lol. In a review I like to know the background of the characters and their families. As a reveiwer I hope I can entice someone else to read the book.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Wendy, I like learning more about characters in reviews than I get from back cover blurbs, so I appreciate the fact that you include that in yours. And I hear you on not being able to read as fast as you'd like. That's true for me as well. There are so many awesome books out there and not nearly enough time to read them.

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  34. I would love to win!!!
    Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!!
    Sarah Richmond
    sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com
    N.C.

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    1. Sarah, thanks for joining in Melanie's Blogoversary celebration and entering the drawing.

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  35. This is a post near to my heart. When it came to my inbox yesterday, I felt *vindicate*. So many people (authors) do not realize the time most of us put into our blogs. It is a thankless job sometimes unless you can find yourself a happy medium. I would love it if the author would write something similar for my blog, and she could address it to all the book bloggers out there.
    =)

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    1. Marie, I'm glad you found the post helpful. I write some reviews myself, although I by no means consider myself a book reviewer or put in the time you do. Even so, my limited experience has shown me how much time and thought reviewers devote to writing reviews and blogging about books. That's why I'm such a fan of book reviewers.

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  36. **If you’re a book reviewer, what do you find most rewarding about writing a review?
    Whether it is a great or a not-so-great book, I feel like I have many like-minded blog followers, so if I can recommend a fantastic book to them it is a lot like a free service to them.
    And then I can illustrate points that may be reasons a book is not so great, but I try and be as nice as possible. Sometimes I can get passionate in my reviews though if something totally rubs me the wrong way.

    If you’re a reader, what elements do you find most helpful in a review?**
    I like pure honesty, and the reasons the reviewer totally LOVED it or didn't love it. I have seen so many people comment that they do not want to see plots written out, but I feel that there needs to be a happy medium of the two, though I certainly agree that spoilers must be avoided. But reviewers who only take the time to write out a few sentences as a full review do not quite do it for me.

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    1. Marie, I appreciate your passion for finding good books and sharing them with your blog followers. You are definitely doing them a big service. I also appreciate that you take the time to write substantial reviews that give a potential reader a good taste of both plot and impressions with a healthy dose of honesty.

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  37. I am mainly a reader, although I do post reviews on Goodreads and I read around 120-150 books a year. I have been debating staring my own book blog. As a reader I look for how well the story and characters were written, for content, and especially if the reviewer felt the story made sense or was real to her/him. I share a lot of my books and have four children, so I rarely read anything outside of the YA or Christian genres. When I post a review I really enjoy being able to promote a book that is clean, but that was written really well and that I loved.

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    1. Wow, Tressa! You are an avid reader. I'm sure if you were to start posting reviews on a blog you'd have plenty of material. It sounds like you'd explore aspects of stories that would be helpful to potential readers. Many wonderful reviewers have commented on this post, and I'm sure some of them would be happy to tell you more about their experience as blogging book reviewers if you visited their blogs and got in touch with them. As I noted in my post, book reviewers are awesome people--and generous, too.

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  38. Enter me this book looks great!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch,NC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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    1. Sharon, thanks for joining Melanie for her Blogoversary. If you want to enter the drawing, she's included information on how to do that at the bottom of the post.

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  39. I love the books you offer on Giveaways, Melanie and also for you wonderful, generous authors, Keli.
    Melanie, your reviews are wonderful. I hope to be following you example soon.
    I have not had the presence of thought to write (although I would like to) but as a reader I
    look for several things in a review. First, is it fairly clean? Next, what type of a story-line is it -adventure, suspense,romantic,
    human interest, graphically violent, mystery, etc.?
    Why it was rated as it was.
    I'd love to win. We are trying to build our library on limited funds.
    worley.la@gmail.com
    Thanks

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    1. LA Wonder, thanks for your kind words. Melanie does a great job with her blog and her reviews, doesn't she? I'm certainly impressed.

      It sounds like you definitely find value in book reviews and use them to help make your book buying decisions. Isn't it great that there are so many wonderful reviewers providing that information?

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  40. As a reviewer, I'm always happy when someone decides to read a book based on my review. I've always loved recommending books to others.
    TCuevas@iccable.com

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    1. Tammy, thanks for all you do to help readers discover books you like via your reviews. It's much appreciated.

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  41. I look at the reviews that others give . It helps me in deciding if i would like to read it. A bride Opens Shop In El Dorado, Ca. looks & reads like it would be good. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks for the give away.
    lizd(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your thoughts and for your kind words about my book. If you'd like to enter the drawing, Melanie has a form to use at the bottom of the post.

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  42. As a reader, I like to have some sense of the main character's personality---it's so important to me that I like to know. And then of course to know that it's a truly good book, clean, well-written, etc.
    bskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net

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    1. Teddy, it's fun to read reviews that give insights into the main characters, isn't it? Reviewers have a real knack for sharing that information as well as including tips about aspects of the story, such as the writing quality, if a story is a sweet read or one with a bit more of an edge, etc.

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  43. There are many of us in this group.We enjoy a variety of writing.
    We would love to win and share this book with others and encourage them to review as well.
    Our deepest gratitude for your generosity.
    worleybird10@live.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by to share in the fun of Melanie's two-year Blogoversary. She's left instructions on how to enter the drawing at the end of the post.

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  44. I really have enjoyed being able to come to this site. Have had some good books from good authors. I have tried for some time to win this book. Maybe will get lucky this time. Enjoyed reading all of this and learning more about the authors.

    MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Maxie, isn't Melanie's site great? She does such a nice job with her reviews and other posts. I wish you well in the drawing.

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  45. As a reader, I like to read the reviewer's opinion of the writing, the characters, etc. I'm not really interested in a synopsis of the story, because that can be found other places.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I'm with you, Kay. I appreciate reviews that let me know what the reviewer thinks of the writing and especially the characters. If the reviewer loved the characters, that tells me I'm likely to as well, making that book one I'm prone to check out.

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  46. It is rewarding to know that a Christian book review I've written may play a part in encouraging someone to read a book through which the Lord can use the author's words to impact that person.

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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    1. Bonnie, I feel certain your reviews have helped many potential readers--and made some authors very happy as well. :-)

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  47. Keli, I am so lucky to have met you three years ago. I've enjoyed this journey to your wonderful book. I also don't need a free copy because I already have one of my own.

    You are a loving and talented writer and I am sure we will be reading you for many years to come :)

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Florence. I appreciate them, but most of all I appreciate the gift of your friendship.

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  48. As a reader with a limited book budget, I'm looking for the best books that will appeal to my tastes. I really do depend on great reviews to find wonderful books.

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    1. Merry, reviews are such a help when choosing which books to buy, aren't they? Many of those I want to read can be found at the library. For instance, when I went to my local library to donate copies, I was delighted to find out they already had one. =)

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  49. As a book reviewer, I love it when authors show interest in the work I've put into it. This post was awesome! :) It's awesome when authors comment on a review (either on my blog or on goodreads), or when they Facebook or tweet a link to it. I love it when authors are friendly, and take the time and work to know who I am personally. That's absolutely wonderful. Looks like you're that kind of author, Keli! I'm looking forward to reading your book someday. :)

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the post, Charity. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about authors commenting on reviews. We're often cautioned against doing so, because it's believed our presence in a comment trail might make others feel uncomfortable and less inclined to freely share their thoughts. From what I've seen in the comments on this post, reviewers feel differently. That's nice to know. Personally, I like interacting with readers and reviewers. I've met many wonderful people that way.

      I checked out your blog, Austenitis. What a nice job you do. I added Austenitis to the Christian Fiction Reviewers page on my website.

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    2. Keli, thanks for your kind words! I guess I especially like an author to come and comment when I... 1). Tweet a review and specifically tag them. That means I want them to see it. 2). Bring it to their attention another way (e.g., an email or whatnot). See, if I've interacted personally with an author before (and already liked their book) I am far more inclined to talk up the book on a favorite book list if I know they'll see it. However, of course, honesty is still important. :) Thanks for adding Austenitis! I appreciate it greatly. :) And I'm sorry for two long comments...I've been talkative the two times I've popped on to leave them! :)

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  50. As a reader, reviews are important to me especially if it is an author I don't know yet. It really helps me decide if the book will be something I enjoy. I don't want too much given away. Things liked or not liked is good in the review.

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    1. Nancy, I'm with you. I don't like spoilers in a review. Give me a taste of the story, enough to whet my appetite, but leave enough unknown so I can savor the surprises in store for me.

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  51. When I review a book, I enjoy recommending it to others- that's the most fulfilling part of a review for me (especially if I really enjoyed the book)

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  52. Amanda, authors love it when a reviewer likes a book enough to recommend it to others. Such reviews make our day. Even in today's hi-tech world, according to those in the know, word-of-mouth is still the most effective form of advertising. That's why I have such a deep appreciation of reviewers who help spread the word about our works. Your efforts help more than you know.

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  53. As a book reader, I like to use the reviews to see if I might like the book.I don't want it to be a long, detailed spoiler, I just like a general feel of the book. Did it grab them from page one, was it a book they couldn't put down? If they say, they don't usually like this type of book and hated it, I can completely ignore their comments. It just gives me a feel if I want to take the time in my life to give the book a try.

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Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - I love reading them! Comments are moderated and I reserve the right to not publish any comment that I find to be offensive (i.e. foul language, inappropriate content, etc.) or spam.

Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! =)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

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