Dem Book BonesTM
The cover bone’s connected to the title bone
The title bone’s connected to the text bone
The text bone’s connected to the topic bone
The topic bone’s connected to the Reader bone
Oh, Reader, please give it 5 stars!
~ ©
2017, LinDee Rochelle *
Rating products and books on any site is fun with a smidgeon
of power, in a world in which we often feel powerless. But like life, there are
two sides to every coin—and every show of power.
My rating and ranking experience as an author is
predominantly with Amazon; as a buyer, I’ve posted my fair share of reviews
with several sites.
However, books or products, the semantics apply to any rating /
review situation. As the person rating, you consider the item’s effect on you,
and may or may not review with the knowledge of how much you’re affecting the
relevance, ranking, and sales of the company or author.
For the sake of demonstration, let’s explore the ratings and
rankings of a book on Amazon.
Book reviews are a
tad more complex than product reviews; though they all share the same algorithm
fate when it comes to those pesky stars, the logic behind the Reader rating is exponentially
subjective.
Some folks are voluminous readers and enjoy sharing their
reviews frequently. Along the way, they have likely discovered the enormous
power they wield over an author’s Amazon ranking. Depending on the number of
reviews on a given book, a Reviewer can literally boost or tank a book’s sales.
The smaller the number, the more profound the effect.
Take my word for it; as an author, I know this to be true.
After decades of helping authors publish their books, I
needed to focus on my own. Finally published my second book in a series—yay! But my
reviews to this point, can be counted on both hands. Promotion is a whole
different animal. That’s OK—I’m just thrilled anyone is reading my books!
However, let me recount a true scenario: I published a new
book, and had four reviews in the first week—all glowing 5-star appraisals. That
equated to a reasonable ranking with Amazon. (And pleased me to no end.)
The following week, a kind Reader obviously energized by the
book’s memory-inducing trip back to the ‘60s, posted a review. There was
nothing detrimental said, and the Reader looks forward to my next book set in
the ‘70s. After reading the review, I looked with confusion at the 4-star
rating.
No big deal, right?
For the Reader, no. For me, it was negatively significant.
Amazon dropped the book’s ranking by 20 in one day. When
Amazon’s algorithms see a less-than-5-star rating, the book drops from its new
release prominence and goes to the bottom of the virtual stack. And there go
the early sales.
I have to believe that the Reader doesn’t realize what
dropping that one star off a 5-star rating, does to the author’s sales.
Especially when there is no indication of displeasure by the Reader / Reviewer
and no obvious reason for not awarding 5 stars. More curious than hurt or
angry, like me, most authors just want to know why. We’re always seeking ways
to improve.
An article published on my site’s Wordplay
Wednesday blog about the effects of star ratings, further explains the
ramifications. Included are a few tips for rating fairly and kindly. Here you
go …
Anatomy of Book Reviews – It’s All in the Stars …
Article originally published on PfP April 12, 2017
Are you an avid Amazon book reviewer? Do you love reading a
book, sharing your thoughts in a review—and bestowing it your 1 (rotten tomato)
to 5 (GOLD*) stars?
Author to Reader—do you want to know how to write a review that
makes you look good, informs prospective readers, and gives the author an honest critique?
Amazon author rankings
are enigmatic at best and confidence-destroying at worst. Unfortunately, many
readers who review and wield their star-power arbitrarily, know not what they
do …
PUISSANT (pwisʹɘnt; pyooʹi sɘnt) adj. – powerful;
strong; n. puissance [WW #107]
In a book or product review, or even life, power without
substance is false positive.
Today’s puissant word is prompted by a nice
4-star review received on Amazon, for my latest book. 4 and 5 stars are always
appreciated. You hear a “but” coming, though, right?
But … it’s time to
address those delightful readers who mean well, while not truly understanding
what their reviews and star gradings actually do to or for, an author—much
less for other readers, for whom they should
be writing. (This article refers to real people/reviewers; see Forbes article about fake reviews.)
I appreciate each and every review; yes, even the
antagonistic ones. All are puissant in their own way. I learn
from the negative as much as I stroke my ego reading the glowing reviews. Not
all reviews are created equal …
When reviewing, do you consider too, the book and author
you’re writing about? To a puissant and voluminous author (you
know, the Stephen Kings* of the world), one review does not carry as
much weight and affect rankings like a book with, say, less than twenty-five
reviews. (*King averages 2,000+.) So …
A review with less than 5 stars, while perhaps admiring in
content, creates a quandary for prospective readers and frustrates the book’s
ranking.
Although the reader obviously liked my book, he didn’t
actually review it. It’s wonderful he
felt urged to take a fun trek down Memory Lane—the true objective of the Blast from Your Past! books.
His comments broke down to about 80% his DJ history/memories
(and I’m OK with that), 15% making nice about my book (so glad he’s looking
forward to the next one!), but only 5% worth for other readers. More
importantly, he did not tell us why
he gave the book only 4 STARS.
It’s all in the puissant
stars … FYI, there is little negative difference in author rankings between 4
stars and 1. There is a HUGE drop in rankings, though, when we receive 4 stars
rather 5. And Amazon’s algorithms pick up on the negatives …
And it’s
compounded if there is no explanation
from the reviewer as to why less than
5. Without a reason, the review is a disservice to prospective readers, and
reduces the book’s visibility. If you have NOTHING negative to say about the
book, then for heaven’s sake, award it 5 stars!
So dear readers, be truly puissant in your reviews,
whether for Amazon or other public venue. Grade books and other products
authoritatively.
Tips: Always state reasons for your opinion and comments.
Does it warrant a negative? Then try “constructive criticism.” Bottom line—why did you hate it—or why
did you LOVE it?
Just threw this in to see if you're still reading 😉>>
To other authors: remember, you can’t please all the readers
all the time. Be confident in your writing and appreciate the negatives, while
you cherish the puissant positives.
*Note to Amazon: the stars should be in a rainbow of
colors to reflect our true opinion: 1=red (hated it); 2=pink (some redeeming
value); 3=blue (just OK); 4=purple (good, could be better); 5=Gold
(excellent!).
Word Challenge: PUISSANT. Make your book and product
reviews puissant! Guide others who peruse them, and offer commendable
insight, as you fit puissant into your week of thoughtful writings.
Write first for
yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
*Adapted from iconic spiritual folk song; melody by James
Weldon Johnson, first recorded in 1928 by Bascomb Lunsford. Children’s version for anatomy lesson.
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