Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Guest Blog: Help Readers Discover New Books—Leave a Helpful Book Review

Guest blog by Emma Lombard


How Do You Decide to Read a Book? 


Is it the cover? The blurb? Or do you dive straight into the reviews? Perhaps you use a combination of all three.


Now imagine if one of those options was missing. Would you still be as enthusiastic if there was no cover or blurb to hint at the deliciousness inside? Would you trust forking out your hard-earned cash on a debut book by a new author if you couldn’t see what other readers thought about it first?

If you’re a bit of a rebel, you might; but this study shows that the average consumer reads 10 reviews before feeling able to trust a business.

This trust is something you as a reader helps build for other readers when you leave a book review.


You Have the Power!


That sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it? Because it’s true! 


Your honest reviews of the books you read empowers other readers to make informed decisions about whether those books are right for them. Even comments that may be perceived as a negative comment by some—“The antagonist was more like a pantomime villain” or “I would categorize this story as being in the ‘coffee break’ style of historical fiction rather than the heavier end of the genre such as Phillipa Gregory and Hilary Mantel”—might appeal to some readers who are looking for a light-hearted read. Your honesty helps paint clearer expectations for others.


But What Do You Say?


Your review only needs to be a few sentences.


Fine! But I’ve never written a book review before, so how do I do it?


Email me, and I’ll send you a FREE Book Review Form—no strings attached.


This form will prompt you to jot down a couple of thoughts. Then you simply copy and paste those sentences together, and voila, you have a helpful book review in just a few minutes.


Where Do You Leave Reviews?


Nearly everyone knows about leaving book reviews on Amazon, but sometimes the Big Zon doesn’t always play nicely, and your well-penned review can vaporise without warning. Also, the Big Zon doesn’t let you leave a review on a book you received as a gift, or received as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), or borrowed from the library—if you haven’t met the minimum $50 spend limit. Phooey!


Luckily, you can leave reviews on several other sites that don’t have any spend-limit restrictions: Barnes & Noble — Kobo — Apple — Google Play. Heck, if you’re feeling generous, you could throw your review on all those sites.


Why Bother Writing Reviews?


Besides helping other readers make good choices, reviews also keep books coming from your favourite authors. If an author doesn’t have reviews (which lead to sales), then that author might not have the opportunity to write another book—what a loss for the readers who love that author’s work!


Want a New Book to Practise Your Review Writing on?


As the first full-length novel in The White Sails Series, Discerning Grace captures the spirit of an independent woman whose feminine lens blows the ordered patriarchal decks of a 19th century tall ship to smithereens. Grab yourself a copy here


Sign up to my newsletter (By the Book) and be the first to find out about future book releases in The White Sails Series.


Remember to email me for your FREE Book Review Form that will make the review process simple, quick, and painless.


You’ll be making a significant contribution to the entire reader, author, and publishing community! Thank you!



Image ⓒ Emma Lombard

AUTHOR BIO 


Emma Lombard was born in Pontefract in the UK. She grew up in Africa—calling Zimbabwe and South Africa home for a few years—before finally settling in Brisbane Australia, and raising four boys. Before she started writing historical fiction, she was a freelance editor in the corporate world, which was definitely not half as exciting as writing rollicking romantic adventures. Her characters are fearless seafarers, even though in real life Emma gets disastrously sea sick. Discerning Grace, is the first book in The White Sails Series.


Connect with Emma: WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagramGoodreads 


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