Book Reviews
All authors rely on book reviews to generate publicity and sales. It is often said that wise authors don’t read those reviews. Social media may have decreased the luxury of that wisdom as interacting with the readership is considered vital.
At one time, this focus centred on the traditional media of newspapers and magazines, some radio and TV programmes, and a huge effort in product placement/advertising by the publishing house.
Lots of readers have belonged to a local book group or readers club at some point in life. Many still do – I envy them as there is not a suitably accessible one near where I live.
Just popping into your local supermarket might lead you to buy a book if you notice the shelves and allow yourself to browse. Independent High Street bookshops, meanwhile, are fighting for their lives because of competition from all the ways we can now buy a book.
Nowadays We Have the Internet
Think about all the ways you NOW find out about any books you might like to read:online bookshops and discount websites issue newsletters and offer you updates about authors you follow
- book bloggers post reviews on their own sites
- traditional print media all have websites and, often, online bookshop facilities
- books are not just paper products – see my previous post, What Is a Book – eBooks and Independent publishing have created a marketing machine of their own
- book awards and prizes create publicity that informs the reading public
- literary festivals bring authors and readers physically together which is great for sales
- authors and/or publishers produce e-newsletters that generate intrigue and interest in the new book release
Public Libraries Are Online Too
It was join in or lose out. Our Libraries had to adjust so they would attract older and younger readers, offer online services and run book promotional events. I used mine for a Book Group a while back and the only reason I stopped going was ill-health. I have used the “Search By” facility to locate particular titles I wish to borrow.
Some villages have philanthropic residents who site a small lending library at the foot of their driveway or in a disused phone booth! Which came first – the need to read, or the need to pass on the word?
My Own Book Reviews
In the early 2000s, I ran a website where I promoted and reviewed UK-published children’s books. It was before the social media explosion that gave rise to many of the aforementioned book-related online information and interaction. I ceased my website when I could see I was not going to be well-enough equipped to take on this new world.
I have reviewed the books I read on a fairly informal basis by using my Amazon.co.uk Public Profile – anyone can take part in assessing and appreciating books these days. This is good for everyone. The more we read, the more we discuss our reading, the more we are able to show authors what they are doing well and where they might have let down readers. However, all opinions are a personal choice!
Who Are Book Reviews Really For?
- authors receive publicity, good and not-so-good
- the book industry benefits from increased sales
- book bloggers and reviewers see advance copies, often from specialist websites, which creates the drive necessary to highlight, in advance, the book’s publication day
- readers are also writers even if “all” they publish is an online review
- the more popular a book is, the more likely it will be televised or filmed – reviews help fuel the fervour
Where Are My Reviews?
I review books on:
