I just received my first two book reviews, a 4 out of 5 and a 5 out of 5. So I found myself fretting. I went immediately into competitive mode. What if I get a 3? What'll that do to my average? That'll really mess me up. Can I throw out a score? Can I only use my top 3 scores? Can I avoid that reviewer in the future since she obviously just doesn't get my voice? What about my "competition?" How are they comparing to me?
Wait a minute.
This isn't dressage. If I get a bad review, I can simply ignore it. It doesn't matter because with a little luck the majority of them will be good, right?
Whoa.
Really? This isn't a big deal? There are no year-end awards that accumulate my points and average them out or compute a median score?
Then I realized that I'd become so indoctrinated into this competition thing that I was automatically transferring it to my writing. This isn't a competition. At least, it shouldn't be. Readers read more than one author's books. If they like a certain type of book, they'll go looking for more; and mine might be similar to another writer's. So now I'm trying to calm down. If I get a bad review, I can simply ignore it. It doesn't have to count for anything. No national organization is keeping track of my points or my book's points.
Whew...
So now that I'm over that minor freakout, I'm going to ask you to indulge me. Here are my reviews, and thanks for listening. ;)
Fallen Angel Reviews--5 Angels
I really enjoyed Harlee and Jake’s story. They were the perfect match for each other—they definitely had chemistry going for them. Harlee may at times seem ditzy but when she put her mind to something or someone she could be smart about it. Jake was the ultimate ladies man but when it came to Harlee it was like she was back in high school trying to get a first date. I thought Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed was a great and appropriate title for the story. Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed was fun, whimsical, and full of romance. Jami Davenport sure kept my interest going with this story. Every time I found myself starting to take a break I went right back into reading more; before I knew it I was done. I can’t wait to check out more books by Jami Davenport.Reviewed by: Cheryl
Review Your Book, Debra Gaynor--4 Stars
Goldilocks never had it this good…I have always loved fairy tales-- even fractured one. Who’s Been Sleeping In My Bed is a delightful read. The characters are superbly written. Romance, suspense, and passion fill this book. I found a lot of humor in the character of Harlee. Fans of romantica will enjoy Who’s Been Sleeping In My Bed.
3 comments:
Not only are reviews not a competition, but one person's dislike might pique my interest. Obviously I hope you get great reviews -- but don't sweat the bad overmuch. They are at least getting your word out!
Jami, I can so remember how I felt about reviews when my first book came out. Just like you, in fact. After ten books, I've had great reviews and lousy reviews, and trust me, after awhile, you don't mind the lousy ones so much. Though the good ones are always more fun, that's for sure. Glad yours have been good so far.
I wouldn't worry about reviews either. What's that old saying, 'At least they spelled my name right'? I don't put much stock in reviews they are just someone else's opinion and I'd rather trust my own opinions any day.
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