Honesty In Reviews

/ Beem Weeks

Greetings, SE’ers! Beem Weeks here with you again. Today, I’d like to talk about the importance of reviews!

Student sitting on huge pile of books.

Reviews—be they for books, music, art, or movies—are important to the creator of the work in question. A good review alerts other readers that a particular book is well worth your time and money. An encouraging review will help a singer or a band ease from struggle to success. Even in the restaurant business, positive reviews are often the difference between a full dining room and bankruptcy.

With the same token, a bad review can sink a Hollywood picture before it has a chance to open to the general public. Bad reviews are a part of the creative world that every participant will eventually experience. It’s just a fact of life. There’s no such thing as the perfect novel. Somebody somewhere will find something about your work they just don’t like. Even the Beatles found detractors when releasing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album many believe to be a masterpiece.

A review should be an honest, critical appraisal of another’s work. This appraisal will guide customers either toward or away from that person’s hard work. In today’s world of self-publishing, many books get published that aren’t necessarily ready for an audience. The story may be fantastic in theory but severely flawed in execution. (Note: Pay the extra money for an editor!) But even in those situations, honesty can be achieved without being rude. Something along the lines of: “I read the story and enjoyed it for the most part. The concept is quite entertaining. It could really use a thorough editing, to clean up the poor sentence construction, misspellings, and wrong punctuation. The author would do well to read up on Point of View.” Civility allows others to know that, though the story is entertaining, there are issues within the text.

Student sitting at the table with piles of books.

Civility! The Oxford American College Dictionary defines that word as: formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech; polite remarks used in formal conversation.

Are we capable of civility in today’s cyber world? There’s this awful thing called a revenge review, where people will post negative reviews of books or music just to draw down a particular work’s rating on, say, Amazon. Some people, without conscience, will trash a person’s hard work just for the joy of hurting another.

Some years ago, I became aware of a reader who actually changed her review of a book after it had been posted for many months. The reason? The reviewer had words with the author over something completely unrelated to the author’s work. This is a childish move, to be sure. But it’s also a dangerous slope to tread for the reviewer. By changing a four-star rating to a one, that reviewer loses credibility with those who read that person’s reviews. To change it—after months—alerts me that there’s something more going on. Did it suddenly dawn on you that the work deserved a single star rather than the four-star glowing review you originally awarded? Or are you being vindictive and childish because somebody called you out on an issue unrelated to the book in question?

Student hugging his book vector illustration.

A review should always be honest and from the heart. Once it’s been posted, it should be set in stone—unless the author has made corrections to the work, and the reviewer has re-read the book. To change a review—especially after a period of time—lets others know your word is not to be trusted.

Reviews are important. And even though some authors like to downplay their importance, we know reviews help sell books. It’s a simple fact. So, when writing your reviews, be kind—even in your criticisms. If a book needs work, approach your review as a teaching opportunity, sharing whatever wisdom and knowledge you possess. Civility goes a long way—and not just for the author, either.

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87 thoughts on “Honesty In Reviews”

  3. Ahh yes, the review dilemma. As one who reviews books weekly, I used to cringe when I promised someone to read and review their book – something I barely ever do anymore as all my reviews are for books I have chosen to read. I typically check out the book and read the ‘look inside’ first and read many reviews before I even choose a book, yet still, I occasionally run into a book that I have to shake my head at wondering how it garnered all those 5 star reviews. When that happens, I simply do not review it on my blog and if it’s worthy of 3 stars at least I will review with its flaws on Goodreads. If it’s not even worthy of 3 stars I won’t review and will probably just stop reading it. 🙂

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  6. Ach, perhaps it is me, Beem, the bluff Scot’s exterior, the bearded drab miserable Celt, or, the many years reviewing and writing but both you and many of the other commentators here are a tad too nice for my taste. I often review books. Those that are terrible, I (whilst trying to take the edge off) tell the truth. Some are not to my liking; I find them terrible. Sometimes writers even know what they will hear when they publish. If not, they are delusional. I have received scathing reviews, and often deserved them. It allows me to cherish the complimentary reviews even more as I know that for some, I write good stuff. For others, sadly, my books are unappreciated.
    Every reader is different, each has a taste of their very own, genres they appreciate, styles that they approve of words they know, characters that are likeable or horrible but love them anyway. A bad critique or review is only to be expected when you create something new.
    When I get a one-star review, I appreciate it as much as a five-star review (lol- and I have often received both) as you know people are reading your silly thoughts and strange tales. Not everyone is going to like them.

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    • You make some valid points, Raymond. However, I disagree with the idea we are “too nice.” I think most here are in agreement that honesty is of the utmost importance when reviewing another author’s work. One can be honest without shredding another’s confidence (having exited a book club where that sort of shredding occurred on a regular basis has enlightened my approach to reviews). If I think a book is so awful that I cannot in good faith award it at least three stars, I usually won’t post the review. I will, however, reach out to the author and explain what I found to be issues. I have written a few reviews that carry less than three star ratings. I am not against posting such a review. I do agree with your point of appreciating even the negative reviews. They do help us grow as writers, and they also help keep egos in check. And you are correct in saying every reader is different. Some will love what you create, while others will hate it. Then there are those who neither love nor hate it. It’s just another story to them. Thanks for adding your take to the discussion.

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      • Hi Beem, I suspect that you are simply a better, more enlightened, person than I. I do not disagree with you in many ways, yet harsh reality also has a place in a writer’s life and work.
        Many years ago, I wrote a book called “Nut Brown Eyes” A short book based on a silly idea after a walk in the woods of northwestern Scotland.
        I decided to self-publish it as Self-publishing had just started at the time (it was not good enough to submit to my publisher of the time), and I liked the tale. The few reviews it received were terrible causing me (as I loved the idea) to rewrite the short novel in its entirety and re-release it. Strangely the book started selling and was picked up by a publishing company. Four or five years ago now, that silly book was rereleased in a twentieth anniversary edition and still sells to this day.
        lol- the moral of the story being had I not received such criticism I would not have rewritten the novel and not had a successful book in my back catalogue.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks for sharing that, Raymond. That was a part of my point. We get better when we face critical reviews of our work. I just believe we can be critical without telling the author they suck, their work is horrible, and you need to find a new hobby. It happens that way with some reviewers. They seem to go out of their way to be cruel and, sometimes, vicious. I am happy to know bad reviews motivated you in a positive manner.

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  9. I have done many reviews both on a personal level and as part of my job. I don’t often do reviews because Amazon will not publish them, but if I do one, I refrain from any work that I can’t give a positive review. Most times, it is because I chose not to finish the book, other times it’s because I know what goes into writing a book and I don’t want to be discouraging.

    When I did professional reviews, I didn’t have the option to not submit a review. Luckily, most of the books I read were at least three star or better. I did have one that I thought didn’t rate any stars. When I gave that review to the editor, the editor and the CEO told me that I needed to change my review because they didn’t want to give the author a bad review. I had to stand my ground because if I gave a glowing review to a very substandard novel it would reflect badly on me. I did win the argument, and the review was printed. The author did correspond with me, and was far less gracious than I had been.

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    • You make many valid points, Michele. If I can’t finish a book, I won’t review it. If I can’t give it three or more stars, I usually won’t review it. It’s easy to be gentle and kind in pointing out whatever flaws a story may contain, while praising those elements I enjoy. However, one must consider whether the author has a thick skin or not. I once angered a new author with a four star review. He was of the opinion his work deserved five. He hasn’t reached out to me in close to ten years. But I’m okay with that.

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  12. Reviews are subjective opinions. Some will think highly of the same novel, while others find errors in punctuation reason to knock it down. For me, if the storyline is engaging, the characters complex, and the setting interesting, I’m sold 🙂

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  13. I think we can be honest and tactful simultaneously. Some reviewers seem to get a twisted pleasure by sticking the knife in a little deeper. It reminds me of people on television who purposely give “hot takes” to stir up controversy.

    Incidentally, I recently finished Jazz Baby and left a review on Amazon and Goodreads. I found the story realistic and engaging.

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    • First, let me say thank you for your review of JB, Peter. I am humbly grateful. Second, you are correct that reviews can (and should) be honest and tactful simultaneously. That’s what every reviewer should aim to accomplish. The issue of “hot takes” to stir up controversy is seen all across the landscape these days. It brings attention to those who crave it. It also fuels the worst of the trolls on social media. Thanks for adding to the conversation.

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  14. I get some 1 star reviews. But mostly not. I tend to write reviews that’ll never be read by the author. A Little Lie, for example. It was OKish, but despite all the critical acclaim, not great. I can’t imagine the multimillion dollar author seeking me our for a revenge one-star review. I don’t give stars on Amazon or Goodreads. I just review the book or film or theatre production. That way everybody is unhappy.

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  16. HI Beem, you are right in all aspects of this post. As readers, writers need to be authentic and truthful with their reviews and I also don’t think it is correct to trash another writer’s work. It is better to point out areas for improvement as you have suggested here.

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  17. Great post, Beem. Although I only post my four and five star reads, I have stopped reading many stories within the first couple of chapters. I don’t feel its fair to post a review if I can’t finish a book nor waste my reading time it. It is harder to review when you know the person over not knowing them if you find issues. Luckily I know who I like and don’t now, while always trying new authors. I’ve found it helpful in the past when someone points out my shortcomings nicely. That way I can work on them. I do have issues with those who love to give out one and two stars with no review. That is just mean and meant to hurt the writer. What I look for in a book is a good story, editing can always be fixed but to have the ability to entertain isn’t so easily learned. Those good storytellers are the authors I want to read, review, and share them with others. So being honest with these good writers can only help them improve as we all strive to do.

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    • I agree with you, Denise. Leaving a one or two star rating without a review is a person looking to hurt somebody. I’ve mentioned in another comment that one of my favorite books over the last ten years only received three stars from me. It’s an entertaining story but had a few issues that can be fixed. But the story itself remains one of my favorites. Honest reviews make for better writers.

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  18. Like many writers, I don’t review a book unless I can give it at least three stars, usually more. And I don’t rate a book unless I leave a review because, for me, I want to know what the reader liked and what didn’t work for him/her. Of course, if one of my books gets five stars, that’s an exception. It means everything worked. But with three stars, I know something was off, and I’m always curious what that something was..

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  19. This is such an excellent and timely topic, Beem. When I was a part of a certain book club, I was coerced into changing a review rating, and I remember it made me feel ill. I won’t ever be influenced or bullied like that again. I agree that reviews should be honest. If I struggle with a story, I normally won’t finish it or leave a review. Then there are times when the story is good, but the execution is off, as you pointed out. It’s hard reviewing friends’ books, and I actually lost a friendship over a critique I did for a book that she asked me to do. She simply couldn’t hear the truth about her work. Kindness is always a must when reviewing. There is no need EVER to be nasty or to be a bully. Thank you for sharing this post today!

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    • I know the cult–er, I mean club–of which you speak, Jan. The changed review I mentioned in this post is tied to said club. If you lost a “friend” over a review, they really weren’t a friend. If an author can’t handle truth in criticism, this is a person unwilling to grow, to become better at the craft. Thanks for sharing your own experiences here today.

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  20. Thank you, Beem, for this informative post about reviews. Reviews can make or break a book. I never post less than 4 stars. I read and review 90 or more books a year! It takes a little time but helps authors to get their books out there. We authors need to help each other by reviewing each others’ books.

    I once received one star ratings with no reviews on Goodreads on every one of my Children’s books. I contacted Goodreads to report this as abusive. I didn’t know the person who was from Malaysia. Goodreads said everyone has the right to post anything they want.

    This reviewer stopped rating my books but did do others with one stars also. Who knows if she understands how the rating works?

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  22. An excellent post, Beem. When I start reading a book and find it filled with problems, I generally stop reading. I do not feel that I need to warn the reading public about my opinion. It may be that I have a problem with it, and others may find it perfectly acceptable. As a result, I very seldom have a review that is less than four stars. The only exception to this generality is a book that is great throughout and then bombs at the end. This I will write about. Thanks for sharing your information on this topic.

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    • Great points, John. I have some books on my Kindle that I didn’t finish. Many are from years ago, when I would grab all the freebies being offered. A chapter or two into them and they’d lose me. I didn’t review those books. I use to reach out to the author about issues I found. But feelings are easily hurt, so I just let those go these days–unless I know the author is receptive to input.

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  23. Excellent post, Beem. Like many have mentioned, I don’t review books that are 1 or 2 stars. I’d rather write to the author personally. When I read a book that’s exceptional, I’ll post the review and sometimes write to the author, just to let him/her know that I’m in awe of the writing. All art is subjective, but all artists grow through time. It’s a humbling journey, and I try to respect those who walk it and assist where I can. ❤️

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  24. An excellent topic, Beem. Reviews are so important to authors, and yet we often find them so difficult to write. I won’t review a book if I can’t give it at least three stars. The only exception would be if I’m reviewing for Net Galley, and that’s only because I’ve agreed to review the book regardless.

    If I can’t give a work a glowing review, I try to be constructive and kind in any criticism. Because I review books on my blog, readers rely on me to share honestly. There are times I do struggle with that because I know the work that goes into crafting a novel, but I also know (from personal experience) that writers can grow from critical reviews.

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    • I agree, Mae. Reviews truly are difficult to write. Almost as hard as writing a blurb for my own work! But if a book moves something in me, it’s easier to write a few lines of praise for the author and the work. Even the flawed stories can strike a chord in me. One of my favorite novels of the past 10 years received only 3 stars from me. My review was a simple paragraph detailing what I liked about the story and what I found confusing. Thanks for weighing in on this subject.

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  27. I’m so glad you covered this topic, Beem. It’s one that’s so important, and it’s one (I know you know) I struggle with. Unlike so many who have found freedom in the “anonymity” of the Internet and consequently delight in tearing down others, I find the potential global reach makes me even more careful about being kind. I was raised with the “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” mandate. If I didn’t learn the value of constructive criticism before college, I definitely learned during critique sessions in architecture, poetry, and fiction classes. (And believe me, people are liberal with their definition of “constructive” in those settings.) I used to write reviews for a book review site, and I was always careful to find something nice to say in addition to pointing out any shortcomings in a gentle way.

    So, why is it so hard for me to write a less than stellar review now?

    Maybe it’s because I “know” some of the authors I read. Maybe it’s because I know the struggles indie authors go through and don’t want to pile on the problems.

    But I do know I’m not doing anyone any favors by lying in a review. That would be to cheapen my reputation as a reviewer. (That said, I don’t post purely negative reviews. If the book is that rife with issues, I just don’t review it. I don’t want to be the author who gives a negative review to another writer.) The author who changed a review for revenge? That’s reprehensible.

    Great post.

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    • You have a great point of view in this discussion, Staci. Negative reviews help nobody. Constructive criticisms are a great source for helping an author grow–if coming from a place of honesty and kindness. If I can’t write something positive about a story, I just don’t write the review. Thanks for sharing your take on the subject.

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  28. Great post, Beem. I try not to leave negative reviews. If a book rates less than three stars, is it really worth the time it takes to finish reading? To do something like the person you described shows me they are childish. I definitely wouldn’t give much credit to their reviews.

    I’ve also purchased books because of a negative review because the reviewer points out things they don’t like, but I know I would.

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    • That’s an excellent point, Joan. The things one reviewer doesn’t like might be the things I DO like! I never thought of that angle. I have a few books on my Kindle that lost me within a couple of chapters. I didn’t finish reading them. It happens from time to time. That’s the nature of the craft! Thanks for your comment.

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  29. Excellent post and points, Beem! I always try to finish a review with a positive comment. I’ve received plenty of revenge reviews, and that just makes me feel unutterably sad for the person penning it. Don’t they realise what a huge mirror they’re holding in front of themselves? Too many people seem to feel we’re in competition, when the reality is we’re a community of authors, each with a unique voice and something to offer.

    Thanks for sharing! 💕🙂

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  30. Thanks for this post, Beem. I have just this problem. I recently read a book that, while I enjoyed the story, the writing was awful. Paragraph starting in the wrong place, passive voice, not starting a new paragraph with a new speaker, which led to confusion, pronouns used that didn’t refer to the last person mentioned, that also led to confusion, contradictions of things previously mentioned as well overuse of prepositions, and disembodied eyes flying all over the place. Not to mention typos.
    I thought this book was what you mentioned –a first book by a new author who got to the end and hit ‘publish’ without even re-reading, but reading what she said in her end notes, this is not the case. She thanked her critique partners and her beta readers. She also has a list of four books published.
    It seems that her critiquers and beta readers are not up to the job.
    I would not post a review in these circumstances, normally, but I was given it as a review copy, so I have to publish something. (Sadly, I also agreed to review the second book in the series.)
    Do you have any advice on this?

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    • If it was me, I’d refuse to review either book on the grounds it would be detrimental to the author. Being given a copy “in exchange for a honest review”, which is the usual phrase, wouldn’t be helpful. Maybe the author would contact you, and you could explain privately. If you are already in contact, do that anyway. Whether he/she appears to like it or not, you will have taken the kindest action open to you.

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    • My advice would be to honor your promise to review. However, use it as a teaching moment. Explain what you enjoy about the story, praise the good stuff. But be honest about where the author struggles and falls short. This is how a person becomes better. If Aunt Mildred and Cousin Francine act as this author’s beta readers, perhaps the author needs to find unbiased eyes to examine the work. Of course, if this work is without redemption, simply follow Sarah’s advice and refuse to give a review. But that can also be a teachable moment. You can explain why you took that path. Thank you for adding to the conversation, Vivienne.

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  32. Excellent choice of topic, Beem. If I can’t give a book 4 or 5 stars, I don’t publish a review without discussing it with the author first. I’m in complete agreement with you and the others here that any perceived problems should be pointed out with civility, kindness and in a constructive way. It’s a sad fact that in today’s world of social media responses, it’s easy for someone to wield a one star review simply because they can and, perhaps, because it gives them a sense of power.

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  33. Pingback: Honesty In Reviews | Legends of Windemere

  35. Beem, I do agree with you on this.

    The only time I write a “bad” review, as in constructively critical, is for books submitted to Readers’ Favorite. They forbid publication of reviews unless they are 4 or 5 star. With less, it is possible to write only for the author. Mostly, I hear nothing more, but just occasionally I get feedback through the site expressing the author’s thanks. Right now, I’m reading a children’s book at the request of an author I spent a long time advising – the problem wasn’t grammar or punctuation, Harmony! It’s a great experience; she’s improved it to a 5 star.

    Personally, what I detest are ratings with no review. They affect my overall Amazon rating – for good or ill – but they give me no guidance as to what the reader enjoyed or where any errors might be that I could correct.

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      • It’s relatively rare, but it is wonderful, Harmony.

        I mentioned you and grammar/punctuation because yours was my first ever critical review. I hated you for months, but you were right. Since, I’ve used beta readers, editors. read my books on kindle… ANYTHING to spot that misplaced comma or word I should have deleted when I “made a correction”.

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  36. Great post!
    Sometimes I refrain from writing really negative reviews, because I’m afraid to crush another writer’s confidence. At the moment I don’t know what to do…
    I’m reading a novel by a self published author I don’t know personally but I got in touch with through Instagram. In my opinion, her novel would benefit from a good developmental editing, the pace is slow, it lacks conflict and tension… But I’m unsure about actually writing a review, because I’m nobody. I have a self published book myself which is less successful than hers in terms of number of reviews.
    Who am I to write a bad review?

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    • Irene, what in Heaven’s name, gives you the idea you’re nobody?
      1. You are an educated reader.
      2. You are an author yourself who writes and is interested in tips for improvement. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be following posts on Story Empire Blog.

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    • I understand the idea of not wanting to crush an author’s confidence, Irene. Only cruel people would want to do such a thing. If a story has issues, it’s never wrong to reach out to that author. If this person is receptive to criticism, you’ll have a hand in making them a better writer. If their feelings get hurt and they reject what you’re saying, that’s on them. As for saying you’re a nobody? Hogwash! You’re a human being full of potential at making the world around you brighter and warmer and smarter. 😊

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