Creative Reviews discussion
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Help with abusive authors
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Nice document - thank you for sharing.But it is so sad that you have to do this.
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. I'm honestly scared to review for some people now-a-days. Hopefully this will help other bloggers with their issues.
I've read of reviewers abuse on other GR groups. So sorry you had to go through this. It's a wonderful new world of publishing, but this also means that anyone - even immature people - can become an author and think he's actually God or something.A writer's job is to write. A reviewer's job is to read and review. But some people simply don't get this. Also because there's so much noise about how you NEED reviews or you'll never sell another book! :(
My "bestseller" is under another pen-name who doesn't have a web-page, nor a Facebook page, nor any kind of internet presence except a few mentions on my blog and an Author Central profile. And no reviews. Still, it sold.
Sorry for the rant - can't believe some authors. Well, yeah, they're authors, not writers (see Dean Wesley Smith's definitions, LOL), but they make us all look bad! :(
First, I'm sorry you had to write a contract to keep the immatures away. It's shameful and reflects badly on the rest of the authors who try so hard to get noticed without spamming and being jerks. Unfortunately, what Barbara said is true, there's great pressure to get reviews and even greater pressure to get five stars reviews. Said so, there's no excuse to be anything less than civil with a reviewer. In most of the cases, the reviewer was contacted by the author and asked to read and write something about the book. That alone would suggest to be polite to a person who is doing you a favor by taking time first to read your book and second to express in writing why he/she did or didn't like it. Finally, a review is for the readers. Hopefully, from now on, you'll find better human beings in your journey as a book blogger.
Im an author an im by no means nasty. I had an issue with one reviewer but its been resolved however because of this issue i have kind of made my own contract as a list to reviewers whom wish to read my book. they are simple terms and it helps so that I and the reviewer both agree so that no conflicts are made. Its unfortunate that some people are a bit mean but what can u do right?
It's funny that I keep seeing this discussion pop up on both sides. There are just so many immature jerks out there that make it rough on everyone. We all have our horror stories.For me as an author, I've gotten the other side of this coin...
I had a reviewer post a hateful blog post and advertise it everywhere, then email me saying I can pay to have it removed (it's since been taken down with the rest of her site).
Review trades...those I stay away from now after the first and only one I did resulted in the other author saying he wouldn't write the promised review until I gave him 5 stars on various sites (which I didn't do).
I've had dozens of "reviewers" beg to post a blog or Amazon review...take the free copy, then cut off contact. Heck, I've had eight here on GR take a book and run. One even swore at and threatened me when I politely asked for an update on his promised review 9 months after he took a free copy.
Point is, there are awful people everywhere, not just in the publishing world. A contract won't make them stop being awful people, but hopefully it will weed out a couple.
I certainly hope I've never been a rude author and would hope someone would tell me if I was! :)
Jim wrote: "It's funny that I keep seeing this discussion pop up on both sides. There are just so many immature jerks out there that make it rough on everyone. We all have our horror stories.For me as an aut..."
What happened to you it's terrible :( You got blackmailed! In my short experience with book bloggers, I've encountered very nice people who gave me whatever they thought my books were worth, and also people who got a tad enthusiastic in doing the same. I thanked all of them, and learned from my mistakes.
Don't get me wrong, I've dealt with tons of WONDERFUL people. It's the bad ones that I was focusing on with that post. :)
Sadly, it's the nature of the internet that people behave in a way they wouldn't necessarily in real life. As in all things, however, there is no excuse for discourtesy. Everyone is entitled to hold and express their opinion - it's the nature of free speech - but courtesy is expressing it in moderate terms.
As an author, I have come to the conclusion that if you raise your head above the parapet, someone will throw something at it. All you can do is ignore the trolls and appreciate the good guys. Sadly, I suspect the same might apply to reviewers - the only plus is that you guys talk to each other and can get to know who the arsey authors are in order to avoid them!
Contract is a neat idea though!
JAC
The only people more up their own backsides than authors in life (in my experience), are teachers. After a hard day teaching biology, I like to write books to feel good about myself.
It's a shame it has to come to this: using Terms of Service for something as simple and honest as a book review. But I suppose we shouldn't be surprised, given the age in which we live. I'm personally wary of giving a book a 1- or 2-star review for fear of getting a nasty, ill-deserved review in turn.
It's crazy that people would do that! I've reviewed books and I've beta, arc for authors. I never being mean but i also dont sugar coat things, i make that clear from the get go so if the author is not comfortable with that he can choose to not use me.I can't imagine blackmailing an author or him bullying me for my opinion. I seriously loosing faith to out society day by day.
I've done reviews for authors for a long time now and haven't had any trouble. It's sad when writers geek out on the folks they asked to review it. Not everything or everyone is going to love your story. On a certain level you have to understand that as I writer. I've just published a book recently so I haven't had a lot of experience with reviews but I'd like to think if I had bad ones I'd take it in stride or as a learning experience.
Thomas wrote: "I'm personally wary of giving a book a 1- or 2-star review for fear of getting a nasty, ill-deserved review in turn."If I think a book is under 3 stars I contact the author asking if they still want the review up. I would rather they give the okay-go then have a huge episode.
Since writing that document I've had an easier time. Some said "no" because they didn't want their book given out or felt like the document was too pushy. When I tell them I'm not trying to be pushy, just more conscious of who I'm reviewing for, they pretty much blacklist me from their reviewer list.
It got to a point where I'm only reviewing for the big six publishers... once in a while I'll do independent, but it's very rare. There hasn't been an argument or name calling at all. It's a great document and I'm very proud of it! :)
This is really sad, but it happens. I got several negative reviews from someone that told a bunch of others that they should lie about me over a private email situation. The reviews had nothing to do with my book. They violated several TOS of the sites they were on. But the sites refused to take them down. Said the personal attacks were OK. I really would like to have reviews and I do them for most people, but I don't know that they get you sales if every other book out there has 5 stars. I love feedback from true customers, but I think providing a nice sample may be a better way to sell books. That is how I shop for books.
I love the document, and love the act like an adult section. I wish I had that for a review or two I did. This is under the whole I don't understand people section, people who do reviews are taking time to help the author out to do a review. Everyone should be professional it's a business, the internet never erases things. You really do catch more flies with honey, and authors are only going to push people away if they post nasty comments about a review which is a person opinion. I actually had a 2-3 star review from a reviewer, thanked them than asked if they wanted to do another one of my books because I appreciated her honesty.
This is interesting. I'm a new author and I wouldn't dream of telling off a reviewer. They took time to read and write a review for my book. Regardless of whether they liked it, it's the fact someone took time to read and write their opinion. I try to thank all of my reviewers regardless of the stars they've given me. Feedback is important to me if I'm ever going to get better at writing.
All interesting to hear. Well, I've had one book sent to two reviewers and haven't had any responses. When I contacted, one gave me two different dates for review to be finished but still no response. She never answered my email. The other person said she didn't know what happened though she had recommended reviewer.If one chooses to be a reviewer, then one should learn to communicate; have the right attitude. I'm opened to communicate.
I have the feeling that some of those offensive people are angry, cause they know their work is not best. Or maybe they did not afford an editor. These people are the ones that cannot afford not hiring an honest editor. That would definitely stop them before the book is out and us reviewers (and editors) too.
Oh and thank you all for sharing your expieriences!
I've been lucky so far-the few low star reviews for Indie authors have been taken well. I always try to be constructive and fair, explaining why I don't like something, and I indicate who it would appeal to etc. Even if I don't like the book, I promote it on my group and blog for other readers who might enjoy it. I feel that is fair.As a reader I'm ok with an author being disappointed with my review for its star rating but I won't accept abuse.
Jesse wrote: "This is so easy! If I can't give a good review then I won't do it. My understanding is that Smashwords won't allow blatant slagging in the name of "honesty"; they will remove derogatory reviews. I ..."The point of this is you don't know if they're going to flip out or not; this is just a safety thing. If they reply with "Yes, I agree with everything written on that document" I can refer back to it at anytime to state a case that gets out of hand. Just don't delete the email. :P
It wont get rid of things 100% but it will help.
So many author require everyone to like their book. I am not like that, even if a reviewer heaps vile cesspit like angry-hate reviews on me. I come up smiling and say thanks. Then I ... (we won't go there).Just kidding!
Unfortunately I've seen this go both ways. I think it's a combination of things. The anonymity the internet gives has something to do with it, I think, because I can't really imagine most people saying the stuff they say online in person.
A couple of years ago, I started leaving reviews on amazon of books I read. Sometimes I wasn't very nice and criticized bad editing. Then one author replied to my poor review with "thanks for the input". I wrote back to her and we became sorta friends. I'm editing her book now, just correcting mistakes. Anyway, it made me think of the authors themselves and the effort they put in their work. It gave me another perspective. Now, I have a blog where I review some books I read - not all of them, there's too many - and I prefer writing good reviews for books I liked and just not mentioning the ones I didn't like.
Should I write about the books I didn't like? I don't think so. If I didn't enjoy them, doesn't mean other people won't. Who am I to say a book is bad?
My opinion on reviews has changed considerably in the last year. I'm now afraid of hurting someone's feelings if I give a negative review so I just don't anymore. Do you think I'm being unfair?
A low-star review isn't saying the book is bad. It's saying you didn't like the book. I didn't like Vanity Fair. I didn't like The Grapes of Wrath. But I can understand why people say they are great books. Do you review books you don't like? It's a decision each reviewer has to make on their own. Choosing not to review books you didn't enjoy might make you feel better. It might not. But I think not reviewing a book you didn't enjoy because of the effort the author put into writing that book dismisses the effort you put in to reading it as less important. Books are written for the enjoyment of the reader, not the author.
Personally, I often choose to review those books I don't enjoy so that others with similar reading tastes won't make the mistake I made and waste several hours of their life on the book. Because reviews are for readers.
Josée wrote: "A couple of years ago, I started leaving reviews on amazon of books I read. Sometimes I wasn't very nice and criticized bad editing. Then one author replied to my poor review with "thanks for the i..."I don't think you are being unfair. I still believe in the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Most may not agree. It's staying true to myself. Like you said, "Who am I to say a book is bad?" I'm not afraid of hurting people's feelings, but I've read some Bestseller's to see what the big deal is, and some of them, I've been like: "I don't get it." But this is my own opinion. To each its own. Everything you said makes sense. Also, thanks for helping that author out.
I've been hesitant on seeking reviews. I'm proud of the handful I gather one at a time. It's a rewarding surprise I look forward to when strangers read my books and leave their personal opinion. From a one star to a five star, I love them all. After all, it's the only way to hear my reader's voice. How cool is that?
I'm a teacher by day and love writing at night. So after a long day's work, dealing with young people that have more problems I can count, it's almost like a reader is saying they appreciate what I do, when they leave a review. It's nice to feel appreciated;)
I got some 1-star ratings (without review) from people who didn't like I wrote some 1-star and 2-star reviews.And that's the most anyone can do to me. I heard about stalkers and intimidation, but I used to be a bouncer and I live in Amsterdam. Anyone who wants to come over and intimidate me can come right over.
After all, I'm a conflict resolution and self-defense instructor. I'll just hug them until they calm down...
I'm now afraid of hurting someone's feelings if I give a negative review so I just don't anymore. Do you think I'm being unfair? You should do what makes you feel comfortable.
I know when I read a book and I didn't like it, I feel bad as well because I don't want to hurt the author's feelings. I try to make it very clear what I didn't like, and I don't try to say things like, "No one will like this book" or something, because people have all sorts of tastes anyway.
I'm always hoping to enjoy a book, though.
Martyn wrote: "I got some 1-star ratings (without review) from people who didn't like I wrote some 1-star and 2-star reviews.And that's the most anyone can do to me. I heard about stalkers and intimidation, but..."
Rate my free book and if it sucks, spread the word but if it is good ... add to my legacy.http://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Blood-Ja...
Iola wrote: "A low-star review isn't saying the book is bad. It's saying you didn't like the book. I didn't like Vanity Fair. I didn't like The Grapes of Wrath. But I can understand why people say they are grea..."I hadn't seen it that way. Interesting.
But then, a review is to help other people choose to buy the book or not.
I once read a review that was so unfair in its criticism and direct attack on the author I replied to it. The woman clearly hadn't even read the blurb before buying it. But her one-star review still affected the book's average rating. Reviews can have a lot of power.
Maybe I'm freaking out a bit. I need Martyn (a.k.a. M'sieur Sang Froid) to hug me 'til I calm down :)
Josée wrote: "Maybe I'm freaking out a bit. I need Martyn (a.k.a. M'sieur Sang Froid) to hug me 'til I calm down :)"Be careful what you wish for. My hugs tend to restrict the flow of blood and air... You could end up a vegetable.
If I can't find something good to say about a book I say nothing---the lack of reviews say a lot about a book without being cruel.
Martyn (a.k.a. M'sieur Sang Froid) wrote: "Josée wrote: "Maybe I'm freaking out a bit. I need Martyn (a.k.a. M'sieur Sang Froid) to hug me 'til I calm down :)"Be careful what you wish for. My hugs tend to restrict the flow of blood and ai..."
HAHAHAHA!! Thanks for the warning.
J.W. wrote: "If I can't find something good to say about a book I say nothing---the lack of reviews say a lot about a book without being cruel."Although I respect your position, I think it's cruel to let people pay for something that's nowhere near ready for publication or otherwise seriously flawed.
In that sense, I regard my 1-star or 2-star reviews a 'public service', so other readers won't suffer the same disappointment.
I've gotten some negative reviews and some positive. I got a nasty one that accused me of plagiarism. When I read a bad book I don't usually bother to review it. Sometimes there are books so bad I feel I need to warn others about it. I've only done that a few times.
Martyn (a.k.a. M'sieur Sang Froid) wrote: "J.W. wrote: "If I can't find something good to say about a book I say nothing---the lack of reviews say a lot about a book without being cruel."Although I respect your position, I think it's crue..."
That is true too. If a book is clearly not ready for publication, it insults me to pay for it.
I wrote a review on my blog for an e-book that I bought - not free - on amazon that was so badly edited I gave up on it. I hadn't reached 15% of the book when I wrote to the author, told him about the problem and he answered that unfortunately he couldn't afford a professional editor but was happy to learn I was enjoying the story and asked if I could leave a review on his amazon page when I was finished. I suggested he have a friend read it for him.
I didn't leave a review. No one did. There are no reviews for this book either on amazon.com or amazon.ca. There's also no warning about the book being so badly edited you can't understand some sentences and you can still see the Track Changes he did in Word (ex: lines through deleted words).
What you're saying, Martyn, is that someone (me?) should warn people not to buy this book as it's almost unreadable.
I agree, had I seen such a comment I wouldn't have spent money on it, but his argument that he couldn't afford a professional editor made me feel bad for him.
Maybe I will go and leave comments now...
Josée wrote: "Martyn (a.k.a. M'sieur Sang Froid) wrote: "J.W. wrote: "If I can't find something good to say about a book I say nothing---the lack of reviews say a lot about a book without being cruel."Although..."
I think you should warn people. The author himself said to write a review... I ask authors if I can write a review if it's under 3 stars. Some say it's okay and some think it's a bad idea. If the author says to do it I would. It's not fair to the people who bought the book and didn't know any better.
That's just my opinion.
Josée wrote: "What you're saying, Martyn, is that someone (me?) should warn people not to buy this book as it's almost unreadable.I agree, had I seen such a comment I wouldn't have spent money on it, but his argument that he couldn't afford a professional editor made me feel bad for him."
Far from me to tell you what to do, but if someone blatantly publishes something sub-par with the excuse that they can't afford an editor? Yes, I'd nail their hide to the wall.
Authors, if you can't afford an editor, don't besmirch the profession. I expect a published book to adhere to a certain standard. If I pick up a book and my expectations aren't met, I tend to get cross with the person who expects me to waste my time and effort on their drafts. I'm not a beta-reader, I haven't offered my valuable time to read a manuscript.
I understand if someone writes something and wants to share it with the world. That's what blogs are for.
I feel it is a disservice to readers to enter an agreement with the author that you will not publish a review if you feel the book deserves less than three stars. Reviewers who do this mean well, and seem like the nicest of people. But if you're doing this practice you're in bed with the author. What readers (and authors!) need are honest, thoughtful and thought-provoking reviews. We are reviewers--not cheerleaders. If you feel compelled to do more for novice writers, consider helping them from a publicity angle, rather than offering pepped-up "reviews."
Emme wrote: "I feel it is a disservice to readers to enter an agreement with the author that you will not publish a review if you feel the book deserves less than three stars. Reviewers who do this mean well, a..."I said in my first post: " You can download and change what you want, this is just a backbone for a contract. "
The part about not reviewing under 3 stars is a PERSONAL paragraph. Authors have given me horrible emails because they didn't like my review. They can be really nasty people and some reviewers - like myself and others on this thread - are sick of it. I don't like being bullied because I didn't like the authors book.
This contract basically states don't bitch at me for doing my job. If you don't like that part then don't use it.
Rachel, I have gotten rotten author comments and I've been publicly attacked by an author's minions. That's to be expected when there are immature authors and fans out there. And, I'm a brash, honest, snarky book blogger, so it comes with the territory. I guess I come at this from a different perspective-- I studied literary criticism in college, where the goal was to analyze style and content. I don't give a flying fudgecicle about stroking an author's ego or propping up less-than books. My reviews are my opinions. If they exists for anyone else, they exist for other readers, who may or not agree with my opinions.
Emme wrote: "I feel it is a disservice to readers to enter an agreement with the author that you will not publish a review if you feel the book deserves less than three stars. Reviewers who do this mean well, and seem like the nicest of people..."It is a 'disservice', but on the other hand, writing reviews is not a service, so if reviewers don't want to write negative or low rated reviews, that's their prerogative.
People have an innate need to be liked. Or be thought of as sympathetic. Nobody wants to be thought as cruel (except me, but I'm not the norm) and for some reviewers it feels cruel to write a negative review of a book by a writer who publicly expresses they 'couldn't afford an editor'.
Sometimes people have to be told that they didn't perform like expected and they will resent you for it. So what?
I'm a parent. There are plenty of times when my children don't agree with me and resent me for my authority. While I don't appreciate their resentment, I do understand it and I hope they realise I do what I do because it's in their best interest.
Same with reviews. I don't write a negative review to have the author resent me like a pouting child, but if they do, I can only hope they realise that they themselves were to blame by underperforming and not meeting my expectations. If they choose to be immature, like 1-starring my books, that just shows their lack of development, both as a person and an author.
In my case, I've had some authors ask questions and/or simply say they are sorry I didn't like their book.However, to their credit, some have taken the review and re-worked their manuscript and are now enjoying better reviews and sales. Two have sent me messages to thank me for the honest review.
I still find it painful when it happens though. It is difficult to get the point across that one is trying to be helpful when the recipient feels hurt. It is never my intent to do so.
Norm Hamilton, Writer, Copy-Editor, Proofreader
Author of From Thine Own Well , Sarah’s Embrace , The Digital Eye
Website
One option is to decline to review books that are not seen as good and worthwhile -Reviewers should decline boooks that are in a genre that they do not like to read -
Pulp fiction - such as F&SF - such as the Gor or Conan books - may focus on action - the hero may be a "northern barbarian" -
One star because the hero in not sensitive or because of "violene?" Wow!
I always read the Amazon sample (if it's available) after being caught out by a couple of great pitches for books that weren't ready for publication. But I still get caught out on some NetGalley books, where the sample isn't available, even when they are in my favourite genre.
I've been blogging for over one year, so this is my experience as well. I've had authors say nasty words, or telling me they're going to sue me over 4/5 stars, so this will help weed out some over reacting people. You can download and change what you want, this is just a backbone for a contract.
Google Doc: http://tinyurl.com/9mxx55c