The
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
As Alex say's, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
As Alex say's, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG
And the
crew is revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These
questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or
story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire
your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Today's Question:
What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?
My answer:
When they compared my writing to that of Stephen King, an author I've always respected. Although, it was also the reason given by a few readers for why they would not finish my book, Memories of Murder.
Still, I'll take it as a compliment!
My answer:
When they compared my writing to that of Stephen King, an author I've always respected. Although, it was also the reason given by a few readers for why they would not finish my book, Memories of Murder.
Still, I'll take it as a compliment!
The
co-hosts are ME, Tyrean
Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte , LK Hill, Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott!
The IWSG is also gearing up to announce the next anthology topic
and you get a vote on what that topic will be.
Just go HERE!
and you get a vote on what that topic will be.
Just go HERE!
Today I have a question regarding reviews:
When someone posts a review on their blog should you respond with a comment - a thank you? I've always tried to hit the
'like' button on Goodreads, and thank a blogger that I know with an email message,
but will leaving a comment 'thank you' mean that the Amazon police will see it
and delete the review?
How do you respond to a great review from
someone you know
vs. someone you don't.
Is there a certain etiquette to be followed?
Is there a certain etiquette to be followed?
167 comments:
Hi,
I don't have a book out yet, but I do write reviews when I read a book. A thank you is for me good old homeschool training that says I appreciate you taking the time out to read my work and writing a review. No writer has excess time regardless of whether they are a blogger, author, or whatever, so it shouldn't hurt an author reviewed to say thanks.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
I've thanked reviewers a couple of times, but I've heard from a few authors that you're not supposed to. Whatever. If someone thanked me for a review, I wouldn't hold it against them.
A few people have become friends after reviewing my book. That was a very cool, but unexpected, benefit of reviews!
I have no idea if there's certain etiquette to be followed, but if I see a review of my book posted on a blog that I read everyday, I do make sure to thank them for taking the time.
And it's very cool that your work's been compared to Stephen King. Such a compliment!
How fab to be compared to Stephen King! A great compliment indeed - even though I must admit, I can't read all of Stephen King books (just not my thing) but I love reading yours :) Great post, Yolanda.
To be compared to The King is Awesome!!!!!!!!
If someone has a review of my book on their blog, I do comment. And I also press like on Goodreads. I never even thought of the Amazon police deleting a review, but now I will....
Thank you for co-hosting this month Yolanda.
Yay! Nothing better than being compared to an author you love.
I've never had an issue with Amazon and reviews, and I always thank bloggers, when I know about the review--and then shout about it to every corner of the virtual world. (If it's good.)
Being compared to Stephen King is a wonderful compliment. At the very least, it must feel awfully good. ! Do you feel you've reached your stride? Thank you for co-hosting IWSG. I appreciate your time and effort plus it gives me a chance to "meet" you.
Great compliment.
I'll leave a comment on a blog post, but on Goodreads, I just hit the like button.
I don't know if authors expect a thank-you for an Amazon review posting. For a blog post review, I can see sending a thank-you, but you are right about Amazon police. I wouldn't want to get on their bad side.
I would love to be compared to Stephen King. He's my favorite author.
Like Stephen King, now that's an awesome compliment. If someone posts on their blog, I will leave a comment. I try to always thank people in one way or another for reviews.
That's a HUGE compliment! King writes brilliantly :)
Thank you for co-hosting.
I would love to be compared to Stephen King, he's one of my favorite authors. As for thanking someone for a review on their blog, I would. If they took their time to write it, and I see it, I think it's the right thing to do. I didn't even think about Amazon though.
Good questions. I agree with the others, readers don't expect a thank you for doing a review. As for being compared to Stephen King ... Wow! Congratulations. As for posting etiquette, I wrote a post about that very subject in the IWSG newsletter this month. I think it's a must to respond by visiting the commenter's blog and reciprocating. That's how IWSG grows. Thanks for co-hosting, Yolanda!
I don't know what the right thing is to do, but I do comment on reviews. I don't write so I'm guessing this is different for you. I've read more than one book because of a review. I think that deserves a comment.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Being compared to King is wonderful. That says a lot about your skill.
As for review etiquette, I try to play it safe. If I see a review of my book on a blog I will leave a simple "thank you for your time" comment, but beyond that I just hit 'like' elsewhere.
That is an awesome comparison indeed. Ugg to the Amazon police. I thank them, liked I thanked you one the comment you left on my blog and here too. But yeah, I try not to one up or anything to tick off the amazon police.
I think being compared to King or any author you admire is a wonderful thing.
I think a thank-you for someone posting a review on their blog is very appropriate. For Goodreads and Amazon I think a simple like is appropriate. I've heard it's not a good idea to get into commenting on reviews in those forums, particularly if the review is negative.
I think being compared to King or any author you admire is a wonderful thing.
I think a thank-you for someone posting a review on their blog is very appropriate. For Goodreads and Amazon I think a simple like is appropriate. I've heard it's not a good idea to get into commenting on reviews in those forums, particularly if the review is negative.
Stephen King? Wow. That's a HUGE compliment!
I always leave reviews after reading a book. However, I have no idea with regards to review etiquette on the part of the author.
Lots of authors say you shouldn't even read the reviews of your books. I don't have a book out yet, so I'm not sure. But for me, good manners will dictate.
A simple thank you should suffice, or as some have said, hit the like button.
Happy IWSG Day, Yolanda!
Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month!
Writer In Transit
Stephen King is huge.
I'll leave a blog comment, but I've heard you really shouldn't comment there, either.
If they're on Twitter, I usually tweet them and thank them (and if they've tweeted the review, retweet it) or the same on Facebook. I'm cautious about commenting on the blog itself in case someone thinks I'm pandering.
I'd say that was a compliment, Yolanda! My work was once compared with that of Alexander McCall Smith which I was very happy about.
If someone takes time to review more book more thoroughly (like on a blog or somewhere), I always at least thank them, even if it's not glowing. If it's on Amazon or Goodreads, though, I'll just click on "like" or "found helpful" because anything else feels awkward. Actually, the whole darn process is awkward come to think of it. Luckily, I have a lot of practice at awkward!
@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
Now that is an awesome compliment! :)
If someone mentions my work on his/her blog, I try to comment and say thanks. I still haven't worked out a set system for what to do on Amazon and Goodreads.
I wouldn't thank them in public. Many readers might be put off by that. But there's nothing wrong with sending them a thank you by email.
Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG.
A comparison to Stephen King? Yes, that is awesome!
When I know someone is posting a review of my book on their blog, I do stop by and leave a "thank you" comment.
Hi Yolanda, I missed the idea of a monthly question but I love it! And how wonderful to be compared to Stephen King. The age-old should I respond to reviews question...I really struggle with this. I do like the review on goodreads and sometimes I will privately message the reviewer, unless it's another author and then I will comment on the author's review because authors usually like that.
That's certainly a tricky question, I think I would feel awkward if I didn't say thank you; it's just good manners. It's ridiculous that we should have to worry about this kind of thing.
Stephen King - that's pretty impressive! I'm just happy when someone says they've enjoyed my writing :)
I have on author who always comments back when I leave a review. None of mine have ever been deleted, so I think it depends on what is said and interaction whether it will ding an alert. IMO
Great compliment. That's awesome.
Happy IWSG Day
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
I'd say that's one of the best compliments ever! :)
King? Woohoo! Good one! Most say no go on remarking in public on good or bad reviews, if you know them or not. Nada. Never. Readers & reviewers like to feel they have free reign to voice their opinions... A private thank you is your call. On a personal blog, if you know them, a thank you is fine, says I.
NICE!!!! That's some compliment... Still, I can't believe they wouldn't finish the story... It's too good not to finish!
Since I have never had anything published or reviewed, I can't answer that question... It's good information to know for the future, though.
Oh my gosh that's a wonderful compliment!! I kind of worship Stephen King so I am super-impressed. And that person was correct too - you are a fantastic writer.
Very cool compliment!!
Hi Yolanda
The best thing that has been said about my book is: "This is the best book of the decade." Made my heart flutter.
Amazon won't pull a review for a simple 'Thank you." Just don't use the words 'friend' or a family member word such as 'brother.' If someone post a negative review, don't say anything at all. Grab the nearest pillow and beat the feathers out.
I'll be leaving a review on your first book soon, just finished. Like my writing, I always have to think about what I'm going to say.
Nancy
It all depends on how you want to thank reviewers I guess. As long as you are not mean I don't see a problem with saying thank you. A comparison to Mr. King is a life changing compliment.
I've always heard reviews are for other readers, not for the author (even though we often need a certain number of positive reviews to advertise on bargain book e-mail lists). If I know the reviewer, I might thank him or her privately, but otherwise I wouldn't say anything that might make the reviewer uncomfortable.
Thank you for co-hosting, Yolanda. I always thank people for a review on their blog. However, I have noticed on Amazon, that certain reviewers start off by saying they got a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. So if your reviewers can just mention that they bough your book and that they were giving an honest opinion, it should be fine. I think they track who you hang out with on social media, but if you mentioned you bought their book fair and square and are giving an honest review, they might not be so quick to delete the comment. Wishing you well.
Being compared to Stephen King is definitely a compliment. I think you have officially arrived. Well done:)
A comparison to Stephen King? That's amazing! He's my all time favorite horror writer. Guess I'm going to have to pick your novels. :)
As far as reviews go, I'm on the fence with that. If the review is positive and you know the reviewer, you can thank them privately, unless you're willing to thank a reviewer that hasn't given you a great review as well. I've had Amazon pull reviews I've written even when I had NO connection to the author. They're funny that way.
Thank you so much for co-hosting today. It's much appreciated by all, I'm sure.
Getting compared to King is awesome.Thanks for co-hosting!
Stephen King is HIGH praise indeed! I'd hold that compliment tight.
Etiquette for responding to reviews is not usually a topic I see discussed. But looking toward using good manners, I think a simple thank you would be fine whether you know the reviewer or not. No gushing or complaining though. Thanks for co-hosting!!
Etiquette for responding to reviews is not usually a topic I see discussed. But looking toward using good manners, I think a simple thank you would be fine whether you know the reviewer or not. No gushing or complaining though. Thanks for co-hosting!!
To have your writing compared to Stephen King — can't get much better than that. I've heard conflicting advice on responding to reviews. Thanks for posing such a great question. The comments are very educational. And thank you for co-hosting!
Wow, that is quite the compliment! I don't ever respond to reviews unless it was something my publisher or a blogger set up (like a review tour), then I just thank them for their review. Sometimes people tag me in their reviews on Twitter with a question, and I'll respond then.
That is a wonderful compliment. :)
I'd take that as a compliment too!
That is a great compliment. I don't know if Amazon polices blog reviews, but politeness and good manners seem to be the best route. Thanks for co-hosting!
I don't think you can get a better compliment than being compared to the King himself! I thank reviewers on their blogs. I don't think Amazon bothers to read blog reviews. It's probably more dangerous to friend people on GR since Amazon owns it now so has total access.
Lucky you, to breathe the same creative air as one of my writing heroes! Thanks for co-hosting today, Yolanda! As for reviews, I always say "Thank you!" (must be my upbringing!) and Like. And share. Spread that good stuff around.
Hi Yolanda! What a great compliment to be likened to Stephen King. That's one to treasure. And I like to thank people for reviews. And it's nice when an author thanks me. But I know all about the Amazon police, but they do have a comment section under reviews and I see no need to ignore it.
Thanks for co-hosting! I know the time it takes!
Have a wonderful month!
Denise :-)
I had to set aside a Stephen King novel once, too - and it was exactly because his description was so, so good. That's an awesome compliment.
Huh, I have no idea if Amazon would note a comment on a review. I write in the romance genre, and reviewers there can get kinda crazy about what they see as author interference, so I rarely comment on a review publicly.
That is quite a question. It is a "wow" compliment to have that comparison! Having a long-distance comment is kinda hard.
Wow - a comparison to Stephen King. Kudos for you.
You raise a good question about reviews. I don't know about the others, but I never replied to a review unless I asked for it. Then I said "Thank you" in a personal email. Perhaps it was the wrong policy. Not sure.
Yolanda, how cool is that! I would love to be compared to Stephen King. Hey, with my name maybe I'm half way there.
Thanks for co-hosting today Yolanda! Wow, that’s cool that your writing been compared to Stephen King. I remember that the first Stephen King book I’ve read was Dolores Clairborne. I don’t know if there’s an etiquette but I thank them for the review on the blog and like it on Goodreads. Amazon is an enigma so unless I can contact the reviewer privately, I leave it alone.
Thanks for stopping by. Reviews and comments? I only have a couple books up on JukePop Serials and there, it is encouraged for a response if someone comments. I decided this would help me become a better writer without the hooplah at Amazon or Good Reads. However, I have made it a point on my blogs from the start that I only post what I, personally think. There are some ups and downs to being a public figure, even if I'm only known locally.
Stephen King, eh? I still get the shivers from my memory of the night I read 'Salem's Lot. I was in college at the time. And Carrie? I'm thinking I might just pick up a hooror stoy. Will let you know, as I haven't read horror for years.
Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG today, Yolanda! I'd be thrilled to be compared with Stephen Kind, an author whom I admire a great deal. I just recently read his "11/22/63," and I could hardly put it down! What a wonderful compliment about your writing!
I really don't feel that I can help you with your question. You are so far ahead of me in the book writing process! My instinct would be to contact the reviewer privately, especially with Amazon.
Happy writing this month!
Hi Yolanda, its such a huge compliment being compared to Stephen King.
As for thanking people for a review of your book, you can always thank them on Twitter or Facebook or email them. That's what writers do when I review their books for the newspapers. They share my review of their books on all their sites and like it wherever I have shared it.
Rachna Chhabria
Co-host IWSG
Rachna's Scriptorium
That's an awesome compliment!
As for reviews, I usually click "like" too because I don't want Amazon to kick me out . . . but a thank you now and then seems appropriate. I like the suggestions that everyone else had.
That's really cool to be compared to Stephen King!
Since I don't have a book out, I don't know too much about the world of reviews. I think it's fine to say thank you to someone for a positive review. I've seen things spin into something really negative online when an author has responded to a bad review. So I would be a little bit more cautious about how you respond to someone who negatively reviewed your book, should you choose to respond at all.
Your name was ringing a bell in my mind, and I just realized why it was familiar ~ I read your short story in the IWSG anthology. I enjoyed it, although perhaps I should say it haunted me because it was sad ~ and a breast-feeding, milk pumping protagonist is a memorable first in this reader's experience! Congratulations on having your story included in the anthology!
Being compared to Stephen King?! That's a huge compliment!
Great question and great post. I like all the suggestions. I think it's always good to thank people when possible. I do like the thoughts on Facebook and Twitter and email responses. Thank you for being a host this month.
I wish I could answer that question for you, but, first, one has to be selling their book(s). So, maybe in a few years, I can give you my take on this. :-) In general, I always reply to emails and to comments on my blog, or others when prompted. Showing your appreciation should not get you in trouble... The best compliment you received is way up there! Congratulations and thank you for hosting this month's IWSG Wednesday, Yolanda!
It's interesting that your best comment was also a turn off for others. But I agree, it's a great compliment!
I'm not sure I can answer your question because I have never really had a review on my blog, or anywhere else. Mostly because I'm still struggling with trying to get published. Okay, I'm still struggling with trying to finish editing. It's been a long time coming, but I'm trying to get it just right.
I think being compared to Stephen King is a huge compliment, congrats.
That's quite a compliment!
I don't have any novels to my name, but this is what someone said about a short story of mine:
Well, it really is superb writing. You seem to effortlessly elicit such vivid pictures in your writing. Every thing I've read of yours - including this latest example - is so beautifully descriptive. I would love to be able to capture even a sprinkling of what you achieve. Well done.
Susan at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
I guess I would try and leave a response somewhere besides Amazon if possible. What a great compliment!
Oh, and thanks so much for co-hosting this month!
Stephen King? What a spectacular compliment!
I ‘like’ reviews on Goodreads and click 'helpful' on Amazon. There’s nothing wrong with thanking someone who’s posted a review on their blog. I’ve seen well-known authors pop up unexpectedly in blog comments. Just keep it at a thank you and don’t interact. If you’re really concerned about the Amazon police, send your thank you to the blogger via email.
VR Barkowski
Thank you so much for co-hosting this month's IWSG session. I've joined your blog before. This is my first time as a member of the group. It does seem that Goodreads as well as Amazon seems to be questioning a lot of reviews. I'm a short story writer, but I write reviews of books when asked, so I know what you mean. So sorry I don't have an answer for you, though.
That is great compliment. The King himself. I think you're right to be wary of the Amazon police.
Being compared to Stephen King is a wonderful comment! LOL, that would probably last me my whole writing career. Feeling discouraged? Remember you write like King! I don't comment on GoodReads or Amazon reviews on my books. *shrugs*
Gosh, that IS certainly a great compliment!!!! :D
The review question, I wondered that myself. I've stayed away from commenting or liking anything. Part of me thinks it's rude, but Amazon police doesn't care . . . And, well, the sad truth is that we need the reviews. I really wish there was an easier way to deal with this, though. :-/
~~~
S.K. Anthony: The Decline in Ebooks — It’s Not What You Think
Wow! What a compliment. I'd definitely "like" the review. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
That is a great compliment, even if that's why some couldn't finish reading.
Thanks for co-hosting!
I hope I someday have more than all of one review for the four books I have out so far. I suppose it's only common courtesy to thank someone for a good review, at least on a blog. On Amazon and Goodreads, it can seem a tad unprofessional.
That's awesome you got compared to Stephen King!
Just can't please everyone. I'd like to be compared to King, lol.
Who knows what makes Amazon take down a review. I think all mine are up (but I didn't see one for your first book from me and I was sure I reviewed it there). Denise's review is still up, and look how well you "know" each other. I bet the blogger would appreciate a thank you from the author they reviewed - positively.
Hi, Pat, thanks. I agree. It's just difficult to know how far the reach of Amazon is. I came across a review on a blog of someone I don't know, apparently arranged for by my publisher and I wanted to say 'thank you' but quickly noticed that there were no other comments. I checked the history of the blog and saw that on no page was there a comment. (This blog was a review site) I shied away from leaving one, and then wondered if I'd done the right thing. I always say thank you when I'm aware and know the author, but this time, I questioned it. Still do, even after all these wonderful answers. :)
I think that's wonderful! I love being open and showing my appreciation, but today, there does seem to be a question regarding knowing someone and Amazon reviews. I review books of authors I know. I hope none of mine have been deleted but I also try to make sure the purchased can be verified! Still ARC's exist for the sole reason of a review!
Honestly, I think the person who made that claim hadn't ever read his work, just knew of it! So, that's why I'm not sure it was meant as a compliment, but to put a positive slant on the fact that they couldn't read my book, or wouldn't finish reading it because of the subject matter, Lucifer. I took it in a positive way, but believe me. I know better! :)
It is, if it's meant as a compliment. I think in this incident it was meant as a slam by someone who hadn't read his work. :(
Still, had to look at it positively, he is one of my favorite authors, but as I said before I know better! :)
If only it were true!
I've read of them deleting reviews, but so far they haven't done so to me. I just know their reach is wide and I assumed there was an etiquette, as there seems to be for everything else. Although I'm sure it'd change daily as has everything else about book marketing online!
Truly, Crystal, if only it were true! :)
I do too, or I did. I shared a review once and it seemed to invite a bit of hate, and made me question whether it was a smart thing to do. Someone took it as bragging and left a sour message. But damn, shouldn't we be allowed to brag once in a while? Especially if it's 5 stars?
Hi, Lynn, heavens no. They didn't really mean it as a compliment, but I chose to see it that way. I've long admired the King!
I have a long, long way to go before I've reached my stride!
It's wonderful to meet you!
Thanks, Alex, that seems to be the consensus!
Hi, Tamara, I'd never comment on an Amazon review, that's just inviting trouble. He's mine too, if only the comparison was even close!
Ha, ha, isn't it! Now if I only believed it, better yet if only the reading public believed it! :)
You do a beautiful job of thanking folks, you write the best reviews!
HUGE! Damn, if only it were meant that way. :)
Hi, Jemi!
Hi, Elsie, he's one of mine too. But darn it, I know they didn't mean it in a positive way, and I'd bet my last dollar they'd never read his work. When I first read their words I was shocked and felt awful. It was never my intent to write a book that someone 'couldn't' read because of the subject. But I had to turn the negativity around. I took it as compliment even though I know better!
Yes, I do too, but suddenly it became a question! To acknowledge publicly or not?
Thanks, Joylene, I saw that and agree 100% blog comments should be reciprocated. Thanks for answering the question, I'll quit worrying about it then, especially if it's not even expected. But I'll continue to respond the way I have with a personal thank you, a like on GR's and a comment on a blog.
Stephen King, my hero, if only!
Thanks, Sandee, I have too!
Wishing you a fabulous day too!
Oh, Toinette, I wish. :)
Smart, I'll keep playing it safe too!
Yes, and thank you for the thank you. I loved your book! Congratulations!
Hi, Pat!
I would never, ever comment on a negative review, that's only asking for trouble. And I've had my share.
Hi, Bish, I agree, comparison to another author is usually a compliment, and that's how I'm taking it! :)
Well, not really that HUGE - it really wasn't meant that way. But I turned it around so I could handle their other words. :)
Thank you, Michelle!
Thanks, Diane!
See, there are several roads to take!
You're right, Karen, good manners should dictate, but for some reason they don't, at least not in all cases!
Hi, Megan, I don't think I've ever had a tweeted review. But yes, that would be the appropriate place to 'like'! That's the word, pandering, yes, it is a worry isn't it. FB is the place where I was accused of bragging! Made me think twice about posting reviews.
That's wonderful Patsy, and I'm sure the person making the comment also finished reading your book, unlike the folks who refused to read mine. I doubt that it would have concerned me, but several readers made that claim, and it really bothered me. I guess mixing mystery/detective/horror wasn't the right choice! :)
Thanks for visiting!
Hi, Samantha, I think that's the way most folks do it, and yes, awkward is the word.
Awkward, pandering, bragging, polite, hmm... all good words to come out of this!
Hi, Madeline, thanks, I wont repeat myself, but I so appreciate your comments and the visit!
Hi, Ken, thanks, emails are a great way to say thank you and takes the public out of it!
Hey, Chrys, if only, right!
Yes, me too, unless I don't know the blogger, then I wonder if I should or shouldn't - especially when no one else has and it's a reviewers blog. Hmm...
Hi, Jennifer, the monthly question is a suggestion only, but a great idea if you're struggling with a subject of your own. I think it's a great idea!
Thanks!
Hi, Donna, I just wish it were meant in the true sense but it is what it is. :)
So maybe they took your review down? I'll have to check, that is odd. Now I'm doubly worried I can't afford to lose any review!
Yes, I agree we should be able to respond with a thank you!
Thanks, Carrie-Anne, yes, unprofessional, that's true!
Thanks, Deb, that's how I decided to take it, but I'm sure they've never read his work either! :)
Thank you, Diane, I agree, at least a 'like'!
Hi, SK, yes, it's a wonderful way to look at it, but I'm so not even close! :)
I agree it is a sad truth. Amazon seems to rule the writing world!
Hi, Gwen, I'm too realistic, but it does give one pause to imagine being that good!
Thanks!
Hi, Susan, can't help but be wary!
Thanks Victoria, and welcome to the IWSG family!
That's the fear floating around the internet now.
Great advice, VR, It should be a great compliment shouldn't it. I'll take it!
Hi, Lisa, you're welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, Susan, if only it were true! :)
Those are magnificent words and I know well deserved. Congratulations!
Thanks, Suzanne, I just wish it were true! :)
You'll get there Jeffrey, conquer one hurdle at a time, soon you'll be worrying about reviews! :)
I'm taking it as a positive, thanks, HR!
Hi, Liesbet, I've no doubt you'll be worrying about the same soon, unless we decide on an etiquette!
It was fun to co-host, much more fun than I thought it would be!
Ha, ha, Lynda, but so not close to being true! Darn!
Thank you, Erika, I love all the answers, and yes, saying thank you shouldn't be so hard!
I agree, Cynthia, a writer should never get into an argument with a reader, silly, and can end an online presence!
Thanks, Fundy Blue, that is so awesome. To hear that my name was ringing a bell and that you've read Parallels, truly AWESOME! Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!
Not as huge as it should be since I'm sure the person had never read his work, but I'll take it nonetheless! :)
I agree, thank you's should be sent, and sharing should be allowed without the feeling of pandering interfering!
Hi, Tyrean, the suggestions are great! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one trying to do it right!
Me too, Laura, a positive response is always welcome, but I wanted to turn around what seemed like a negative one to a positive one. So far it's worked. :)
Good manners should rule!
Hi, Juneta, do they comment on an Amazon review or on a blog review. I do know of reviews that have been deleted, just learned one of mine might have been?!
Isn't it! :) Hi, Sandra!
I'd celebrate too, if it was meant in a positive way. It is what it is and I've turned it positive for me! :)
Good advice, I don't think I'll go back to that reviewers blog and comment. She obviously takes her reviews seriously and I'm just one of many!
Hi, Michael, I know that really hurt. But I'm glad you've read them! You're future isn't too far away, isn't that anthology due out in August??
You're so sweet Julie, I just wish that reader, well, almost reader had said the same thing! :)
Thanks, Alexia!
Amazon is a pain in the shorts. I'm forever trying to figure them out.
If you write like Steven King, then I'm in for some sleepless nights! Great comment to have on your writing.
Hi, Nancy, I'd never, ever comment on a negative review, It's only asking for trouble, but I'll not say a word on Amazon positive review or negative, only on a blog and only if I know the blogger. I'll keep 'like' ing on GR's and FB though.
I'm thrilled that you read MML, I can't wait to read your review, thank you! I do that too, read - think - write review, and then re-write the review!
Hi, Shenna, I'd never comment on a negative review. But I do like to say thank you, especially in an email.
It would be life changing if it were a real compliment. :) But I'll take it!
Hi, Sandra, that is so true. I think we writers forget that, but it's why I want to thank them, reviews are so hard to come by. When another author take the time to read and then write a review. Wow, I just find it amazing! I agree a private thank you works for me!
I've seen that too, but I've also heard that ARC reviews are some of the ones disappearing? If I don't see the 'verified purchase' on the review I just assume it's an ARC, although some are given away in contests too, which some reviewers also mention. I do know that they track the social media stuff. I've seen it. Thanks for your opinion, Murees!
Not yet, not officially, but getting there! :)
Hi, lilicasplace, I don't think you'll find much King in them, although the second one is more horror than mystery. I don't think the person had ever read King. But I'll take it!
So they do pull them, for unknown reasons. No, on Amazon I make no comment! On GR I hit 'like' on blogs that I know I'll comment and if I know the reviewer who's posted to Amazon I'll send an email.
Co-hosting was a blast, thank you!
Thank you, Kim!
Even meant the way it was, I do! Hi, Liza!
Hi, J Q, you're right not usually discussed. I guess that's why I wondered about an online etiquette. Great answers here today!
Hi, lori! Thanks, I'm learning a lot too!
Thanks, Jamie, good advice!
Hi, Lexa, they do have more reach via GR don't they!
King! If only! :)
Wish it were true! :)
You have a wonderful month too. I appreciate your insight!
It is hard for some of us not to be polite, isn't it. :) Hi, Nicki. I loved that about the King novel, thank you. Made me feel even better!!!!
I like that, encouraged responses! I'll have to check it ou.
Horror is such fun!
Thanks, Lee, but I'm not that good, believe me! I doubt this person had ever read his work. Oh well, I'll take it!
Amazon, a quandary!
Amazon is an enigma, great word!
Hi, Lidy, thanks!
Yes, you're halfway there! :)
Hi, Olga, it sounds like a great policy!
Thanks, Susan!
Thanks, Cherie!
Truly, it only makes sense, right? :) Hi, Laura!
Thanks, Loni, I know they know we're connected. I've seen it on the site. So and so is a friend of so and so, on so and so social site. Really, not they publish that?
I have no idea about the reviews, but fantastic to have been compared to Stephen King! Even for the ones who couldn't finish it because of that. I say bring it on! Now to read these other comments and see what people said about the reviews.
Nice comment they gave you. Cool beaners. Happy Weekend.
Thanks, Ivy, have a great weekend yourself!!!
Wow - compared to S. King - that's a compliment.
No idea on the review question. I agree about the Amazon police problem - but can offer no suggestions.
That's amazing to be compared to Stephen King. You deserve that compliment Yolanda - your writing is superb. Thanks for co hosting the IWSG this month. Cheers
That's an awesome complement!
I've heard that some book reviewers don't like it when an author comments on the post of their review. The claim is it turns off readers from discussing it because they're aware the author is watching or something. But then I hear that other book reviewers love it. The safe bet would probably be email them a thank you.
To answer your question, I do click "like" on Goodreads when someone reviews one of my books, and I'll thank a person on their blog or by email if I know them or if it was part of a blog tour. On Amazon, I steer clear from responding to reviews of any kind.
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