DEFENDING THE PEN: Forbidden by F. Stone

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Tuesday, June 27, 2017

THE SUPER POWER OF READERS

Reader’s Super Powers

Thank you, Yolanda, for the honor to chat with your visitors about Forbidden. You’ve given me free reign to discuss what hasn’t be covered in my guest posts so far. Wow, give a woman that kind of freedom, the world better take notice.

I’m betting your readers have no idea about the power they possess. Yep, every reader has the force that can send an author into the world of ‘best seller’ or plunge her/his books into oblivion. I’m not sure if I should share this secret or not. The risk is great. But the benefits are enormous.

Any guesses on the identity of a reader’s power? Reviews? Yes!!

I can spend hundreds of dollars on ads, have a great book cover, an engaging synopsis, but if readers write negative reviews on my novel, the sales reports will be abysmal. Now, if the book truly deserves the one--star rating on Amazon, the author might consider registering for a writer’s course, or take up knitting. The point is that readers value the opinion of other readers.

Compose a review, even a brief report, giving information about what you loved, and/or what was lacking in the novel. It’s understood that a reviewer’s report is subjective. What one reader didn’t like, another reader might be swept away in a fantasy heaven. However, each review has the power to sway a reader to buy the book, or chose another book.

There’s no need to be cruel or nasty – some reviewers are unbelievably nasty. If you didn’t enjoy the read, simply say so. Point out the reason. Maybe you couldn’t connect with the characters, the plot dragged on, or the ending was predictable. Perhaps the book was poorly edited.

I read every review I receive. So far, knock on wood, I’ve received only one crushing review. The rest have been wonderful. Occasionally, there’s a comment for me to consider while writing my next novel. It’s all a learning experience. If I can improve my writing technique through a reader/reviewer’s suggestions, that’s perfect.

Now for the rules. Amazon is very clear on their standards for reviewers. If a reviewer breaks these rules, Amazon will delete the review. Here is quick list of what you need to know when writing a review on Amazon.

Eligibility

To post Customer Reviews or Customer Answers, post on Customer Discussion Forums, or submit content to followers, you must have spent at least $50 on Amazon.com using a valid credit or debit card. Prime subscriptions and promotional discounts don't qualify towards the $50 minimum. You do not need to meet this requirement to post Customer Questions, create or modify Profile pages, Lists, or Registries, or to read content posted by other customers.

Be Helpful and Relevant

The Community is intended to provide helpful, relevant content to customers. Content you submit should be relevant and based on your own honest opinions and experience.

· For Community features focused on a specific topic, you should only submit content related to that topic.

· Customer Reviews and Questions and Answers should be about the product. Feedback about the seller, your shipment experience, or packaging can be shared at www.amazon.com/feedback or www.amazon.com/packaging. Comments about pricing, product availability or alternate ordering options are also not about the product and should not be shared in Customer Reviews or Questions and Answers.

Respect Others

Amazon values diverse opinions, so you may disagree with some content that you come across. Please keep in mind that something that may be disagreeable to you may not violate our Guidelines. In order to maintain a welcoming environment for all users, your participation in the Community must always be respectful of others. In particular:

· Don't post content that is libelous, defamatory, harassing, threatening, or inflammatory. For example, don't use obscenities or profanity, and don't express hatred or intolerance for people on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender or gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability, including by promoting organizations with such views.

· Don't post content that is obscene, pornographic, or lewd, or that contains nudity or sexually explicit images.

· Don't post content that invades others' privacy. For example, don't post other people's phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, or other personal information, and don't post links to phishing or other malware sites.

· Don't impersonate other people or organizations or pretend to be someone or something you're not.

· Don't repeatedly send messages or requests to other people.

· Don't attempt to drown out other people's opinions, including by posting from multiple accounts or coordinating with others.

· Don't engage in name-calling or attack people based on whether you agree with them.

· You may question the beliefs and expertise of others as long as it is relevant and done in a respectful and non-threatening manner.

The first review you write may be a challenge. Keep it short and to the point. The next will be much easier. Some book reviewers become professional and are in high demand. You will get free books in exchange for an honest review.

God bless all book reviewers. You’re worth a ton of gold.