What good is a book review anyway? What does it mean to the author? What does it mean to a potential reader? I must admit, I was never one of those authors big on sending out review copies of my books. Why waste the time, postage and a book that I could be selling versus giving away for free anyway? But now that I look back on all the reviews I’ve ever received, they have helped me so much in my writings. The ones that were favorable (and ego boosters might I add) like the one found on the link below helped me to see just what it is a reader enjoys.
http://proverbs31bookclub.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-me-myself-and-him-by-author-en.html. Some of the not so favorable reviews helped me also. They helped me to see exactly what it is a reader does not enjoy in a read and served as a reminder to not do it again. I realize that for every negative thing a reviewer finds in one of my books, there are several others out there who feel the same way who just didn’t take the time to write a review. Luckily, though, the same goes for all the good comments as well.
As a reader, and a consumer period, I tend to read reviews before purchasing a product; that is, if reviews are available. I mean, now days, who stays at a hotel without checking out the reviews? Well, a book, like a hotel, is a get-a-way. It’s a mini trip from the place you are used to and comfortable with. Do I take every single review at face value? Certainly not. But I do take them into consideration. So are reviews a waste of time? I don’t think so. Be it a review posted by a random reader, a review from a reviewer an author hand picked and sent their book to, or even a paid review (which I can’t bring myself to endorse) book reviews certainly serve a great purpose in book sells. After all, people are always saying that word of mouth is the best tool in marketing and promotion. Well, what do you think a book review is?
So, that’s my opinion, in a nutshell, regarding book reviews. Last but not lease, authors, if someone takes the time to post a book review of your blog, the least you can do is take the time to add a comment; even if it’s just a simple ‘Thanks.’ If the review wasn’t favorable, still thank them for their time. No, don’t defend your book about any negative comments they might have made. Simply thank them for taking the time to read your work and post an opinion. Not every one is going to like your book.
About Author E. N. Joy
I am BLESSEDselling author, E. N. Joy, the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas,” coined the “Soap Opera In Print.” Formerly writing secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, I am an award winning author who has been sharing my literary expertise on conference panels in my home town of Columbus, Ohio as well as cities across the country.
After thirteen years of being a paralegal in the insurance industry, I finally divorced my career and married my mistress and my passion; writing. In 2000, I formed my own publishing company, END OF THE RAINBOW projects, where I published my own works until landing a book deal with a major publisher. Under End of the Rainbow, I have published New York Times and Essence Magazine Bestselling authors in the “Sinner Series,” in which the current releases are Even Sinners Have Souls (Book 1) and Even Sinners Have Souls TOO (Book 2).
In 2004, I branched off into the business of literary consulting in which I provide one-on-one consulting and literary services such as ghost writing, editing, professional read-throughs, write behinds, etc… My clients consist of first time authors, Essence Magazine bestselling authors, New York Times bestselling authors, and entertainers.
Not forsaking my love of poetry in which I have published two works of poetry titled Please Tell Me If the Grass is Greener and World On My Shoulders, I plans to turn my focus back to poetry one day. But my spirit has moved me in another direction. Needless to say, I will no longer be penning street lit (in which two of my titles, If I Ruled the World and Dollar Bill, made the Essence Magazine bestsellers list. Dollar Bill was also translated to Japanese). I will no longer be penning erotica or adult contemporary fiction either, in which one of my titles earned the Borders bestselling African American romance award at the Romance Writers of America National Conference. Instead, under the name E.N. Joy, I will be penning adult Christian fiction, and under the name N. Joy I will be penning children’s and young adult titles. My children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights have also been purchased by Scholastic and the book is on tour at Scholastic Book Fairs in schools across the country. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops I instruct in schools across the country.
Currently, I am the executive editor for Urban Christian, in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation out of New York.
New Day Divas: Journey to New York Times 
We thank you so much for posting the link to the review of your book “Me, Myself, & Him”. The ladies of Proverbs 31 Book Club truly enjoyed it. Our book reviewer Jona has a wonderful talent and the review was awesome. It would get anyone to read your book. We look forward to reading more of work.