I suppose it depends who you ask. Do editors prefer entertaining reviews to help sell issues? Certainly authors and publishers hope for fair reviews - and reviews that promote the book rather than the reviewer. And readers - what do they want? An indication about the content, quality and value for money.
And what about the reviewers? What do they want? Well, my top priority is being able to sleep at night. So fairness and honesty-without-unkindness are my major concerns. And if the book has a pronounced style, I might emulate that in the tone of the review.
Over to you. What do you think?
And what about the reviewers? What do they want? Well, my top priority is being able to sleep at night. So fairness and honesty-without-unkindness are my major concerns. And if the book has a pronounced style, I might emulate that in the tone of the review.
3 comments:
I want the review to make me want to read the book - so a chatty style and a persuasive style. But as I am writing this I am thinking, what if it is a rotten book? Maybe I would still like to read it to make up my own mind. And that poses another question - do we have to finish a book if we find it not to our liking? I used to say yes but as I get older I only finish a book if I am enjoying it. I no longer feel guilty at closing it early!
I like a review to be honest and fair with words that whet the appetite!
Interesting that you both want to be persuaded to buy. I suppose essentially that what reviews are - advertisements.
I wonder what % actually encourage us to buy.
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