The problem
with five point scales for reviews is that the star ratings mean such different
things to different people. Apparently, sales dip if a book receives 'only'
three star reviews, suggesting that a three star review is seen as far from an
endorsement to buy. Unfortunately, a lot of people giving the reviews don't
seem to believe this. Here are some comments from three star reviews of my
books:
"Ripping yarn... I read it prior to holidaying in Kuching and it
made a very entertaining and informative prelude to our travels. Worth reading
regardless, but a great way to get some context if you're travelling to
Borneo." The White Rajah reviewed
on Goodreads
(average rating 3.8)
"It has a personal narrative that moves beyond the
preconceptions of LGBT fiction and approaches that ranks of Sarah Waters in
storytelling." Cawnpore reviewed
on Goodreads (average
rating 4.29)
'Goodreads' is an excellent site and well worth a look. I think
reviewers there are more careful with their ratings than on Amazon. The lesson,
though, is not to look at the star rating and move on, but read the review. (That
said, Cawnpore is currently rated at
4.8 on Amazon.uk.) There's a lot of books out there and it is worth making that
bit of extra effort to find the ones you'll enjoy – even if they're not mine!
And yes, although some authors claim never to look, I do read my
reviews. I welcome all feedback on my work, either here or on Amazon or
Goodreads. Oscar Wilde said, "There is only one thing in the world worse
than being talked about and that is not being talked about." When it comes
to book reviews, he was definitely right.
