Many of us look at reviews when we consider buying a book. I often find reviews useful in a number of ways, they can give a better understanding of the plot, the quality of the writing, and that essential ingredient that makes a truly engaging book impossible to put down. Whether from other authors, or from readers, reviews are an excellent tool to help the consumer decide what to buy.

But reviews also benefit the authors, a good review can increase sales and sometimes aid in media coverage, while bad reviews can do the opposite. This of course has little effect on bestselling authors; they usually have a loyal following who automatically buy their latest offering, while the media also tends to give plenty of publicity to the stars of the literary firmament.

But what about new authors who are trying to make their way in the marketplace?

For a new author, or simply one which is not yet well known; reviews can make the difference between success or abject failure. A writer can produce a masterpiece, but if few people ever find out about it, the sales will not reflect the quality of the work, and in some cases the author will become so discouraged that they simply give up.

Most readers recognize truly great writing when they see it, but very few will post a review, it simply doesn’t occur to them. But if you enjoyed a book, or even better were transported by it, it’s in your own best interests to review it. Because if you don’t, that author may never write again and we the readers will miss out on the massive enjoyment that they could have given us.

So if you liked a book, do yourself and everyone else a favour, leave a review and help to make the literary world a better place.

Jim Campbell