I have a guilty secret.
I don't always rate the books I read. Even if I really love them. Chalk it up to laziness, busyness, and/or confusion. Between Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, etc the options are overwhelming.
Why is this a confession? A guilty secret? I feel like a fraud. I encourage my friends to rate the books they read. I like knowing what others thought about a particular book. I rely on others opinions. I often ask for recommendations. Occasionally I ask my readers to rate they books they read because just like my friends, I value my readers opinions.
Why does it matter? Maybe it doesn't to everyone. I asked a handful of readers if they notice a book's rating before they buy. Most said no. Several said occasionally they'll consult the ratings.
I must not be able to help myself. When I shop on Amazon I always look at the rating. It's a reflex I guess. If it's an author or company I'm not familiar with those rankings impact my first impression. If I'm really curious I'll look at reviews.
So this year, I'm making more of an effort to pick a site (Goodreads) and rate the books I read. Perhaps my ratings will help other readers make an informed decision.
Do ratings matter to you?
Selena Blake writes erotic paranormal and contemporary romance. First published in 2008, her series Stormy Weather has been on the best seller lists and nominated for awards. A gypsy at heart, Selena combines her love of travel and learning to create memorable characters and enchanting settings.
Learn more about her online at http://www.selena-blake.com or catch her at facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake
6 comments:
I have to say that ratings DO matter to me, to a certain extent, but I also read the reviews to augment that. This is usually for authors/publishers I don't know, or if an author has branched out into a new genre.
I feel guilty for not rating more too. Does this guilty feeling mean we get chocolate? *grins*
Great post!
Blessings,
Dena Celeste
Guilty secret, huh...LOL. Seriously, I rarely look at ratings. Mostly because I know what I like in a book and many times I just don't agree with what others say. What influences me the most when I buy is the first few paragraphs, which is why I love when samples are posted. Nothing beats the joy of finding a new author who sweeps me away. Great post, Selena!
Excellent post, Selena! I have to say I'm not one to follow ratings, or reviews, for that matter. I have found that what I enjoy almost never agrees with a lot of reviewers. What draws me into a book often times are the first few paragraphs, which is why I love it when authors post samples and blurbs.
Dena, I wish it meant we get chocolate. All I can think of is slapping my own wrist and saying "bad author, bad!" LOL Glad to know I'm not the only one!
Don't forget to leave a comment. I'll randomly select one comment author on March 1st to win a copy of a book from my backlist!
Thanks so much for all those who stopped by - Selena, you broke my all time record of visitors. Thanks so much for being a guest. :)
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