This week: The Importance of Reviews Edited by: Lilli 🧿 ☕  
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“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
– Bill Gates
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.”
– Frank A. Clark
“Feedback is a gift. Ideas are the currency of our next success. Let
people see you value both feedback and ideas.”
– Jim Trinka and Les Wallace
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
– Ken Blanchard
“Mistakes should be examined, learned from, and discarded; not dwelled upon and stored.”
– Tim Fargo
“There is no failure. Only feedback.”
– Robert Allen
“Make feedback normal. Not a performance review.”
– Ed Batista |
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This week we will cover a few things about reviews. Writing them, receiving them, and the etiquette concerning giving and receiving.
As writers, reviews are important and give us an idea concerning what readers think of our work. I'll be among the first to admit that not all reviews are equal, but each has its place. Always remember, a review means that someone read your work and wanted to share their thoughts.
 On writing a review:
Something I learned in a past career is that the best way to get a message across, and have it considered, is to deliver it in ‘the sandwich method’. If you’re uncertain what that means, well, try delivering the criticism between bits of praise. Regarding reviews, that doesn’t mean slathering on a bunch of false fluff, but honest feedback on aspects you enjoyed or found written well. Think about the aspects that you enjoyed about the piece. What one thing really stands out to you? Did the authenticity of the characters make the difference? Did you find something truly relatable about the piece? Follow that with any feedback on things you may not have understood, questions, and suggestions regarding grammar, punctuation, etc. Then end with some encouragement of some kind. There you have it, a sandwich; a palatable review.
Before you send a review, reread it and ask yourself how this review would make you feel if you were on the receiving end. I have seen some nasty and mean reviews being sent and I know those reviewers would be the first to complain if they were on the receiving end of such a review.
On receiving reviews:
When you receive a review it means someone read what you wrote! Isn't that what we all want as writers? We want our work to be read!
Ok, that aside, I realize that some reviewers take writing reviews as an art form. They present their thoughts and critiques with finesse and care. Reviewers like that are not common, but when you receive a review from them, appreciate it because they really care and want to help you.
If you have received a review full of criticism and only criticism, don't take it personally - I know, it can be hard not to. The best thing to do is to remove yourself from the feelings it gives you and look for anything of value that can be drawn from it. Is there anything in the review that is useful? Afterward, just send a quick thank you to the reviewer. There's no need to engage in an argument. No one wins with that, lol.
Every review we receive has something to teach us. Whether it's actual help with our writing or helping us learn how to send/receive reviews.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Comments from my last Drama Newsletter, {tnl:"On Reviewing Etiquette" }
brom21  wrote:
In my mind, a red flag goes up when a reviewer states issues with no suggestions. They just want to vomit all over your story as a power trip. However, it is true not everyone will like your work. Take everything with a grain of salt. I do believe it is impossible to write a flawless book. As imperfect beings, we will make imperfect work. Thanks for the NL!
Thank you for the feedback!
Osirantinous  wrote:
Totally agree, Lilli, and readers/reviewers (and writers) need to remember that everyone experiences everything different. I've got a one-star review on Amazon for one of my novels. The reviewer says they 'took one for the team' by reading it, despite all the other good reviews. They did make one valid comment but otherwise they said that it was pretty much unfeasible having siblings who wouldn't support each other in bad moments. (My two MCs definitely didn't at times.) Excuse me???? My conclusion was that this reviewer must have been an only child or had such a relationship with his or her siblings that the rest of us can only dream about.
Thanks for your feedback! You've brought up some great points.
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Drama: April 17, 2024 Issue [#12511]
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