Book reviews, do they matter?

Do book reviews really matter? For authors like Stephen King, not really. Well established authors that have huge influxes of financial backing do not depend on reviews. Their readership is built in and typically solid. If you didn’t like his last book, but loved most of his earlier books, chances are you’ll love his newest. However, book reviews are crucial to indie authors, especially when they are starting out.

Each time an indie author receives a review, it helps to boost their credibility in an exceptionally large market full of both traditional and independent authors. It’s proof that their work has been read. Positive reviews build trust with a newer author, especially to readers contemplating giving that author a try. Even constructive critical reviews can benefit an indie author by sparking engagement and helping the author refine their skills.

Both types of reviews can also help the authors algorithms on large websites such as Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble. The more reviews, the more visible a book becomes, the easier it is for new readers to come across that book title.

Quotes from reviews are an amazing way for indie authors to market their books, especially when indie authors rely so heavily on social media. This not only helps build an audience, but it attracts book bloggers and influencers.

Books with more positive reviews tend to bring in higher sales. Readers are more inclined to buy books that have positive or more balanced reviews. Every review, no matter how short it is, is influential.

So, the next time you read a book, please consider writing a brief review.