Between Amazon and
Goodreads I have received six reviews/ratings for my novel The
Adventures of Hank Fenn: three
5-star reviews (two friends, one stranger), two 5-star ratings (both
strangers) and one stranger who just the other day rated the book one
star. I have sold 25 copies of that book and given away more than 300
in the hope of gaining readership (and maybe some reviews).
Since
I've been present for most of the book's actual sales, it's a good
bet that this reader received her copy for free—ruling out any idea
that she didn't get her money's worth. She simply disliked the book
and I can live with that. Hank Fenn can live with that. She won't be
the last.
What
troubles me is that she didn't bother to warn her fellow readers
about whatever it was she found so distasteful. No review, just
clicked that lone star and left it at that. Was it Calamity Jane's
coarse language? Hank Fenn's mixed-race marriage? Did the author not
treat Mark Twain fairly?
We'll
never know because she didn't bother to clarify her disdain for the
book. Which is why I write this little post: If you get a book for
free and somehow feel cheated, jot your feelings down in the form of
a review. It takes less time than that trip to the bookstore you
didn't have to take. And it's less painful than actually spending
money. Fellow readers can benefit from your ordeal and maybe the
author can learn a thing or two as well.
Oh,
and Happy New Year! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
