Writing Those Pesky Ratings, Reviews, and Blurbs Without Stress
Getting serious about writing is a double-edged sword. You’re working on legit projects, you’ve made some writing friends, you attend and contribute to your critique group. Maybe you’ve published a book! Maybe some of your friends have as well. All those things are energizing.
But then someone asks for something. A review or rating on Amazon or Goodreads (the places currently that seem to get the most reader eyeballs). A blurb for their front material. The first such request comes as a shock. Me? They want something from me? Why, I’m just a little ink-stained pixie like them.
And you realize that what they want, small though it might be, requires time, effort, and emotional commitment.
The bad news: Requests for positive reviews, blurbs, and ratings will. Never. Cease.
The good news: You don’t have to angst about this stuff any longer.
Let’s define a few terms:
Online rating. A simple selection. Click on a number of stars, SUBMIT, done. This is way better than nothing. Online review. The next level. Click on a star number, then write something: a rave, a screed. SUBMIT. Blurb. A personal recommendation for public use by the author or publisher. You’ve seen nosegays of these in the front matter of books, on author websites, and occasionally on back covers. If you’re a traditionally published author, you’ll get requests from your publisher to do these from time to time, for some other author’s forthcoming book. Book description, a.k.a. flap copy or back-cover copy. (Not to be confused with “blurb.”) This, an enticing capsule description of the book without spoilers, is usually written by editors or marketing staff for traditionally published books or by the author for self-published books.
And now for strategy.
Don’t be the first reviewer if you can help it.
The value of this simple rule will come clear in a second.
Read what others have said and get ideas from them.
Let prior reviews prompt thoughts for you.
“I disagree with the other reviewers who found fault with the plot; I thought it was not only plausible, but powerful. At the same time, I agree with those who thought [protagonist] could have been more clearly motivated in the early going, for instance upon making the decision to [file for divorce/join the army/move to Wyoming] …”
Dump perfectionism and be brief.
Adopt my 5-15 rule: No more than five minutes to write an online review, no more than 15 for a blurb that will be published with the book. Good enough is really good enough.
Zero in on your main first impression, then expand.
Charmed by the protagonist? Frightened by the suddenly rudderless racing yacht? Start there and go on. “I was immediately suspicious of the golden-curled teacher’s pet. But nothing is as it seems in this thriller set in a Depression-era orphanage …”
Mention any generality, then give one specific example.
“I appreciated the author’s attention to detail; for instance, her vivid descriptions of Barcelona’s gothic quarter.”
Notice and praise technical elements.
It’s cool when readers mention technical stuff authors have researched and sweated over, be it crime-scene photography, caber tossing, petunia hybridization. Even something commonplace like sewing can prompt a comment:
“I appreciated the particulars of how the encoded wedding gown was made …”
Avoid “You’ll love it!”
This bugs everybody.
A little dishonesty is OK.
There, I’ve said it. Sometimes it’s the better part of valor to give a friend’s book a high rating or a favorable review, even if you don’t entirely mean it. Look, readers know blurbs are marketing, and they know not all reviews agree. Let the trolls leave nasty diatribes; they’re happy to oblige. But you can be gently honest about shortcomings. More on that in a moment.
You don’t have to read the whole book.
If you’re under the gun to get this chore done, read the first 40 and last 30 pages. That’s enough to fuel a reasonable-sounding review or even a blurb. You will, of course, not admit this.
Don’t list every shortcoming.
Perhaps you want to be honest if a book falls short, but you don’t want to be an ass about it. Finesse this with the venerable sandwich technique:
Write one sentence of general praise. Follow with a sentence of specific praise. Add one sentence of qualification. Finish with one more tidbit of praise.
“I found [title] beautifully written and engaging. I appreciated the depth of characterization, for instance in the protagonist X, whom we follow from birth to abrupt maturity in the galactic training camps. I’d have been happier with more development of the attack methods of the asteroid poachers, such as when they find themselves trapped in the subatomic trawler during the raid by the Space Guard. But all in all, this was an entertaining read that really made me consider the fragility of our asteroid belt.”
Notice the benign form of criticism in “I’d have been happier with …”
Copy your review before posting.
If you’ve just typed a nice little review on Amazon (or wherever you like), copy it to your clipboard before hitting SUBMIT. Then hustle over to Goodreads (or wherever you like) and paste it up there. It’s easy and not against any rules.
“Adopt my 5-15 rule: No more than five minutes to write an online review, no more than 15 for a blurb that will be published with the book. Good enough is really good enough.” —Elizabeth Sims
Writer’s Digest
Yet More Strategy
How to ask for a review.
My go-to is this: “If you’d consider posting a quick rating or review on Amazon, I’d be most grateful.” This can be dropped into any correspondence, for instance in a response to a reader who’s gotten in touch to say they loved your book.
Inside your book? Make it easy for your readers.
At the end of every work of fiction I publish, I put in a lighthearted note like this:
Did you know that the simple act of recommending a book increases brain function, boosts happiness hormones, and results in more satisfying interpersonal relationships? Well, it does.
If you liked this book, please consider posting a review and letting your friends know about it on social media. Fellow readers, and I, will thank you. Because ratings and reviews—even just a word or two—help draw new readers to a possibly valuable experience. If you feel at a loss, here are sample one-sentence reviews, which you are welcome to use verbatim:
“I’m so happy I discovered this excellent, entertaining book!” “Pure reading satisfaction.” “I feel like taking the charming [name of main character] to dinner and a movie!”
More positive reviews and word-of-mouth mean I can spend more time writing new stuff! With thanks …
How to write a blurb to which your name will be attached.
Best hack: Read blurbs in other people’s books and rip off ideas, using your own variations. Everybody does this. Feel free to employ these basic constructions: “[Character name] knows how to handle herself in [difficult situation, such as poverty or combat]. But when [unexpected big thing] happens, she’s got to stretch her [skills/emotions/body] to the breaking point… [Author] kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way.” “[Title] is a hilarious romp through [college life in the ’70s or whatever], complete with [charming stoners, a dangerously clueless professor, etc.] and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the word [Oedipal/snarled/lunacy]. I found the book delightful.”
How to say no.
Open-ended excuse: “Gosh, I’m overcommitted at the moment. I’ll put [your book] on my list. No guarantees, but I’ll try!”
Polite but firm no: “I’m honored to be asked, but I can’t. Best wishes to you going forward …”
Drafting book descriptions.
Use the above techniques for blurb writing, employ a thesaurus to find unique adjectives, and just keep it to about 100–200 words.
I feel compelled to share that at least one of my prolific author friends is using an artificial intelligence application to write her book descriptions. Will authors soon be using AI to write synopses? Chapters? Is this happening already? You know the answer. Another discussion for another time…
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