Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Authors Beware

Authors Beware

Have you ever gotten a bad book review that you felt was unfair? If you have you probably wondered who would do such a thing and why would they post negative remarks about your story that are untrue. It’s safe to say that we have all pissed off at least one person in our lives, an ex boyfriend or girlfriend, co-worker, neighbor, an in-law, or maybe even another author with a similar novel. The list of people would be even longer if you add in old classmates, teammates, and ex spouses, I think you get the picture. The motive is simple, in most cases untrue negative reviews are done for pure and simple REVENGE. Gone are the days when a scorned lover pours sugar in your gas tank, sends dead roses to your job, breaks out your picture windows, or keys your new car. We live in a new age where you can spite someone legally from the comfort of your own home. The really bad news is that there is not much you can do about it. A few years ago Amazon.com was accused of siding with too many authors who requested that those unfair reviews be removed so now the pendulum has swung in the other direction. It has become extremely difficult to have a negative review taken down. Nearly everyone I know reads the reviews before making their final decision on whether to buy a particular novel or not. I know of one case a few years ago where an author took the time and money to correct the errors in her novel but the online bookstore still refused to take down the review even though it was no longer accurate. At some point authors will have to band together and fight fire with fire by posting more positive reviews to offset the negative ones. If you have read and enjoyed any books or short stories from our members here at Book Town I encourage you to post a review on Amazon or one of the other larger books sites like Barnes and Noble or Borders. If you post it on Book Town as well I will feature it.

Thank you
Mayor of Book Town

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