So, readers (and writers, for that matter), let’s talk about Goodreads. When you leave a review of a book, especially a good review, do you want the author to acknowledge it in some way? I had been told early on that I should not acknowledge any reviews at all by readers on various sites, but now I’m seeing some authors click the ‘like’ button on certain reviews, and other authors thanking the reviewer for saying nice things about their book. This, obviously, has me wondering–what do readers really want?
Now, writers, I know many of you will say, “You shouldn’t read reviews at all ever!” But I have found, so far anyway, that reading reviews is not too emotionally damaging to me. Though, admittedly, the few negative reviews the books have garnered have stuck in my mind in a much more aggressive manner than the more abundant positive reviews. Obviously, my inner fraud terror is looking for ways to beat myself up, but I also think that learning to box that stuff up is a healthy skill. Or so I tell myself! Perhaps I’ll change my mind when I inevitably get more virulent negative reviews in the future.
Regardless–to reply or not to reply? Tell me, oh readers, what do you want most? To be ignored and left alone in your reviews? Or to have an author click ‘like’? Or to have them reply with a gleeful thanks?
For the record, I’m 100% all about ignoring any negative comments, even if they are false and even if they imply the person didn’t even read the book.
