Behind the Book: What Authors Really Want to Know from Your Book Reviews

When authors request our book reviews, they're not just looking for applause; they want the kind of feedback that can help them grow and refine their craft.  Recently we had an author share some feedback with us that we decided to turn into an article. We hope that this helps inform our review team and would love to get feedback from other authors. We always want each author to know we are listening to them and we are here for them to help them find success. Without further ado, here are the questions book reviewers should consider when writing their reviews:

1. Did you feel confused or jarred at any point? It's crucial to know if the story flows or if it hits any bumps. This feedback helps pinpoint areas that might need a smoother transition or clearer explanation.
2. Any questions you feel were not resolved by the end? Authors aim for closure in their stories. If you're left with lingering questions, it might indicate that the story needs more fleshing out.
3. Was the humor significant enough to make you chuckle? If a book attempts humor, knowing whether it actually made you laugh can tell a lot about its effectiveness.
4. Were you moved emotionally in some parts? This is all about the emotional impact. If a story tugs at your heartstrings, the author has done something right.
5. Did the story feel complete? A feeling of completion is satisfying. If something feels missing, the author might need to add more content or wrap things up differently.
6. Was it satisfying or did you feel cheated? The payoff at the end of the story is crucial. No one likes feeling shortchanged after investing time in a book.
7. Anything you feel should have been included that wasn't? Sometimes what's missing is as important as what's there. This feedback can guide authors on what to add in future revisions or works.
8. Anything you feel should have been excluded, that wasn't necessary? Less can be more. Knowing what could be cut helps streamline the story and focus on what truly matters.
9. Did it come across that the story was being told in the voice of the POV character - from his perspective? The voice should match the character whose eyes the story is seen through. It's essential for maintaining authenticity and immersion.
10. Did you feel the main character had changed by the end of the story, improved his attitude, etc? Character development is key in storytelling. If the main character hasn't evolved, the story might lack depth.
11. Did you think the book appealed more to a certain age range? Understanding the appeal helps target the audience more effectively in marketing and tailoring content.
12. Did the story seem to move too slowly at any point? A drag in the pacing can lose readers' interest. This feedback is vital for maintaining engagement throughout the book.
13. Did the story seem rushed at any point? Conversely, a rushed narrative can prevent readers from fully connecting with the story or characters.
14. Did any of the main characters seem too cardboard? Well-rounded characters are crucial for an engaging story. Cardboard characters can feel flat and uninteresting.
15. Did the story seem plausible? Any points that seemed too unbelievable? Even in fiction, believability is key. Elements that stretch credibility too far can break the spell of the narrative.
16. Was there too much cliche? Cliches can make a story feel stale and predictable. Fresh perspectives keep readers intrigued.
17. Did the chosen Point of View work? The point of view contributes significantly to how a story is perceived. Feedback here can influence future storytelling choices.
18. How was the dialogue? Dialogue breathes life into characters. It needs to sound natural and fit each character's personality.
19. How was the description? Descriptions help paint the scene. They should be balanced to provide clarity without overwhelming the reader.
20. Was there enough description? Too little? Too much? The right amount of description creates a vivid world without bogging down the pace.
21. What did you think of the cover? Did it suit the story/audience? First impressions matter. The cover should attract the right audience and reflect the tone of the book.
22. What did you think of the font, font size, and layout? The physical presentation affects readability and overall enjoyment. It's more than just aesthetics; it's about the reading experience.
23. Did you read the physical book or eBook? The format can affect how the content is perceived and enjoyed. Insights here can help decide where to focus future publishing efforts.

Every answer to these questions helps authors refine their skills, understand their audience, and ultimately, craft better stories. However, this isn’t an exhaustive list because writing a good book review is as complex as writing a good book. It’s highly subjective, highly personal, and most authors wouldn’t want it any other way. So next time you're reviewing a book, remember that your insights are incredibly valuable!