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Rating System

What kind of system do you use to rate books on this site? 

My review system is meant to conform to the typical marketplace setup, with books being rated from 1-5 stars as follows:

  • 1 Star: I didn't like this book at all. Or worse, I hated it or couldn't finish (more than 50% of) it. I'll tell you which it was too, and why.
  • 2 Stars: I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. This may be because of errors plentiful enough to be distracting, writing that I feel is sub-par or unprofessional, or a storyline or characters that I simply couldn't relate to. I'm not sure it was worth the time to read it (or the money, if I bought it) ... either way, you know I'll explain my feelings honestly. And hey, at least I finished it!
  • 3 Stars: Meh. I don't dislike this book ... but I didn't really like it, either. It was ... average.
  • 4 Stars: I liked it. This book has a good story concept, good characters, good writing, etc.
  • 5 Stars: I loved this book!! The writing was well done, the characters made me feel, the editing was on point, and the product was well put together. This is the kind of book I'd rave about, and the kind of rating you'll only see on truly exceptional books.
This system will also be impacted by distracting or numerous mistakes reflective of sub-par or irresponsible editing, not only because this impacts my enjoyment of the story but also because it reflects negatively on the final product. 

Wait!! You mean you're going to post NEGATIVE reviews, too? But why would you do that? Don't you know it could really hurt someone's feelings? 
Yes, I do know that negative reviews can be a punch to the ego. However, as I am an author myself, I know firsthand how important reviews are - and I've learned that ALL reviews are important, even the unfavorable ones. I appreciate feedback that shows me where I'm wrong and helps me grow, and I would hope that the authors I review would appreciate that feedback, too - even if it isn't always glowing.

Besides, if all they wanted was to hear what a genius they were, they should have just showed their mom and stopped there. Even the likes of Diana Gabaldon and J.K. Rowling have bad reviews, and they suck it up. Other authors should, too.

PLEASE NOTE: As this space grows, all book purchase links will eventually be affiliate links, and I do hope to build this blog enough to have it generate some sort of decent affiliate commissions. Rest assured, this isn't in place so that blogging my reviews will make me rich - it's so that blogging my reviews might actually pay for some of these books I'm reading.

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