I have however a very awkward question: what do you do when you are asked to review a book that is thoroughly terrible? No knowledge of the subject matter, no effort to research it, full of clichés and prejudices and urban myths, and written in poor English, e.g. getting registers wrong, and with little attention to basic grammar?

How do you possibly review a book like this? Especially when you realise that this indie author is part of one of those promotion teams, and the other indie authors in the team are leaving him 5* reviews…?

I have just started reviewing books, as I am a prolific reader and so many are really worth talking about. I’ve read some very nice “indie” books, some with a few problems here and there, and some that were well written but I found boring; but this book has got me completely lost.

So… What are the ethics of reviewing bad books (or even books that have problems in some aspects, but are perfectly salvageable)…? I feel that my first duty is towards my readers, and therefore that I need to be honest. But is it fair towards the writer, even if they could benefit from my criticism?

Any advice much appreciated!

Thank you. I’ll take a look. I’m sure I will love your reviews.

Lori, I think your urge to place the book with others is a service to the reader. I find that when I like a writer, I read all the other titles by her. So one strategy is to place the book within the pantheon of her earlier works.

Continues a series? Use characters that were in an earlier series? Different from the series by what measure? Growth in writing style? Growth in mature insights?

Here’s a review that I wrote for the series finale of 12 books by Robin Hobb. I struggled with **spoilers**, but compared her dragons to those in GRR Martin’s Game of Thrones. I hope you like it!

http://stellaatrium.com/robin-hobb

I completely agree with you here. Those kind of connections are just irritating already, I find. I was not thinking of placing the book alongside better known books but books that the reader might have not heard about, so that the review leads to the discovery of something else new and exciting to read.

Baylou, thanks for your note. Book reviews vary in length depending on where they are published. A reader review in Amazon is best at six sentences, for example. A review posted on writer’s page for a promotion site can be 250 words (full page).

Here’s a review that I found useful because it included something for each audience, even pithy observations that are 140 characters (or less) for Twitter.

http://www.bookviral.com/stella-atrium-seven-beyond/4582795954

I hope you like the story in SEVEN BEYOND.

Lori, I also like to place a book I’m reviewing in its genre and alongside similar books. We can get carried away with connections, though.

One promotion item to avoid is “If you liked Jurassic Park, you’re going to love…” We run the risk that readers are disappointed that characters from the famous book were missing in your effort.

Another connection that rankles is “Harry Potter meets Hangover II.” That’s a sales pitch method from Hollywood in the 1980’s that has run its course.

Many writers claim their books aren’t like other writers — an original work that deserves a hearing on its own merits.

Could you point us to what you think is a good example of a good book review? You own or otherwise.

Also, how long do you like them to be (approx number of words)? I know it will depend on the format, publication, etc. but ballpark, please.

BTW – I’ve put your Seven Beyond on my to-read list. It appears outside my usual novel range, but it’s good to stretch, yes?!