I write sweet and steamy rom-coms with tear-jerker happy-ever-afters.
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where i play the role of romance author, reader, and geek

Is the review from someone who made a VERIFIED PURCHASE?

12/15/2012

12 Comments

 
I've been getting bad reviews lately.
I don't mind when they come from readers - like I promised before, the edited version of The Werewolf Prince and I will come out soon so I can only hope they download it again and have a better reading experience the second time around.

I am, however, extremely shocked and dismayed at how nasty the competition can get. It's been my absolute honor to have The Werewolf Prince and I reach the Top 25 of Erotica and rank #308 (so far) overall. Thank you so much for that!

As for those having second thoughts about the book, I just want to remind you to please evaluate the reviews / comments made about the book carefully.

Is it from someone who made a verified purchase of the book? Since all my books are only available in Amazon and I and my publisher only give out unpaid copies to established book bloggers, I can't see how any person is able to get a hold of my book without a verified purchase (even free downloads come with this tag). Maybe they borrowed it? Yes, so why is it that this reviewer who made me feel really down says it's a good thing she didn't spend MUCH on my book. That implies she paid for it, right?

Check the reviewer's other reviews. So this person says in the review she reads 200 books a year and TWPaI is by far the worst she's read this year. This makes me check her profile and - oh. I'm her only review. I guess the book's that bad - in comparison with the other books out this year. But what about the other books she read in the previous years? How is it my book is the only one she reviewed in all the years she's been devouring 200 books a year? I guess that makes my book THE WORST BOOK EVER IN HER ENTIRE 200-BOOKS-A-YEAR HISTORY? Possible. I'm just not buying it. Anyone who says differently, you're entitled to your opinion. I'm entitled to mine as well.

Check the reviewer's background. I'm not saying all reviews with unverified purchases are bad. Not at all! Some of them are likely because they were from book bloggers who received free copies for reviewing. Case in point: a review made for Drawn. It's a three-star rating. Nothing mind-blowing about that rating. It's even the lowest rating I got for Drawn BUT I LOVED IT. That review was from a book blogger who had a free copy of my book for review. She was honest about what she thought of my book and I'm all for that. I don't care that the review dragged down the overall rating of my book. I loved how honest it was, is all.
 
So readers, just beware of those unwarranted reviews.  I'm just still getting the hang of this publishing war in Amazon so forgive me if I rant now and then. I'm just sad that some would go to this extent. I mean, why? At the end of the day, we are all book lovers essentially. I LOVE BOOKS BY EL JAMES, SYLVIA DAY, RK LILLEY, SARA FAWKES, KATE DAWES, AND I ABSOLUTELY WANT TO READ THE BOOKS BY OLIVIA C.! I want to read so many more books of other authors and really - my bibliophile's heart can only get bigger and bigger as I discover more and more authors to love.

I just wish others would feel the same, too.


12 Comments
Eva
12/14/2012 07:19:02 pm

Normally I wouldn´t comment on this, but..
- Let them talk Marian. Don´t be sad.

Those who`re more mature will know how to interpret those unwarranted reviews.
(E.g.: I love reading, but 200 books a year...- Well if you`re not a editor, you´ve to be out of work to manage that amount of books. I only manage 50 - 70 books a year beside my work and I think that`s a lot. Beside of that, if I like a story I´m definitely able to ignore errors. Especial, when the author already excused them and promised to work on a edited version. Ad the according note on the purchase site on Amazon...- I would say those reviewers should first OPEN THEIR EYES, before critise these known errors.)

For me, you´ve definitely the potential to write wonderful stories.



Reply
Marian Tee link
12/15/2012 07:22:54 pm

TY for taking the time to reply, Eva. The fact that readers like you understand where I'm coming from means a lot. It makes me more determined to work harder on future novels. Who knows, right? Maybe they'll like my new books next time and finally we can all get along, But meanwhile I am going to concentrate on Book 2 of TWPaI. I want to make sure it does not disappoint. :)

Reply
Becca
12/15/2012 01:55:47 am

Please do not let those bad reviews get to you.
My father is an English professor so I've had a love for literature as long as I can remember. When I stumbled upon TWPaI last night, I was in love. It took me less than 24 hours to read it and I'm dying to know the rest. People will always have something to say that is negative but there are still people who think you do an amazing job, even new fans like me!

Reply
Marian Tee link
12/15/2012 07:27:14 pm

Thank you, Becca! Your words are like the best validation I can ever hope for. I'm glad you liked TWPaI - ecstatic, actually, and I do hope you get to read Drawn next. Hopefully, I will make readers like you proud with the editorial quality of my other books (among other things) and make you feel you got your money's worth. :)

Reply
Becca
12/16/2012 01:49:48 am

I'm certain you will! I've already been telling everyone about your book and fully intend on reading more as soon as I get my tablet up and running. Edited version or not, it will always be worth my money :)

Pamela Harkleroad
12/31/2012 05:49:06 pm

I have just started your book , The Werewolf Prince & I , I already know that I wont be sleeping tonite , I am thrilled I came across this start of the series as I am past 40yrs old & typical were/YA's books do not keep my attention anymore . /wanted you to know that your a Phenominal Author ! already anticipating the 2nd one to this :)

Reply
Marian Tee link
1/5/2013 11:49:55 pm

Hi, Pamela! Thanks so much for the lovely words - it truly means a lot! I'm assuming you finished TWPaI by now, right? I think I even saw your review in Amazon. Or maybe I'm mistaken. Anyway, hope you like it and maybe you can read my other book Drawn: His Secret Toy next (while waiting for the sequel lol). I think you'll like it, too! :)

Reply
Richelle Cloud
1/16/2013 06:37:01 am

Loved the book! Just finished it actually and can't wait for the next one! That said, I rarely ever read a review on amazon because anyone can post one and for the most part I question as to whether they even read it or not! So, don't let the negativity get you down especially where editing is concerned. I've seen reviews over on audible on books that talked of nothing but the narrators voice! That's not a literature review! If I want to know how a book is I'll log in to my goodreads acct and get reviews there.

Reply
Marian
1/29/2013 12:59:49 am

TY for the nice words! And yup I do my best to focus on the positive and remind myself that I cant please everyone. Ty again! :)

Reply
maeve tee
1/22/2013 06:59:10 pm

TY for the nice words! And yup I do my best to focus on the positive and remind myself that I cant please everyone. Ty again! :)

Reply
Martha Godsey
2/15/2013 12:08:23 am

It is saddening some idiots could be so cruel. Myself I loved The Werewolf Prince and I. I am anxiously awaiting for book 2 to be released. The storyline is so different and exciting I have no doubt the your

Reply
Marian
2/16/2013 12:16:23 am

Hi, Martha. Thanks for letting me know you're excited to read the sequel. I'm just as excited to share it, too, when it's ready. Hopefully, it will be a much cleaner version, too!

Reply



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