Reading and Reviews: 2023 Review Policy

    


 In 2022 I lowered my standards for books and after it was pointed out to me I couldn't get over it. I became frustrated with myself because I've always been an honest reviewer, until last year when I suddenly felt bad for giving 3-star and under reviews. This year, that's changing. 

    In 2023 I will be raising my standards to the point that some might think they are strict, but in the world of writing, we all have to learn to take criticism. A bad review doesn't mean your book is bad. It means one person out of millions didn't like something about it. And, honestly, the world could use fewer pitty reviews and more honest ones. 

    My bracket for this year will be as follows:

    5-stars = I adored the book.

    4-stars = I enjoyed the book. 

    3-stars = I liked the book, but it wasn't anything exceptional. It was average.

    2-stars = I didn't care much for the book

    1-star = This book has severe problems. 


Like in the past, I may occasionally review a DNF (Did Not Finish), but if I do I will state that I didn't finish reading the book in the review and why. 

    As far as what books I'll be reviewing...I'm focusing on what I want to read this year. Last year I went out of my way to read and review as many indie books as possible. Some I never would have picked up on my own, I just read them to help an author out. This year, I want to only read books I'm passionate about. Books that have been on my TBR for a while and that I truly, want to read. This involves me digging out hardcovers and paperbacks that I bought with the intention of reading and then pushed to the side in favor of a kindle. 

    I am keeping track of all the books I'm reading in an Excel document, where I list the title, author name, genre, age level, format read, rating, and my review. Once a month, At the beginning of each month, I'll do a blog post that contains all the reviews I did in the previous month. This will make it where I can stop stressing over individual graphics and focus on other projects.

    I do not charge for reviews, however, I will review any book my clients pay me to edit. If you would like to have a book edited, or a blurb written, please contact me at From the Ashes Editing Services.

Comments

  1. LesbianJulietJanuary 21, 2023 at 9:07 AM

    This is actually a good idea. I have given one star reviews for honesty on my part like one book called Prom that read like a text message book instead of an actual story. I would rather be flat out honest on why I don't like a book then complaining about how imperfect it was. All stories are told in many ways and even some need help. Honesty is the best policy, I have always stuck with that.

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