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Who here tries to return reviews?

70
Posted on 5/24/2011
I always appreciate when someone takes the time to either review or critique my work. For that reason, I do my best to return the favor. That seems easy enough on this site as things are pretty mellow-paced. I've also put some critiques "out there" for many who didn't critique for me first (or second either, lol)

 I'd love to get some feedback, too, so I think, going forward, I'll wait and see if anyone else takes the time for my novel and save my critique time for those people.

How are other people here doing it? Some books, even those posted on the same day as mine, seem to get a good amount of reviews compared to my own, so perhaps I have the "giving review" method down but haven't yet figured out how to get people to review me or review me in return.

Thoughts welcome :)
Showing 1 to 10 of 24 comments
2 years, 26 days ago

I'm still trying to sort out the right formula. I feel like I've filled up my "Books You're Following" queue, both with people who have reviewed (which I'm in a similar boat... not too many reviews on my stuff, but on the plus side, they're insightful reviews) and just pieces that sound interesting.

Things are finally calming down to allow me to make a dent in my queue, so maybe I'll find that balance.
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2 years, 25 days ago

Ha! I returned your review today, Becca.

I always try to return reviews. RIght now, however, I still owe a few on Authonomy after the Episode so I'm not the fastest. Really the only time I don't return a review is if I don't see any potential in the book at all, or if I simply can't relate to it.

By the way, I'm not stalking you. Honest!
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2 years, 25 days ago

Bummer. I was hoping you would stalk me. :) Thanks for the return review again, it was excellent!
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2 years, 22 days ago

I love for people to read my book and tell me what they think of it. I have to admit, I am having a blast reading some of the things others have written. I did three reviews so far, but I fell in love with the stories already. I think I have found my new home. :) It is a giant relief to know that I am not the only one in this boat. I do not know, personally, anyone who has written a book. Makes it hard to discuss all the ups and downs, people try but they just can't really relate. In closing, I am have blast. Feel free at anytime to ask for my unpaid opinion because I might just need yours!

Happy Writing
and Reading
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2 years, 17 days ago

I will almost always return reviews, and have found that going out and reviewing three or four pieces in a day/night will typically get me a review in return. I think, of the 13-14 people who have reviewed me, I've returned about 80% of them... Some it was clear that they were just trying to get 1 of their first 3 reviews in, and some were jerks, but the helpful reviews are the top of the list for me the next day.
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2 years, 17 days ago

I do try to return reviews, though I am deeply behind. I know I still owe you one, InkMuse.
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2 years, 15 days ago

I return all reviews. I also review people for "free." The way I've been choosing is by looking for people who are writing in a similar genre or who have similar interests to me. That way I am making connections with people who will be most helpful if they choose to return. As with most other aspects of life, I am counting on karma to work for me.
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2 years, 14 days ago

I do try to return reviews. And I know I owe a few. When I read and review for someone else, though, it's generally done because I enjoy what I've read, not because I expect something in return. I'm still feeling my way through this site, so I'm curious about how others feel.
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2 years, 14 days ago

My book has had ten reads and one reveiw. A ten to one ratio is pretty bad and i have read and reveiwed many books from romance to mystery.

The agents that say they are interested but pass have given me more feedback.
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2 years, 10 days ago

I try to return reviews but I also try to give helpful feedback, which means I need to be able to feel like I can offer something helpful in return. I've certainly read something by everyone who reviewed me (it was only 4 people, so not that much of a challenge), but didn't find I could be helpful to everyone and so refrained from reviewing a couple (and by that I mean two and not a handful).

What I have adopted is a sort of 3:1 personal policy ratio, in keeping with the bookcountry requirements to be able to upload. That is, for every review I get, I review three other people. Right now, I'm ahead of the game with my ratio and if I keep going at the same rate without getting any more reviews of my own work, I'm going to end up with a 4:1 ratio very,very soon.

It helps that I have a bit of a case of insomnia.
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Showing 1 to 10 of 24 comments

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