  Noticing Newbies
This week: Match the Rate with the Review Edited by: esprit  
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Match the Rate with the Review
Do you want to be published? Do you want to be a well-known author? Do you think one and two stars are too harsh for a new writer's fragile ego? Does your reviewer know your publishing goals?
While it’s true comments are the primary concern, it is a known fact the rate holds priority for the typical new writer when deciding how good or bad his writing is. There are always exceptions with a few members, but not many. Knowing this makes it very difficult to match the rate to the review.
Deleting a piece because it received two stars will be the subject of another newsletter. Today, I will concentrate on giving high stars.
I love to review (not a surprise to those who know me) and study the many ways we can help a new writer get a novel to the publishing stage. Nice, constructive comments are definitely needed so the writer will know how he’s coming along. We all agree there, right? Yes. Where we don’t all agree is in the star rate. Giving a rate of four+ stars along with an in-depth review of many suggestions is becoming the norm, and I don’t agree with it. In my opinion, it sends a mixed, confusing message. Again, not a surprise to those who know me.
If they are given four stars or more they may naturally believe the piece is almost perfect. Comments are offered and seen as only one writer’s opinion, so they may skim, but not study them. Hey - it received four stars! That’s better than average -almost perfect, so there can’t be much wrong with it.
The same confusion is present with a rave review, finding nothing wrong with the writing then giving a rate of three. If it's average to you, say so. Saying it's perfect means it's a five star item. Both review and rating should be the honest opinions of the reader; try to make them match so they make sense to the author.
Writers pay attention to the rate first. A low star rate is almost a guarantee of getting the writer to study the review. It should be a thorough review to explain the rate. They will certainly want to know why it was rated low. They don’t have to agree, but they will most likely read it. Be sure to encourage!
I became curious how the established, published authors were rated by their audience, so I did a Google search. I was shocked by what I found. I would rather receive low rates now, in the learning and draft stage, and within this nurturing environment, than have them plastered all over the Barnes & Noble web page. Wouldn’t you? Established writers can become complacent and careless after a few successes, but my thoughts run back to their experiences in a writing group.
These fans said Patricia Cornwell’s first books were very good, but became progressively worse. Did she quit the reviewing group who helped her publish her first ‘good’ book? Did she believe she should only receive five stars since she was a ‘published’ writer? Did she only receive five stars from her reviewers after she was published? Ego and intimidation can block both the receiving and sending of helpful critiques with matching stars. Something bad certainly happened along her journey.
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Author: Patricia Cornwell
The book is titled “At Risk”
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&endeca=1&isbn=03...
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Number of Reviews: 23 Average Rating: 1.5 stars
Write your own online review! >
Showing 1-5 Next
gcw, best seller reader, June 24, 2006,
Poor Read - 1 star
This should have remained with the rest of the 15 part serial as it reads very disconnected. Her earlier works were excellent prior to Jack the Ripper. This is a 'slipper' -- slipped thru because of her name and earlier works.
A reviewer, June 14, 2006,
Not worth the price. - 1 star
This was the most disappoinging book I've ever read by Patricia Cornwell. While reading it, I thought I'd lost some pages since one chapter couldn't be connected to the next. The plot was hard to follow and had gaps that my imagination couldn't begin to fill in. Don't even pay fifty cents for this one.
Mark Brown, A reviewer, June 14, 2006,
A dud - 1 star
a boring story with uneven characters and plot..Stick to Scarpetta ..at least her charactors are developed and interesting
Denise from Illinois, A reviewer, June 14, 2006,
Very Disappointed - 1 star
After being very disappointed with her last novel, Predator - I was in hopes this book would be better. I was wrong. Just where is she going with this? Plot was thin - characters were mirrored from previous characters - as were the events. Nothing original at all. I was extremely disappointed.
Jane S., a first time reviewer, June 13, 2006,
not worth the money - 1 star
Like many others I have read all of Patricia Cornwell's books. The past few have been fair and I was hoping that 'At Risk' would be the return to great characters and plots. I read this book last week on vacation and honestly cannot remember anything except it takes place in Massachusetts and Tennessee. This is her last book for me.
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This is sad whether you’re a fan of Ms. Cornwell's or not, and my heart goes out to her. These are blunders of the most basic elements of good storytelling. If they are learned well, they are not forgotten so easily - are they?
To be fair, I found this comment. I don't know which book it's referring to.
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Today, readers just want the story and nothing much else. Here's an example from Patricia Cornwell. First line of a novel:
"The late morning blazed with blue skies and the colors of fall, but none of it was for me..."
She's established time, date, the mood of the protagonist - and managed to intrigue the reader too -in just under twenty words! Now that's succinct - and a lesson to us.
Remember the old adage - and it can apply extremely well to modern fiction, whether it be description or any other prose related activity: "When in doubt, leave it out!"
http://easywaytowrite.com/free_newsletter.html
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Of course it may have simply been a case of writers block hitting at the time a contract book was due, but professional, contracted writers learn to write through the blocks. They have to.
What does this have to do with high or low stars in the draft stage? Think about it.
And no, I don't like low stars either. 
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Comments received regarding "Invalid Entry"
Submitted By: dizzyduck
Submitted Comment:
These types of NLs are so helpful. I'm so glad there are people out there willing to keep us amateur authors from biting the first dishonest hook that's dangled in front of us, no matter how appealing the bait might be. Every tip is appreciated. Thanks for your advice!
Submitted By: Lauriemariepea
Submitted Comment:
While I'm nowhere near ready to seek publishing, this week's newsletter editorial about the marketplace gave me some peace of mind about how it should work, if I ever am. Solid information, and good to know. Thank you, esprit!
Submitted By: Andrew 
Submitted Comment:
You know, I've always wondered about submitting books for publishing. I haven't tried to yet, and I'm not sure if I will, but I've always wondered... Thanks for getting that nagging question out of my head!
Thank you all for the comments. I think we need to spend more time on the subject, don't you? There is so much to learn.
Editor's appreciate feedback too.
Editors:
Cubby 
Puditat
laurencia
Your host this week is esprit
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Noticing Newbies: July 05, 2006 Issue [#1124]
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