Bogus Ratings on Goodreads

Be warned…not all ratings or reviews are legit.

I was nosing around on Goodreads last night when I should’ve been writing, because, hey, NaNo, you know? But regardless, there I was, mindlessy clicking, and came across a list for the Most Anticipated Christian Fiction of 2018. Being the big-headed hopeful author that I am, I perused the titles, hoping to see one of mine. Nope. Nada.

But of course that didn’t stop me.

So I looked up a few of my new titles, and lo and behold, what did I discover? For a manuscript that I literally typed “The End” to last Thursday, I’ve already received two ratings: a one-star from some chick in Africa, and a two-star from another gal in Ohio. Which begs the question…how in the world did these women get ahold of my story, read it and rate it, before my publisher has even opened the finished file?

Answer: There is no way on God’s green earth they could’ve read it, let alone rated it.

That got me to wondering how many other ratings on my books were bogus as well. Likely several, if not more.

So I said to myself, “Self, quit freaking out about low reviews because clearly they have nothing to do with your writing skills.”

So, readers, let this be a lesson to you. Don’t base your choice to read a book or not solely on reviews or ratings. If a story interests you, go for it, then write your own real opinion. 

This has been a public service announcement by yours truly, who is still scratching her head over those crazy ratings.