tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post438615350145519846..comments2024-03-28T12:11:42.691-04:00Comments on For What It's Worth: Blogger Ramblings: Are we killing quality with kindness?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958940283330319507noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-55622229622037704542014-01-22T13:56:28.017-05:002014-01-22T13:56:28.017-05:00This is a great post and you've brought up sev...This is a great post and you've brought up several important points. Yes, I do mention if there are errors that interrupt my enjoyment. I think when a poorly edited book makes it out there, it sets a bad example, just as you said...is it more important to get the story out? If someone gives a speech, do they not practice and polish it? If they are up there stuttering, how is anything they say going to be taken seriously? Same thing for books, if you want your reader to become immersed in the story I think the book should, as you said, have a goal of 0 mistakes. Maybe some people don't mind mistakes, maybe they don't even notice them. But if I do and it bothers me I will say so. If I notice them and it doesn't bother me, I will say so also. I think it also says something about the publishing industry, but I guess that's a whole other post right there. Midnyte Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10411332857885069319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-69125802841276578542014-01-21T10:35:44.840-05:002014-01-21T10:35:44.840-05:00This is a huge pet peeve of mine so YES, I like to...This is a huge pet peeve of mine so YES, I like to be warned in reviews because if the grammatical errors are excessive, it totally distracts from the reading for me (not that I am perfect when it comes to getting grammar right either. But that's what editing is for!).Ayleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07639250102446794830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-7081004403869544412014-01-20T16:59:54.460-05:002014-01-20T16:59:54.460-05:00I read quite a few indies and sometimes I don'...I read quite a few indies and sometimes I don't notice things that others have pointed out (regarding editing) and so I know I'm not the best for noticing these things. If a book is horribly edited, I don't finish, so there's no review. This has happened quite a few times and I tell the author that the editing is not enough and I'm not finishing it because of that. It's been awhile since I've noticed editing in a book that I've reviewed. When I do accept indie books I make sure that they hired a professional editor. Not that it makes it clean, some editors aren't really that great, or they miss a lot. But it helps and it seems to have narrowed down the bad ones. If I were reviewing a book that had some editing mistakes I would probably mention them if they were enough for me to notice them, even if it didn't ruin the story. Usually for me, it's the dialogue that needs worked on. That's where I see poor editing and end up DNF'ing books. Dialogue is easy to have all over the place and it can get confusing.<br />Wow, what a rambling comment!Candacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01701325312535440179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-11485360407747641832014-01-20T10:46:08.068-05:002014-01-20T10:46:08.068-05:00I have only reviewed a single indie book, and I di...I have only reviewed a single indie book, and I did mention the typos in my review (though they honestly didn't detract much from my enjoyment of the story, and I stated that much)...But the real problem is, there are so many would-be writers nowadays, and most of them actually <b>can't</b> write. I'm not talking about typos here, I'm addressing spelling and grammar errors. We have a right to judge clumsy writers from them, don't we? since they apparently need proofreaders in order to become fake-perfect...Roberta R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/18228840429799100354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-1767501771607644952014-01-20T05:44:17.847-05:002014-01-20T05:44:17.847-05:00I so rarely review self-published books that this ...I so rarely review self-published books that this doesn't become much of an issue, but YES reading poorly edited books definitely affects my enjoyment! I have also wondered with some books whether other readers just didn't notice grammatical or spelling errors, or whether they didn't think those were important, or whether they were being too nice. <br /><br />Wendy @ <a href="http://www.themidnightgarden.net/2014/01/going-rogue-burn-bright.html" rel="nofollow">The Midnight Garden</a>Wendy Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13471461156849725177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-26286482905205260902014-01-19T15:59:16.282-05:002014-01-19T15:59:16.282-05:00I stumble upon them, but even though I read and re...I stumble upon them, but even though I read and re-read my posts mistakes slip through, so unless it is so cumbersome an issue I don't mention it. As for the American using British words..we are huge fans of British TV and as a result we use British slang all of the time and it feels natural, so I wouldn't bat and eye over it. Now you give me a historical regency romance and they are using modern day language I will note that in my review. Awesome topic!Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15658833731713991138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-28177207187036570632014-01-19T15:58:37.689-05:002014-01-19T15:58:37.689-05:00I always mention editing issues in my reviews if i...I always mention editing issues in my reviews if it detracts from my experience because as a reader I would want to know. Errors like this can be really annoying if they exist throughout the book. For me the writers style of writing, pacing, and the editing are all a big part of whether I'll enjoy a read!Melissas Eclectic Bookshelfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12954443867000135343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-61382106282598610892014-01-19T11:39:27.457-05:002014-01-19T11:39:27.457-05:00I should have asked if anyone contacted authors or...I should have asked if anyone contacted authors or if authors commented not hat in reviews.<br /><br />A few people said they would contact he authors but I never seriously thought of doing that myself. <br /><br />It's not my job (because now I would have to highlight/take notes and email that all to an author) and it might be overstepping. But maybe they would like that information?? I honestly don't know. Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07685405404548766935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-3937105704080621392014-01-19T11:36:47.552-05:002014-01-19T11:36:47.552-05:00I could never give a book 5 stars with multiple gr...I could never give a book 5 stars with multiple grammar/spelling errors.<br /><br />I think that's what's bothering me. No one mentions it and they rate just based on *the feels* then I go spend money on a book and I feel ripped off. At least if it's mentioned, I can't decide if it's worth it or not. But 5 stars means 5 stars lolKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07685405404548766935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-41733655923445654232014-01-19T11:34:07.434-05:002014-01-19T11:34:07.434-05:00I almost always catch one or two - even in the *bi...I almost always catch one or two - even in the *big* publisher books. I'm ok with that. I'm even more lenient on self pubs.<br /><br />I'm talking more about mistakes to the point where my brain is focused more on errors and I actually start highlighting or counting them. Maybe 10-20+ errors. Or if I need to actually go back and figure out what they are really trying to say. Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07685405404548766935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-31451069723683537722014-01-19T11:30:58.747-05:002014-01-19T11:30:58.747-05:00I've beta read a few books so I've learned...I've beta read a few books so I've learned just how much a book changes from first draft until finished product. I am always a little surprised how many errors slip through to ARC's too but I would never mention it in a review. <br /><br />If it was that bad - like unreadable - I would tell the author or ask if they were planning on making changes before publishing.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07685405404548766935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-65394604347203944342014-01-19T11:29:26.255-05:002014-01-19T11:29:26.255-05:00That's a good point about ARC's. I do comm...That's a good point about ARC's. I do comment on plot inconsistancies but not typos. I feel like that's clearly stated on the cover - uncorrected proof - but I do comment on any actual story flaws. Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07685405404548766935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-48269779819592461632014-01-19T11:27:29.292-05:002014-01-19T11:27:29.292-05:00I will admit that I'm a fast reader and often ...I will admit that I'm a fast reader and often I think my brain self-corrects typos. That said, I notice at least one mistake in about a third of the books I read. I agree that to pay $10 -- or $20 -- for a book and then find typos in it is pretty annoying!<br /><a href="http://jenryland.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Jen @ YA Romantics</a><br />Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04756695137600895936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-74718907249685078772014-01-19T11:00:15.552-05:002014-01-19T11:00:15.552-05:00They've been grateful. But as I said, it's...They've been grateful. But as I said, it's only if they kinda know me. I wouldn't if we hadn't talked outside of them giving me a novel to review. But it's not that strange for me to talk to them & promote them in some ways so we have a relationship, it's both professional & friendly so they understand I'm meaning well :) I also forgot to point out I DM authors a lot. If its a mutual following, I'm more comfortable & likely to just shoot them that quick tweet. Easier than email, but I am on Twitter A LOT.<br /> If you're comfortable talking to them, I'd risk it. I really doubt it would affect anything. It's only pointing out a few mistakes & lots of them have experienced that before. Probably from betas or editors but I don't care XD If you think of doing it, act then? :L But at the end of the day, it's up to you & what you think is right for you.AwesomeAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06412663427792021745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-21932313186076255112014-01-19T10:21:13.105-05:002014-01-19T10:21:13.105-05:00I do comment when I think books needed further edi...I do comment when I think books needed further editing. I am less likely to point out typos because a large number of the books I am reading are proofs and won't be perfect. But the main editoral corrections of plot and inconsistencies, should have been fixed by that point. There are books I've still really enjoyed that have been a bit rambly, but I will say I think things needed fixing. Some people just don't care though.Elliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14377404526123600035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-69960777870873350612014-01-18T22:51:07.654-05:002014-01-18T22:51:07.654-05:00Excellent post! I've mentioned editing mistake...Excellent post! I've mentioned editing mistakes in my reviews a few times, and once an author commented on my review to thank me and let me know that the mistake had been fixed. He was nice about it, but I still felt embarrassed! But unless it pulls me out of the story, I usually don't notice and won't mention it. As others have already said, I don't mention errors in ARCs as I assume they will be fixed.Alexia561https://www.blogger.com/profile/10797515620050469395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-5295685869983396502014-01-18T20:25:30.351-05:002014-01-18T20:25:30.351-05:00I agree with you. If the spelling and grammatical...I agree with you. If the spelling and grammatical errors affect my enjoyment of a book, then it becomes a problem. And I feel it should be mentioned. That's what a review is about...sharing your honest opinion of a book. Five star books should be PERFECT, and if a book isn't perfect (including grammar/spelling) I can't give it a 5. <br /><br />I'm doing beta reading right now for a series and author that I love. I always point out errors that I catch. Writing is hard work, and a rough draft is that--rough. Through beta readers and editors, errors should be minimized. <br /><br />If I wanted to read books with major spelling and grammatical errors, I would read *only* ARCs.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12497448616701782816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-82848858826404153992014-01-18T16:47:09.459-05:002014-01-18T16:47:09.459-05:00Editing issues: I only mention it when the book I&...Editing issues: I only mention it when the book I've read isn't an ARC. But even with ARCs I can't stand it when there are a LOT of errors. It makes me question the competence of the author. But if it's already out on the market I expect it to be flawless. I've come across a book or two with a few errors and I would go back to the author and let them know of the errors I found (these were review requests). I had grateful responses so far but there was one where the author got defensive. <br /><br />But I feel you, it is disappointing to purchase a "raw" book, it is a waste of our hard earned pennies.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11113033902410883148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-75758515732716556632014-01-18T14:36:59.328-05:002014-01-18T14:36:59.328-05:00And what has the author's response been?
I...And what has the author's response been?<br /><br />I've thought of contacting a few authors that I feel comfortable talking to but then I feel like that's not my job and with the way social media can get these days - I certainly don't want it to be interpreted wrong and become the subject of a public bashing lol<br /><br />I also wonder if authors want a barrage of "fix this" emails. But like I've said - I definitely thought of doing it a few times. <br /><br />I only tend to give input if asked. Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13958940283330319507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-15305427705203522522014-01-18T13:36:36.443-05:002014-01-18T13:36:36.443-05:00Firstly, YAY! I'm reading one of your new disc...Firstly, YAY! I'm reading one of your new discussion posts too. I can't say much as I've never read ones with that many issues. I've read ones with a handful, if its in a proof with a pub I know well or is self-pubbed I make a point to tell the author & if I can refresh the book (whispersync) before review & if not, just assume. I mention it as a passing thing cos as I've said, it's a few. If it's loads, it shouldn't be as passing... right? I guess I don't mind being outspoken as they know I didn't expect perfection. Ebooks can, normally, be edited at any time (like on Amazon) so many authors are grateful for that. It helps their product. Just highlight it & add note so when you've finished you know where, when & how much they've occured. So yeah, I tell them what needs editing. I automatically edit, it's just my thing.<br />BTW, responded to your comment on my blog <a href="http://spreadingukya2013.blogspot.com/2014/01/end-of-year-book-survey-completion.html?showComment=1390060423818#c4908796490355346142" rel="nofollow">here</a>!<br />Happy reading! :)AwesomeAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06412663427792021745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-12003340500601801232014-01-18T13:08:35.450-05:002014-01-18T13:08:35.450-05:00That would be a problem - because how would you kn...That would be a problem - because how would you know what the finished product will be? You're assuming the ARC errors will be fixed.<br /><br />I was discussing this with an author on twitter and she thinks the cause may be everyone using Word Track Changes to edit. With so many different people editing the same book the changes kind of get overlooked at times. It wouldn't' show up as a mistake either.<br /><br />That makes a lot of sense to me. Still a problem but at least it's not a matter of NO editing at all like I was thinking.<br /><br />Maybe there needs to be one final editor to read with a fresh perspective before hitting the publishing button??Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13958940283330319507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-72826402754958047092014-01-17T22:26:23.981-05:002014-01-17T22:26:23.981-05:00So everybody has mentioned arcs, so I won't sa...So everybody has mentioned arcs, so I won't say the same thing. lol<br />I will say that there's an author I used to read a lot. All her books I reviewed were arcs. I didn't ever say anything about the errors bc I assumed they were corrected. Back in the Summer, one of my book club friends went on a rant bc she always reads the finished version, and they are still filled with errors. I had no idea! And felt like I owed an apology for never mentioning. You just assume, but I ended up feeling like an ass.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08355438390442316391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-18718868105050343032014-01-17T18:07:39.419-05:002014-01-17T18:07:39.419-05:00"If reviewers do not hold the editorial stand..."If reviewers do not hold the editorial standard in the publishing industry accountable, who will?"<br /><br />This is one of the points I was trying to make. You did it much better lol<br /><br />If we keep ignoring it and give these books 5 stars (because we were busy swooning over the guy & romance) they won't even bother. I see it happening already.<br /><br />I'm not even someone who usually notices those things but it's so prevalent in some books that I actually start counting the mistakes. <br /><br />At first I thought - ahh the book was a freebie or only .99 but now they are charging $9.99! And that's not even the issue. I would think publishing should be an industry that embraces proper English and grammar. <br /><br />You can quibble about the actual story or writing style but basic editing shouldn't be optional.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing it from your prospective. Very interesting. <br />Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13958940283330319507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-54623666873875748842014-01-17T17:29:38.906-05:002014-01-17T17:29:38.906-05:00Great observation and I totally agree! I’ve worked...Great observation and I totally agree! I’ve worked in the publishing industry and even though I’ve witnessed first-hand the repetitive, overburdened and at times damn near occluded editorial process, I am still shocked at the paltry standard found in books allowed to be pumped out of “the big houses” today. When reviewing manuscripts, I’ve been known to comment and potentially decrease my review by a star for what I consider “editorial” issues: e.g., plots that are too convoluted, allowing too many characters, obvious flaws in the flow of the story, overtly attempting to make the story more than what it is in order to appeal to a greater market, etc. But grammatical and spelling errors? There is simply no excuse in a professionally published book! At its most basic, publishing is the passing on of information to others. The books we print and publish are a reflection of the education and value system of a society. Others may disagree, but I feel that even books that are written purely for entertainment purposes need to rise to a basic standard or it begins to erode away at the confidence of the printed page. To publish books that compromise standards for the almighty dollar is not only shortsighted but can in the long run undercut the industry. In this rapidly changing trade, where so many are taking the leap into self-publishing, I feel that the traditional publishing houses have an obligation to hold the standard. While I applaud the publishing industry (a.k.a. “the dinosaur”) for trying to seek new ways to cut costs and streamline processes, compromising on quality of the final product is never the answer. For these reasons, if I find major grammatical or spelling errors, I will reduce my review by 2 stars and cite the reason for it. If reviewers do not hold the editorial standard in the publishing industry accountable, who will? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047843651411739466.post-403509910692912412014-01-17T16:28:51.855-05:002014-01-17T16:28:51.855-05:00I don't mind them in ARCs, since it is clearly...I don't mind them in ARCs, since it is clearly stated it's not the finished book and that editing and proofreading are still in development. But I do notice misspellings, use of the wrong word, awkward sentences, and although it might not stop me from enjoying the book, it can pull me out for a few seconds to get snarky about it. I want to be pre-warned by a reviewer. You can still give it 5 stars if the story was great enough to overlook those problems, but at least mention it. if you don't, and I find them, I will discount future reviews from that person, as perhaps we judge differently. And I too have noticed more inaccuracies in books published by NYT authors and others already established. Sad trend. I guess money is tighter than ever. But if a hard cover is $30 or more even, I want a perfect book, with no mistakes.The House AIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04868833721279911961noreply@blogger.com