Do authors ever post responses/comments to reviews of their books?

[Harvee Lau]

Is that something that should not be done?

[Tim Roux]

As a reviewer, I will only publish reviews on authors I like or admire, and only if they are generally favourable in the mix of reviews of their work. For instance, I love Daphne Glazer's novels but find her short stories more bland, so I am happy to review her novels highly favourably and her short stories less so.

I recently wrote a positive review of a relatively famous author and sent it to her before publication. She phoned me back about 10 minutes later and said she was uncomfortable with certain comments - well, actually, nearly all of them. So I re-wrote the review with a different slant - more overtly favourable but also a good deal more boring. After all, reviews are not sacrosanct and can be written many ways.

As an author, I might feel tempted to correct a factual error or to enter into a dialogue with a reviewer because I do this with authors and other artists when I am reviewing them. I always send the artist I am reviewing a draft copy if I can, not least because I don't want to say anything stupid or to make false assumptions. I don't think I would respond to a review of my books in public unless it were a very positive review where I might say "Thank you!".

[Marjorie Price]

As an author, I always respond (usually privately) to reviewers who have taken the time and effort to write about my book, but as for posting comments, I wonder if it's appropriate for the author to enter the discussion. I'm especially appreciative of reviews that speak of the main themes – or the heart of the book – and make me gratefully sigh, "this reviewer really understood what I was trying to say!" As for good and not-so-good reviews, a reviewer can't be expected to be moved by every book he or she was assigned to read — and while I may prefer to hear enthusiastic praise, honest, thoughtful and constructive criticism can be just as informative and welcome. In either case, I respond.

[Debra Gaynor]

I frequently get comments from authors. Sometimes a thank you. I've even gotten thank you cards. Sometimes they want to clarify or explain something. Sometimes it's to disagree with me.
I welcome them all.

[Vanessa Dow]

Personally I would love it if authors commented on my reviews, as long as they were respectful about it.

Today's Adventure

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

I have had several authors comment on my reviews of their book and they have all been favourable and appreciated. Those reviews were positive and I enjoyed their books. If I had received a comment from an author whose book I did not really care for, I'd imagine they might not be very appreciative.

When I write negative reviews, I try to point out at least a few good points about the story, but I don't shy away from the truth either. My readers expect honest reviews and I give them what they are looking for. I am choosey about what books I do review because I don't want to accept a book if I am not at all interested in the description on the book's theme.

It is best to be respectful when writing reviews; after all, the author has put many, many hours of their lives and a lot of their heart into each book.

It is very flattering to hear from authors, though some authors choose to deliberately avoid reviews of their book; no doubt hoping to avoid the inevitable negative vibes from reviewers who did not like there works. That makes sense too; it could douse the creative flame or create writer's block (a horrible affliction for a writer).

Book Reviews By Bobbie

[Ruthie @ Ruthie's Book Reviews]

I've had authors post comments in regards to their reviews that I've done. It's always nice to see when something like that happens! :D

[Katinka Hesselink]

I think it's good style to respond - and I have had one author respond to a review. He was quite gracious. They should of course not be too defensive.

[Susan]

yes they do. I have had two authors write comments on my book reviews. It is so nice and a big thrill when a author leaves a comment.

[Nari - The Novel World]

I've had a few authors reply to my reviews of their books, some even leading to interviews with the authors. I think its a great compliment when the author responds to a review. They acknolwedge the reader's opinions and aren't there to just plug their new book, they actually care about what the general public thinks of their work.

[Luanne]

I've had a couple of authors leave comments - I was thrilled!

[Cheryl C. Malandrinos]

Some authors comments on my blog while other comment via email because I always send them the direct link for promotional purposes.

I've only had one author get defensive about a review I wrote of her book, and when that happens I don't engage in a conversation over the review; but I won't change it either.

[Anna del C. Dye]

I have before, but if you have to many reviews it is kind of hard to do so. We have to do promotions every day, blogs, twitter, facebook, and reviews and more reviews and write more books in between being a mom, and wife. (and yes we do have to read books to make reviews) Yah, life can get very demanding though I would love to get in touch with all my readers.
Anna del C. Dye
Author of "The Silent Warrior Trilogy"
http://www.annadelc.com