Authors & Reviewers discussion

Sometimes it feels like everything is about algorithms, ads, or exchange reviews — and the heart of writing gets lost somewhere along the way.

I’m not against promotion, but I often wonder — would I really feel happy if someone wrote a review just because I paid for it?

Maybe one honest comment from a reader who felt the story is worth more than a hundred purchased ones.

I’m grateful for everyone who took a moment to read Be Not Afraid and leave a few sincere words.

What about you — do you still believe that true connection between author and reader can survive in all this noise?

I believe it can, Vasyl! There are still many readers out there who can see the 'matrix' for what it is. (Yes, I am referring to the 1999 motion picture.) Stay strong! Keep writing.

Thank you, Edmond. That means a lot — especially coming from someone who still sees the craft beneath all the noise. I’ll keep writing, as long as there’s even one reader who can still see the world outside the Matrix.

I can totally relate to that, but I do believe genuine connections are still possible.

I’ve been writing and publishing for a couple of decades, and here’s what I’ve observed: writers who build sustainable creative careers are usually the ones who excel at networking. Those who rely just on self-promotion rarely last, even if they enjoy temporary commercial success.

To me, building genuine, lasting connections isn’t a luxury; it’s a prerequisite for long-term success.

Instead of review swaps, have you considered beta reading swaps with other authors? That’s what I’ve been doing lately, and while it’s time-consuming, I find the experience deeply rewarding. I know, I know, many writers feel they don’t have time to beta read for others. But what they often miss is that blatant self-promotion isn’t a better use of that time.

And honestly, I’m surprised retailers like Amazon still tolerate review swaps or paid reviews. I thought they had cracked down on those practices. Is there really a workaround, and if so, is it worth the risk?

You’re right, Will — Amazon opened the door for all of us, and I’m grateful for that. Still, even a good or even great book can struggle to be seen. That’s the hardest part — not writing it, but reaching the reader.

Paid reviews or exchange groups can never replace the feeling when a stranger finds your book, reads it, and writes something real. That’s what makes all the effort worth it.
And yes — reading other authors is part of that same honesty. It keeps literature alive, even when the system makes it hard to be heard.

Will, are you talking about swapping with another author as a critique partner? If so, I've tried that a few times and found the experiences unsatisfactory. For one, that is very time-consuming. I find it more productive for an author to first finish the manuscript, get a developmental editor, and then a copy/line editor. Have you, and Vasyl, ever considered that these options did not exist to most authors before eighty to a hundred years ago? And still authors wrote and published their books. It's pathetic when you come to think of it, our need to acquire reviews and networking with others in order to be discovered and read—yet that is our reality in 2025. Most often, the merit of the prose has nothing to do with the author's success. And I won't even get started with social media and genre standards and trends. Nowadays the sad thing is that if we get bogged down by all that, we won't be writing. I say "Just write, finish, and polish it. Afterward, let the Universe sort out the rest."

Oops! I may have put my big foot in my mouth again, Will. I just saw that you write nonfiction, comedy and humor, and business. The current system may work out best for you as you have it. What do I know? Cheers!

Edmond, I think you’ve put it perfectly — today’s publishing world demands not only creativity, but also persistence and a bit of courage. I agree that if we focus too much on trends, algorithms, and visibility, we might forget why we write in the first place. For me, writing is still about truth — even if it reaches only a few readers, it’s worth it. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts, I really respect that kind of dialogue

I’m not a professional writer — I’m a doctor. I never studied literature or creative writing; I just had a story in my head and needed to tell it. My books aren’t perfect — I didn’t even hire an editor. But that wasn’t the goal. I wanted to be honest, to share something real from inside me.

Thanks to Amazon, people like me can actually publish a book and let it find its way. And even if it reaches only a few readers, that means a lot. What matters most to me is honest feedback — just to know what it’s really worth, if it touched anyone at all.

Vasyl wrote: "I’m not a professional writer — I’m a doctor. I never studied literature or creative writing; I just had a story in my head and needed to tell it. My books aren’t perfect — I didn’t even hire an ed..."

HI Vasyl :)

As a fellow doctor, I can relate to what you say.. and lets not forget, that many great writers's first career was a medical one:

Anton Chekhov, Arthur Conan Doyle, William Carlos Williams, and W. Somerset Maugham, to name just a few,

We are touched by so many people's lives in our professional life, that one might feel he will implode!! unless the insights one learned are shared :)

The best of luck in both of your careers, Vasyl :))

Jasmine

Hi Jasmine :)
Thank you so much — that means a lot coming from a fellow doctor!
You’re absolutely right, medicine gives us a unique perspective on life and the human soul. Maybe that’s why so many doctors eventually pick up the pen — not to escape, but to make sense of what we witness every day.
Wishing you inspiration and peace in both paths, medicine and writing!

– Vasyl

Vasyl wrote: "Hi Jasmine :)
Thank you so much — that means a lot coming from a fellow doctor!
You’re absolutely right, medicine gives us a unique perspective on life and the human soul. Maybe that’s why so many ..."

:))

Edmond wrote: "Will, are you talking about swapping with another author as a critique partner? If so, I've tried that a few times and found the experiences unsatisfactory. For one, that is very time-consuming. I ..."

No, I was talking about beta reading swaps. Sure, they take time, but I think they’re worth it; you end up building lasting connections with other authors. Of course, not everyone wants to go that route, and there are plenty of other ways to grow your network.

Back when I had a blog, I loved hosting guest posts and publishing interviews with fellow writers. And sometimes, it’s as simple as leaving a thoughtful comment on a post or social media page. Small efforts add up, and those connections can make a difference over time.

Well said, Will. I think small gestures between writers can mean a lot. Sometimes they build something real — even without big plans or expectations.