The True Value of Reviews: Why They Matter More Than You Think

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this indie author journey, it’s this: a good review is worth its weight in gold. Not because it feeds an ego or ticks a box, but because it represents something far more meaningful—a reader who connected with the story I poured my heart into.

Yet somewhere along the way, the idea of “reviewing” has become tangled up with critiquing structure, analysing grammar, or dissecting stylistic choices. And while there’s a place for craft conversations, a reader review is something entirely different. It’s about the experience. The feeling. The journey the book took you on.

Reading on my Kindle

Indie Authors and the Double Standard

Let’s be honest. Indie authors are often held to a higher standard than traditionally published writers. A typo in a Big Five release? A shrug. A typo in an indie book? Suddenly it’s a crime against literature.

But here’s the truth—every book, no matter who publishes it, is created by humans, and humans make mistakes. Even the most polished, professionally edited novels have imperfections. Yet indie authors are frequently judged more harshly, as though we’re expected to produce perfection without the army of editors, proofers, designers, and marketers that traditional authors have behind them.

And still, we show up. We write. We publish. We share our stories with the world.

Why Reviews Matter So Much

For indie authors, reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential.

• They help readers discover new voices.

• They boost visibility on platforms like Amazon.

• They build trust with potential readers.

• They remind us that our stories are landing where they’re meant to.

My dream this year is to reach 1,000 four‑star (or better) reviews on each of my books. Not because I’m chasing validation, but because those reviews mean something simple and profound: people are reading and enjoying my work. That’s the whole reason I write. Reader enjoyment. Reader escape. Reader connection.

Every message from someone who loved a character, devoured a twist or signed up for extra content on my website reminds me why I sit down at the keyboard every day.

Supporting Indie Authors the Way I Want to Be Supported

This year, something clicked for me. I realised how deeply I value the readers who take the time to leave a kind, thoughtful review. And I realised I wanted to pay that forward.

So I’ve made a commitment: I’m buying, reading and reviewing indie Thrillers and Mysteries, especially those with few or no reviews.

Not to critique their grammar. Not to analyse their sentence structure. Not to judge their use of white space.

But to share how the book made me feel. Did I enjoy it? Did it keep me turning the pages? Did the characters stay with me?

That’s what matters. That’s what readers want to know. And that’s what authors need to hear.

A New Monday Review Series

To keep myself accountable—and to shine a light on brilliant indie storytellers—I’ll be posting a new review every Monday. A book a week. A celebration of creativity, courage, and the indie spirit.

If even one review helps another author feel seen, supported or encouraged to keep writing, then it’s worth every minute.

A Final Thought

Reviews aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a book—mine or anyone else’s—consider leaving a review. It doesn’t need to be long. It doesn’t need to be literary. It just needs to be honest.

Because for indie authors, those few sentences can make all the difference.

And for me? They remind me why I do what I do: to bring readers enjoyment.

Have a great week, enjoy what you are reading,

Love

Helen x