Reviews are the lifeblood of writers. A bad review can kill a book. To be successful a book requires a large number of good reviews.
Many readers will trawl through and reject books lacking in reviews or with few reviews. They will be attracted to books with many good reviews. They check out the reviews before purchasing.
Here lies the catch. To gain good reviews one has to attract readers. Without reviews you do not attract readers.
A good review can be a mega boost for a writer. To read that somebody out there has really enjoyed the writing makes it worthwhile. A good review provides an adrenaline rush.
I check my reviews daily and reread them. When I am feeling down it gives me a lift to know that people think that what I am doing is worthwhile and they are enjoying it.
I know it is a pain to leave a review but it really does make a different on a number of levels. I thank everyone who has gone to the trouble of writing a review. Thank You! You give me strength!