Started in 1998, ForeWord Magazine is a bi-monthly print review journal focusing on books published by independent and university presses. The magazine employs reviewers from all over the United States and Canada. As stated by their website, ForeWord's readership is about 85% librarians, 12% bookstores, and 3% publishing professionals. They also put the journal in the hands of agents and editors from big publishing houses who are looking for the brightest talents from the small presses. If you'd like your book considered for review, follow the submission guidelines. ForeWord is a pre-publication journal, meaning that they only review galleys and advance review copies before the book has been officially released, so copies must be submitted at least three months prior to publication. Foreword is also the home of 'Book of the Year Awards,' a unique award focusing not only on independent and university presses but also on self-published books, ebooks, and print-on-demand (POD) titles.
In this interview, Book Review Editor Alex Moore talks about reviewing and shares the perfect structure of a great review. If you'd like to become a Foreword reviewer, send him a message through the magazine's website.
Thank you for being here today, Alex. What do you look for in a book review?
I look for narrative energy: a combination of book information, something surprising, and delightful phrasing.
What are the most common mistakes amateur reviewers make?
Using first person; there are too many I's and you's, etc. making words echo ad nauseam; third person is more objective and balanced. I also find that some reviewers don't have the breadth of background to be aware of what has already been written - what's bad and what's good.
Do you think there is much value in being unkind but truthful when a book really stinks?
There is never much value in ever being unkind, but the truth can be told tactfully through good word choice and sensitivity.
Do you take into consideration the feelings of an author when you review or do you refuse to be swayed by them?
We always try to take into consideration people's feelings whether author, publicist, or publisher; they appreciate candor delivered respectfully.
What style of reviews do you think have the most value?
Article comments
1 - Lesa Holstine
Mayra & Alex,
Thank you. As a public librarian, I read Foreword regularly. It's nice to read about the thought and work behind the magazine.
It's been very interesting to read the different opinions about reviewing.
2 - Beverly McClure
An interesting review, Mayra. I hadn't thought about whether first person or third person was best for reviews.
Thanks.
Beverly
3 - Aaron Paul Lazar
Mayra, what a wonderful glimpse into the ForeWord world. Thanks for this informative piece, and I'll look forward to the next in your series.
4 - c hoare
Interesting that reviews are considered almost an artform in themselves. I would have been interested to know the make up of Foreword issues and the split between fiction and non-fiction -- as well as any differences in reviewing style between the two.
Guess I'll have to troll my local library for a copy.
Chris H.
5 - A. F. Stewart
I enjoyed the interview, and the professional point of view. The best reviews are critiques, not opinions.
6 - Pauline Jones
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this inside look into the publication.
7 - Maryann Miller
Very nice interview, Mayra. I have been honored to be a reviewer for ForeWord for several years now and working with Alex and the rest of the staff has helped me refine the craft of writing reviews. They are good people to work with.
8 - Margot Finke
Great interview Mayra. Your tour of reviewers is fascinating, and Alex Moore seems like a nice person as well as a reviewer of note.
Keep 'em coming mate!!
Margot Finke
Next up:
"Rattlesnake Jam"
9 - David R. Yale
That brief description of the structure of a review was extremely helpful. I hope you will continue this interview series until you have covered every reviewer who is willing to take part. Then, you should gather the interviews into a book! Thanks to Alex and Mayra!
-- David R. Yale, Author
Saying No to Naked Women
An anti-pornography novel coming July 27
10 - Irene
Thanks! I am learning a lot from Mayra's interviews. I am curious about how many books magazines (i.e. ForeWord) receives in different genre. Are there a lot more children's books than adult fictions?
Thanks for great interviews!
11 - Phoebe
Wow! Foreword reviews 8% of books received. That's a little scary, but certainly food for thought. I like Alex Moore's approach -- a critique, meant to inform and also convey style and content. Just what we need to know.
12 - Margay
What a great breakdown of what a reviewer does - I've never seen it broken down like that and so succinct! Thanks, Alex, for sharing your take on reviewing with us.
13 - JC Hall
Hi Mayra,
I found Alex Moore's detailed review structure (good lead, good quote, all the way down to ending with a flourish)extremely useful. If I can encapsulate all that in just 450 words, I'll know I've written a good review.
Thanks for all these great interviews. I'm finding them very eye-opening.
JC Hall
14 - Joy Delgado
Mayra,
Thank you for another wonderful interview. Alex, I like your approach to reviews.
Joy Delgado