Are you currently recruiting more reviewers? If so, what are your guidelines?
Yes we are! Our guidelines can be found here. For further information, send an e-mail to scribequill@gmail.com with REVIEWER in the e-mail subject line.
How should an author contact you about a review request? Do you review e-books as well?
Have them send an e-mail to scribequill@gmail.com with REVIEW REQUEST in the subject line. We welcome e-books and actually prefer electronic copies of review books.
How do you select the books you review? How do you determine which reviews to post on your site?
If you send us a book, unrequested, we may or may not review it, depending on our current queue. It's best to send a query first, then we'll let you know how to submit your book for review. We receive countless books per year for review and most are suitable for review. However, if your book includes questonable or perhaps illegal content, we may choose not to review it. In all cases, we reserve the right not to review any particular book due to a variety of reasons. However, we publish reviews of all books we select for review.
Do you think there’s a lot of ‘facile praise’ among many online review sites? What is your policy when it comes to negative reviews?
First and foremost, we want honest reviews. That means that while we are always pleased to find books that get an excellent review from us, we are aware that some books won't always hit that top mark. Therefore, while we will run a review about a book that may not be completely positive, we try to be tactful about our criticisms and comments about a book. There's usually something constructive that can be said in the face of a not-so-good book. For instance, there's a tactful, yet honest way of mentioning that a book's characters could be fleshed out, and then offering suggestions for how the author might have done that more successfully.
There was a lot of controversy last year between print publication reviewers and online bloggers. In your opinion, what defines a "legitimate" reviewer?
If you review a book, whether in print or online, you're "legitimate." I think it's a silly argument that is a waste of time and breath. Just review books and stop with the silly in-fighting over such things. We have better tasks to accomplish and can better use our energies.
Article comments
1 - Joy Delgado
Mayra and Bev,
Thank you for another great interview. I like how you handle not totally positive reviews, the authors and/or publishers of those books. Very helpful information.
Joy
2 - A. F. Stewart
Terrific observations. I love that you post author press releases on your site; a great idea.
3 - Margot Finke
Mayra, I love Scribe and Quill. Your interview of Bev Walton-Porter shows how multi-talented one lady can be. WHEW! Enjoyed every word, mate.
Margot Finke
"Rattlesnake Jam"
Crazy rhyming fun with Gra,
Pa, and making rattler jam.
4 - Lesa Holstine
Mayra,
What a wonderful job you do with the interviews! Each interview is unique and brings out the flavor of the review site. Thank you.
5 - Diana
Thanks for such an informative interview!
6 - Pauline Jones
Also interesting! I'm learning so much, many thanks!
7 - Margay
Bev, I admire you for your take on reviewers and the question of ethics regarding paid reviews, etc. I think it is important for writers to get that kind of honest review - how else will they learn what appeals/doesn't appeal to the audience? How else will they grow as writers? I enjoyed your interview.