Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the founder of Authors' Coalition, an award-winning author and poet, a columnist for My Shelf, and an instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers' Program. Her books include the popular titles The Frugal Promoter and The Frugal Editor, both USA Book News' Award winners. Carolyn is also the editor of The New Book Review, a book review blog with a different twist: authors may submit reviews which have already been written about their books, thus extending the life of the reviews. In this interview, Johnson discusses the influence and effectiveness of reviews in terms of book promotion, among other things.
Thanks for being here today, Carolyn. How long have you been reviewing?
I've been reviewing for about eight years. Now I really only review movies occasionally for the Glendale News Press and even more infrequently for my series called Reviews for Riters (tm). The latter are reviews written for well-known books but rather than recommending a book (or not!) they are examinations of how master authors tackle specific elements of writing. Thus they are directed at writers — really — more than readers. They're really tools for learning our craft.
Please tell us about The New Book Review. How and when did it get started?
The New Book Review is unusual in that it does not offer review services (either free or paid) to authors. Rather it is a place where authors can submit reviews that have already been written for their book, thus extending the life of the review. Readers are welcome to submit, too. The New Book Review is a blog rather than a site and the submission guidelines may be found in the left column. Of course, writers must have permission from their reviewers to republish the review and must give the reviewer full credit for their work.
What makes The New Book Review different?
Probably just that it is simple and easy to remember. THE NEW BOOK REVIEW. Its concept may be more original than the name. The "new" means that I take a the "new' view to books. Reviews for all books (other than pornography) are welcome. If someone loved a book enough to write a review for it, it belongs at The New Book Review. By the way, I will accept critical reviews but not slash and burn critiques. If the reviewer can't recommend a book, then why would my readers want to know about it?
Article comments
1 - Jennifer Bogart
I noticed in the submission guidelines for The New Book Review that Amazon reviews are not accepted. I know that in the past Amazon claimed ownership of these reviews, but upon going o ver their review terms a week or so ago, it seems that they have changed them to a non-exclusive printing of the reviews. Has anyone else noticed this?
2 - kbaccellia
Interesting interview! I have Carolyn Howard-Johnson's book on promotion, which helped me when I first started getting word out about my own book.
I'll have to check out this review site!
3 - A. F. Stewart
What a terrific idea for a review site!
Intriguing thoughts about the whole world of reviews.
4 - Joy Delgado
Thank you Mayra and Carolyn for this great interview. I forwarded the link to an author I wrote a review for that was upset my review wasn't a facile review. I agree with you Carolyn that we should keep in mind the author's feelings but at the same time 'keep the future of her craft in mind.' Very well put.
Joy
5 - Beverly McClure
I love the idea of the New Book Review Blog. Thanks for another great interview, Mayra, and for your work helping to promote writers, Carolyn. I'm off to check out your site.
Have a good week.
6 - c hoare
More useful information, and some ideas I'd never have thought of.
I can ask reviewers who have posted reviews I like of my books permission to send them here as well? The more places the better.
And the promotion works -- I'm going to get off my butt and order a copy of Frugal Book Promoter -- that I've been meaning to for years.
Chris H.
7 - Carolyn Howard-Johnson
This review brought so many submissions to The New Book Review and I am so glad. Of course, that will slow the process down a bit. I try to leave each review up a few days so that the author has time to promote it (that's what reviews are all about, putting our books forward! (-: ) . So be patient. And, Chris, "Yes!!!!" I know you'll get a lot out of The Frugal Book Promoter. Lots of easy-to-do ideas and great resources. (-:
Best,
Carolyn
8 - Margay
Carolyn, I like the way your blog is set up. I think it's very innovative to have authors post reviews from other sites - what reviewer wouldn't want that kind of exposure for themselves? What a great way to promote their work. Margay