What is the most challenging aspect of running your blog?
As you can see, I make it easy. If people don't submit material in a way that I prescribe in the guidelines, it doesn't get published. That's a good lesson for all. To promote well, authors (and others) must make it easy on the editor.
Do you have staff reviewers?
I suppose every person who submits a review is on my staff. Kind of a neat concept, don't you think?
How should an author contact you about a review request?
Just follow the guidelines on The New Book Review.
How do you determine which reviews to post on your blog?
As long as a review meets the guidelines (found in the left column of the blog), I accept them. When needed, I edit them. Sometimes there is a wait. I try to never post more than one review a day. All those who submit are asked to do a little promotion of the fact that their review has appeared. That helps all the participating authors get more exposure.
How effective are reviews in terms of book publicity?
Reviews are very important to an overall book campaign. I do think that authors need to put them into perspective, though. They are part of a campaign. A vital part but still only a part with every part working together. The Frugal Book Promoter gives authors and publishers information on how to get reviews but also about those other essential parts of a promotion effort.
How influential are reviews on consumers?
For some consumers, they are very influential. My daughter-in-law (she helps me nominate books for my Noble (Not Nobel!) Prize that appears on
MyShelf.com) buys her books almost exclusively on the basis of reviews. But different people buy their books differently. I believe that word-of-mouth is more influential and most studies uphold that view. By the way, winning a contest can be a big influence, too. And what a wonderful opportunity a win is to get the word on a book out there.
Do you think reviews can make or destroy an author's career?
They say there is no such thing as bad publicity. I also think that many authors view reviews as bad reviews when they aren't. A review will have more credibility if it isn't all raves and rose petals. A balanced review is more credible. And like everything in our culture, reviews are short-lived. Everyone forgets them in short order. Except maybe the author.
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