Interview with Carolyn Howard-Johnson of The New Book Review - Page 3

Part of: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Author: Mayra Calvani — Published: Jun 07, 2008 at 7:10 am 8 comments

Do you think there’s a lot of ‘facile praise’ among many online review sites?


Facile praise. Quite a term. Yes, I do. But if someone loves a book, who out there should tell them that they are wrong. I'd just prefer reviews to be a little more even-handed. After all, the review process is about learning for the author and credibility for the reader, too.

There was a lot of controversy last year between print publication reviewers and online bloggers. In your opinion, what defines a ‘legitimate’ reviewer?

It is very hard to draw a line, isn't it? Weren't the reviewers for the New York Times at one point beginners. Does one have to have a BA in English Lit or an MFA in writing to be considered an expert. I think the point here is that people should always be aware of where the material they read is coming from. What is the reader's standard for credibility? Apply those standards. No one should believe everything they read. On the other hand, opinions of others should be respected. Just because a reviewer doesn't agree with us, doesn't mean that their opinion is not valid. This is one of those arguments never to be won, one of those problems never to be solved.

What is your stand on paid reviews?

I'm against them. Paying for something undermines its credibility. And, yes, that even applies to the paid reviews that Kirkus does.

Do you think it’s okay for reviewers to resell the books they review? What about advance review copies?

No, reviewers should donate their books to libraries. It is a fine point of ethics but an important one.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes amateur reviewers make?

You named it! Facile reviews.

With so many major newspapers getting rid of their book review sections, how do you see the future of online review sites?

I think there is a place for shorter, quicker reviews online regardless of what the LA Times does with their pages. Still, one hates to see lovely old review sections in journals and newspapers deteriorate.

Do you keep the author’s feelings in mind when you review?

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2 — Page 3 — Page 4

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Article Author: Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani is the National Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com.

Visit Mayra Calvani's author page — Mayra Calvani's Blog

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  • 1 - Jennifer Bogart

    Jun 07, 2008 at 6:56 pm

    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

    Jun 08, 2008 at 10:22 am

    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

    Jun 08, 2008 at 10:41 am

    What a terrific idea for a review site!
    Intriguing thoughts about the whole world of reviews.

  • 4 - Joy Delgado

    Jun 08, 2008 at 11:15 am

    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

    Jun 08, 2008 at 4:25 pm

    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

    Jun 08, 2008 at 5:02 pm

    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

    Jun 16, 2008 at 5:10 pm

    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

    Jun 18, 2008 at 7:01 am

    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

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