There was a lot of controversy last year between print publication reviewers and online bloggers. In your opinion, what defines a ‘legitimate’ reviewer?
A reviewer is a reviewer. Now, some might carry more weight than others, but a review that highly recommends an author’s book, whether it comes from the New York Times or an online review site, is still a feather in an author’s cap.
What is your stand on paid reviews?
I don’t know how sites get away with this. There are so many book review sites out there that review books for free. Why would an author pay for one? Do the words, “I highly recommend this book,” sound better coming from a paid site than a free one? I don’t believe the reader cares one way or the other as long as she doesn’t end up wasting money on a book that isn’t what she expected.
Do you think it’s okay for reviewers to resell the books they review? What about Advance Review Copies?
This is basically getting paid for a review and I think I’ve made my thoughts clear on that one.
What are the most common mistakes amateur reviewers make?
Giving away too much of the story or not providing enough information for the reader to make a sound buying decision. I’ve actually almost done the first one myself. When I get excited over a book I’ve just read, I want to tell the world about it. But a few times I’ve looked over my review again and said, “You can’t tell them that!”
With so many major newspapers getting rid of their book review sections, how do you see the future of online review sites?
Since online review sites are a big part of the virtual book tour business, I say that these sites are going to become more and more important to publicists and authors in the future. Publicists and authors are really in tune with how to reach a wide audience, and therefore, the Internet has become a huge promotion playground for them.
Article comments
1 - Beverly McClure
A good interview. I agree that it's important not to give away too much of the story, but enough to make the reader want to read the book.
Thanks for your thoughts, Cheryl. I may visit your site for an interview request for my forthcoming ya novel.
Have a good day.
Beverly
2 - c hoare
Hi Ladies -- a good interview.
One of Cheryl's answers prompted a question in my mind. How can one write a review that imparts the sense of the reader's experience -- given that this is more than simply an interaction between plot and character. I can still remember how science fiction novels imparted something that was called a 'sense of wonder' that I as a teenage reader felt, but couldn't explain.
Chris H.
3 - Margay
Cheryl, what a great interview! I will be checking out your other websites.
4 - Margay
Silly me - I just discovered that I have been to, and commented on a post at, The Book Connection. I thought it sounded familiar! Anyway, it's a good site and the Aspiring Author site looks fine, too. How do you find time to do it? However you do, just keep on doing it because it is a great service to readers and writers alike.
5 - Joy Delgado
Good interview Mayra. Cheryl, I like your site and will be sending you a review request in the next few months. Thanks for the information.
Joy Delgado
6 - Maryann Miller
Another good interview, Mayra. Thanks so much.
In answer to Chris's question about imparting that sense of wonder in a review, I think a reviewer can do that by describing the magic of word usage, depth of characterization, or lyrical narrative that is engaging. I just finished reading a Y/A novel for review that is written in verse. The "wonder" of this book is the variety of rhythms used and the voices of each of the characters. Unique style that the author pulls off well and left me with that sense of "wonder."
The book is Ringside, 1925 and I will be posting a review on Bloggernews.net this weekend.
7 - Pauline Jones
Another great interview. I'm learning so much about how different sites/reviewers approach the process. And realizing I'm not cut out to be a reviewer! I'm of the "I liked it, I didn't like" school. (grin)
8 - Margot Finke
Mayra, your iterview with Cheryl C. Malandrinos was fun to read. Again I learned more about The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing. . .
Thanks to you and Cheryl.
Margot Finke
"Rattlesnake Jam"
and MORE. . .
9 - A. F. Stewart
Great interview. I agree a review should be honest and critical, but not scathing.