We obtain most review copies directly from publishers and publicists. We don't review e-books yet as most of our reviewers don't have good e-book devices. Authors also occasionally contact us directly (editor@bookloons.com) in which case I ask for a summary, publishing details, and a link to an online excerpt so that reviewers can assess whether or not the book interests them.
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?
There is certainly a fair amount of "facile praise," not only among review sites (and on bookseller sites) but also on book jackets from other authors - as a reader, I find the latter most disappointing, when an author I trust leads me astray.
I believe that an objective review should let someone else know what the reviewer liked or disliked about a book, so the site visitor can get a sense of whether or not it would appeal to them.
We do write negative reviews when called for, but try to always end on a positive note.
Over the years, I have had a few authors email to say they were very unhappy about reviews. My policy in that case is never to modify the review, but rather to take it off the site if the author wants that. (I've done it 2 or 3 times in the last 8 years).
There was a lot of controversy last year between print publication reviewers and online bloggers. In your opinion, what defines a "legitimate" reviewer?
That's an interesting one! We actually wrote an article ("What's in a Review?") on the subject last year with input from all BookLoons reviewers - and they had a lot to say.
My bottom line (quoted from the article): "First and foremost, surely it's a wonderful thing to have this powerful grass-roots resource (the Internet, bloggers and review sites) spreading the word about good books and authors?" and in conclusion, "While I hope that literary reviewers will continue to remind us of what makes great 'writing', I - along with fellow readers and reader reviewers - feel perfectly free, ready and willing to comment on what makes great 'reading'."
Article comments
1 - Margay
Another take on the reviewing process - another website to go check out! Thanks, ladies!
2 - A. F. Stewart
Great thoughts and a wonderful interview.
3 - c hoare
I really like your distinction between reviews that intend to comment on great writing and those that point to good reading. It answers the question of quality between academic and popular reviews by laying clear the value of each to the readers using them.
Chris H>