Irene Watson is the award-winning author of The Sitting Swing and The Story Must be Told. She’s also the Managing Editor of Reader Views, a book review site catering to readers, writers, and the publishing community. Started in 2006, Reader Views reviews both adult and children’s books. One innovative aspect of this site is that they have children reviewers reviewing juvenile titles. Although Reader Views charges authors for reviews, Irene clarifies that payment isn’t for the review itself, but for the processing involved in publishing the review. She was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions about her site and the craft of reviewing.
Thanks for being here today, Irene. How long have you been reviewing?
Our online review service has been operational for 2.5 years.
Please tell us about Reader Views.
In 2005 I had my book published and like most authors found it a challenge to get reviews. Knowing there was a need I put out a call for reviewers and was overwhelmed with the response. Then I put out a call for books to review and was even more overwhelmed with the response. At the same time I realized there was a need for budget-friendly publicity packages that authors could afford. Not every author can hire a publicist for $10,000 three month contract. I added publicity packages within a month and those are going strong.
What makes Reader Views stand out among so many other online review sites?
We offer the personal touch. All emails get answered, we become friends. Once we work with an author we keep promoting them. We are like family - hard to get rid off! Also, our reviews are syndicated and appear in USA Today and Reuters, as well as eight TV stations and several newspapers. No other online review service has this feature. And, our endorsements appear on many books that are found in places like Barnes and Noble. We also have annual literary awards and the books/reviews are listed in the BRI sent to libraries and book buyers.
Article comments
1 - Beverly McClure
A very good review, Mayra and Irene. It will help me in my reviews. I do only a few, but want to be helpful and honest with them. Thanks.
Beverly
2 - Joy Delgado
Mayra,
It's good to learn about sites/companies like Reader Views. I'm intrigued by the other services they offer and that they get your book review out there in the main stream by syndication in newspapers like USA Today and Reuters.
Thanks,
Joy
3 - A. F. Stewart
Terrific interview. I'll definitely have to check out the Reader Views website.
4 - Velda Brotherton
It was interesting and revealing to read an interview of a book reviewer. We who write books are always intrigued by the inner workings of reviewing. It bothers me when people go online and ask for a 5 star review of their book. If we all do this automatically, the stars for books won't mean much. Honest reviewing is where it's at, I hope.
5 - Jessica Kennedy
I've hesitated writing reviews, but am becoming interested in conducting them. Between Mayra's interviews of reviewers and her book The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, I'm learning the ins and outs.
Blessings
Jessica Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
6 - Irene Watson
Thanks Mayra for interviewing me! I'm delighted with the comments received so far. You are giving us (reviewers/review services) an opportunity to let others know what really goes on behind the scenes. At one time, as an author, I didn't have a clue until I started a review service myself. There is certainly more than just reading the book and writing a review! I encourage those that always wanted to write reviews to do so, and Mayra's book certainly gives great tips on how to start. If you don't have a review site of your own or a blog, and even if you do, I highly encourage you to post the reviews on places like amazon and B&N. That's where reviews are happenin'
And...happy reading!
7 - kbaccellia
Mayra-
Thanks for posting an interview on a book reviewer. It's interesting to read Irene's views on such things as selling ARCs to paying for reviews. I'm a YA reviewer at Enchanting Reviews and received numerous ARCs. I agree with Irene's comments.
Thanks again,
Kim
8 - c hoare
Another good interview, Mayra.
I could fill another page with comments, but will keep this short. I indicated to a writing friend that I would write him a review on Amazon, but when I read what was published I found he had done nothing about the weak ending I had pointed out in the draft and put it off. Never wrote one and he was hurt.
I've never posted my reviews I do for Muse on Amazon , B&N etc but a lady who has reviewed two of my novels has posted them all over, and I must say I really appreciate that.
Christopher Hoare
9 - Alan Lattimore
What I appreciate the most is how "Reader Views" focuses on "reviews for readers, by readers." It is too easy for the professionals in the field to seek out and identify with works that satisfy their personal needs. Rarely are those preferences the same as those of the general reading public (nor should they be). Professional reviewers provide depth and perspective, which are valuable and enriching, but they didn't bring J.K. Rowling to the public. Word of mouth -- informal reviews by readers, for readers -- accomplished that.
Best regards,
Alan
10 - Margay
This is a great look behind the scenes at the reviewing process. I, for one, did not realize exactly what was involved in the process. I really appreciate Reader Views' policy of complete honesty with regard to how they handle the review itself and its reception by the author. It is nice to know, in light of what has been happening in other corners of the blogosphere lately, that this is a site that handles issues with integrity and doesn't pander to the ego of the author, but also knows when to pull the punches. Thank you for posting this interview, it was well worth the read.
Margay
11 - Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Thanks to both of you, Mayra and Ilene. You are both doing so much for both readers and writers. As the winner of Reader Views Literary Award (in the publishing category), I'd like to point out how valuable that contest can be, too. Especially for writers who use the gorgeous gold labels and let their readers (and people who haven't read their book!) know about it. Awards set them apart from the average-book-on-the-shelf.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnsonn
Author of the award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers
12 - Carol
I do book reviews for reader views with Irene- and I love every minute of it. Irene is a wonderful person to work with. I was pleased to see her interview here.