Only give a synopsis of the book and not include their personal opinion. Or, they come from their ego and trash the book in their review.
With so many major newspapers getting rid of their book review sections, how do you see the future of online review sites?
Exploding! However, that said, only the credible ones will survive. It takes a lot of time, effort, and funds to have a book review site. There have been many that tried to establish one only to fail.
Do you keep the author's feelings in mind when you review?
No. The reviewers are asked to give their honest, personal opinion of what they read.
Have you received aggressive responses from authors or publishers because of a negative review? If yes, how do you handle it?
Yes, we sure have. In most cases it's because of editing issues and they are embarrassed. We assess each one and check to see if their response has any merit. We offer another review after the editing issues have been cleared up, or the storyline made more readable.
What does your site offer readers?
Besides reviews and opportunity to buy the book (through Amazon) they can read or listen to interviews with the authors or watch a book video. We also have a monthly book giveaway contest.
What promotional opportunities does your site offer authors?
We have twenty different packages we offer authors. These are things like reviews, interviews, book video production, audiobook production, publicity (pre/post pub), editing, proposal coaching, securing a publishing contact, etc. Full information can be found here.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a reviewer?
Connecting on a personal level with the authors.
Is there anything else you would like to say about you or Reader Views?
We are a one-stop center for authors needs.
Thanks for the interview, Irene!
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.