Started in 1976, The Midwest Book Review is an online monthly publication aimed at librarians, booksellers, as well as the general reading public. Its mission is to promote literacy, library usage, and small press publishing, which is why this publication is so popular among small publishers, self-published authors, and academic presses. In this fascinating interview, Editor-in-Chief James A. Cox talks about the history and policies of the Midwest Book Review, and he also answers some important questions about the craft and ethics of book reviewing.
Thanks for being here today, Jim. How long have you been reviewing?
I began reviewing books in September, 1976. That means I've been doing this for the past 32 years. During that time the forums utilized by the Midwest Book Review have included AM radio, shortwave radio, television, library newsletters, Amazon.com, Internet databases, and the Midwest Book Review website.
Please tell us about Midwest Book Review. How and when did it get started?
My daughter Bethany went off to college and got her degree in Computer Science. She came back home and dug me out onto something called the Internet in the early 1980s. With her help the Midwest Book Review website was created. Bethany is the Midwest Book Review's managing editor and webmaster.
What makes Midwest Book Review stand out among so many other online review sites?
The Midwest Book Review began with the mission of promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. As an educational organization we developed our web site at Midwest Book Review as a multi-purpose resource with the goal of helping writers to write better, publishers to publish more successfully, booksellers and librarians to stock their shelves more effectively, and readers to read with greater satisfaction. By making our web site as content heavy as possible, constantly updating and expanding it monthly, and enlisting the support of our volunteers, staff, and web site visitors, the Midwest Book Review web site has become the invaluable and comprehensive resource to authors, publishers, librarians, booksellers, and readers that it is today.
What is the most challenging aspect of running a review site?
Properly organizing the steadily increasing numbers of information and resource links, as well as 'how to' articles that comprise the contents of our web site. As the web site gets larger and larger with more and more content, the struggle is to keep it as 'user friendly' as possible.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - A. F. Stewart
An enjoyable interview; I've heard great things about Midwest Book Review.
I especially liked the discussion about what makes a good review, good advice for us dabblers.
2 - Mayra Calvani
I'm glad you enjoyed the interview, A.F.!
Best,
Mayra
3 - Jacqueline Seewald
An interesting and informative interview. I would also like to say that I appreciated the review of my latest novel in this publication.
Jacqueline Seewald
THE INFERNO COLLECTION, Five Star/Gale
4 - Sheri McGathy
Interesting and informative interview. I enjoyed it a great deal.
~:.*.:~~:.*.:~May the magic always brighten your world~:.*.:~~:.*.:~
5 - Kim McDougall
600 reviews a month? Wow. That is impressive. I have been to the Midwest Book Review site and I have to say it is a valuable resource above and beyond book reviews. Nice interview, Mayra!
6 - Annette Snyder
Great interview. Very cool to read how a project starts and to know that it's still satisfying for the owner even after many years.
7 - Donna J. Shepherd
It is wonderful to have a job you so enjoy. Thanks for the abundance of information and inspiration, too. Mayra, great interview!
8 - Berta Platas
I have great respect for reviewers - I've only written a couple, and it was tough. To think of doing 40 a week - Mr. Cox, I'd be incoherent. Thanks for providing this great service, and Mayra, thanks for a terrific interview.
9 - Margay
What a great interview. It really explained a lot about what goes into reviewing a book - not as simple a process as one might think. His website sounds fascinating. I will have to check it out, after reading his story here.
10 - Jane Toombs
As a writer, I appreciated learning what The Midwest Review requires to be interested in reviewing a book. The questions were well chosen, the answers illuminating. Thanks.
11 - kbaccellia
Thanks for sharing. This is a very informative interview. I especially enjoyed reading what is involved in getting a book reviewed by The Midwest Review.
Kim Baccellia
Earrings of Ixtumea
Dream Realm 2006 award finalist
12 - Misa Ramirez
Super interesting interview, Mayra! 30-40 reviews a month...I'm awed by that. Reading more than a book a day is amazing, and then writing on it. Wow.
13 - Mayra Calvani
Hi all,
Thank you so much for your comments! I didn't expect such a warm response!
I'm also awed by Jim reviewing so many books a month. That's amazing. One wonders, does he ever do something besides reviewing?! Does he ever sleep?!
The most I can do is 2 or maybe 3 books a month.
Best,
Mayra
14 - Aaron Paul Lazar
Hi, Mayra! Great interview with Jim. It's always fascinating to peer into his world, and with each interview I learn a bit more. I had the pleasure of interviewing him back in April on our site. The article is in the April 2008 archives on the sidebar, if anyone wants to read more from Jim's perspective.
Thanks and keep up the wonderful work. Best of luck with The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing. ;o)
15 - Katie Hines
I really enjoyed the article. Although I have done some book reviewing, I wasn't aware of Jim's site and the great opportunity he makes available to writers. Thanks, Mayra, for making this article and interview available!
Katie
16 - Joy Delgado
As an independent publisher about to publish my first book, I found this interview very interesting and informative. Learning about the review process and what you need to do to get your book reviewed by Midwest Book Review was well worth the price of admission. Thank you Mayra for doing this great interview and I will be following you throughout the month to see what other gems you throw our way.
Joy
17 - Shari Lyle-Soffe
Mayra
Fascinating interview. I look forward to visiting the site and reading not only reviews but also tips on writing.
Shari
18 - Mary Cunningham
Wonderfully detailed interview, Mayra. I was especially interested in hearing how Midwest Book Review has picked up the slack from major newspapers.
Our Atlanta Journal-Constitution dumped its long-time reviewer in favor of a marginalized book section. It's nice to read about the quality of Midwest Book reviews and their dedication to authors and small presses.
19 - Barbara Hudgins
Good to hear Jim Cox talk about the background of Midwest Book Reviews. He was one of the first! He gave a great review to my book, "Crafting the Travel Guidebook." One question, though--since he does not accept money in return for those hundreds of reviews, and his reviewers are not paid--how does he manage financially? The website must take hours too maintain. I think he once mentioned that he had a grant from some literacy project.
20 - Margot Finke
WOW! I never knew book reviewing involved so many facets. Thanks Mayra, for drawing out James Cox, and for allowing us a peek into the inner workings of a book reviewer's mind.
21 - Clarissa Brown
I am quite impressed! Personally reviewing 30-40 books in a month? My brain would be fried. I enjoyed the interview very much, Mayra. Thanks to both you and Jim for sharing.
22 - Donna McDine
Mayra & James...great interview. I repeat many others....WOW 30-40 reviews in a month. Do you sleep..LOL? What insightful answers. It's amazing the worlds our children can open us up to. Keep up the great work.
Regards,
Donna
23 - Joan Upton Hall
Thanks for the enlightening interview, Mayra. What would the publishing world be without objective reviewers like Mr. Cox?
24 - c hoare
Very interesting interview Mayra. Looking forward to many more of the same.
25 - Linda Austin
Insightful interview with one of the great champions for small publishers. Midwest Review's website is outstanding for its resources for writers and publishers. Thanks, Jim! Thanks, Mayra!