Whether praise or pan, the key is how well the reviewer justifies their opinion. My own rule of thumb is that if a book is too flawed to be able to recommend it to its intended readership, then it should be rejected for review and another book selected to take its place. But I don't interfere with any reviewer who wishes to give a negative review if that reviewer has given an articulate and justified rationale for that negative review.
There was a lot of controversy last year between print publication reviewers and online bloggers. In your opinion, what defines a ‘legitimate’ reviewer?
A legitimate reviewer is someone who has read the book they are expressing an opinion on — and expressed that opinion rationally with adequate examples or documentation. The legitimacy of a reviewer does not arise from what medium they are using to express their opinion, nor whether they are salaried, freelance, or unpaid volunteers. It is how well, how persuasively, and how fairly they can express their recommendation on what they've read, whatever that opinion might be.
What is your stand on paid reviews?
I feel there is an inherent conflict of interest issue of paid reviews. That is why the Midwest Book Review does not accept paid advertising, accept payment for reviews, or allow authors, publishers, or publicists to contribute financially to the Midwest Book Review. The only form of support or appreciation for what the Midwest Book Review tries to accomplish in behalf of the small press community is to permit the donation of postage stamps (which we use in sending out tear sheets and notification letters to authors, publishers, and publicists).
Do you think it’s okay for reviewers to resell the books they review? What about ARCs?
Reviewers and review publications own the books they are provided with from authors and publishers in the hope of getting them reviewed. They are therefore the property of the reviewer or review publication to dispose of as they deem best — including selling them — whether or not the book in question made the cut and got reviewed, and whether the review was positive or negative. This is a publishing industry standard and applies to ARCs as well.
Some authors and publishers fear that the sale of a review copy or an ARC will somehow remove or replace an opportunity for the sale of a non-review copy. I feel that this issue should be viewed as an advertising/marketing expense. Reviewers spend time and expertise on reviewing a book and in the case of volunteers, the sale of that book is their only compensation for their efforts.
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!