On Katie’s Reading I only publish my own. I don’t have the energy or time to expand it to include other people’s reviews. And honestly I can’t see anyone wanting to publish their work on my blog when they could build one for themselves.
How should an author contact you about a review request? Do you review e-books as well?
If an author is interested in contacting me my e-mail is listed on Katie’s Reading. At the moment I’m trying to steer clear of e-books. I spend so much time on the computer at work and then at home. When I finally do get a chance to read it’s nice to get away from the computer.
In your opinion, how influential are reviews on the consumer?
A reader is always going to be surfing around for what they want to add to their stack of to-be-read books. A good review is a great jumping off point. If I’m really interested in a book I tend to read all the reviews I can find so that I get a well rounded idea if the book. I think that most people are like that. But then there are always those spur of the moment purchases that everyone makes.
What do you look for in a book review?
I’m one of those very odd people that will usually read the end of the book first. So in a book review I don’t mind spoilers or major plot points being revealed, as long as it’s well written and entertaining.
Do you think the average reviewer can review a friend's book and still be objective?
I would like to think so. If the book is bad and you’ve been honest in your review about it a friend should appreciate your honesty. But hopefully the book is fantastic.
Do you think a review written by a reader has less value than one written by a professional reviewer? What defines a true 'reviewer'?
A true reviewer can read anything, not just what their personal preference might be, and present the book in an entertaining way flaws included. A lot of people will read just what they like and it’s easy to write a review for something you love. The test is reading something you dislike but not having that cloud your review for the book.
Article comments
1 - Margay
Katie, that is so true! I remember seeing a psychologist on Phil Donahue (I was a kid at the time)talking about difficult children (I forget the exact topic)and something he said always stuck with me: "Negative attention is better than no attention at all." And we live in a world where people seem to rejoice in the negative. So sad. I think it is possible to offer a negative review without being nasty about it. I like your take on nasty reviewers being like bullies on a playground. And how do we respond to bullies? Stay away from them. Thanks so much for sharing your opinions here. Honesty, for me, is very much appreciated.
2 - A. F. Stewart
Wonderful interview.
I'm not sure I agree with having spoilers in reviews, but to each their own I suppose.
3 - Eva Batonne
A very insightful and thoughtful interview.
4 - Pauline Jones
Yeah, I'm not big on spoilers either (well, for MY books), don't seem to mind them for anyone else's. (vbg) So I guess I shouldn't complain, aye?
Another very interesting interview!
5 - Beverly McClure
Another great interview, Mayra. Personally, I hate for the ending to be revealed. When I review, I like to leave the reader with the desire to purchase the book to find out what happens.
Thanks for your tips on reviewing, Katie.
Beverly
6 - Margot Finke
I am not into horror or paranormal books, but your interview of Katie McNeill was interesting.
Another great job, Mayra.
Margot Finke -
"Rattlesnake Jam"
+ other fun, educational
kid's books.
7 - Donna McDine
Mayra...great interview with Katie...well done!
Warmly,
Donna
8 - Joy Delgado
Mayra,
Thanks for another insightful interview.
Joy Delgado
9 - Jamie Martinez Wood
I really like this interview. Katie comes across as warm, intelligent, honest, and open-minded. What wonderful qualities for a reviewer!
10 - Jacqueline Seewald
Another excellent interview! I hope all reviewers are as fair-minded.
Jacqueline Seewald
THE INFERNO COLLECTION
Five Star/Gale