What is your stand on paid reviews?
I would love to be paid for mine. Writing is a business and I think that anyone who starts a blog or starts writing reviews for a site has the voice in the back of their head that says “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if I got paid for this?” We would all like to get paid to do something we love. Is it more or less objective? I think that would depend on the person writing it. I would hope that if you were getting paid to review something you would still be honest. Not to mention that you would get paid for a bad or a good review because the person paying you wouldn’t be the author.
Do you keep the author's feelings in mind when you review?
I do. I know how hard it is to write a novel. I keep in mind that the author spent untold hours agonizing and editing and pouring over pages. If something stands out, weak plot or flat characters I’ll mention that, but I also try to pick out redeeming points in the book. It’s possible to be honest about the book with out bashing an author.
If a book is terrible, do you think a reviewer should write and publish the review, or should she decline to write a review?
I think that if you have a book to review, good or bad, you should review it.
There are some bloggers out there who have acquired fame as tough reviewers because of their harsh, nasty reviews. What's behind this philosophy?
Mostly I think it's attention seeking. It’s so hard to get noticed on the web and one of the easiest ways is to be nasty. It’s like a bully on the playground. You might not be getting positive attention but you’re still getting attention.
Thanks, Katie!
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