Do you publish freelance reviews by other writers, or only those written by you?
When I started the blog, I included a couple other people, but I found that I was doing the bulk of the work. Then, Madeira James, a web designer that I respect, suggested that I should make the blog more professional. I changed the original name of the blog, and took back its identity. Now, I only do reviews that I write.
How should an author contact you about a review request? Do you review e-books as well?
Authors can contact me via email at lesa.holstine@gmail.com. However, I make no promises. Since I am the only one doing reviews on the site, and I don’t read more than 15 books a month, there will be no more than that on the blog. However, if I receive the book at least two months ahead of publication, it will at least appear in my monthly column, "Treasures in My Closet." That column is occasionally picked up for syndication, so the book does receive some publicity.
I don’t review e-books. I’m sorry. I’m enough of a luddite that I prefer to hold the book in my hands.
Do you think there’s a lot of “facile praise” among online review sites?
Maybe, but many people might read my blog and comment about all of the positive reviews. Periodically, I’ll write a column explaining why there are so many positive reviews. I not only have enormous piles of ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies) in my closet, I’m also a librarian with easy access to three collections. There are too many good books out there for me to waste my time on books I don’t enjoy. I seldom finish a book I don’t like, so those books are never reviewed.
If I’m reviewing a book that I’ve received through Blogcritics Magazine or Library Journal, I have an obligation to read and review it. Then, a book might receive a negative review on my blog. Almost every book will receive some praise, if it was worth finishing.
Is there too much “facile praise”? Are reviewers gushing over every book, or every book by one author? In that case, it might be too much. However, I can’t speak for other reviewers, because I don’t know their intent in praising books. I don’t think I gush over most books. I try to point out similarities to other books, weaknesses if I notice them, and, most of all, the excitement or value of the book.
The purpose of my blog is to share books. I want people to be excited about them, know what books are being published, and learn about new books and authors. As a librarian, my job is to help people find something new to read. I hope people will be excited about the books I review on my blog.
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Thanks, Mayra, for the informative and enjoyable behind-the-scenes interview with one of BC's more reliable and prolific, and -- as it turns out -- very busy, reviewers.
2 - Joy Delgado
Mayra and Lesa,
Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Each reviewer has a different approach to reviewing and I'm learning a lot about how to review books.
Thanks again,
Joy
3 - A. F. Stewart
Great interview!
As a reader who reviews on occasion, I appreciated the comments on what makes a true reviewer. I also agree with her on “facile” reviews; I tend to review books I enjoy.
4 - Margot Finke
Mayra Calvani, you've done it AGAIN. Fascinating interview of Lesa Holstine. I learned a bunch of stuff from reading this.
Margot Finke -
"Rattlesnake Jam" -
crazy rhyming fun with Gran,
and Pa.
5 - Pauline Jones
Wow, that was fascinating. Personally, I don't have a problem with a site only reviewing books they like. I want to read books I'm going to like, too. Time is too short to waste time reading something you don't want to.
6 - Margay
And I thought I read a lot. You've got me beat, Lesa! This was a wonderful interview, thank you for giving such a detailed and honest take on your work. I'm exhausted just reading about what you do!