Do you think it's okay for reviewers to resell the books they review? What about Advance Review Copies (ARCs)?
As an author, the honest truth is that I really don't care what reviewers do with my book after they review it. I'd certainly prefer it to go into the hands of a new reader than into the garbage. Selling (e.g. making a profit from) review copies or ARCs (I can't really see a distinction, although ARCs may not be ready for the market and the author might be judged by a substandard edition if it isn't obvious) isn't entirely ethical, but it isn't illegal and as an author, I'm more than happy for readers to get my books wherever they can (royalties per book tend to be around 10% for a new book — say $2 per copy, so the impact on me would be pretty close to negligible) and at whatever discount they find.
As a reviewer, I have a policy of not selling review copies, but I do end up with many more books than I can house (loads that I've never agreed to review that simply come on spec), and I feel comfortable donating these to whatever cause requires books, from the local hospital or library to my children's school fetes. But I don't impose restrictions on what my reviewers can do with their books — the books are theirs to keep, and therefore do with as they see fit. That's part of the deal. Most don't get paid, so getting a book is a small reward which should come without any kind of provisos.
What are the most common mistakes amateur reviewers make?
Book reports. It's pretty common for a new reviewer to write out a book synopsis and tell the reader just what the book is about. But a plot summary really isn't a book review, and certainly doesn't help me as a reader to determine if this book is for me. What I need as a reader is a good through evaluation of the book's overall quality — how are characters developed, what is the narrative thread, what does this book illuminate. If I don't get an analysis, I'm not getting a book review. That's the biggest mistake. But other mistakes are in using cliche and hyperbole ("I couldn't put the book down"), tired phrases culled from other reviews ("tour de force"), or in making sweeping statements that aren't substantiated by examples from the book.
With so many major newspapers getting rid of their book review sections, how do you see the future of online review sites?
Article comments
1 - Donna McDine
Mayra & Magdalena...what a wonderful insightful interview. The questions and answers truly gives great indepth insight into the reviewing world.
Thanks!
Donna
2 - Aaron Paul Lazar
Hello, Maggie and Mayra! This is a delightful glimpse into Maggie's world. I truly enjoyed it and must say I do cherish the longer, more analytic reviews highly (whether my own books are being reviewed, or I'm reading to determine my next book purchase!), and aim for the same quality with the reviews I write. Thanks for posting this, Mayra. Great information!
3 - Beverly McClure
Thanks for this great interview. I was especially interested in the mistakes amateur reviewers (like me) make. Also, whether the interview influences a person's choice to purchase the book.
I enjoyed reading your advice and comments.
Beverly
4 - Linda Austin
Maggie gave wonderfully detailed and indepth answers to good questions, and I also love how her site is another champion for new and lesser-known authors. This interview has been a learning experience.
5 - A. F. Stewart
The world of reviews and reviewers is far more complicated than I imagined. A wonderful interview, and some great insights.
6 - Joy Delgado
Thanks once again Mayra for an exceptional interview. Magdalena your answers to Mayra's questions gave me a better look into the world of reviewing. Thanks
Joy
7 - Carolyn Howard-Johnson
When Mayra interviewed me(coming June 8), she asked me if reviews are influential. Some are far more influential than others. Magadalena's reviews are so thoughtful and complete I use her reviews of my book, The Frugal Editor, in my media kit. Maggie also names her top ten reads on her site at the end of the year. My chapbook of poetry, Tracings, was so-named and that is very nearly like winning a contest. I've used it to great advantage in my promotion campaign. And believe me, poetry needs to be promoted! (-:
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Award-winning author of the HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers
8 - Shari Lyle-Soffe
Mayra
Another terrific interview. Thanks.
9 - c hoare
These interviews are a great resource, and a couple of things occurred to me --
Are these interviews in the published copy of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, or will there always be a link where we can find them again? I'm beginning to suspect the first and will definitely buy a copy -- they're valuable for writers as well as potential reviewers.
Chris.
10 - Margay
Magdalena, I love The Compulsive Reader! It is one of my favorite feeds and I have a lot because, well, I am a compulsive reader. This was a fantastic interview, one of the best I've read in awhile. You are so well-informed and you inform others well. That is a gift. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Margay