Apart from celebrity reviewers who work for major publications like The New York Times, can a reviewer make any real money from writing reviews?
It depends on what you mean by "real money". I've made anything from nothing to $250 USD from a single review, so it does vary a lot, and some of the difference between nothing and $250 involved things like flexibility, reprint rights, and my own ability to use the review as a promotional medium for my own (for sale) work. That is to say that even the reviews which I wasn't paid "real money" for still had a financial value for me. I would say this, that A.) just like other forms of writing, it isn't something a person should go into for the money (although if you are a book addict, its a very successful way to keep your book bills down and get hold of a wide range of excellent new release novels).
You can probably earn more on average, on a time versus return examination, by working in your local grocery store — though a new reviewer will probably make significantly more than a new novelist for what that's worth (the learning curve is much smaller and the investment of time much lower). B.) If you make a name for yourself, you can actually earn a reasonable return from your reviews if you don't mind giving up rights and are willing to work on a single topic. C.) the perks are worth more than the "real money," and by perks I don't necessarily mean the review copies although they are a perk, especially in the beginning while you've still got bookshelf space. I mean that, if you are a writer, being a reviewer is a way of being considered important and valuable by the publishing industry, and developing a strong network of publishing contacts which will stand you in very good stead should you ever become inclined to write your own books.
What advice would you give to beginner reviewers who wish to make a career in this field?
Just like any other form of writing, a review needs to be crafted carefully. Learn your craft by reading other reviews (the good meaty ones you get in the Observer, The NY Review of Books, Salon, The Compulsive Reader :-), etc. Only go into it if you really, truly love to read (or do whatever it is you are reviewing). The heart of a good reviewer is being the natural consumer for what you are reviewing.
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