Do you think it’s okay for reviewers to resell the books they review?
I personally think it’s inappropriate for reviewers to resell the books or advance review copies they review. We encourage them to donate or give away the books if they do not want to keep them.
Do you think a review written by a reader has less value than one written by a professional reviewer? What defines a true 'reviewer'?
I don’t think so, no. A review done by a professional reviewer might be better put together, but that doesn’t mean that their review should garner any more significance than one done by a layperson.
I think a true reviewer is someone who’s able to give an unbiased opinion on what they’re reading, while at the same time keeping the reader at bay with their own writing.
If a book is terrible, do you think a reviewer should write and publish the review, or should she decline to write a review?
You know how your mother always told you "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?" Well I think that holds true, somewhat, in the world of book reviewing. Yes, you want to say whether you recommend a book or not, but it's really not necessary to trash a book or an author. I've learned that to most authors, their book is like their baby, and you never tell a mother her newborn baby is kind of, well, unattractive, even if it is. It's just polite. If one of our reviewers really dislikes a book, we ask them to send it back; we really don’t like to publish negative reviews. Most of the books we receive are by fledgling authors, and we’d rather help them advance their writing careers, not hinder them.
There are some bloggers out there who have acquired fame as tough reviewers because of their harsh, nasty reviews. What's behind this philosophy?
Maybe it’s only about acquiring fame to them. Some people really don't care who they step on to get to the top, you know.
Thanks, Rachel! I appreciate it!
Article comments
1 - Beverly McClure
Hi Mayra and Rebecca.
Thanks for the great interview. I appreciate honesty when someone reviews my books. If there's something they aren't crazy about in it, I don't mind their opinion. But I would be crushed if they made really negative comments. I also realize people have different tastes in what they enjoy reading and won't care for certain types of books. Thanks again for your good thoughts.
Beverly
Author of YA novels Listen to the Ghost, Secrets I Have Kept, and forthcoming Rebel in Blue Jeans.
2 - Beverly McClure
Oh, my! I goofed. That should be Rachel. Sorry, Rachel. I enjoyed your interview. I'm out of it today.
Beverly
3 - A. F. Stewart
A great interview, I agree with your outlook. We fledgling authors need all the help we can get.
4 - Margay
Great interview, Mayra and Rachel! I am just loving this series on reviewers; it's really an eye-opening experience to read what goes on behind the scenes of these review sites.