Do you keep the author’s feelings in mind when you review?
Yes and no. I phrase my complaints tactfully, doing my best to encourage rather denigrate their work. But their feelings don’t influence my reviews, even if it’s one of my favorite authors and they specifically asked me to review their book.
Have you received aggressive responses from authors or publishers because of a negative review? If yes, how do you handle it?
Never from a publisher and only once from an author. I passed on my reviewers’ reasons and apologized. This particular author proceed to bash the review site on several online romance novel groups, not realizing or caring I was a member and would recognize her. Oddly enough the majority of the authors on these lists denounced this author’s behavior as juvenile.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a reviewer?
Beyond the books? (smiles) When I receive a note from the author saying my review brightened their day or encouraged them to keep writing when they were doubting their ability, it makes me smile. However, the most rewarding thing is when the author takes the time to just say “thank you.” I realize it’s a ridiculously small thing, but reviewing takes time away from my family and other pursuits; having an author recognize that fact makes it worth the sacrifice.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Sharyn! I appreciate it!
Article comments
1 - Margay
Sharyn, I'm glad you only had one bad apple to deal with and I agree her behavior was juvenile. I think what some people tend to forget is that, once you put your words in writing, they're out there for all to see and with the speed and the breadth of the internet, well, they get there faster and reach far beyond the point of original intent. I think there are two ways you can react to a negative assessment of your work: 1. The above example or 2. With grace and dignity and an open mind that will accept the fact and move on from it, and hopefully, grow as a writer because of it. If all an author wants to do is have their ego stroked, then maybe they should only allow their family and friends to read what they write. Which brings up a question: Do you have any advice for the writer who receives a bad review on how to handle it properly? Because, let's face it, no matter how good some people think you are, others are going to disagree. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.
2 - Jody Wallace
Reviewers and critics have a reputation of being bitter or failed authors -- but I think good reviewing and literary criticism are challenging enough that they're a skill very separate from the one that allows a person to be a successful author. Not that a person can't do both, but skill in either realm is to be admired. Keep up the good work!
3 - A. F. Stewart
Great interview.
As an author, I can say it is not pleasant to get a less than stellar review, but I don't think bashing the reviewer is fair.
An honest review should be a learning experience for the author.
4 - karen harrington
Very insightful. As an author, I have learned there is a whole spectrum to the review side of the equation that I never knew existed. One of the key things I've learned is that one must not only have a flair for writing, but also the temperament to accept criticism. That combination, I think, is key to a writer's success. Thanks for sharing your own thoughts and experiences.
5 - Pauline Jones
another great interview. I thought it was interesting she said she liked to be thanked. I was on a loop where several reviewers didn't like being thanked. I was shocked. Who doesn't like to have their efforts acknowledged?
6 - Margot Finke
Mayra, thanks to you, I am learning more about the art of book reviewing every day. Your intrerview here, of Sharyn McGinty , is of particular interest.
Thank you.
Margot Finke
"Rattlesnake Jam"
+ other fun, educational
books for kids.
7 - Maryann Miller
Mayra, thanks for another good interview. This series has been so helpful to me as an author finding new places to request reviews and a reviewer to pick up tips on improving that craft. Appreciate the time and effort you have put into this series.
8 - Jessica Kennedy
My great fear is a bad review, but facile praise does the reader nor writer any good. I fear a bad review, but cringe at the thought I'm just getting my ego stroked. Reviews must be diifficult to honestly do. Thank you for taking the time and risk (of angering) of supplying an honest evaluation.
Thanks for sharing this interview. In the future the information will be useful. I'll be seeking a review from Sharyn and waiting with bated breath.
Blessings
Jessica Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
9 - c hoare
Interesting interview and also nice to see a site that has a person dealing with reviews of e-books. With increases in the cost of transportation -- including postage -- sending out hard copy for reviews will become increasingly expensive.
Chris H.
10 - Joy Delgado
Mayra,
Another great interview. I agree that it's nice to get that email that says 'thank you' for a review you have written. It makes the taking the time to write it worthwhile.
Joy Delgado