I have a very deep respect for those that have the courage and creativity to attempt to put something "out there", and so I approach most books with that in mind. However, I must admit that I will give "a break", so to speak, to the newer novelists for the same mistakes that I will point out coming from a better known author. With the kind of support staff these guys have, it seems that they should be long past certain types of mistakes that you will all too often still find in their published works.
What style of reviews do you think have the most value?
Personally speaking, I would appreciate an honest review that explains WHY the book was either liked or disliked, along with a detailed synopsis of the book. Although, of course, not TOO detailed.
Do you think many independent reviewers on the web tend to give “facile praise” to books?
Actually, yes I do. The web has opened up a way for anyone and everyone to express their opinions, and while I'm not saying this is a bad thing, it can be misleading in a way. The entire publishing industry works much like any other industry, and so there is some pressure on to keep a positive outlook in order to continue being on the give away list. But I have found that this may be more of a misconception than a reality, as most publicists are very accepting of the occasional negative review. But nonetheless, one should be wary of any site that is too positive.
Do you look on reviews as a critique or just your opinion of the work?
Another tough question! I would say both. I hate to be so bold as to suggest that I could possibly know of a better way to write, because wouldn't I be doing that if I did? But as one who reads a massive quantity of books, and who knows the genre extremely well, I do think I, and those on my staff, are indeed qualified to know the difference between quality and the lack thereof. But basically, the bottom line is that it is truly just an opinion, albeit an educated opinion, just as is any critic's opinion, whether it is for movies, television, books, etc…
Do you get feedback from readers?
Oh, yes! Sometimes it's not always nice either. But it's always welcomed. I've had my reviews critiqued just as closely as I've critiqued the book and it's always an eye opener. And in reference to your previous question, I always point out that it's just an opinion after all. When one reads, or watches, ANY review, whether it's on television, the New York Times, or the Internet, one should always keep in mind that no matter what the credentials of the reviewer, it's still only an opinion, and opinions are subjective no matter how one tries to argue otherwise.
Article comments
1 - c hoare
I notice some of those interviewed look for a synopsis while others seem to look at that as a sign of a weak review. Perhaps the synopsis might be considered as something of a 'menu' that might allow a reader to decide whether they might want to 'order'?
Chris H.
2 - A. F. Stewart
Great interview.
Reviewers certainly have a great many considerations on their plate. I never realized it was so involved.
3 - Pauline Jones
Very interesting and enlightening. As an author, it is hard when someone doesn't like your work, but it is also part of the business. I always appreciate a reviewer who tries so hard to be fair.
And to learn about a new publication is an additional bonus. :-)
4 - Margot Finke
I LOVE a mystery!! So I was very interested in how Stephanie Padilla, of The New Mystery Reader, answered Mayra's questions. Seems to me this would be a great place to check our new mysteries, before you splurge big bucks on a hard copy for yourself.
Thanks Mayra Calvani for asking Stephanie Padilla the hard questions readers of mysteries want answered.
Margot Finke -
Rhyming fun with
"Rattlesnake Jam"
5 - Margay
Great advice for aspiring reviewers.
6 - Joy Delgado
Mayra,
It's interesting how there are so many different ways to wrtie a review. This series is helping to point out all these varied ways. Thank you
Joy Delgado