tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post4133146600601528139..comments2023-12-27T03:44:03.834+01:00Comments on Presenting Lenore: On Authors Reviewing BooksLenore Appelhanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-60596829689674834872011-12-03T23:53:25.878+01:002011-12-03T23:53:25.878+01:00I think the choice is ultimately up to you. Consi...I think the choice is ultimately up to you. Considering your reputation within the book blogging community, if you start posting only positive reviews, I highly doubt you'll lose credibility with people. But if you reformat your blog into something more geared towards your writing, and feature an awesome book every now and then, then that's something different. I wouldn't say you were really doing reviews anymore more than just featuring a book you liked on your writing blog.<br /><br />There are pros and cons to both sides. Personally, should I finally make it, I'm going to stop reviewing in my current format. I'm not one to temper my opinion, but I'm not a fan of shooting myself in the foot either. I just don't want to put myself in a position where I'd review a book similar to mine that I didn't like and said so. That could just get too ugly. So I'd much rather just remove the temptation to do that. The format just changes, in my opinion. You cross that line from not just being a book reviewer. You're behind the curtain now so I think your expectations have changed. But that's just me.Donna (Bites)https://www.blogger.com/profile/12585421704517898076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-20481161659764600422011-12-02T04:17:49.943+01:002011-12-02T04:17:49.943+01:00I wish you wouldn't stop. Just because you are...I wish you wouldn't stop. Just because you are an inspiration to me and I want to think that if I get published one day, I wouldn't stop. But I also wish authors would not feel offended or resentful when someone doesn't like their books, and that is too big of a wish to wish. I'll stop wishing now.<br />I would think the best option for you right now is to quietly pick up books and once you have an opinion, if it's good, talk about it.Sab H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11653196275372160949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-38379897675873935132011-11-30T23:35:32.406+01:002011-11-30T23:35:32.406+01:00I will miss it if you stop writing reviews, but I ...I will miss it if you stop writing reviews, but I understand if you do.<br /><br />I think it's tricky-you're entering the publishing world and you don't want to talk bad about a book when you may be meeting that author later. Maybe write reviews or spotlight a book and talk about what you liked? I think you've gained enough trust as a blogger that if you only post positive reviews it wouldn't hurt.GreenBeanTeenQueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08708155058381407531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-72016308257388965782011-11-30T21:11:40.338+01:002011-11-30T21:11:40.338+01:00Lenore, obviously I am nowhere near on your level ...Lenore, obviously I am nowhere near on your level (I don't have an agent, a book deal or a book coming out soon) however I've been thinking about this very issue for some time now. Like others, I witnessed the YA MAFIA discussion and I have to say that I've heard from other authors to be careful about reviewing, especially if you are an aspiring author. Does it make me nervous? You betchya it does so I decided to stick to books I love although then you do run the risk of being the reviewer who loves everything unless you state that you only review books you love (note to self: add this to the blog). I've seen plenty of authors review other author's books but again, it's always positive because apparently there is an unwritten rule about author's bashing other author's (although that sounds incredibly harsh for a critical review). <br /><br />I still really don't know what the answer is so again, I will echo other's sentiments which is to do what you feel comfortable with.Lynsey Newtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01565424842334968772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-67452978833636935572011-11-30T17:37:38.760+01:002011-11-30T17:37:38.760+01:00A tough one for sure. But I think it's wonder...A tough one for sure. But I think it's wonderful that you're bringing this conversation to the blogosphere. It's all about being honest--with your readers, and yourself. Hilaryhilarygrahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11426290693681962776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-42547993380616593372011-11-30T00:08:51.356+01:002011-11-30T00:08:51.356+01:00I have done a fair number of reviews, and while I ...I have done a fair number of reviews, and while I am not an author, I am working within a relatively small community.<br /><br />An Amazon or Good Reads review is a preference review. "I like a certain type of book, this book fell into the catagory, and I mostly liked the book" would be typical.<br /><br />I think what you are striving for is informational reviewing. The original genisis of the type (as I understand it) was to allow people to get a simple grasp of current books, so that they could follow a conversation about them in polite company.<br /><br />I try to give some background information, and a little sense on the themes of the book. I try to think about who would like the novel, and try to bring out those points. I note in a non-qualitative way whether the book is a "realistic" one, and whether is is an "easy" read (most thrillers are, Joyce or the KJV Bible are not).<br /><br />There is very little that is said subjectively in most reviews that could not be said in an objective way, or at least kinder way.<br /><br />I do bury in there, but not at the end, whether I like the book or not.<br /><br />It is my experience from authors who contact me that some will appreciate the effort you went to, and others will hate you because you did not call it the second coming of the KJV Bible.<br /><br />IMO, you are crazy to give up the reviews. Crazy! LOL.<br /><br />It is your online presence and persona. It is what is going to bring an audience for your book. Authors with a little bit of success, and with a little effort, will eventually get an online following. But you already have one.<br /><br />I do give a veryrussell1200https://www.blogger.com/profile/16258915475311426433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-84417708917995888582011-11-29T21:10:36.787+01:002011-11-29T21:10:36.787+01:00I DO take people seriously who only say good thing...I DO take people seriously who only say good things about books. So I think that's a legitimate option.<br /><br />As for authors holding grudges against you for your reviews, they are not the ones publishing your book, so there's that. Of course one wants to have good relationships with peers. However there will always be someone holding a grudge for something, whether it's a review or not. <br /><br />You can't control other peoples' feelings and responses. Do your best to be both honest and kind, do what you feel is right and you'll be fine.Alysa Stewarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03705870547401762370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-38442551720175411172011-11-29T17:37:52.524+01:002011-11-29T17:37:52.524+01:00It's such a hard question, especially for some...It's such a hard question, especially for someone who is/wants to be published like you said. Thankfully that's not me, but I still feel the pressure for positive reviews. I think that's especially true for me as a new blogger, you have all this fear that giving a negative review will blacklist you from ever getting ARCs etc. I still think it's too important that I be honest than that I be loved by all, but if I am doing a negative review I try like you said to still mention any positive points, and to link to reviewers who enjoyed the book so readers can see both sides.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-39487257386789697422011-11-29T16:04:02.032+01:002011-11-29T16:04:02.032+01:00As a writer, I can completely understand your dile...As a writer, I can completely understand your dilemma. I remember reading about the whole YA mafia debacle and wondering if I should give up book blogging because it might have an impact on my writing future. But then I decided to stick with what I love, take away the rating and just write about the books (that's why I do three positives and a wish for most books).<br /><br />You could just skirt the whole issue by reviewing a different genre entirely...just a thought.<br /><br />Do what works for YOU. Don't worry about the mafia or other authors or even other readers. You write insightful, strong reviews and, even if you don't like a book, you approach it with a delicate touch.<br /><br />Good luck with everything -- I'm looking forward to reading your novel and seeing where you go with your blog!Mary @ BookSwarmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04099395167194720599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-41547921609251793852011-11-29T15:34:26.509+01:002011-11-29T15:34:26.509+01:00Go back and read Ann Kingman's comment -- pret...Go back and read Ann Kingman's comment -- pretty much what I was going to say. Published authors write published reviews all the time. I don't think you have to be always positive. You don't have to be cruel either (not that you ever are). <br /><br />Ultimately, it -- of course -- boils down to what *you* are comfortable with. Published authors have joined reading challenges, comment on books on Twitter, leave comments on blogs. discuss books on their own blogs, and simply love to talk about books.<br /><br />It is crazy to think that once you have a book deal or are published that you can no longer publicly say anything negative. I don't know anything about the YA mafia but . . . really?<br /><br />As a professional editor, I've struggled with similar issues. What if I criticize a book? That publisher is bound to be one of my clients, and so how will my review affect my career? Then I thought about it. Again, no one expects me to love everything. My perspective as an established editor is unique. I often like and dislike books for completely different reasons than other readers.<br /><br />As a published author, you too will have a different perspective. Maybe you do already -- you have a clearer understanding of the part that editors, marketers, and others have in the development and publication of a book and how that book is publicized.<br /><br />It's all up to you, naturally, but I'd be sad if your reviews went away or if you only said nice things. You already have an established well-loved blog. It's not like you'd suddenly enter an area that you never thought to visit until you were published.Beth Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-38482033908609380932011-11-29T14:52:44.101+01:002011-11-29T14:52:44.101+01:00Since I may someday be in this situation myself, I...Since I may someday be in this situation myself, I'm always careful to review books that I liked on at least a 3, though I don't star my reviews. I hate that I have to on Goodreads. I wish there was a work-around. The only one I can think of is not starring it and making it look like I gave a book 0 out of 5 stars.<br /><br />I really don't know what I'll do when and if I ever become published. It's definitely tricky and will depend on my agent/publisher, I'm sure. <br /><br />The fact that your reviews ARE balanced is a plus. You try to write it for people who will love the book, even if you didn't necessarily. I try to do this as well. If I can balance the review, I'll write it. If not, I won't.<br /><br />It's tricky, though. Good luck!!Bonnie @ A Backwards Storyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02988547424004889874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-73489686912393710112011-11-29T14:44:05.429+01:002011-11-29T14:44:05.429+01:00Oh, Lenore. I have so many thoughts about this. ...Oh, Lenore. I have so many thoughts about this. I love books, and though I have what will be fourteen to my name, I cannot imagine not feeling the freedom to celebrate the work (of others) that I love.<br /><br />I write reflections, therefore, and not reviews. And if a book doesn't show up on my blog it's because I didn't love it. It's a simple as that. I keep those opinions to myself. What is on my blog has been genuinely loved. And that way I can keep spreading the word.Beth Kepharthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14236487532413398431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-55194669497470631002011-11-29T13:59:52.211+01:002011-11-29T13:59:52.211+01:00Reviewing books is incredibly subjective – I have ...Reviewing books is incredibly subjective – I have very specific tastes; I’m picky, I know that I am. <br /><br />And I can’t not be honest, I can’t not tell people reasons why I didn’t love a book, or issues that I had with certain aspects of it. People are never going to all love the same book, we all like different things and all look to take different things from the books that we read. And I am of the persuasion that no review is a bad review – if you articulately get your point across without getting personal, or being outright rude and mean, then I am going to respect you for expressing your opinion, author or not. That doesn’t mean I have to agree. So, I see no issue with authors writing reviews – I mean, first and foremost they are readers yes? And just because they are an author, it doesn’t mean I am going to accept or agree with their feelings on a book, anymore than I would do with a blogger.<br /><br />But, this is all from just my personal point of view. I can totally understand why some authors hold grudges, because this is their craft, this is their job, their book is something that no doubt means a lot to them. And would you really want to be on a panel with another author, or at an event with them, knowing full well that they didn’t enjoy your book, knowing that other people know they didn’t like it. It’s got to be awkward, because it puts both of you in a situation that you inevitably brought on yourself. Plus, I find that a little unprofessional, because these writers are your colleagues, your peers. <br /><br />Me? I won’t lie, if I ever published a book (HA!) and another author reviewed my book and didn’t like it, well, you can bet I’d be disappointed, but that would go for ANY bad review. But would I hold a grudge? Not particularly, no. Quite frankly, I’m a grown up. I would rather spend my time getting drunk than plotting revenge just because someone didn’t enjoy my work. So, I guess it comes down to what you feel comfortable doing. Either way, good luck my lovely!Carlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12776814809468436342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-14393638624535406632011-11-29T07:46:18.458+01:002011-11-29T07:46:18.458+01:00I don't think there's anyone here who won&...I don't think there's anyone here who won't support you in any direction you decide to go. No matter what the forum, you are putting worthwhile things out into the world! Maybe you should just change this to a cat photo blog? ;)Kristen M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02335598194501733541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-30431773253923060082011-11-29T03:57:00.419+01:002011-11-29T03:57:00.419+01:00That is a tough question to answer. Not too long a...That is a tough question to answer. Not too long ago an author made some negative comments (that she later said were meant to be sarcastic) about the Twilight Saga and ended up deleting her twitter account because of the backlash. I think you should be able to tell everybody what you really think of a book you've read, but doubt some people won't react negatively. <br /><br />If you've had something negative to say in the past, it never came across as an attack like some negative reviews tend to. It felt like your honest opinion, which is rarer than it should be.<br />I'm starting to question whether a lot of bloggers are giving an honest review or a review that will keep the ARCs coming.<br /><br />Do whatever feels right to you because you're the one that will have to live with the outcome either way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-68372426086842711942011-11-29T01:24:52.216+01:002011-11-29T01:24:52.216+01:00Oh, *hugs*. This must be really difficult. As a re...Oh, *hugs*. This must be really difficult. As a reader, I've read and enjoyed your reviews for years now, and I think you write thoughtful, smart posts that are never mean. But as an author, I understand the uncomfortableness of reviewing colleagues, especially as we head into 2012. I've taken the tactic of only mentioning books on my blog that I love, and only reviewing 5-star reads on GR & LibraryThing. Yet I still feel a little guilty that I don't love/praise/rec all the Apocs books the same -- but it wouldn't be honest to pretend that I do just for fear of hurting someone's feelings, either, and I want readers to know that I mean it when I say I love something. Ack! I hope you're able to make a decision that you're happy with, either way!Jessica Spotswoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12881559695365177034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-76403107007168376102011-11-29T00:59:18.473+01:002011-11-29T00:59:18.473+01:00Thank you everyone for weighing in on this! You...Thank you everyone for weighing in on this! You've given me a lot to think about going forward. I've definitely already seen the effect of having too little time, as Lauren says ... so I have to decide whether I want to make reviewing a priority or if it's really time to move on.Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-62829161701325607882011-11-29T00:49:12.118+01:002011-11-29T00:49:12.118+01:00Lenore, one thing to think about is that as you mo...Lenore, one thing to think about is that as you move more fully into the world of being a published author, you'll find that more and more of your time and energy is devoted to all the tasks that go along with that, not least of which will be writing your next great book! Since there really are only so many hours in the day, you'll naturally have to decide how best you want to spend what little time you have left over. For a whole catalog of good - not wimpy! - reasons, you may decide you don't want to spend a lot of time/energy talking about books that didn't please you. You may not want to review books every single day, but rather, have different days that address specific reading/writing topics that are of interest to you, reserving one day a week for reviews. <br /><br />I read several books a week. When I was regularly blogging, I had a once-a-week feature called "Book of the Week" in which I'd review the book that had pleased me most in the past seven days. It wasn't a matter of selling out; it was a matter of having limited time and knowing that what I wanted to do with mine was direct people toward books I knew they'd love. <br /><br />Just my two cents. Actually, I could probably donate a whole dollar on this issue - using my perspective as a former independent bookseller, former PW reviewer and current author - but that might be TMI by about 98 cents!Lauren Baratz-Logstedhttp://www.laurenbaratzlogsted.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-78790982051847117692011-11-29T00:34:43.330+01:002011-11-29T00:34:43.330+01:00Hard decision. As an author I've made the dec...Hard decision. As an author I've made the decision to share on Goodreads only the books I've enjoyed. That's what works for me. <br /><br />One thing I know for sure is that either way you go, there will people who disagree with your choice. If you stop reviewing people will think you've "wimped" out. If you do reviews, you run the risk that someone will get their feelings hurt. I can almost promise someone will say you gave a particular book a bad review because you wanted your book to look better in comparison. (for clarity- I'm not saying that) <br /><br />In the end you will have to decide what makes you feel good and what makes you happy in this process.<br /><br />Either way- congrats on your book!Eileenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07967828178034612278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-75771190101831655132011-11-29T00:29:59.706+01:002011-11-29T00:29:59.706+01:00You know what? Do whatever you please. I'm goi...You know what? Do whatever you please. I'm going to start a review site where I review people's personalities. That shouldn't offend anyone, should it?Dannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15603058272032990526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-51996486208730912562011-11-29T00:23:48.966+01:002011-11-29T00:23:48.966+01:00I hate to say it, but no one ever tells Neil Gaime...I hate to say it, but no one ever tells Neil Gaimen or Stephen King they shouldn’t review their peers…this is some kind of girl club crap that ticks me off. It’s probably not a great idea to snark a fellow author to death, but writing an honest, thoughtful review of books in your own genre is a normal thing for almost every genre except Romance (and the romancy subset of YA). It’s part of why I think we don’t get taken seriously. We have special Mrs. Rabbit rules that preclude honest discourse.Isobel Carrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03153722955365985930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-36891379491657975432011-11-29T00:17:37.800+01:002011-11-29T00:17:37.800+01:00If you like reviewing books, you should continue t...If you like reviewing books, you should continue to do so. Lots of well-known authors review books for the NYT and such. Credibility comes from what kind of person you are, not whether you are an author reviewing other authors. There are plenty of bloggers (non-authors) who have lost credibility with me because they don't come off as honest or seem to have another agenda and plenty of authors whose reviews I respect. If you felt more comfortable, you could review books that aren't similar to yours or only by authors you don't have a relationship with. I would stay away from only positive reviews because that could be awkward if someone knows you read their book and then no review.<br /><br />Those that enjoy your reviews now, will continue to do so. Those that are critical will be so no matter what you do.bookmagichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13808845291761439603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-17727263433250752852011-11-29T00:14:52.930+01:002011-11-29T00:14:52.930+01:00There's good business in being a rebel.There's good business in being a rebel.Uomo di Speranzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03611503055044491078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-85763287946924743872011-11-29T00:09:36.736+01:002011-11-29T00:09:36.736+01:00Sweetie I am going through the same thing. I thoug...Sweetie I am going through the same thing. I thought I would quit but I was urged not to. Apparently its part of my charm. I have for four years tried to be analytical and also not burn bridges and I think I have done that, and I will continue to do it. I will have less time for my blog now - but I plan on keeping it. You have to do what feels best for you - and only that.Pamhttp://bookalicio.usnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-34257478431377509112011-11-29T00:04:43.649+01:002011-11-29T00:04:43.649+01:00This puzzles me. Most of the reviews in the New Yo...This puzzles me. Most of the reviews in the New York Times Book Reviews are written by authors. The editors assign books specifically to authors that they feel will bring an interesting perspective to a review (i.e., Glen Duncan reviewing Colson Whitehead's ZONE ONE). There has certainly been some "feuding" and bickering about a poor review given, but overall, it is remarkably civilized.Ann Kingmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05893081495203055789noreply@blogger.com