Recently I posted my thoughts on authors-as-reviewers over at the QueryTracker Blog. I had been sending out heaps of emails seeking reviews for my second novel and it occured to me-- should I be reviewing other books, too?
Maybe you find yourself wondering the same thing. Stop by the QTB and see if you are of a like mind.
QueryTracker Blog: Should Authors Be Reviewers?
For every story, there is a review. Sometimes, there are many reviews. Sometimes, the reviews remain unwritten.
And that is the tragedy, isn't it? The unwritten review.
Reviews are nature's way of validating an author's efforts. Whenever a review is written, an author is assured, once more, that their work has been read. Has been processed by the mind of another person. Has been mulled about in another's thoughts.
An author is assured that, through their story, they've connected to another human being.
Does that sound melodramatic? It should…and it shouldn't.
Read this article and many others at the QueryTracker Blog
As authors, I think we are vulnerable doing reviews for fellow authors. We can be accused of being biased either in favor of a friend or against a competitor. In spite of this, I write reviews for book I like to show the author my appreciation of their work.
ReplyDeleteAs an author and an editor, there are people who feel I shouldn't be a professional reviewer. Too bad. Reviewing makes me a better writer and editor. Being a writer and editor makes me a better reviewer -- I can certainly look at a book and see what elements work and what don't!
ReplyDeleteSo... go ahead and look down on me. I really don't care. Doing all three keeps a roof over my head, keeps me busy and therefore out of trouble, and is fun. And, like I said, makes me better at each element, individually.
(Of course, I could be the exception, since I'm trained as a writer, a reviewer, and an editor!)
You bring up a very good point, Susan.
DeleteI think you are the EXACT kind of writer who SHOULD be doing reviews. Your expertise in editing leads to a natural tendency to critique. I think you'd be the perfect candidate for a review. :)
I've found most reviews are by other writers. Very few are by actual red blooded readers. I usually hear from my fans when I put a new book out. They don't leave reviews, but they do pop me notes. I consider those more valuable.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like the personal notes more, too. That is the true sign of a connection between reader and writer.
DeleteIn my opinion the best reviews you can get are from fellow writers because they understand what went into creating the book. Also, writers would be the most likely to review since they understand why they themselves would want reviews. I try to review all books I read because when I become an author, I'd like the same done for me.
ReplyDelete