Do I Pay to Review?

[Shalini Ayre]

Hello

I've recently updated my blog to let people know they can approach me to review their books. Am I being a tad naive/cheeky to expect a free copy of the book? I appreciate that $2.99 for a kindle copy isn't a lot of money, but it will soon add up if I have to do that for everyone who asks me to review their story.

Any advice on 'review etiquette' would very much be appreciated. 

Thank you

Shalini

[Shalini Ayre]

Hello Julius

Thank you for your feedback. I certainly do feel I'm professional with my reviews even if I'm not a professional reviewer. And of course, I'd love to read your new novel. I don't read a lot of YA novels but never say never! Take a look at my site to make sure I'd suit your needs for reviewing  - http://www.lgib-bookreview.blogspot.com

Congratulations on your award, that's fantastic; I'll have a look for it and add to my collection of books to buy - it's an ever increasing list! 

[Susan Milby]

I never pay for review copies - the author or publisher must provide the copy.  It is part of the review process.  A courtesy of sorts.  You receive the book or ebook.  In exchange/obligation, you provide an honest review which you post to your blog, amazon, goodreads, barnes & noble, etc and promote on twitter, fb, g+ etc.

It is an exchange (not payment).  You should never have to PAY any money out of your own pocket for someone's REQUESTED review.

Also, they should provide you with book information before  you review.  You have a choice to accept or decline any review request.  If you accept a free book for review though, you should make sure to do the review.

Does this help?

[Shalini Ayre]

Hi Susan

Thank you so much, yes your advice does help. The author that started my discussion has provided me with a PDF copy now so all is well - but I'm glad I asked the BB world, as I've received such great advice. 

Thanks again Susan.

Shalini

[The Literary Lioness]

When I was still accepting books from writers, at first I had them send me a copy of the book by mail -- I didn't have a Kindle! I received books from Belgium and Malaysia! I finally acquired a Kindle and it is very easy for have the author to "send" the book to my Kindle. They just need your Kindle address. It's much cheaper, too. No postage for sending a heavy book.

You should absolutely expect to pay nothing for a book an author sends you. Believe me, many authors are willing to do this! As a matter of fact, I got overwhelmed at the sheer number of authors wanting to send me their books.

[Shalini Ayre]

I'm discovering that (authors requesting a review)! But it's great...thank you for the advice. I reluctantly downloaded the Kindle app - I say unfortunately, as I love actual books. I blame that on my print buying background, but I appreciate the uses of an e-reader especially as more authors are publishing e-books/independently. 

Thanks again. 

[Sandy Harper]

No. You don't

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“What goes around comes around” http://amzn.to/kObJYH

[Shalini Ayre]

Thank you. 

[Michelle Wright]

No you have every right to ask, I am always willing to send free copies to someone who wants to review my work, I have yet to meet a book reviewer that buys all the books from Authors requesting a review, so ask away. If an Author refuses to send you a copy for review then you have every right to say no. If you would like, although I already have good reviews I will send you my book for free to review no problem! Just contact me here and I will give you my email, out of respect to this thread I'm not posting my link to Amazon.

Look forward to hearing from you Shalini and good luck with your new look blog!

[Shalini Ayre]

Thanks Michelle, really appreciate the advice. 

[Tina "The Book Lady"]

Shalini - I was reading over the comments and everyone is so very right.

1. You should NOT pay to review a book for an author or publisher (unless it's a book you want, have purchased and loved enough to review 'just because'.

2. You are providing a service to the author/publisher - you should not pay for anything and that includes advertising their item. Your service is reading the book (or using the product), writing a fair and honest review, and providing links to purchase the book, the author's website, FB page and Twitter (and whatever else they ask).

3. Be sure to include your disclaimer at the bottom of your post - you don't want to have your blog shut down because you forget.

You are welcome to check out my literacy blog if you'd like. For the most part this blog is only for children's books, educational materials and games/toys and puzzles. I occasionally forget the disclaimer but I make sure to include it once I remember. I know some reviewers have a page on their blog dedicated to their disclaimer and add something like "see my disclaimer here" at the bottom.

Most of all have fun, you will come up with a format, a niche and a particular way you like to write your blog. Be true to the concept for your blog - this will develop over time so don't worry if you haven't figured it all out at this time. Watch other book reviewers and see what they do. You can try to imitate a little (make it your own tho) and if it doesn't work for you try something else. =D

Tina "the book lady"
http://familyliteracy2.blogspot.com
http://givingnsharing.blogspot.com

[Shalini Ayre]

Thank you for the advice it's very much appreciated; I'll have a look at your sites to glean some inspiration on how to improve my review site too - thanks again!

[Tina "The Book Lady"]

Another thing you might consider doing is having a page dedicated on your blog for your disclosure. I just updated mine on both blogs today. I guess FB is getting tough on FB Pages for businesses, etc - I wanted to make sure I was covered so I didn't get shut down. You can see mine if you'd like - the tab is "My Disclosure). I also have one on every Rafflecopter form I use for giveaways. It's also listed on the "My Disclosure".

=D