Paid Book Reviews-- What Do You Think?

[Christy Pinheiro]

Since the FTC has decided to have review bloggers disclose their freebies; what do all of you think of paid reviews?

I mean, I’m really happy to get book reviews for free, but I think that many of us would be happy to pay in order to get a review in a timely manner. And I don’t think that means the review has to be positive—believe me, I used to give people bad news about their taxes, but they got a bill from me either way! So what do you think of paid reviews??


Indie Book Reviewer List

(I edited this discussion on 10/30-- since it was woefully out of date. I also added the indie book reviewer questionnaire so that book reviewers who want to be in the Indie Reviewer "Yellow Pages" can send it to me and be included in the listing)

[Christy Pinheiro]

I agree Susan, I've edited the main discussion because it was out of date and didn't really reflect the way I feel about the issue now. I think that a paid review is not the best way for a blog to earn revenues. It can create an obvious conflict of interest. Now, I do think it's okay for a blog or a reviewer to accept advertising, placement fees, or similar advertising fees. Red Adept does a great job with her website and I know she has hundreds (if not thousands) of subscribers.

Christy

[Leslie Wright]

I really love reading and reviewing, since writing is my second favorite passion. I guess I do understand the paid review issue to an extent. I have so many books and reviews going, I try to get everything done within a few weeks. However because I try to take them first come first serve, it is difficult to give something releasing soon, an review in time. Would a paid review move some to the top of the list? I do not know. I would have to believe that would be the case. I love to write, and would it be wonderful to be paid for it, absolutely, I know that many of us put our hearts into the reviews. But that is why many reviewers are also authors.
I have never charged for a review, and do not plan on it. I really love reading, and getting the books as well as the kind words from the authors is what really makes it all worthwhile. Would my review be any different if I were paid, absolutely not. In order to become better at anything we do and that includes writing, a fair and impartial review is important. Does a paid reviewer read the book any differently, will they really read the book and get to know the characters, or will the money or chance of money have them skimming the material and just writing a surface review, not something meaningful, just so they could move on to the next book for a fee? I am not sure how you would know, and why take that chance with something you have put your own heart and soul into. There are so many reviewer's , great ones at that, that review just because they love it, and not for a fee, why take the chance? Just my opinion.
Thanks for listening

[Susan Monteiro]

Thanks for the link, Christy. Just what I need!

[Christy Pinheiro]

I think that actually charging for the review can create a conflict of interest, but charging for blog placement or other advertising is acceptable and basically what every single print magazine does (notice how many magazines will interview a singer and then right next to the interview is a full-page ad for the CD?). I just found out that Kindle Nation charges 200+ for a book promotion "package" and it looks like a lot of authors are purchasing the advertising because there seems to be a new book promoted every single day. Kindle Nation is a very popular site, though. The more eyeballs/followers you have, the more you can charge for advertising or product placement.

Christy

[Rhonda]

Paid book reviews totally undermine credibility.

[Dream Books LLC]

Paying for a book review is such a scam! You don't pay the New York Times to review your book so why should some blogger charge to review your book, can they really match the publicity a New York Times review would give your book. Granted TNYT review list is so long that your odds of getting your book reviewed are slim to none unless you have insider contacts, but the principle is the same.

[Charity L.]

I never charge for book reviews but I have had some offer to pay me as a thank you. To me, the book is enough payment most of the time. I sometimes get a book I don't like but then I just post it on my book swap. I always try to honestly review the books and tell what I do or don't like.

[Tiffany Schlarman]

People always ask if I get paid for my reviews. I reply NO! I love to review. Would extra money be nice? Sure. However, I would be reading the books anyhow, its awesome to get a free book and sometimes before it is published! Super exciting for an avid reader! All reviews are honest for me, paying for one would not change that.

[Adele Park]

Do you know any bloggers who are offering to do paid reviews?

[Marilyn Shoemaker]

I've never charged for a review. I take what I do seriously even though it might not be as professional as other sites. it comes from my heart and I'm NEVER NASTY! Most of my authors send me books but I do purchased some myself.

However, I'm picky, I love contemporary, women's fiction, category, romance/suspense. I'm honest if I have too many (right now I have of 20 for Nov/Dec). If I can't get to it, I'm willing to do a Q&A with a giveaway to promo it and post something about it at Romantic Times. This process takes hours just for one little book. Most of my contests I purchase the book to compliment whatever book I loved!

Pas for paid review like someone posted, the public doesn't frown because how can some websites be so popular more than those of us who do it for free? Also how about and I won't mention, those that get paid for promoting Ereaders, etc. on their sites, how does that work

A nice and fair place if your interested, is Once Upon a Romance. They share your news, booksignings, reviews and intervies. I've book many authors or sent them to Connie. Also, I was thining of their recipe section, if an author could find something that would pertain to a book, how much fun would that be?

Harlequin, if your part of the "team" get someone to post on the "Reading Challenge". What I've added to RT forums beyone what was already there is un Favorite Books New and Old, what's the dedication in the book your reading, what's the behind the story of the book you're reading, what's the book description and then someone else posted what't the first line of the book you're reading? So here's what I do, I post the cover, comment and post the title, line author, etc. Free promo and readers love it.

[Adele Park]

Hi, Marilyn.
Thank you for the link. Book Blogs is the first blog I've ever joined and it has already proved to be very helpful. I truly appreciate people like you who are so eager to share useful information.
Adele Park

[cheryl sherrard]

I think there would be a pressure to give a good review if you were to get paid for it . I am not knocking anyone
who does get paid to review ,for me personally I would feel obligated to say something nice.(I try to point out the author's strong points but I feel free to just be me if I dont get paid.)www.bookaddict4real.com