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(I edited this discussion on 10/30-- since it was woefully out of date.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)

[The Girl from the Ghetto]

As much as I need money, (Been laid off for seven long months) I don't think I want to earn it by getting paid to write book reviews for my personal blog. I enjoy the process of book blogging, discovering the books I want to review, and asking for or accepting offers to do the ones I believe I'll like. I like recommending all sorts of items on my blog simply because I like sharing good things with other people.

If we bloggers all start to get paid to write about books, it may become a bit tedious. What if the best book bloggers are the small, unknown bloggers? How will we find them in the future? Won't these little guys be trampled over in the rush to make a buck? Won't the authors who can't afford to pay for reviews get lost in the shuffle as well? You'll start to see the same reviews over and over, stolen from one another as bloggers do. It will taint the entire blogging process (true, it has already become a little tainted) and influence bloggers to write all favorable reviews, rather than writing the truth. What is the point in reading a blog about a book that secretly sucks, but it gets reviewed a hundred times as a great read just because someone paid good $ to make sure it got enough publicity? In the end, we readers lose out, and do any of us want to go through that?

On a side note, I find it horrible that bloggers are out there, taking books and not writing reviews. Sure, life happens, but why aren't these bloggers communicating their issues with the publishers/authors/publicists.

[Katrina L. Burchett]

Paying for a review? No, I don't like that idea at all. As a self-published author, giving away books isn't something I can really afford to do but I realize it's necessary to get the word out and I'm glad these reviewers are happy with just a free book. But to pay for a review, I don't know, it just always felt to me like these reviewers are taking advantage of an author's need for book reviews. No, there are way too many reviewers and online book clubs out there willing to review books without expecting compensation; I prefer them. And thank God for avid readers who devote so much of their time bloggin' about books. Now, the ones who promised a book review, received a free book and years have passed with no word and no review, that's just wrong.

[Dawn Davis]

I love to read. Receiving a free book in exchange for a read and review is payment enough for me. But hey, if an author wants to pay me, I won't argue.

[Nancy Taylor]

I'm of two minds. One of my minds is too addicted to paper and the printed word to actually need to be paid. On the other hand, chances are 100% I'd read the entire book and write a comprehensive review if I were paid.

On still another hand, I happen to have a job that I love. I put in my hours at work, do a good job, and used to feel guilty when they kept giving me a paycheck. 20 years later, I still love it but I stopped feeling guilty about getting paid for it.

[Mark Whiteway]

My own strictly personal view as an author, is that I generally seek out those who review for free, but occassionally, I have been known to pay a small stipend. (Hey, reviewers have to eat too, right?) In no circumstances will I pay more than $50 and that includes the price of the book if I have to send them one. I will not deal with those who blatently try to gouge hard-working authors (Kirkus Discoveries - 350 bucks - do me a favor!), regardless of their so-called reputation. Nor will I send my work to those with arrogant submission guidelines (Midwest Book Reviews - Send us TWO hard copies, a letter of introduction and a press pack and we might not even look at it at all! - Forget you!)

As I said, that's just my personal view. Feel free to disagree!

Mark Whiteway - Author of Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?AuthorID=115824&id...

[Mystee]

That is insane. I don't think, as reviewers, we are in any place to demand high prices or anything else--under any circumstance. I try to look at it from both sides since I've got 4 books I've been working on writing.

I also don't feel that it's always a thing of how long a blogger has been doing it. I've gone to some book blogs and have been appalled at the quality of their reviews. They're just telling me what's on the inside or back covers and then throwing in a line about I would recommend or this book wasn't as good because of this or that. Some of these people have done 100s of reviews and I know I wouldn't want my review done in that manner.

[Rex Lee Reynolds]

I agree with Christy on the FTC thing. If print mags and TV don’t have to disclose reviewers shouldn’t have to either. That would clearly be discrimination on reviewers.

As an author I at first felt awkward asking even the best of friends to review my books, then found it was completely fine. It turned out that the friends that were willing were flattered by the request.

I'm happy to see there are people here that feel that a copy or autographed copy is payment enough for the review, but I don’t see anything wrong with offering payment for reviews as well. The slush pile is pretty deep, almost a black hole, and just about anything beats being at the bottom of it.

I would be happy to send autographed copies to people who like to do reviews, as well as payment if requested. I’m also curious as to how reviewers feel about getting the copy in e-book format rather than in print. I would be willing to do either but wonder if e-book format would be considered too cheap, downright cheesy or what?

[Mystee]

I prefer print, but it's not a case of being greedy. It's because I always have a book with me. I've read something like 7 books already since Monday. I take them to the pediatrician's office with me, to pick up friends at the airport, to pick up my kids from school. I can stand over dinner while I'm cooking and read. With an e-book, I'm limited on where I can read it and the ease of access to it. There are also some books that I review that I pass on to my kids and have them read and do their own little *book report* on.

I love reviewing books and I'm definitely not out for a free book. Most I've done I've purchased and I have shelves of books that I've purchased to review. However, I'd rather do the review for someone that actually took the time to reply to an email or contact me directly about reviewing for them...someone that wants and appreciates the review. I bump those to the top of my list {while, of course respecting preferred dates as some choose dates for items to appear on your blog}.

In my personal book collection, I even keep the ones given to me separate. I think it's a wonderful feeling to have something sent to you for your opinion, those are the writers I want to remember at the top of my list.

Just my opinion of course.

[Mark Whiteway]

Mystee,

Thanks for adding me as a friend. If you would like to consider reviewing my first book, then I would be pleased to hear from you. You can check out the details at my website -

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?AuthorID=115824&id...

If you are interested, please feel free to contact me by email at [e-mail] and let me have an address where you would like the book to be sent.

Kind Regards

Mark Whiteway - Author of Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Sorms

[Mystee]

Thanks so much.

[Christy Pinheiro]

Hi Mark; I agree with you on almost everything except this:

(Midwest Book Reviews - Send us TWO hard copies, a letter of introduction and a press pack and we might not even look at it at all! - Forget you!)

I LOVE Midwest Book Review! They are one of the few real reviewers that give self-published authors a chance. I followed their instructions and they reviewed my book right away-- 5 stars on Amazon and the review became the lead positive review. And it didn't cost me anything except two copies of the book.

They're honest, too... they don't accept any handouts except sometimes they will ask for stamps.

I compare that to the cost of a "publicity package" that cost me over $1,000 and didn't really produce any significant sales.

Christy

[Mark Whiteway]

Christy,

I read your reply with interest.

Here is what Midwest Book Review say in their submission guidelines:-

"There is an approximate 14 to 16-week "window of opportunity" for a book to be assigned out for review.

If/when a book makes the cut and is featured, we will automatically send a tear sheet to the publisher for their records."

It's not so much the two books that hacks me off, it's the "If/when" business. And after 14-16 weeks, if they don't feel like reviewing it, they'll just throw all your hard work in the trash. To me, that just arrogant. No other submission guideline I have ever read comes across like that. I personally buoycotted them for that reason. I published my book myself because I wanted to maintain artistic control. I believe in the quality of my work, so I don't feel I have to go to anyone with a "begging bowl".

Don't get me wrong, Christy. I'm delighted for you that your book was selected and that you got such a glowing review. The rest of us might not be so lucky, though.

Mark Whiteway - Author of "Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms"