Review books and what do you do when you don't want to review them...

[emperatrix]

Hi all,

I'm in something of a bind... about a year ago, a certain publisher's marketing team contacted me regarding a book for review. It was a book that sounded like something I would enjoy, so I accepted the offer and gave them my address. My blog isn't necessarily an upcoming book review blog, it's more of a personal book blog, but suddenly they just started sending me books without warning. While these are all bestsellers, most of them are not at all the kind of literature I'm interested in reading and don't really fit the personal aspect of my blog. I kind of have to wonder why they thought I would connect with these books.

So my question is... what do you do when you receive unsolicited books that you don't want to read/review? Do you return these? Give them away? I've been collecting them to donate to my local public library, but I'm not sure how to go about it if they keep sending books.

Any suggestions?

[Alison M.]

I've heard publishers prefer if you pass on the books to people who would review the books. Maybe other book bloggers? That way they're still getting a review for the book.

You might also tell them to ask before sending you anything. I don't think that will hurt their feelings too much. :)

[emperatrix]

Thanks for the response. I have thought of contacting them, but have no idea which department is sending the books. I'll look into it.

[Vera Godley]

I review for several publishers and authors, but NOT A SINGLE ONE sends unsolicited books. Perhaps this is more because most are Christian publishing houses and Christians tend to be good stewards of assets (not always, though).  I would contact them via the means of original contact and tell them to cease sending unsolicited books.  I would especially do this if they are sending the type of books I would not want in my home or mailbox.

If you can't get them stopped any other way, you can take the unopened mailer to the post office marked REFUSED and let them send it back.  Eventually they'll get the message.  Also, most publishers require the posting of a review on your blog and at least one commercial book selling site with subsequent notification to them that you have done so.  I would think they would require this of you.  Failure to meet their reviewer policy would result in termination of relationship.

[emperatrix]

Thanks for the suggestions!

The few that I have solicited do come with a letter stating their review policy and the contact to notify when I have reviewed the book. A couple have arrived with notes saying that if I choose to read the book, they would appreciate a link, but the others bring no notes or contact info.

[ManOfLaBook.com]

You don't have to review any books you don't want to.

It doesn't matter if they were free.

It doesn't matter if you bought them.

It doesn't matter if they were sent.

It doesn't matter if they were requested.

It doesn't matter if you're on a tour.

Don't make this wonderful hobby become a job.

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[emperatrix]

If ning had a "like" button, I would click it on this post. Should be a book blogger's mantra.

[John M. H. Pratt]

I think donating them is the way to go, maybe find a charity that accepts books. If the people sending them to you ask what you've done with them just give them the receipt.

[emperatrix]

Good idea, thanks!

[Irina Shapiro]

I would suggest contacting the publisher and telling them that you no longer want to recieve these books.  I am sure that someone will connect you to the right department or person.  Donating the books is always a good idea, or if you are feeling enterprising, you can sell them on Amazon and actually make a bit of a profit.  I sell used books and movies on Amazon all the time and it's a good way to clean out your house and make some money at the same time.

Irina

www.irinashapiro.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irina-Shapiro/307374895948375

[Joss Arden]

You're not technically supposed to be selling ARCs though, are you? I don't know if the OP is receiving ARCs or finished copies, but I thought that was worth mentioning just in case.

[Tome Keeper]

I would contact them and ask them to stop sending them then donate them. You are under no obligation to read, review or pass on these books; no matter what some publishers think. 

I would not sell them though, as I do find that a bit distasteful.

[emperatrix]

I agree, it always seemed a bit unethical to me to sell something I never purchased in the first place.