Reviewers Be Honest: Do You Review Every Author The Same?

[Stacy-Deanne (Novelist)]

Hi All,

This is for reviewers.

Do you treat all the authors whose books you review the same when it comes to negative and positive reviews?

If you review books for personal friends or relatives, do you let them know honestly what you think of the book even when you hated it? Are you more inclined to sweeten your words or hold their hands when giving a not-so-flattering review? Or do you just refuse to review books from folks you are close to?
Do you treat them differently than you do authors you don't personally know?

Are you always honest and fair to all authors and all books despite their connections or lack of to you?

Best Wishes!

http://www.stacy-deanne.net

[pussreboots]

I've only reviewed one book by a friend. I stated up front that I was a friend and then I tried to review it twice: once as a friend who knew the story behind the story and once with the eyes of a stranger to point out the weak points in the book from someone who doesn't know the author.

[Anysia]

I treat all books the same as my audience is the reader, not the writer. Having said that, I do not review for people (friends or not) in the community as I also work as an editor/writer (not fiction or books on either count, by the way) and don't want to put myself in a sticky situation.

[Linda]

I don't think I would review for a friend or relative. Sort of like a doctor treating a family member!