After much thought and discussion, I've decided to no longer accept review requests from authors. The only exception will be for authors that I've worked with in the past.
Why the change?
After 3 years of blogging and nurturing my small corner of the internet, I've figured out what works best for me and what doesn't. I love authors, and I enjoy interacting with them and certainly enjoy the hard work that they put into their books. But, I'm only one person. And my blog is a labor of love. I don't really know that hobby is the right word. It's so much more than that. But, I need to keep the passion alive that started it in the first place.
And, sometimes (not all the time, and this isn't directed at any specific person) there is a certain amount of pressure that goes along with working directly with the author when reviewing. Authors are so directly connected with their work that a critical review can be particularly painful when you've taken the time to mail out a copy to a reviewer, and they don't get the results they expect.
But, when dealing with a publicist or media rep, there is another degree of separation that takes some of the pressure off me, and off the author.
So, if you're looking for a review from me and you're an author, just have your publicity rep or editor or whomever get in touch with me, and I can respond to the pitch directly to them.
Thank you to all of you who make this blog what it is. Any questions? Go ahead and leave them in the comments, and we can have a discussion.
I couldn't agree more! I amended my review policy the day you mentioned this on twitter. It just feels right. It has been so easy to send a reply that states that per my review policy I do not read self published books or take pitches from authors. It has eased things up for me greatly. I don't have enough time in the day to deal with all those requests (not that I get a ton, but I'm just one person). I say, good job for you.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it makes the response much easier. And, it takes some of the pressure off me.
DeleteThis makes a ton of sense! I think everyone (authors included) will understand. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteGreat change, Emily. I've been thinking of making a similar change. I wish you luck on your new policy.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever worked directly with an author from a mainstream publisher? I feel like the only time I have an AUTHOR ask me to review their book it's a self-pub or indie-pub author, and I don't review those anyway.
ReplyDeleteYes, I get a fair number. Obviously I get a lot more pitches from self-published or indie authors. But, really, this has been my unofficial policy for a few months. I've been saying no to everyone.
DeleteMakes sense to me. I've had to deal with that issue in the past, knowing that I've been in contact with the author directly and so I feel guilty and awkward saying that I didn't like their book. A certain amount of professional separation is never a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteSome newer authors have a hard time seeing a critical review of their book. But, publicists are used to it. So, it will remove some of that pressure from me, and authors.
DeleteI'm thinking that I will be doing the same. But for me it's just the pressure of feeling like everything I read HAS to be reviewed and HAS to be reviewed on a very specific time frame. Stresses me out!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I've been considering implementing something similar. We get SO MANY requests and I have other things I'd rather be reading.
ReplyDelete