December 6, 2011

Book blogging: a review copy debate

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The other day, Carolyn Kellogg at the Los Angeles Times brought up some interesting points about book blogging and review copies as a result of an unintentionally brusque e-mail from William Morrow‘s marketing department that warned bloggers that “if we notice that you request books but aren’t posting your comments or sending us the link, we may suspend your ability to receive review offers from us.” Needless to say, this did not endear the publishing house to the blogosphere.

Kellogg has some questions that bear investigating:

“Does the number of readers a blogger has matter? Can and should there be room for disliking a book? Can and should book bloggers be book buyers, and are they? If some bloggers reject publishers’ freebies in order to establish their own freedom, should those that accept them somehow make that relationship clear? Should publishers make any demands on bloggers at all — and if so, are free books an even trade?”

1. Yes; if you have a blog with, say, ten followers, perhaps we will think twice about mailing you our entire catalog (shipping is expensive, people!).

2. Of course! Reviews start a conversation; also, no one wants to read the thoughts of a complete sycophant.

3. Hmmm…Thoughts?

4. It depends on the “freebies,” we suppose… Is it a paid lunch or something of real value, such as an autographed copy? If the latter, then you have few scruples and should explain this fact to your readers.

5. “Demands” is a tricky word. Technically, no, publishers should never make demands on reviewers besides the obvious (please use the full title of the book, please feature the cover, and please spell things correctly). We try to be polite at Melville House because we realize that we’re all in this together.

In the comments section, Pam Coughlan queries, “Are book bloggers to be treated like more print reviewers or marketing employees?”

What do you think, readers? Have you experienced secondary status as a book blogger? Please tell us about it in the comments section below.

  • Serena

    I am not paid to review books and do not work in a publishing house’s marketing department.  Reviews I write and post are my own views and opinions.  Reviewers of newspapers and magazines are often sent free books, which may or may not get reviewed, but if they do choose to review a book, they normally do so within the month of publication or before  — as I’ve seen from the reviews I’ve read in mainstream media. 

    Do I buy books?  ALL THE TIME.  I just spent $80 at my local independent for Christmas gifts, and that does not include books I buy throughout the year.  I bought myself a $40 anthology from the same local independent, when I could have gotten it online for less.  I’m a big reader and believe r in supporting the things I love and that includes libraries, books, bookstores, authors, and especially poets, who often get the short shrift by publicity departments unless they are Billy Collins or the like. 

    I think that if publishers want bloggers to become full time reviewers, then they will need to be paid.  However, that will erode some of the confidence readers place in those independent bloggers, calling into question whether those reviews are indeed unbiased or simply towing the line the publishers are looking for.  Blogging about books has been a hobby.  Would I like to be paid? Naturally — doesn’t everyone want to be paid for what they love to do?

  • http://www.4everoverhead.com Brooks

    A little late to the conversation, but I wanted to add my two cents.

    I always indicate in my reviews whether I purchased the book or whether I got a free copy from the publisher.   I buy lots of books for myself and as gifts for others.  I think there might be some book bloggers that don’t ever buy any books, but those are the exception rather than the rule.
    The few times I’ve been given a physical copy of a book by a publisher I’ve done my best to write about it and be fair in my review.  If I’ve requested a book from a publisher then I will definitely give it a full review and I’m certainly willing assist in the marketing of that book (if I liked it).

    E-Galleys are a completely different thing for a variety of reasons.

  • Lubna

    Hi

    I began to review books quite by accident. GoodReads came along and it was a fun way to rate the books I had read and share it with friends. Then GoodReads began its giveaway program. Only by participating did I get a chance to read books by authors I would not normally have read. 
    Book reviews do expand my horizon. In addition to GoodReads, I’ve just signed up with BlogAdda an Indian website dedicated to blogging which also hosts book giveaways in exchange for a blog review. 
    If I have been sent a book for review, or have won it on a giveaway, I mention that clearly on my blog. Further, while GoodReads and BlogAdda enable me to choose the book I would want to review in their giveaway program, as regards books sent to me by authors/publishers, I first discuss the genree of the book and only then do I agree to accept the book and review it.
    For instance, I hate ‘horror’ stories and if I read it and tried to review it, the review is bound to be distorted. If on the other hand, I’ve accepted a book for review and I hate it (Since I carefully select the books I wish to review, this has not happened), I would provide a balanced review and point out the positive elements in the book as well. I would also lend it to friends for a second opinion and incorporate their views as well.  
    I do think publishers have the right to make certain requests which would include what you brought out in point 5. In addition asking for review of the book within a suitable time frame is also acceptable.  
    That said, if any publisher made it mandatory for me to spin a positive opinion of the book and not my own opinion, I would not participate in such a book review program.
    Thanks for starting an interesting debate.

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