[stylist] Reviewing Books

Fri Sep 2 14:55:53 UTC 2011

Justin,
Well said. Beyond the conflicts and squabbling, my concern is that writers
can also get bogged down on these websites, spending a lot of time trying to
create a presence there. I don't know anyone who managed to transform that
into a writing career. The way the industry is, a writer needs to spend an
awful lot of time in researching the industry to find agents/publishers and
then, if they get published, to promote their work. There's precious little
time for actual creativity, and I think reviewing others' work especially
online can distract us from the less pleasant task of behind the scenes
research and promotion.

Obviously, if you particularly enjoy reviewing books, do it. I would just
suggest that people consider writing for online magazines such as Suite 101,
where you at least get revenue sharing and can write on a full range of
subjects.
Donna

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Justin Oldham
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 9:18 PM
To: writers nfb
Subject: [stylist] Reviewing Books

I was asked about the value of reviewing books, so I thought I would share 
my own opinion with the Writer's Division.

I don't review books for political reasons.  I've known too many writers, 
both sighted and blind, who get bogged down in feuds over book reviews.

Some writers use book reviews as a way of grabbing attention.  Trashing 
somebody else's work generates a form of 'buzz' that some people find 
appealing.

Writers need to have thick skins.  We should be capable of hearing and or 
reading the criticism of others without a spike in our blood pressure. 
There is, however, a terrible truth to be had here.  We don't all have thick

hides.

Writers do critique each other's work, though it tends to be done behind 
closed doors.  It's a professional courtesy to limit remarks to private 
conversations without revealing them in a circulated book review.

Writers who do critique openly tend to say only good things about other 
writers that they like.  It's a form of mutual support.  Say good things 
about me and I wil say good things about you.  There is commercial value to 
this.  It does work.

The best form of critic, in my opinion, is a reader who says what they like 
and what they do not like.  It's a well known fact that book sales can rise 
or fall on the strength of book reviews.  I do like hearing from the people 
who read my books, even if they didn't like them.

I encourage readers to post reviews on whatever web sites they like.  Like 
what you like.  Pan what you don't like...but...be constructive.  Tell us 
why you didn't like it.

All published writers are at the mercy of our critics.  Good reviews drive 
sales.  Negative reviews restrict sales.  All I ask of any reader/consumer 
is that you use your power wisely.  Don't persecute.

Readers who review books can serve a good purpose.  They can expose the 
frauds and promote the experts.  Again, I say, use this power wisely.

_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.net <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>

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