Remember what you asked for. A review. Not a compliment.
ESP – 17 April 1013
About Reviewing
How did you get started?
Well being that I am in the final stages of writing a novel; I kind of went crazy looking up book marketing strategies. I kept seeing these things—book blogs—coming up. And I was like, what is that? One day, I just jumped into it and wrote my first post. And the Serial Reader was born. Within a few weeks, I had already gotten some modest attention.
How do you review a book? Is it a read first, and then make notes, or do you make notes as you go along?
I don’t know how “official reviewers” do it, but I don’t have any official-like methods when it comes to reviewing. Sometimes, I’ll make a mental note and save it for later, but everything pretty much comes pouring out while writing the review.
What are you looking for?
One of my very first priorities is very good editing. I can’t stand spelling or grammar mistakes. After that, I’m looking for a unique plot that holds my attention. Something that makes you think, and makes you feel like you’re in the story. Currently I’m reading a book with very funny and realistic dialogue, and that’s something I also like. Especially YA novels. Realism is key.
If a book has a great plot, great characters, but the grammar is less than perfect, how do you deal with that?
How do I deal? I don’t! I can either grin and bear it, or chuck the book out the window.
Unless it’s on my e-reader. Then that won’t be necessary.
How long does it take you to get through, say, an eighty thousand-word book?
Well that all depends on how interesting the book is. If it holds my attention, or if it is at least an okay story, it can be one to three days. On the weekend, of course.
If it doesn’t hold my attention and I really don’t like the book, well it can be weeks until I finish it. In some cases, months until I even pick it up again.
How did you come up with your rating system, and could you explain more about the rating system?
My rating system is, um, “unique”. Basically, if the book is a five out of ten or higher, I chose to “keep” the book on my bookshelves. If it is a four out of ten or below, I chose to “kill” or eliminate the book from my bookshelves. This system sort of follows the format of my blog. Because Serial Reader is kind of like Serial Killer, and well, yeah.
What advice could you give to authors looking to get their books reviewed?
Be polite. Use proper grammar and make sure your email looks professional. And flattery will be your best friend. I personally don’t care if the person requesting the book likes or follows my blog, but it will definitely earn you some brownie points.
Do you get readers emailing you and thanking you for a review?
No, not really. I get likes on my reviews, but than again, I haven’t been doing this that long.
My advice to authors on getting a “bad” review (hasten to add that might mean a perfectly honest, well written, fair review – just bad from the author’s point of view) is to take what you can from it and move on. Under no circumstances to “argue” with the reviewer – would you agree with that?
Yes, I do. Trust me, you don’t want to get a reputation in the book world. It’s a very tight knit. Just take it as constructive criticism and do better next time.
Remember what you asked for. A review. Not a compliment.
About Reading
We talk a lot about writing here on the blog, and possibly not enough about reading, which is after all why we’re all here. Why do you think people love reading. We’re seeing lots of statistics that say reading as a past-time is dying – do you think that’s the case?
No, I don’t think reading will die. Sure, people enjoy TV nowadays, but the ebook market is booming, and it’s not a coincidence. Society just wants an upgrade to e-readers and tablets, and those devices are selling for a reason.
People enjoy reading for the same reasons they enjoy television. It’s like TV in your head. Just a lot more descriptive.
About Writing
What are the most common mistakes that you see authors making?
Poor grammar, unrealistic dialogue, and clichés. The first two speak for themselves, but when I read your book and can think of fifty others that are similar, well, there’s a problem.
We’re told that the first page, paragraph, chapter, is absolutely key in making or breaking a book. Agents typically request only the first five pages of a novel, what do you think about that; if a book hasn’t grabbed you by the first five pages, do you put it down?
No, normally I’ll give it to the first thirty pages to even fifty. Some plots take a longer time to develop, and I have learned that giving books a chance sometimes pays off.
Is there anything you will not review?
Well erotica, nonfiction, some MG and some historical fiction just doesn’t fall into my blog. Other genres, like angel/demon, werewolf/vampire, is just not my thing.
About Publishing
What do you think of the oft quoted comment that the “slush-pile has moved online”?
I think it’s true. Nowadays, things are typically done on the internet. So, instead of manuscripts going to the slush pile, they go to the recycle bin.
Do you think attitudes are changing with respect to Indie or self-published titles?
I think there is more respect going to indie titles. Lots of people are making success out of what typically wouldn’t be read. Just because everyone and their grandma is self publishing, doesn’t mean there isn’t great talent out there. Gradually, our libraries will be filled with awesome self-published works.
Do you have any ideas or comments on how the industry can “filter” good from bad, aside from reviews?
Publishers and readers just need to give books a chance. That is all.
Follow me on my blog. See my contact page for my social networks. And remember to request a review. I respond to all emails.