If you are a writer, you have likely been asked this question. Perhaps more than once. Before you answer, recognize the question is loaded like a gun and it could go off and hurt you. These requests from some authors contain two unjustified assumptions: one, you plan to read it, and two, you will write something nice about it. Caveat emptor – Buyer beware. More than one aspiring author I know has made the mistake of saying yes prematurely. They wanted to be helpful and hoped at some future date the favor would be reciprocated. Danger! What happens when you read the work and it’s filled with typos, factual inaccuracies, unbelievable characters, or an implausible plotline? Would you want a review of your book from someone who lacks talent and writing craft? Never say yes to this question. Here’s why. In agreeing to write a review, you commit to a product endorsement before you’ve read the book. If you are inclined to read and evaluate a book on its merits, commit to reading ONLY. And ask for a (free) review copy. After you’ve finished reading, then decide whether or not you want to write a review. If you can’t say anything nice about it, don’t write a review. Instead let the author know in a personal email why you can’t. But don’t post a scathing review filled with negative comments. It reflects poorly on you more than the book you bash. A book review requires a critical assessment of the…
There are three rules regarding negative reviews/feedback. Rule number one: do not respond. Rule number two: even when the reviewer completely misunderstood or misrepresents your book—do not respond. And, rule number three: especially when you feel a response is justified, and this case is the exception and calls for a response—do not respond. While there are many reasons you should observe this rule, the most… [Read More]
Filed Under: book reviews, catfish, reader feedback, trolls
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For many recent college graduates, or really anyone with big aspirations, New York City is the destination – and was the destination for most of my friends graduating from college this past May. New York also has the reputation of being the book publishing epicenter of the East Coast. Searching for jobs online on Publishers Marketplace or MediaBistro, many entry-level jobs posted are based in New… [Read More]
I’ve been reading since I was three years old and I can’t remember a time when diversity wasn’t an issue in children’s literature. Week after week, I’d peruse the Scholastic book orders searching for brown faces. Other than Michael Jackson biographies or the occasional Dynamite magazine cover featuring Kim Fields or the cast of The Cosby Show, the pickings were slim. It didn’t keep me from being a voracious reader but… [Read More]
Filed Under: children's literature, control the story, Diversity, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation
Should I write or should I read a book? When I am short on time it’s easy to read a few pages on the bus, in the waiting room, or even in the bath. The number of pages accumulate quickly even though I only have time to read books in short bursts on most days. This is also true for writing. I grab every opportunity… [Read More]
Six weeks of sabbatical from blogging this summer passed quickly. Too quickly. Sweetly slipped through my fingers. Like melting ice cubes. Rippling waves against ancient cliffs on Lake Superior’s shores. Finding the time and space and inspiration to write and do research without worrying about what anybody else thinks. Need I say more? The website redesign gave me the perfect excuse to pause and reflect… [Read More]