Wanna be an ebook Reviewer? - by Brad on 16:05 24 Sep 2004
There was a recent discussion on a mailing list started by an ebook author expressing frustration that most book reviewers, either online only or some combo of online and or print, will not review ebooks.
He asked about a response to these reviewers who refuse to review ebooks. I can't publish his letter because of copyright but here is my response:
So this is my way on mentioning it to people.
There are a lot of people online reviewing paper books - perhaps too many. But there are not as many reviewing ebooks so it might be a nice little niche to carve out for yourself. Science fiction, fantasy and horror are very popular in the ebooks field and many book reviewers do limit themselves to reviewing one genre.
A web site could be something as simple as a free blog from Blogger.com or a free site at Geocities if you feel confident with HTML. At least to see if you like it.
I think the main thing is if you are a voracious reader and can write a frank and compelling reviews.
There was a recent discussion on a mailing list started by an ebook author expressing frustration that most book reviewers, either online only or some combo of online and or print, will not review ebooks.
He asked about a response to these reviewers who refuse to review ebooks. I can't publish his letter because of copyright but here is my response:
| Quote |
| I honestly do not think you will change their minds. It does show that there is an opportunity for reviewers who will review ebooks or who will exclusively review ebooks. Frankly, the public needs some trusted voices publishing frank reviews of self published and small press ebooks. Given that ebooks are a small market, it will take some time for said reviewer to get established but I think there is a lot of potential to grow with the ebook industry and become a respected voice if a person can write good, critical and entertaining reviews. Fortunately, creating a website for reviews would cost very little and word gets around to ebook authors very quickly and that should provide review copies and some traffic. Perhaps if we all suggested this to our book reading friends a few might consider becoming ebook reviewers? |
So this is my way on mentioning it to people.
There are a lot of people online reviewing paper books - perhaps too many. But there are not as many reviewing ebooks so it might be a nice little niche to carve out for yourself. Science fiction, fantasy and horror are very popular in the ebooks field and many book reviewers do limit themselves to reviewing one genre.
A web site could be something as simple as a free blog from Blogger.com or a free site at Geocities if you feel confident with HTML. At least to see if you like it.
I think the main thing is if you are a voracious reader and can write a frank and compelling reviews.
Wanna be an ebook Reviewer? - by maitaman on 18:04 24 Sep 2004
The way it is set up for POD, and even traditionals, is too much a "favorites" game. I've had reviewers as much as suggest a bribe might help.
If anyone just likes to read, and has free time, all authors want is a little honesty. Your family and friends will tell you how great you are, and that doesn't help. We want reviews that point out the flaws in our work, and most of us realize that no book appeals to everyone. It is still for us to pick and choose what we wrtie.
If a group will get together and review works sent in with the author name and title removed, they will get more free reading matter than they can believe.
There are a couple of review sites that are very good (The Book Nook and Twisted Tales come to mind)(Because they gave me such good reviews? Now, would I do that?). They are totally swamped, because their opinions are open and honest. They have a good reputation.
If a group is formed and lets people know they are there, they will find no shortage of books to read!
The way it is set up for POD, and even traditionals, is too much a "favorites" game. I've had reviewers as much as suggest a bribe might help.
If anyone just likes to read, and has free time, all authors want is a little honesty. Your family and friends will tell you how great you are, and that doesn't help. We want reviews that point out the flaws in our work, and most of us realize that no book appeals to everyone. It is still for us to pick and choose what we wrtie.
If a group will get together and review works sent in with the author name and title removed, they will get more free reading matter than they can believe.
There are a couple of review sites that are very good (The Book Nook and Twisted Tales come to mind)(Because they gave me such good reviews? Now, would I do that?). They are totally swamped, because their opinions are open and honest. They have a good reputation.
If a group is formed and lets people know they are there, they will find no shortage of books to read!