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Ok, today I got my first request to read and review an ARC. I am super siked! The reality is that an ARC isn't really free. It comes with a great responsibility. You must read the book in a timely manner and provide a review. You can be honest if you didn't enjoy the book, but you cannot- I repeat CANNOT- trash the author. It is rude and unprofessional. Plus, they are trusting you with something they have poured their life and soul into. So, any author can trust me to be honest, but professional in my opinion either way.
The way I see it as a new blogger I am following the 3 R's:
Responsibility: If you say you will review a book then do it. Also, do it within a decent time frame. If you know you won't have time or it is a genre you don't like then don't take the book. The offer is so cool, but not always meant for you.
Respect: Be sure to show respect the author as I stated above. They are trusting you and you should not let them down. Not enjoying something doesn't mean you have to be rude.
Real: With that being said, receiving a book to review doesn't automatically mean you are required to love it. Write your honest opinion. If there are some things done well on a book you don't like or you think it really targets a specific audience then say that. Even if you love the book be sure to mention why so others will be able to use your review in deciding to read it themselves
As I go along I am sure I will learn much more, but that is where I am starting...
Here's the book that is on the way to my house. Please look at the site and if it looks awesome be ready to buy it!! It is available now and has awesome reviews on Amazon...right now almost out of stock even! My review will be out after I get it and get a chance to read.
Book: Circle Of Souls
Author: Preetham Grandhi
What a great post! And a nice start to your new blog! I'm pretty new myself in the world of blogging, but it's such a friendly community! And I'm sure you'll start to gain a following in no time! Belonging to Book Blogs is a great place to have other bloggers start to get to know you.... I think there is even an "introduce" yourself there post... if not, you should do it anyway! Think of all those people missing out on your new blog!
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note, I agree with your three R's... especially about not trashing the author. Not liking the book is one thing, but being rude is something else. And I always try to find something good about someone's hard work anyway.... A Cirlce of Souls looks like a good read! I'll look forward to your review!
Take care,
Suzanne
P.S. Thanks for joining my blog! And adding your helpful comments over at book blog! (My book blog photo is my puppy BJ)
I have this one too... I am excited to read it. I love how you posted the three R's to reviews. That is important to always remember. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great attitude! I look forward to reading your reviews!
ReplyDeleteAlison, I can't wait to read your review. You are an excellent writer and I will love to read your comments. Reviews seem to be the way to go. I'm not having much luck getting friends to respond as they read a book, as in an online book club. But, I'll be patient. In the meantime, it is interesting who you encounter on these blogs. "Circle of Souls" sounds interesting.
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