Book Blogger Confessions is a meme hosted by Tiger from All Consuming Media and Karen from For What It's Worth Reviews to discuss issues unique to book bloggers. To find out details, click HERE.
Question: What do we owe publishers and authors? If we accept ARC’s do we “owe” anything to them or just an honest review to our followers? As book bloggers are we obligated to do more than just review books? Post covers – participate in book tours – host guest posts - promote authors?
Short answer: I don’t think that book bloggers are “obligated” to do anything. My feeling is you can do whatever you want on your blog. It is YOURS.
Long answer: That being said, if a book blogger is trying to cultivate a relationship with a publisher or author, I think he/she owes them respect and courtesy. Personally, if I accept an ARC given to me specifically for review, I feel an obligation to read the book and post an opinion. If I do not like it, I will be honest, but I always try to be constructive with any criticism. (I think this falls under negative reviews as well.) If a publisher or author just sends me an ARC or a book unsolicited, I don’t feel obligated to read it. On the flip side, publishers, publicists and authors also owe bloggers respect. This could mean anything from reading our review policy carefully, to being mindful of our time and other obligations.
For me, my blog is my personal kind of...book journal, where I keep track of books, events and other book related news. I never even thought of it as being part of an obligation or agenda.
8 comments:
Great thoughts and I agree with working with publishers and trying to have a relationship and trying to review in timely manner. Your right its our blog :)
That sounds so reasonable! Which... shoudn't shock me because you are smart, but I find it refreshing. I think a lot of people miss the distinction between being obligated to reveiw an arc and developing a relationship with publishers. It's such an important distinction. no, you don't have to review it, but if you don't review anything someone sends you... eventually they'll stop. Anyways, you said it better.
Personally, all these unspoken rules and obligations can take a long walk off a short cliff. :)
I think we owe the publishers respect. You get an ARC give an honest review. No bashing, no bad words, etc. You don't like, pass it along to someone you think will. There's no need for so much drama over a book. Everyone will have their own opinions and people need to step back and respect that.
Yes! I think we often get away from the "personal" aspect of blogging, and publishers can forget that we're mainly here to talk about our individual thoughts and impressions, not to hawk the latest book they've put on the shelves.
I don't feel obligated to review anything other than any ARC's I requested. I don't get very many anyway.
If it's an unsolicited book or one that just isn't grabbing my attention I pass it off to another blogger who might enjoy it more.
I don't when blogging go two serious lol
@Julie-I think a relationship with pros in the industry should be treated like any business relationship.
@Steph-LOL, thank you for the complement. Yes, we are not obligated to do anything, but we also have to be aware of the outcome of our decisions.
@Smash-Toooo funny! I agree!
@Savvy-Such a good point. It's just a book!!!!!
@Tiger-I totally agree. And really, it's the personal aspect that I think got us here in the first place.
@Karen-I don't get a lot of ARCs either and I'm good with that.
Love your answer, couldn't have said it better myself! If you want to work with publishers than you need to be professional about it, otherwise it's your blog, do what you want.
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