A quick look at BooKecCenTric's book review
process and what I look for when I accept books for review.
How do I review a book? Is it a read first, and then make notes,
or do I make notes as I go along? It all depends on the book. For
some books, I read it all first, then make notes later. For others, I take
breaks in-between, make some notes, then continue. I suppose it depends on the
level of intensity of the book, and if I need to take a break to mull over some
things and take notes.
What am I looking for when I pick a book? I’m looking for connection. If it's fiction, I want to feel connected to the
characters… to feel their thoughts, their feelings. I want to know them enough
to understand the silly or brave decisions they make even when they don’t
understand it themselves. If it’s non-fiction, I want to hear and feel the
author’s passion through their words, feel the message they’re passing across
in every chapter. I want to feel their attempt to connect with their reader. The
writing style is a huge deal for me; the flow of words, structure, the way
everything connects together – they all play big roles in my overall rating. Use language within your narration, and let your words
have character. All in all, I just want a really good read.
If a fiction book has a great plot, great characters, but the
grammar is less than perfect, how do I deal with that? Not all writers are editors naturally.
I always implore authors, especially indie/self-published authors, to get their
works edited by professional editors. A novel that’s not well edited is a
distraction for me as a reviewer, as well as for readers, no matter
how great the plot and characters may be. However, I don’t let this completely
ruin my overall experience with the novel, provided it has some intensity. I do
still mention this flaw in my reviews so readers can expect this, and it
certainly affects my overall rating of the book.
What advice could I give to authors looking to get their books
reviewed? Check out the sites before you request a review from the
blogger/reviewer. Ensure the books they feature is in line with your book
genre. Read their review policies thoroughly, and make sure to get their names
right before you hit send (I sometimes get wrong names addressed to me!). Then go for it, and ask as many reviewers as you can find. Some may
refuse, and that’s okay. Move on to the next. Be ready to take any criticisms you
receive with good stride.
If a book hasn’t grabbed my interest/attention
by the first five pages, do I put it down? No, I don’t
put it down after the first 5 pages; I’ve learned to be patient and give all
books some benefit of doubt. So I wait until after the first 20 pages, or end of the second chapter, and if I still feel nothing, I sadly but determinedly put
it down and move on to the next.
Any ideas or comments on how readers can ‘filter’ good from bad,
aside from reviews? I believe one of the major
challenges of self-publishing is that readers get the 'bad' reads as well as the good reads, and there really is no way to tell which is worth the time except through reading reviews. So one idea would be for readers and reviewers to read the synopsis
and sample chapters first, and let it be to their
discretion which ones they feel is worth a shot.
One final piece of advice to authors and reviewers? To readers and reviewers—enjoy the reading process! Don't turn your reading into a chore just because you're obligated to leave a review. Just enjoy, and if you like it, you like it. If you don't, then you don't. To authors, don't take a rejection for a review too personally. Sometimes reviewers have a lot on their plate, including tons of pending requests. Simply move on to the next request!
