Thoughts on early reviewing

[Braiden]

Pam from Bookalicio.us wrote a post about “early reviewing”. This is what she says (You can find it http://bookalicio.us/2011/08/thoughts...

"I have been thinking a lot about early reviews since last week I was sent some books with the request not to review them until six weeks before launch date. It was a very reasonable request and I began to think more about the reasoning behind it.

I mentioned it on Twitter and Jennifer an agent for Andrea Brown (who is having an awesome contest for Ilsa J. Bick’s Ashes) said that she believes even six weeks is too early.

I have to say I think I agree. After a lot of thought on the subject the defining question was “Who are we as bloggers reviewing for?” I have never heard an answer other than the one I would use myself: for readers, to help readers to find new books to read.

So if we are reviewing books four or five months before we come out are we doing that? Do you think people other than book bloggers are going to make a running list with publication dates and what not? I don’t think so, and while bloggers do read my blog I want my blog to be the best for regular every day readers.

We are not Kirkus or Publisher’s Weekly and frankly we will never be. This statement has nothing to do with professionalism and everything to do with the same question: “who are we reviewing for?”. Kirkus and the like review for the industry. Meaning their reviews are tailored to help booksellers, librarians and others decide what to buy. I don’t think any of us think our blog is ready made for that. I am sure it happens that at some point we influence some decision somewhere but again this comes back to my blog is for regular every day readers.

This isn’t going to be a very popular paragraph but I feel the need to say this. Those who are reviewing the book as soon as you get it, what is the motivation? Most of the time the book isn’t even available for pre-order, so it all seems to boil down to the “OMG look what I had before any of you!” mentality. No one likes this. Not the publishers, not your fellow bloggers and especially not any readers you have amassed or have found you from searching for a book they really can’t wait to read.

I have never posted extremely early reviews here, and that is more of an accident of chance than me making a conscious decision not to. I am always just a little bit behind with my reading so I tend to post on release date, or a week late, or at times I am so late I have to schedule my review for paperback release.

If your argument is you have to review as soon as you read it or you will forget. I have to say, that is what that fancy ‘schedule’ button is for. You don’t have to click post now, and I know excitement takes a hold of me too at times. I had to wait to post for The Name of the Star and I am still waiting to post my love for The Iron King.

This post isn’t about pissing early reviewers off, it is more about asking you to think before you post. Is the review you worked so hard on going to benefit you and the author? If you review a book six months in advance even bloggers aren’t usually interested, maybe you would see a rise in traffic and comments if you waited until around release day.”

I replied to this by saying:

Many post their reviews in that hope of being blurbed in the final copy. What I do however (or really, have yet to do) is write my review and send a copy of it to the publisher if there is a chance that it could be blurbed, but still not publish it until the week before/after publication date. So that way I’m pleasing both myself and the publisher.

And many bloggers have egos, yes. I see it in many IMM’s and its disgusting. I know I may have been a little boastful when I flaunted my advanced manuscript of Angel Arias (sequel to Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres) in the past week on twitter and in my IMM, but I’m not posting my review for it until closer to its release date. It’s not everyday when you get to be boastful here in Australia. I’ve only got few ARCs and I have still yet to read my Glow ARC for example which I got like a month ago but doesn’t get published until October.

Recently the books I get for review are finished copies but just sent early, and that “early” is basically only a couple weeks before their release dates.

So what are your thoughts on early reviewing? (Meaning publishing your review anywhere months or even weeks before the release date.)

I just thought I’d post this as I see many of you have received your copies of Angel Arias by Marianne de Pierres and beginning them. I can’t help wonder and assume when reviews for it are going to go up. There’s still a month to go. Whose going to be the first?

[Jo-Anne]

I think reviews should be posted no earlier than about 4 weeks in advance because you want to generate interest for when the book is released. Too early & people forget. I usually try and do mine about a week or so before release or in the 2 weeks after release.

[Braiden]

Jo-Anne wrote: "I think reviews should be posted no earlier than about 4 weeks in advance because you want to generate interest for when the book is released. Too early & people forget. I usually try and do mine a..."

Exactly! That’s what I’ve been doing most recently. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Braiden]

But on the subject of Angel Arias, how was it? I did read Burn Bright, but honestly, wasn’t all that into it. Maybe Marianne will win me over with book two... !

It was DA BOMB!

[Skye]

I agree with both of you, definitely, and I usually try to keep my reviews to around the release date as well (I've got so many HarperTeen galley reviews scheduled for September that I can hardly fit anything around them edgewise), but I understand that sometimes there need to be exceptions. I posted a review for Shatter Me months early because Allen & Unwin gave me a deadline, for example.

[Lisa]

I review ARCs a month to a week before the release date ( closer to a week though) and Finished copies according to my own interest. Honestly it's pointless to post reviews any earlier because you're not going to remember what you read... with so many books competing for attention in the blogosphere, I can't even remember the reviews I read last week!

Unless a publisher gives me a deadline ( same as Skye with Shatter me and with Glow which was a asap review!)But sometime when pubs ask for early reviews it's because they want to get booksellers ( retailers) to order the books!

[Kikkra Reads]

With ARCS I review around the deadline given or around launch date.

[Danielle]

If I receive a book for review that's already been published, or within a month of the publication date, I'll usually just post my review as close as I can to the actual date. If I get an ARC well before (which is not often for YAs but much more frequently with literature for adults) I'll usually email the publicist about when they'd like the review to go up. Most of the time the publicist will say 'asap to start to build buzz', so I just go with that.

I just read a great article about ARCs and blogging through a link from Beth Revis' blog and the kind of competitiveness around them - very thought provoking!

[Saskia]

Strangely enough, I was actually thinking about this last week. So thank you for bringing it up Braiden (and Pam!) so I have someone to discuss it with.
This topic is actually turning out quite interesting, seeing as my views seem to differ quite a bit from what everyone else is saying.

Firstly, I write my blog for me. Yes, it's directed for other people to read, but the blog is essentially for me. I write reviews so I can remember what I though about a book, not to influence someone to buy it. Yes, these are byproducts of the equation, but for me they aren't the point. You could argue that the giveaways I post are clearly aimed at others and not myself (because I'm obviously not giving things away to me... That would be silly...) but that isn't the point of this discussion.

Anyway, what I'm getting to is that because my blog is for me, I don't have a problem posting reviews at insanely early dates. Of course, this never actually happens, and I'll get to that in a second, but if it did I wouldn't have a problem doing it. I don't mind reading extremely early reviews of books that I might not even get to see in person for years. It doesn't faze me, and it doesn't stop me from wanting a book.
When Pam wrote that post, it was aimed at Americans. She obviously hasn't done that on purpose, but she's living in America so she wrote what she knew. What she didn't factor in was that bloggers in other countries often read posts about books that won't get to them for months or even years. I'm not a big user of The BD, so I don't really go and buy books that won't be released here for a while when they are out in the US. This is quite a similar situation, then, if I were to read a review of a book that I likely won't get the chance to read for a long time. But that doesn't appear (for me anyway) to have any bearing on how much I want the book. I'm not disappointed that I can't go get it RIGHT NOW! but rather, I love the anticipation. The wait is all part of the experience in my opinion, and early reviews just get me buzzing with excitement that leaves me totally giddy when I do finally get to read the book. So what I'm trying to say, in summary, is that for myself, early reviews are good. I like them and I don't really care when they're posted.

Now, about posting reviews on a schedule (which is what I was really thinking about last week), I don't do it. I hardly ever review books on or around the release date. This is something that isn't possible for me. I'm not a good planner, I don't like planning and my life is so busy and haphazard that I don't have the time to read books on a clockwork schedule so that my reviews are on time. I read review books when I have time, and I read them in whatever order I please because for me, reading is a 'happy thing' and it isn't a job. Reading has to stay fun, and for it to be that way for me, it has to be a mood influenced activity. I read what I feel like I want to read. So far, this doesn't seem to be a problem with any of the pubs I review for.

And finally (I know this is insane-o-long, but I like talking and I want to say it all...) in regards to IMM posts... I don't see them as bragging. I LOVE seeing what books others are reading, loving, wanting at any given moment. I like to see where the market is heading and what people seem to want more of. And I'm a stalker at heart so really I jus want to snoop! I assume that because I like these things, many other people do too, so I give then the opportunity to snoop in my new books. Plus I like keeping a record of what I own, and when I got it. I've never encountered an IMM that seemed to be overly boastful..

*sigh* and I THINK that is all I have to say. Phew.

[Kikkra Reads]

No no Sas I agree with you 100%

I write for me. Because I enjoy it and I want to read and share things! While followers are nice they are not what matter... I love my followers but I don't write for them... and While it's great to have publishers 'sponsor' me (as I like to think of it as) I don't wrote for them either.

I do plan what goes on my blog but thats because I like to be organised and neat. Thats me in life though... come take a look at my diary, my uni books, my prac folders.. I like things a certain way and my website is no different.

IMMB isn't bragging in my eyes. I love to see whats happening and what people are loving at the moment. The pro is that if i mention the books I am SENT as well, I have innitally advertised it, thus thanking the publishers and essentially coving my half of the deal. I am not forced to read or review in a certain way being of them as so I read want when I want. I think a lot of people are just excited to share what they have bought and received as of late and that is cool. It;s like when you do a post or tell everyone what your birthday gifts were... or like how we have the "recently purchased" thread. That isn't a brag thread, it's just idle chit chat and a fun little place to share.

My comment earlier "With ARCS I review around the deadline given or around launch date." is true. Not because I do this for the publishers (as there are still oh so many I SHOULD have read if that were the case) but because sometimes I like to set myself little goals and what not. If I don't feel like reading something at a time, I won't

I think while Pam covers some interesting points, and its always important to hear both sides, she fails to forget that everyone is different. It isn't bragging if you want to show off something you have read... Yes if it is a few months earlier then some, others will have to wait, but so what? If someone is excited about a book they read and would like to share their thoughts right away, then it's their right to do it on their own little place on the internet

[Braiden]

I’m enjoying reading all your views.

I’m not implying that everyone boasts in their IMMs, but there’s a select few and that in part could be attributed to the large mass of followers they have on their blogs.

I admit, we should read what we want to read. I read about 8 review books in a row and then when I got to reading 1 of the 3 books I received from Bloomsbury, I just couldn’t do it and needed a break to read something that I’ve had on my shelf that I bought. (Sorry Bloomsbury!)

Followers and readers haven’t been my favourite for blogging now. I believe the best part when writing a review is seeing the author’s reactions; e.g. Sarah Alderson saying that I'm a really good and natural writer and that she is looking forward to seeing me in print one day, as well as Marie Lu when she said my review made her day and it was one of the best she has read. Oh wait! Did I just talk about a book (Legend) that doesn’t come out until November? Oh yes I did! Posting my review of that months prior was because Penguin said I could and I followed and also out of sheer excitement. And also the reactions from the publishers like Caroline from Simon & Schuster saying that my Hunting Lila review made her laugh. It just means so much to get these reactions that that is what makes me continue doing this hobby. No matter the number of followers you have, only 2 out of the hundred would take their time to comment or even read a post whereas the author and publicist would.

I’ve been following Dorothy’s advice from Random House when she has asked me to post the week prior or after release date for Blood Song, Mammon and others. The same goes for Angel Arias. Marianne said to post my review SOON because the early publicity copies have been sent out, but I wanted to stick by my guidelines (and then asked Dorothy about it too) and that is what I’m doing.

[Jo-Anne]

I like to think most of us review for ourselves and not the glory, I guess you could say, and I love to let people know about all the amazing books out there. That's why I blog.

[Nomes]

i love reading early reviews :)

especially if i am curious about a book that isn't yet on the shelves,i want to know from any of my GR friends/bloggers i trust what they thought about it so i can plan whether i still want to read it.

plus, sometimes it's hard to gauge from the blurb and hype what the book really is in terms of style/plot/tone, etc. so i like to know more about the big hype books. and i dont mind hearing it months in advance :)

i especially like know a little bit in advance in case there is a chance for me to get it cheaper as a preorder.

i never really have any books early. but if i do, i usually check in with whoever i got the book from to see their preference.

pam writes well, but i don't think it is an issue when people review. well, at least for me. to each their own, i say :)

also, i do get tired of people accusing other bloggers of boasting. it sounds petty from the accuser. who cares if people do boast? it's not a trait i admire, LOL, but it is not something i am going to get all riled up about. some of these bloggers are just young things all excited with getting ARcs or whatever. it's pretty harmless.

i did have a couple of bloggers i was following who made me roll my eyes every now and then with their boasting coupled with desperately being jealous for what they dont get. i just ignore them and not let the annoyance get to me (if a blogger annoys you repeatedly, you are under zero compulsion to follow them. i don't need drama in my life :D )

[Braiden]

I agree Nomes about the latter part as I had to unfollow both on twitter and their blog because they just annoyed me to the point that I’d roll my eyes.

[Saskia]

Well said Nomes!

I still haven't seen any real cases of outright boasting. Not in IMM situations anyway, but maybe we're not looking in the same places. ;)
Still, you're right Nomes, it's all harmless and if people don't like it then there is no obligation to read it.

[Rebecca]

I agree with Nomes, not too early, but a about a month or few weeks before is good. You want a bit of hype and the chance to pre-order it. But not too early, cause that's just mean. ;O But I think it's important to get the wordout there a bit before it's actually published, it gives you something to look forward to and gives you a review, to back up the blurb.
:)

[Lisa]

I read all my reviews on Goodread, it's so much easier and I like to read the long ones first, especially Brodie's.... :) Early reviewing has both pros and cons and for me it's really just up to whether pubs want an early review or not!

One of my biggest pet peeves is bloggers who write reviews that's just a synopsis of the book and then followed by ' I love this book, so good, you should totally read it' That's kinda not a review....

@Braiden - The original intention of IMM was to publicise the book if Kristy didn't get around to reviewing it not to go "oh look my pile of books is bigger than your pile of books", I feel sorry of Kristy because she's getting ripped into by authors because of IMM...To be honest, the only reason I even do IMM is because I like to follow mainstream ( ha! I don't like to be different) but then I'm so lazy I do mine every two of three weeks so it looks like I'm going "oh look my piles of books is bigger than your pile of books"...Gah!

[Braiden]

I’m not criticising IMM or Kristy at all...All I’m saying is that it’s just a select few who use that as a platform to show how they’re, for more of a better word, “superior”. I actually like IMM because of the very reason that I get introduced to books I may have never heard about before. And too the many reasons that have been said already.

[Lisa]

I know Braiden :) I just wanted to tell everyone what IMM started out as ( read it in one of Kristy's posts) :P Hehe, I like looking at IMM's posts as well! Even if the original meaning has been kind of corrupted :P

[Saskia]

I'm still not seeing any outright cases of bragging. I mean, I've never seen someone be all 'check out what book I got? Don't you wish you had it too?!'
I have seriously never seen that. What bothers me far more is the snobbery that goes on. When 'big name' bloggers (and bear in mind this is NOT directed at anyone specifically, I can't give you makes and it's not right for me to point fingers) seem to totally ignore the little fish. That's what gets me about the blogging world; that it's so clique-y and people just don't seem to want to get out there and be nice to people who aren't in their immediate circle of friends.

[Braiden]

Agreed too. At least REPLY to tweets or comments to connect with your readership.

[Brodie]

Seriously Sas, are you living in my head? Every post you've written I'm like "that's exactly what I was thinking!" :)

Unless I'm specifically asked, I don't usually wait to post my reviews. If a publisher or author sends me an ARC and makes no note that it needs to be held until closer to date, I figure they don't mind when I post it. While reading the newest publisher catalogues for upcoming titles, in some of the marketing campaigns that mention the plan to send ARC's to bloggers and media for 'pre publication buzz'... meaning some want reviews to go public early. And I read somewhere (maybe it was in a BEA report? Can't remember) that a few pubs have said that provided you can preorder the book somewhere, they're fine with early reviews. As long as readers can purchase it if interested.

I can totally understand why other bloggers prefer to wait until release date. I think posting it early and waiting both have benefits. It just depends on the personal preference of the reviewer. If I love a book, I want to gush about it straight after while that post-book-glow is still there. And I'm one of those who thrives on reading early reviews. It gets me so pumped in the months leading up to release. I'm always searching goodreads for reviews on 2012 titles because I want to know what the early readers are saying. Plus, I rarely ever have a bunch of reviews sitting there for me to choose which I'll post first. I work on a read-review-post routine and usually when I get an ARC I'm anticipating... I'll crazily devour it straight away.

I like reading everyone's opinions on this though! And LOL Lisa. Be thankful you I don't make you read the first draft of my reviews... that's painful even for me. I cut out like, five paragraphs half the time haha.

[Kikkra Reads]

Sas actually does read minds.... it's her hidden ability! she plans to use it for world domination haha!

[Brodie]

I knew there was a reason I never trusted that girl! :P

[Kikkra Reads]

You have to watch yourself haha

[Saskia]

Well Brodie, I have been accused of having multiple personalities, so it's possible that you're really one of many and you're all in my head! I'm also pretty sure I have mind powers, so it's quite touching that you're all so worried about my eventual takeover. I suggest you choose sides wisely ;) Remember, the dark side has milk and cookies!! :D

[Braiden]

Are you Santa then?

[Brodie]

Milk and cookies are so pre-Deathly Hallows part 2. The dark side now has creepy awkward hugs from Voldemort! :P (which may make no sense unless you've seen the movie).

Santa? *perks up* Braiden's been downright awful this year. Give him coal! Lots and lots of coal!

[hollyishere]

i actually prefer when reviews are posted asap because i'll often pre-order a book months before it's release date if a favourite blogger like princess bookie or someone similar writes a raving review for a book i've been keeping an eye out for.

[Lisa]

Completely off topic but did you they had a UK Swap on Goodreads as well?

@Sas - The Blogosphere has cliques as well? O_O How come I haven't seen any of these? Oh God, the virtual life has social heirarchy too? I thought we were meant to be the friendly, book-loving family. I love talking to new people, I remember Brit emailed me when she first started her blog ( BTW Brit's a cool kid, we had some pretty awesome email chats). All the bloggers I've met have been so nice.

Except Braiden... He like to pick me :P Santa don't give him coal, give him dirty socks!!! Haha!

[Braiden]

:( I hate Santa too anyway. I hate Christmas because of its commercial nature.

Yes I do know that there is a UK swap and I even snooped around in the group haha. Don’t tell Donna... :P

[Kikkra Reads]

Do they really?? COPY CATS!! haha jks

[Lisa]

Braiden, don't worry I did too :P

[Kikkra Reads]

I always post IMMB without pictures so that reason HAH!

[Shelleyrae]

Love the discussion!
For me if it's an ARC or an ARE I schedule it for 1-2 weeks before or on the release date, mainly though because my reviewing schedule is crowded and I have to be organised to fit everything in. I don't mind other people posting reviews whenever though.

@Sas I find the blog world a bit cliquey too - particularly since I don't review just one type of genre but a mix so I don't fit neatly in to one type of community like the YA bloggers or the Paranormal bloggers for example.

[Kikkra Reads]

i meant to write FOR that reason LOL! because I am just lazy haha sorry evil typo

[Kikkra Reads]

lol thanks! I meant hah as in haha.. I wasn't being all pompous I promise... :D

[Tez]

I like to post my reviews as soon as I read them, and I read ARCs first. Gives the readers plenty of time to read reviews and weigh up whether to spend their money on a certain book or not. When you don't have much funds, budgeting is important, and therefore so is thinking time.