So, I have a little bit of a dilemma. Nothing major, but I want to get all of your opinions.
Many of you knew me before Hunted, before I had a book deal. Back then, I was simply "DJ's Life in Fiction", a somewhat nerdy book blogger who liked (and still does) to freak out over Twilight. As a reviewer, I've always aimed to provide well-written reviews that show what I love about a book and, if necessary, what I didn't care for. I've tried to keep my reviews balanced, and hopefully I've succeeded.
But along came my book deal and, consequently, more thoughts on the future of my publishing journey. Being a book blogger poses a slight problem, though. Many agents are wary of book bloggers wanting to be their client because they don't want to represent someone who bashed another client's book. This is completely understandable. What if that blogger never posted anything bad about one of their client's books, though? What if they've maintained a positive presence in the blogosphere? (I'm not saying that I've done those, but hopefully I have, lol)
So, my question is, what do you all think? Should I stop reviewing books in order to make my chances of getting an agent higher? Do you like it when authors post about a great book they recently read?
Well, since I am un-agented, I have no professional perspective. But I personally enjoy book reviews from bloggers because there are so many books out there that I wouldn't hear about otherwise. Even if the review is negative, you get a general idea of the plot, which might appeal to different people. I'd say you're fine with reviewing books as long as you don't run about yelling, "THIS BOOK SUCKED SO BAD I CAN'T BELIEVE ANYONE WOULD REPRESENT IT." That would probably be taken negatively. But that's just one reader's opinion
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to stop reviewing books. As long as you're honest about them, and give balanced, well thought out reviews that aren't mean spirited or snarky, I think you're fine. Not everyone likes every book, and as long as you can articulate the reasons why you didn't like (or did like) the book, your opinion is as valid as anyone else's.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the others. As long as you review the book and not the author, and can say why you didn't like something there shouldn't be a problem.
ReplyDeleteThat said, if you have any doubts, you should listen to them. Don't do anything you're no longer comfortable with.
I know this might not help, but you have to go with your gut. Have you thought of what else you would like to blog about also/instead?
ReplyDeleteYou need to follow your dreams and your gut. What feels right to you?
I'd stick to reviewing books that you loved and want to recommend to other readers, and choose not to review books that you didn't care for. Your reviews are always so positive, DJ. I don't think you have anything to worry about. :)
ReplyDeleteLike Wendy said -- stick to the positive reviews! If you review something and have nothing nice to say about it, you hated it, whatever...then don't post it. That way you're being honest about the books you enjoy, but a potential agent isn't going to see you bashing one of their clients' books on your blog. ;)
ReplyDeleteJohn Green reviews...just saying. So do the bookanistas...only they do it all positively. So you could only review books you love and it probably wouldn't hurt your chances, but yes, I've heard if you trash books, it is NOT looked upon favorably by agents.
ReplyDeleteYou have to do what you feel comfortable with and what feels right to you. For ME I don't have a review blog. I don't really want one either. I don't feel comfortable reviewing a book I'm not fond of and I already have an agent. But that's just me. On my personal blog I do reviews once in a while, but like the others said, it's only the books I love. For me, it's the books that spoke so loudly to me that I can't NOT share it with the world.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your decision, DJ.
I think it depends on why you review books. If you do it because you love it, I think you should keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE knowing what author's reading. Love.
ReplyDeleteI'd only showcase books you really loved, and then you wouldn't have to worry about making anyone mad.