Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

After noticing a high demand for book reviews, my fellow writers and I have decided to form a new book review site for Indie and Small press books. Come have a look and see if it's for you.

http://goodbookalert.blogspot.com/

Authors reviewing other authors... whoa... you're venturing on thin ice there if you ask me. You understand, of course, that readers will never fully trust your word and think your good reviews reek of nepotism, while your bad reviews will be viewed as a way to get back at other authors... I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

In my personal opinion, I think authors should stay away from reviewing other authors' books. Of course, we are also readers and have an opinion, but neither the reading public nor your fellow authors will see it that way. I firmly believe that you ultimately have to decide whether you want people to see you as an author or as a reviewer.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with the site, though.

Well, what you're saying is confusing to me. All I've ever heard is that we authors have to help each other out? Nobody is reviewing anyone they know in person. And authors review other authors all the time. I'm sure you can find tons of them on this site.

Also I might like to add that we are only reviewing books that we can give 3 to 5 stars because we don't want to hinder anyone.

Authors are also readers. Many authors review books. I simply cannot see the problem.

Hey, I just thought I'd point out the obvious but ultimately it is up to you, of course.

Chrystalla wrote: "Authors are also readers. Many authors review books. I simply cannot see the problem."
I think what Guido is refering to is a potential conflict of interest: whether authors who review books and like them will then expect a reciprocal good review, at which point the reviews lose value. However, with cover blurbs which are effectively reviews by other authors, and people (often journalists) who write their own books and review others quite successfully there are plenty of precedents. As long as there is no perception of conflict of interest, and the reviews are honest, this shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck with the blog.

My wife commented on this very topic at Howard Sherman's site...
http://howardsherman.net/post/4552929775/should-authors-review-books

This is a great idea! As long as it's clear to the reader what other hats the reviewers wear, readers can judge for themselves how much they trust the reviewers.

I think that you are being more than fair. I am going to send you my first three chapters for my first book when I am at my home computer.

Cindy wrote: "After noticing a high demand for book reviews, my fellow writers and I have decided to form a new book review site for Indie and Small press books. Come have a look and see if it's for you.

htt..."

Thanks Cindy - I'm following your site. I also sent a book review request for Dream Seeker Adventures.
Lisa Ard
www.dreamseekeradventures.com