Up In Arms! -- This Is No Backyard Playing Field: By Arts Editor Pamela Faye
Why is it that Authors and Publishers expect "Reviews" of novels to be * Free * when it takes hours of time to read a submitted novel in the first place, not to mention hours of time to write a professional review for the world to read, and take to heart?
(PRWEB) August 3, 2004 -- If you are a Professional Author -- A Professional Writer -- One who has acquired the qualifications of a creative writer-- who has learnt the craft of story writing-- then you should not cringe at the thought of a "Bad" review coming your way.
The facts are: Reviewers receive endless mountains of books an Aussie kangaroo could not jump over, with the author's or publisher's request for the story to be reviewed. One example: A well-known Texas newspaper receives up to six hundred review copies of books a week.
These Reviewers should not be expected to review an author's or publisher's novel, in the hope of making money from the *free book* the publisher or author has sent-- also in the hope of receiving a review that simply glows as the sun's light, to sell endless copies of the story... Yet they are.
If an author or publisher desires their "latest release" to be reviewed, then first contact the chosen reviewer and inquire if they are at all interested, or have the time, to review the particular novel in the first place, no matter what genre the story might be.
An Author or Publisher does not send a copy of a novel-- at their own expense-- in the hope that the Reviewer will drop the Mount Everest of books, already waiting in line to be reviewed, to treasure the sent novel as if it were the very heart of the author or publisher who posted it in the first place-- without first receiving a request from the reviewer.
Authors and Publishers cannot "Buy" a Good Review simply by offering a * Free * Review Copy of a novel. Storytelling is an art form. Yes, an author is going to receive a lousy review if they have not learnt this creative art. If an author has mastered this art, then for the review it becomes a simple matter of contemplating the story emerging from within turning pages of the chosen genre... of understanding the individual author's style of storytelling from within the novel.
| | - Did the story snatch up the reviewer's attention, holding their interest from beginning to end?
- Did the characters reach out to the reviewer's heart and hold them spellbound?
- Was the dialogue believable within the bounds of the genre?
- Was the intensity of scenes powerful enough to excite and enliven the reviewer?
- Did the author tell the story from the heart, or from the rolling flow of words that rushed forth without direction?
- Did the author leave the reviewer begging for more of their particular style of storytelling?
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Timeless tales come from the heart, from the learned craft of creative writing, if an author cannot deliver this to a reviewer, then the chances of receiving a less than wonderful review, from any reviewer, is a distinct possibility. It is not a matter of "buying" a good review from any Reviewer by paying a reviewer's fee, it is a simple matter of paying for an earned service.
You do not ask authors and publishers to work for no profit, and authors and publishers should not be "up in arms" if a fee is attached to a Reviewers request for the novel to be reviewed.
Why should Reviewers be expected to drop to their knees and review authors or publishers latest release for no Fee other than the un-requested delivery of a * Free Review Copy * of their latest releases.
The Publishing Industry is not a "backyard playing field" for social sport, it is the vastness of an open Arena of "Professional People" within a "Professional Industry"-- as old as time itself-- and it is way past time that this concept was fully understood by all authors who are serious about being Professional Writers, and Publishers who are serious about delivering a high quality product from within this highly respected industry.
Submitted By:
Pamela Faye
Arts Editor & Marketer
Australian Author
Native American Novel 'Chétan'
http://www.mundania.com
Rolling Seas Promotions ©
Mark Baker
Business Manager
PO Box 262
Fulham Gardens
Adelaide. 5024
SA. Australia
Ph: 0438 757 138
http://www.rollingseas.com.au
rspromotions@optusnet.com.au
ABN: 91 438 464 034
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