Discussion #11: The Purpose of Having a "Review Policy" Page & Other Specifics On Your Blog

Recently, I went on Twitter, and a specific tweet reminded me of something. Once, way earlier in my blogging years, an author asked me to review their book, so of course I said yes, of course, because I would feel bad if I didn't-- and the book wasn't even in my comfort zone. I tried reading the book, and I'd ended up skimming to the end (because I couldn't DNF it. I would feel bad. I promised a review.) So I reviewed it, and it was really bad. (My review was really bad, since I was a fobby reviewer.. I think I still am, but definitely better.) I wrote a really negative review, as much as I hated writing it. And guess what, the author comments on my posts and says something like, "Don't believe what this blogger says. I'm the author. I swear it's good." And, I'm just like, "Aren't I entitled to my own opinion? Like, are you kidding me?"

Another time, another author messaged me. (Once again, not naming names.) He politely asked me to read and review his book. And then he went, "Here are the buy links." And I was like-- wait. Shouldn't you be the one supplying me with a free review copy? So I replied, with a polite "I'll-be-sure-to-check-this-out". And then he replied, "You sound so excited! I'll give you an eBook version of it!" So I'd started reading it. There were so many things wrong with that book. The stereotypical teenager, portraying females as sex objects.. Just everything. I'd gotten to page 80 and I couldn't go any further. And then. AND THEN. I had to tell the author. The good thing was, he replied with "Cool, I understand." Which relieved me greatly. BUT THEN. After a few days, he messaged me again with an offer of two Amazon gift cards-- if I read and gave his book a positive review. I just rejected it, right away. He was like, "Are you sure?"

And I just repeatedly rejected his offer. He finally gave up and said, "Thanks. You're the best." Don't know if that was sarcastic or not, but it was surrounded by smiley faces. One of the big rules of being a book blogger is to NEVER ACCEPT MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR A FAKE REVIEW. In the end, I decided not to post a review at all. I left it alone. There were a lot of five-star ratings, and a handful of one-stars. *snorts*

Now, to the point of this post. It's crucial to have a Review Policy page. It really is. You have to write somewhere on your blog that you always post honest reviews (if you don't, you really should), no matter if it's hurtful to the author or not. Include what genre you read and review, include what format you'd like the book in, etc. It makes it easier for both the author and yourself. And please, bloggers. Do not accept review requests that you feel are not in your comfort zone. But at least consider every single one of them. (If you see "I'll pay you to post a positive review," just close that email and delete it. Ignore it.) Respect that the author took the time to email you and imagine how hard it must be to get just a few reviewers.

And, to those authors that email bloggers about reviewing, please respect the bloggers, too. We appreciate that you take the time to email us, but please do remember to read our review policies & etc prior to emailing us. I, personally, smile widely whenever I get a review request. I do consider every single one I get.

Hope this post was helpful, and happy reading!