Actually, the title is kinda misleading… My days are inherently boring so I couldn’t do that to you. Long time readers may recall I once pondered the idea of a reality TV show about my life, but figured my days of eating junk food and lolling about in bed or sitting at my desk would really not cut it. No racy sex scenes. No violent outbursts. No cat fights. #BORING
However, I noticed a few blogs around lately (by other book bloggers) about what it is we do and since my audience is mostly non-book bloggers I thought I’d share some of our secrets. And dispel some of those myths.
Myth: We get shitloads of free books.
Truth: Actually that’s kinda true. Not gazillions, but a few. It depends however on your reputation (do you really read and review books or just take pictures of them, for example?!) and who your contacts are.
Getting review copies of books
There are online options via which you can request ‘early’ copies (ARCs) electronically for downloading. I don’t mind them as I can make notes electronically using either my Kindle or Bluefire Reader Apps. Often however, access to these books can expire and sometimes they’re not properly formatted which can be a bit confusing.
I have relationships of sorts with PR peeps at almost all of the bigger Australian publishers and get new release listings months in advance. Eventually (after some procrastination) I respond, requesting any books that leap out at me. I was probably less discerning several years ago but now I remind myself of the time it takes to read and review a book and the number I receive so I only request something if I’m intrigued / have heard hype / love the author etc…
The reading is the fun part
I saw an interview with a book blogger recently who mentioned the exorbitant number of books she reads. Some (non-reviewer/blogger) commenters scoffed and said they read far more than that. I wanted to – but didn’t – respond saying that READING the book is not what is time-consuming.
It’s reviewing the book that takes time.
It’s (perhaps) writing notes as you read the book (I tend to have a pen and paper next to the bathtub where I read and jot down names, key points and pages I might want to quote.) Then later I have to set up the blog post – I bought a program that inserts information from Goodreads – but I have to populate a lot of those spaces, add in information about the genre, source, series, prepare links to booksellers, upload book covers, write an excerpt. And so forth. And THEN I have to write a review. And edit it. And eventually publish it.
If I’ve downloaded an electronic copy I’m then required to upload my review to the site providing the galley. If it’s a print book I’ve received from a publisher I email the relevant PR person and send them a link to my review.
I then add my review into Goodreads and Amazon (x 2: US and Australia). I used to summarise my review, but it was too time consuming so now I just cut and paste bits.
Of course then we share our posts to Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter or whatever. We could skip that bit but it’s nice to have people come and visit our sites or read the review we’ve spent so much time on…
And then of course we pick up the next book and start all over again.
The good, the bad, the ugly and the overwhelm
The good
I love reading and always have. I read quickly and obsessively. I used to force myself to ‘stop’ every so often but since starting book blogging about four years ago I kinda allow myself the addiction. It feels a bit like my job. Albeit an unpaid one.
The bad
We often receive copies of books we may not have requested. Sometimes this leads to a nice surprise – a book you may not have chosen. More often than not it’s just not something you’re interested in. In the early days I felt obliged to try to read whatever I got, but now if I haven’t requested it I put it to the bottom of the pile (if it’s of some interest) or donate it.
The Ugly
And what if we really hate a book we’ve requested for review? Well, if I can’t finish it I won’t review it at all. I’ll mark it as a ‘DNF’ (did not finish) in Goodreads and – if I’ve been liaising with a PR person about it – I’ll email them and explain it wasn’t for me. If I managed to get through it but didn’t like it or enjoy it (two star or less) I’ll sometimes just review it in Goodreads. And I’ll try to be honest about what I did and didn’t like. I’m very conscious that sometimes it’s ME not the book. (And yes I know it’s shocking that my own taste may be at fault! 😉 )
In fact, I tend to stay away from genres I don’t usually read (historical fiction, romance, fantasy and non-fiction) because I worry my judgement will be tainted before I even turn the first page. I don’t really know what regular readers of science fiction or dystopian young adult fiction deem to be good. I might think something is TOTALLY unrealistic or makes no sense when it’s the norm in that world. Best I stay away for everyone’s sakes.
The overwhelm
I used to try to read and review everything before it was due for release. But then several books would arrive at once. Or late. Or I’d have other commitments. I still try to read and review something just before its publication date (publishers don’t usually like you reviewing something more than a couple of weeks before it’s out) but I don’t always succeed. And my current bad habit is shelving those books whose publication dates I’ve missed, thinking I’ll get back to them at some point – and going to what’s next on my chronologically-sorted TBR pile.
I accidentally cut these off. Not sure what happened there….
The to-be-read pile
Speaking of the TBR pile… I try to read books in order of their publication date. Even if something arrives that I desperately want to read – if it’s not out for a month or two (indeed, I’ve had some 2018 books for a while now), I put it aside until later. Firstly… unless I review a book straight after reading it I tend to forget what I want to say. And if I can’t publish my review for weeks it means I have to pre-write it and schedule it in advance and remember to promote it when it’s published. Better to just plod through my date-sorted pile.
As for those books?
I used to keep everything. I was a book hoarder and HATED lending them to people. Now however I only keep books if I really LOVE them… and that’s probably not even one/week. Instead I either donate them (via my mum’s church group to a local hospital or women’s shelter), give some to friends or drop them off to a local backpackers. I am thinking however, I’d love to have my own street library outside of my house. I know loaning out books (I receive for free) means writers and publishers miss out on sales from individuals or libraries, but I like to think it’s encouraging reading and hopefully readers will discover new-to-them authors and buy / read more of their work.
Are you a reader? Do you think you’d enjoy book blogging or reviewing? Any suggestions re my street library? Or anything else you want to know?
PS. Pics are of the books I’ve read this year. 105 so far apparently.
The Lovin’ Life team includes:
August 31, 2017
Great post. I’d often wondered how you managed it all – & it is more of a production than I thought. I like how if something isn’t for you that you email the source etc. There are too many one star reviews for books that aren’t bad, but aren’t to the taste or out of genre of the reviewer.
August 31, 2017
I’ve got a blurb on my website about not accepting review requests from people I don’t know / haven’t dealt with etc and it’s something I struggle with. But I’ve had a few books directly from authors (who I’ve not known) and I haven’t enjoyed them and have had to go directly back to them to say the book wasn’t for me. At least if I’m liaising through a publisher etc it’s a little less confronting.
I have done a couple of negative reviews and at the time I wasn’t too worried cos it was like Peter Carey / Paulo Coelho / Christos Tsiolkas and I figured they wouldn’t worry about little old me, but I worried later I’d been too facetious or blunt.
August 31, 2017
Interesting! I had grand ideas a couple of years ago (I think I even sort of started a blog) of reviewing books – but even on Goodreads, I’m not particularly good at it – I either like a book or I don’t, and can’t really explain why or how it was written or whatever – also I find my enjoyment often directly relates to how I’m feeling at the time! I love your reviews – you read the books I like to read and I’ve picked up lots of titles to reserve at the library (probably too many, buy hey … they don’t wear out, right?)
August 31, 2017
I think my mood sometimes impacts what I’m reading as well Lisa and sometimes I’ll put a book aside (if I’m really not liking it) but don’t write it off as such. I might contemplate getting back to it at a later stage. I’ll usually try and give a book 50 pages or so usually before putting it aside.
I sometimes read other reviews and think they sound really eloquent whereas I feel like I’m a bit too much ‘me’.
Interestingly though, I was doing reviews for a regional newspaper chain but took a break when the editor was on leave. They’ve since been picked up by one of the big players and the editor says they’re now supplied with reviews – however… she said she liked mine so I could (again) send some through if I wanted. (Which I thought – arrogantly – was nice!) 😉
August 31, 2017
I can’t imagine not reading every night but will leave the reviews up to the experts like you. Our 16 yr old has chosen English Lit as one of her subjects next year. I can’t wait to find out what the books will be and to discuss them with her. What a generous idea the street library is, I hope you get it together.
August 31, 2017
I’d really love to do the street library thing as I get A LOT of walkers and runners past my place. It would probably make sense to suggest the local shopping centre has something there instead, but I was envisaging a little miniature version of my house as my own street library!
August 31, 2017
Loved your post i did wonder how you fit in all the reading. I love reading and wish i had more time to read more. I think maybe you need a book sharing group where we can swap books as thats what my family does. Cheers Deb
August 31, 2017
A bloggy friend of mine – who’s very business savvy was suggesting an online bookclub or similar (in terms of discussing books) but I think a few already exist. If I ever get brave enough I want to do a regular Facebook live thing to talk about certain books or recap what I’ve read that week.
August 31, 2017
I like the idea of getting free books but then I’d feel bad if I thought they were rubbish….(I save bookclub for that!! ha!)
August 31, 2017
Ah yes… I try to be as honest as I can in my reviews – though do note I give more 3.5 and 4 star reviews than I used to. My friend used to laugh, saying I gave almost everything 3 stars. For me 3 and 3.5 stars is an enjoyable book and time a reader won’t regret. But I’m possibly more sympathetic in my marking than I used to be. I should probably ditch the star thing completely cos it’s such a subjective thing.
August 31, 2017
What an interesting post! Being a book blogger must take up so much of your time. Lucky you love reading anyway. I love the sound of starting a street library outside your home. I admire you for being a book blogger, I could never do it even though I love reading too. I’d find it too stressful having a pile of books that I felt pressured to read and review especially when they were piling up!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
August 31, 2017
I was counting the books in my TBR pile yesterday Ingrid and got to over 40. I am however, going away this weekend and so taking a few unread (unrequested) books to my brother (who’s more likely to read literary stuff than I) and a friend of my mum’s (who likes romance). In reality there are books on my pile I SHOULD read (and have heard good things about – like Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game – but new books keep arriving and I’m trying to keep up with what’s coming in!)
August 31, 2017
Thanks for sharing the ‘behind the scenes’ of your book blogging life, Deb.
SSG xxx
August 31, 2017
You are most very welcome…
August 31, 2017
Gosh Deb, those authors and publishers are fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate reader/reviewer as yourself. You do a fine job! I so hope you get your little street library happening.
August 31, 2017
Thanks Denyse. Me too.
August 31, 2017
I have to admit that as a young kid, I would have loved this. In fact, my mother used to limit me to a book a day—of course that was before real chores or responsibilities. Now, I hardly get my one book read for book club! I think it’s all the shopping that gets in the way….ha ha!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
August 31, 2017
Ah yes…. I live alone and so it’s either reading or TV for me at night… though I guess I could write, but it certainly helps pass the time and I love it, so that’s good.
August 31, 2017
Well, I’m interested in your day – whatever it holds 🙂 But especially this post about being a book blogger. I have often wondered ‘how does she do it?’ and ‘what about the overwhelm?’ so now I know. It’s not all words, chocolate and roses! A long time back in my blogging career I requested books from a publisher to review, and when 3 were stacked up by my bedside after a few months – UNREAD – I decided I had to come clean and admit it probably wasn’t the right path for me. I totally admire you Deb – and 105 books this year. Jeepers, you are well read 🙂 (Squirming at being such an ignoramus)
August 31, 2017
I don’t tend to think of myself as well-read in the traditional sense Jo as I rarely read stuff nominated for the Man Booker Prize etc… I read for enjoyment rather than to find meaning I think, which is why I struggle with non-fiction or something that doesn’t really grab my attention. I get stressed reading non-fiction…. as if I should be taking notes or rote-learning information or something.
August 31, 2017
Wow – 105 books so far this year!! I love reading. Love being swept away into another world and sometimes I even mourn the end of a book or a series. Lately though – I can’t read. I can’t seem to concentrate and focus. Not sure if it is peri-menopause related OR if it is the age of social media that has created this problem with concentration. I want to be able to read again though. Loved this post Deb – very interesting to hear about how you go about your book reviewing. #TeamLovinLife
August 31, 2017
I feel like taking a night off every so often Min and do. Usually it’s when I’ve got a few reviews I need to write. Sometimes I read books that are quite similar and I need to get a review done so I don’t confuse elements of the books! But recently I took a couple of nights off to watch The Defenders on Netflix. I’m about to head away for a couple of nights to do family stuff so will probably take a night or two off reading then too.
August 31, 2017
Hi Deb, long time reader, first time commenter! I, like others, love reading and am slightly jealous of all the books you get to read. I have added quite a few books to my to-buy-or-borrow list after reading one of you reviews. I used to have a food blog so I can really appreciate all the time and effort you put into your reviews.
As for your street library, have you looked into the Little Free Library movement?
https://littlefreelibrary.org/
I have two near me (in Melbourne) and they are a fantastic way to donate books and also pick up new ones to read (not that you need aspect of it)
On Twitter @holdthepeas
August 31, 2017
Hi Emily and thanks so much for commenting!!! I’ve seen a few street library sites and will check this out. Someone suggested I ask a local Men’s Shed or retired men’s group if they’ll help build my street library. I think it’s a great idea and would hope others would use it! I’d have no kids books to add for example, but perhaps others would.
Now following you on twitter!
August 31, 2017
I read a lot too Deb – probably not to your level, but certainly two or three books a week. I guess it’s quicker for me because I’m not critiquing them or writing anything or social media-ing it afterwards. I also love that I get mine through the library or online because I couldn’t afford to be buying new books all the time. Loved seeing Nora Roberts and JD Robb featuring in there – I’ve read every one of her books under both names I think!
August 31, 2017
I ADORE Roberts’ JD Robb series Leanne but don’t always read her other books – though I just requested one the other day that seems to be starting a new series. (And I think her next In Death book is out soon – hopefully my copy is enroute!)
Two-three books a week is a lot and probably mostly what I read. Occasionally four. I only work part-time at the moment so have free time but still have a bizarre rule about not reading during the day so only read at night!
August 31, 2017
I loved your post and it was quite interesting to see that writing a review is more than just an ‘I liked it’ comment. I thin my problem would be the ‘overwhelm’. I love reading and can get lost for hours in books and if I don’t like it I still try to push through to the end (although that is changing now as I don’t have time to waste on something I don’t like). I love JD Robb, Nora Roberts, Jodie Picoult, Lisa Genova, Maeve Bincy, Monica McInerny, Kate Moreton to name a few. There are a few in your post that I will be looking out for.
August 31, 2017
We enjoy a lot of the same authors Sue! When I write non-bookish posts I write really quickly but it takes me much longer to write my reviews and I usually eke them out over a few days as I need to go back to books and look up info / quotes or page numbers etc… I think the reason I started personal blogging again (after a break) is because I liked just being able to blurt out something quickly rather than having to think too much about it.
August 31, 2017
For the brief period of time I did some postgrad writing degree stuff, we had to do a course on reviewing. It is a lot of work, and it amazes me how much you get through. I’m more of a non fiction reader these days.
September 1, 2017
I don’t know what it is about non fiction that I don’t enjoy Vanessa. I think I’d probably enjoy a memoir (etc) via audiobook. Having said that I’ve started Brooke McAlary’s ‘Slow’ which I’m enjoying, though I listen to her podcast and have met her a few times so….
August 31, 2017
I always wondered what it would be like to ‘officially’ review books (as opposed to reading so widely that all my friends get in touch when they want to know what a book is like). And I also wondered what would happen if you didn’t like a book! Now I know! I don’t know if I’m disciplined enough to read AND review, but one day I might give it a go!! I like your street library idea – not everyone will buy a book by an unknown author, but if they read it and like it, they might buy the next one, or at least recommend it to their friends. All publicity is good, right??!!
September 1, 2017
Very true… and on the reviewing front, you could just start by adding reviews into something like Goodreads. A lot of people use it to see if they’d like a book or enjoy looking at a few differing points of view before buying a book. It’s more informal but important for authors to have reviews left there (and Amazon etc).
September 1, 2017
I love to escape into pages of a great book, but think blogging about the books would some how remove the enjoyment of it?
September 1, 2017
Ah yes Jenni and that’s the million dollar question. I know of someone who reviews books on Goodreads but not her own blog. One of the more overwhelming things for me used to be participating in blog link-ups and feeling like I had to read a gazillion posts by other book bloggers. I started off enjoying it but it became overwhelming.
When I take a bloggy break at Christmas I usually still read but usually catch up on stuff I’ve not received for review and sometimes don’t review it at all!!! It feels very decadent.
September 1, 2017
I love reading but I wouldn’t be able to keep up the pace of a book-blogger. Good on you for finding a way to indulge your passion. Happy reading and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.
September 2, 2017
Thanks Jill and no problems at all.
September 2, 2017
This is so impressive. I had no idea about the world of book blogging or reviewing. It sounds like a lot of hard work, except for the reading part. I would hate getting boring books to review, because I would never be able to finish them. You have no idea how many unfinished books are sitting on my coffee table! Mainly because they aren’t holding my interest and also because I’m time poor. I know I should try to read more. Maybe on my holiday next week! #TeamLovinLife
September 2, 2017
I tend to (now) only request books I think I’ll enjoy Kathy. Sometimes I think I SHOULD request a book as the author’s well-known or I know it’s going to be popular (by someone famous) but life is short (as is my time) so really I have to make hard calls sometimes and only request something I really want.
I hope you get some reading done on your holiday!
September 3, 2017
Whenever I’m looking for a new book to read your blog is my online catalogue of possibilities. Don’t ever stop. You are my go to, Deb.
September 3, 2017
Awwwww shucks. I’m sure I’ll never stop reading. God forbid!
September 4, 2017
A street library would be so good for you! It makes perfect sense.
I bought the Michael Robotham book for my dad for Fathers Day. The one he had just released when we saw him. Do you think he’ll like it? Is it blokey enough?
L
#teamlovinlife
September 5, 2017
It’s probably one of Robotham’s least blokey books but he should still enjoy it. It was a change for him to write from the perspective of women.
September 8, 2017
So interesting Deborah to read all the work you put into reviewing books and book blogging. As you point out, it is far more than simply reading the book. Pointing out the good, bad, ugly, and overwhelm aspects of being a book blogger was so intriguing. Obviously, you have a passion for reading and the book blogging you do. Oh, and for what to do with all those books – simply follow your heart, there is no absolute right or wrong. Best wishes 🙂
September 9, 2017
Thanks Estelle. I must admit I’m reading a book at the moment I’m really dragging out. It’s not that I’m not enjoying it… though I’m not LOVING it. But at the back of my mind I’m frustrated it’s taking me so long and I could have read a few books and done a few reviews in that time. However… in some ways the book is one that is making me think a little so I mustn’t forget why I read in the first place – the escapism but also to challenge my thoughts and ideas about things. So I’ll continue plodding along with this tome until it’s done!