On top of all that, I saw this post on Justine Larbalestier's blog and I just knew that I had to put my two cents in.
Here is another great post on The Fictionistas, that dicusses a similar topic.
Justine's post reaffirms one of the big reasons why I hate asking authors for ARCs and why I rarely do. Even if I really want the book. Another very prominent reason, is because I have a fairly large review pile and I don't feel comfortable nagging for books when I already have so many. I still do it! But not often.
Justine's post also really upset me. It's reasons like this that bloggers are getting a bad name. I'm not just upset, I'm infuriated. I work my arse off on my blog, and it really ticks me off when people use their blog that they just started last week, so they can gain an ARC.
And I'm just going to go out and say this, hate me if you will. But someone needs to say it.
*This was a bad choice of words on my part, really time doesn't matter. What I'm trying to say here, is that you need to establish your blog. Get some followers, get some comments. ARCs and correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't ARCs printed as to get a "hype" started about the book before it's release. If you don't have an established blog, who are you trying to influence? What incentive does an other or publisher have to send you a books? And I'm not saying: You should never ask for books, that isn't the point I'm trying to make at all.
I'm all about community and connection, that's why I enjoy blogging as much as I do, but I'm not about this.
In My Mailbox was started to be a fun way to share and "advertise" new novels that would be featured on my site, it's not a contest on who can get the most ARCs or who has the latest and the greatest. Not saying that any of the participants have done that, but I'm just getting it out there. Because if I feel it getting out of hand, I won't be hosting IMM anymore. Sure you can still do your own post I can't stop you, but I won't be participating.
ETA: At this point I'm still planning on hosting IMM, I just wanted everyone to realize I won't tolerate it becoming a competition.
As per Lenore's post, about receiving request from authors. I've stated in other posts that this is my preferred method of obtaining books. And it still is. But I also agree with Lenore in the fact that a good pitch is crucial. Honestly, being called The Story Siren doesn't bother me, it's always nice when my name is used, but I don't hold that against anyone. However, I do appreciate at least a brief synopsis or a link to more information about the novel.
And I always respond to authors emails. I at least think I owe them that much, even if they did just copy and paste! But honestly I can't accept them all. It bothers me too, I hate to turn something away, but at this point, I have to. And can I just mention that I love getting emails from authors, because I do. I had a few authors email me after my Books to Pine for post this week, and you can have no idea how THRILLED I was!
I also wanted to address some of the comments that were made over on Lenore's post (really you should go check it out)
I don't collect ARCs. Yes, I have many. And I read almost every one that I get, and try to have the review featured right before or slightly after the release date. Sure there are times, when I won't get a review up until a month of so after it's release, but that is nevery my primary intention, I always want to read a novel I accept. And I try to make that clear when I accept an authors request for a review.
I'm also a huge book buyer. If I like an ARC that I've read 99.9% of the time I will buy the book. Sometimes I even buy more than one copy, usually one for my sister and one for a giveaway! I always try to give back the the authors that have given to me.
Books are a big part of my life. I know that is the biggest cliche ever, but I'm being completely sincere. And my blog gives me my voice. Without either at this point in my life, I honestly wouldn't feel complete. That's what being a book blogger means to me. Because I'd still be here, even if I never got an ARC, even if I never got a comment, even if I never got a visitor.
Now I'm going to bed.
50 comments:
I don't think that book bloggers should go out looking for hand outs. I have only asked for one ARC, and even then I felt a little bit like a sell out. But I only ask if I REALLY want the book and know that I can give the author good feedback for others to read. I am still considered a "rookie" but I have been having tons of fun! I love books (and other people who love books) and that is why I review.
Your blog actually inspired me to start my own. You are doing a great job! Keep it up!
I have don't approach authors for books. I approach authors to share my enjoyment of their novels and congratulate them on their work. Sometimes I asked for an interview or guest blog. I don't even ask them for books for contests. I will ask when their book is coming out in Australia as I usually get a quick reply. I never expect to be given anything.
I have received some signed books from authors but in most cases, I sent them a package first. Usually of Australian novels that I paid for. I still don't expect anything in return. An email is fantastic!
I am brand new to blogging and I feel that some people may label me as one of those madly collecting book whores. It's really not the case. In Australian YA publishing, publishers might send out 200 review copies and get 10 mentions (not reviews, mentions). This depresses the crap out of me. When Melina Marchetta won the Printz, not one newspaper or program covered it. This is how much attention Children's and YA books get in Aust. Because I post reviews (nearly one a day) I get sent all kinds of books from publishers. Most of the time I have no idea they are coming. They are just happy to have someone put the word out. Many Australian authors drop by my site regularly because of this and I have been warmly welcomed into the OZYA community because of the lack of recognition. I didn't know this when it starts but it does explain why I have found a niche in Aust.
Lastly, all books that I receive go to my school. Those that don't have appropriate suject matter (I'm at a strict religious school) I hold onto. My school has no money to build a library, my students are from low socio-economic backgrounds and I plainly state this on my site. Publishers know this and might be more generous because of it.
I am expanding my knowledge of YA and developing friendships while reading some kick ass lit. That's enough for me.
I take my blog very seriously, put many hours into it every day and cherish the friendships I have made. I resent people that are the bad apples because on the whole YA bloggers are a pretty good bunch. More than anything I think a lot of bloggers need to work on their written communication skills and how greedy they represent themselves to authors.
I really hope you don't stop IMM, so I hope other bloggers wise up. I'd hate to see you stop because of that.
Book blogging has changed so much since I started doing it. A lot of bloggers don't seem to realize how hard it is to maintain a good blog and seem to just be in it for free books. *sighs and shakes head* It sucks because I hate having the book blogger name sullied like that.
I started my blog in 2007 and I didn't post as much. Seeing these book blogs inspired me to start reviewing books on my blog. I feel so weird admitting this but all the books I review I have either bought or took out from the library. I just have too many books to read at home so I've never tried to get an ARC.
I think that the book bloggers that are doing this for the right reasons are doing a fab job!
I get frustrated seeing people compete or COLLECT books yet they do not post any reviews. If you get these books that the authors have took the time to write and distribute then write a good review. a thorough review. They deserve the best we can give even if the review is negative.
I guess I can be considered one of the two month bloggers but gosh darn it I post everyday and I put a lot into my blog. I enjoy it and I cannot wait to share what I've read(good or bad) with others. my rule of thumb is if I get an ARC (from pub or author)and I really like the book, once it's out I go buy the actual book. It shows support for the author and its the least I can do.
Thanks Kristi, glad you said something b/c I dont have the guts to deal with crap sometimes.
A blog like yours would absolutely be sent an ARC by my publisher. I hate the idea that you won't ask when you're exactly the kind of blogger we'd like to give an ARC to.
I hope I'm making sense.
Justine Larbalestier
We love your work btw:D
When I read your post I have to admit it upset me. I would never think of creating a blog for the sole purpose of getting books or to "ask" for books from authors.
I am a lover of books and have been for many years. I have attended conferences, conventions, book signings...all for the love of those books and wanting to meet those authors that I adore and respect.
I began my book blog this year because of the love for my godchild. Until a few years ago I could never seem to get thru to her, she was very introverted, shy and reclusive then I gave one of my favorite reads, Twilight. Everything then changed, because we began to talk about books, which then lead to many other conversations, but our favorite talks are still about our love of books.
When my godchild would ask me about what other books to read I then began to delve into YA book blogs because I was told that was the best place to go. The Story Siren was the first YA book blog that I found and then others. I would continue to visit for months and then I decided to try and join in on a community that has been very helpful, friendly and sharing.
I love your blog and find it a great inspiration to me and many others. Keep up the great job.
I am sorry that your are changing your IMM feature, but understand your reasons for do so.
Nancy
RR
bottom line, stop the competition and do your job as bloggers. which is reviewing. WHATVER you can get. dont be so concerned about keeping up with the joneses. Old books are fine too, library books are fine too.
I hope I dont sound mean... but its the truth.
Unless someone's getting tons of books that are obviously review copies (because they won't be out for months) and then not reviewing them, I tend to assume when a person has tons of books in their IMM posts but not a lot of reviews, they probably bought the books and so didn't take the time to write a review, or waited til later to read it (My TBR pile is full of tons of books I couldn't resist buying and won't read right away).
I'm one of those "newer" bloggers (I think my blog is around 5 months old?) but it's the follow up to around 11 years of reviewing on Amazon.com. I started the blog because I thought it would be fun and Amazon's ranking/fan vote system was really annoying me (although I still crosspost everything there out of habit, go figure).
I *very* rarely request books directly - I get a bunch from programs like Vine, Library Thing reviewers, etc. I am very shy about asking for ARCs because I hate rejection in general and I HATE to be pushy. Just a personality thing I guess. I've requested less than 5 books total ever. I don't ever expect to get the number of visitors a lot of popular bloggers get because I'm pretty picky about what genres I read, but it's still fun anyway. I'd probably still maintain it if no one read it because Shelfari widges and things like that are fun. Yeah I'm weird like that and easily amused.
I never realized IMM is now somehome a competition like you said and I so hope you won't stop hosting it. Because it's really fun and I enjoy it a lot. Even though I don't get many books it still feels cool to see others do. IMM pictures and vblogs always make the end/beginning of my week more interesting.
I assume Thao doesn't bookmooch either as that's expensive with the international postage. I looked into it but decided I'd prefer to donate any books not for the school to the library.
I still don't ask authors for books. I try and deal with publishers/publicists as much as possible, even in arranging interviews. There are processes in place for a reason.
I get that IMM has become a competition but my Australian authors love that an international group of readers sees their books. Maybe I will just make it IMM-Aussie Edition from now on lol
I think it is such a SHAME that a few greedy bloggers have to spoil the party for everyone. I understand your decision, especially in light of what authors had to say in the comments of my post about all the book "bragging" going on, but I will miss IMM all the same.
Awhile ago, I got upset at seeing the new massive binge and burn-out on review copies, but I just have to let it go. I'm also surprised to see bloggers make this a competition. I have never participated in Mailbox Monday or your meme because I've never been comfortable sharing the books I get, but I do think it's a great idea for added publicity. Too bad it's not working that way.
I agree with Lenore, I would definitely miss IMM posts because I hear about so many interesting books that way!
I can't believe that there are new bloggers out there expecting people to send them free stuff. ESPECIALLY books that are already available to buy in stores! Don't they know what a library is? I would be totally blown away if an author or publisher asked me if I would like to review their book. I've had my blog for 3 months and I am just happy that their are people reading it. I just think its so cool that there can be such a rich dialogue about books through blogs. They have come such a long way from the one I had in high school that was an outlet for me being emo...
Also, I agree with what others have said, I would miss the IMM posts! I can't believe people would turn that into a competition. Personally, I love IMM because I find out about so many awesome books that way, but if you feel you have to stop I can certainly understand why.
It's been a short time since I've start blogging and I don't really know how this all works yet, but I know this takes its time, I mean, I've just started with my blog so I'm not expecting any author to offer me their book, neither I will ask for one cause I know I still have a lot of things to learn.
I started my blog because I had been reading awesome Ya books' blogs and I thought I'd be funny to do my own one and meet people with the same love for books I have.
Insert Book Title: I hope you understand that I didn’t mean to include you in that group. I didn’t mean for this to be a “personal” attack on anyone. I’m so very glad that you are enjoying blogging! And I hope you continue to do so.
Adele: I would never consider you a book whore! Although your review blog is fairly new, you’ve been active in the blogging community not only with your review blog but with your Sarah Dessen site as well. I have th upmost respect for you as a blogger.
BookChic: I know, it’s sad. It really is.
Callie: I agree, the blogs that are doing it for the right reasons are doing a fab job.
Reverie: Even though you’ve just started your blog recently, I can already see you’re in it for the right reasons. I hope you know that I wasn’t referring to you.
Justine: Number one, WOW Justine posted on my blog! And number two, you didn’t upset me. I know that your post wasn’t intended as a lecture. I’m just embarrassed that you had to post it, when it clearly states on your site that you don’t have ARCs!!! Just as Adele mentioned below your comment.
Ravenous Reader: I’m sorry that I’ve upset you. I hope you know that I wasn’t directing this towards you. Your love of reading is obvious, even though your blog is fairly new. I enjoy visiting your blog!
Rebecca: IMM is not dead, yet. I utilize early review programs as well. Again, I hope that you know this post wasn’t intended toward you.
Thao: I totally understand your position. I know it’s a little different in countries other than the U.S. You have a great start to you blog.
Lenore: It is a shame, I’m just glad to know I’m not the only one who is upset.
Amy: Thanks for chiming in, I’m just embarrassed that I even felt like I needed to post this.
Aimee: One of the things I enjoy the most is the rich dialogue about books through blogs!
Willowe: You can almost tell immediately, which bloggers are there for their love of books, and you can tell that you are. I really enjoy visiting your blog.
Although my IMMs make me look like one (of late) but then I am reading all the time just to return the favour to the publishers that have supported me. If you are someone who's on the receiving end of many books and in YA blogging for the right reasons then you're probably just as stressed out as I am.
I am permanently suffering from reading hangover. And that's not fun :P
Mwah Kristi, I love you and your blog and IMM.
And I definitely agree that supporting authors by buying their books if you really like them is the way to go. Authors need to eat, too!
Again... thank you for posting this. :)
My TBR pile is huge, so it takes me awhile to get to some of the books I post in my IMM posts, but I try to review all of them.
Since I work at a library, I will sometimes get ARCs that way, but one I've read it, I will pass it on to my teen library council-same with any other books I recieve for review-ARC or not. I love having lots of books, but most of mine are books that I get from the library, since I can put in requests for ones I want, and if it's something I really want or really loved, I'll buy it. I've noticed that since I've started blogging I've bought more books. I'm always suggesting books to order for my library because of reviews and various posts I've seen around the blogging world.
Like Justine I don't mail out ARCs personally (the author usually gets only a few). But I usually just ask the blogger to give me their mailing address and the address of their blog to me, then I forward that information to my editor and/or publicist and let them decide to send out a book or not.
Admittedly, though, if I take a look at the blog in question and it has little or no book content, few regular posts, hardly any comments, or has been in existence less than 3 months, I probably won't bother my editor or publicist with it.
Also, once the book is published and in bookstores, it's really too late to ask for an ARC... and at that point the publisher is only likely to send finished copies to traditional media like newspapers and magazines, I suspect.
I seriously don't think you should blog just to get free things ever.
Don't stop IMM, I love it! It gives me much more to add to my own wishlist. And I buy books way too often. I can't even afford my habit. HA!
I think it doesn't matter if you are a month old or 3 years old. What matters is that you do the reviews and you hit your target demographic. I am an internet marketing executive (or was) so using my other properties on the web and having content and a SEO that works wonders I pull in hundreds of uniques daily, that is good for the author and publisher and other book bloggers I tend to mention in my posts and on my site.
I always bought my books, I still buy the books I really want to read, I am not killing myself to run over to Harper Teen to ask for the new Septimus Heap book, although that would be fantastic. The publishers or authors write me and ask me to review their book, if it is something that fits my demographic and I feel I can read it and be unbiased I will accept the book, if not I send them to J. Kaye's blog because she has a referrel program there.
So really I don't think it is about whether you have one post or 50 it depends on how you as a blogger market yourself and your site to the rest of the world and how much return and RSS that gains you. Your blog can look pretty all day but that doesn't mean anyone reads it.
Once I read a book that I bought, and asked the publisher for another of the books from the same author, but that is because I wanted to read and do an author day on the site, and wanted to have everything reviewed up.
I don't do it for the free books, or to see how many books I get in one week. I love reading. I love promoting an upcoming book. And, like I promised to the author when I emailed them, I'll always give them an honest review. Which I do.
I really like this post, and I agree. I've worked so hard to make my blog the way it is, and new bloggers who are in it for the books just bring the whole YA blogging community down.
As stated above, I never had the intention to ask authors or publishers for books, because I’m not the type of person to ask for free handouts. I do admit, though, that I have asked a few authors for an early copy of their book, but that was when my blog was over nine months old, had more than 100 posts, and had received a positive response. So, it generally, bothers me when I see new bloggers starting their blogs just so that they can get free books. I feel that if you have that intention when staring your blog, that you should just stop and not do it, because you are not only harming your name, but also other bloggers who have worked extremely hard on their blogs.
So, Kristi, I completely agree with you on this issue. Great post!
By the way, I truly hope that you don’t stop IMM, because I love seeing what other people get. Since, I get to find out about books I never would have heard of otherwise. Also, I feel that this is a big way in advertising books.
But seriously, I get A LOT of requests for ARCS, and I just don't have the resources to fulfill all requests--the state of publishing is in the proverbial crapper right now, and publishers are printing fewer ARCS than ever--unless you're Stephanie Meyer or Cassandra Clare, which I definitely am not! I do love getting asked though. But I'm also going to be pretty protective with ARCS for SI, as it's the last book in the series . . .
That being said, I'm giving away three ARCS on my blog. Contest starts Friday :)
I contact authors to tell them I love their books, or to ask if they'd be up for answering some questions - because I love asking an author about their book!
I've NEVER asked for an ARC from anyone, and I never will (unless I was like BFF's with Stephenie Meyer, than I'd beg).
My blog is still really new too - it's 3 months old on Friday. I've had maybe 3 or 4 authors contact me and ask if I'd be interested in reviewing their books, including the lovely Jennifer Banash that posted above. Most of the books you see in my IMM post, I buy. I spend a LOT of money on books (Amazon UK import prices have had to go up, unfortunately), even ones that I have an ARC of (that I obtain from work - Borders). Even then, I buy the finished copy! (example: Gayle Forman's If I Stay. I have the ARC, but I'm buying the hardcover anyway. I like to support sales!)
I do regularly get sent books from a few UK publishers, which is amazing, and something I never (and still don't) expect. But I think that's because there aren't many UK book bloggers, and the publishers are trying to get the word out online. If my review of a book can even help sell one extra copy for them, then I'm very happy to help. But again, I've never emailed a publisher asking for a book. It's just not something I would do!
Hmm.. sorry for my ramble!
And I don't always review books I buy or check out of the library (which makes up almost all the books featured in the IMM post) because I try to focus as much of my time on the books I receive for request. And my time is quite limited.
Like Reverie said, a lot of time and energy go into making our blogs because we love doing it! It really is sad to see bloggers taking advantage of the authors and the YA blogging community.
I do not like asking authors for anything other than interviews and guest posts. Luckily, I've recently been getting offers from authors to review their books.
Since I hate asking, I figured why do it? If someone wants me to review their book, I'll happily do it. But if not, I will just stick reviewing the many books I buy and check out at the library. After all that's how I started my blog anyway!
So don't feel as though I thought you meant for anyone to stop asking. It is just my personal preference and my new outlook on blogging!
I have a lot of friends who are published authors & it does get out of hand when they are bombarded w/ requests just to get a *free* book.
I believe in supporting authors by buying their books.
IMO, if someone receives an ARC, so be it, but go out & buy the book to show your support = }.
Authors don't make the big $$$... the publishers do.
You have every right to express your opinion, Krist, but when people are left to their own devices... : $
Enjoy your day = ]!!!
I know what you are trying to get at that that can be dis respectful, but wouldn't you want that to get publicity for your blog? Yeah, getting some of your own review's up would be nice to prove to the author or publicist that you take reviewing seriously, but getting as many followers as you, or even 10 doesn't happen over night!
I dont think that it's rude or disrespectful to get books from authors or publishers if you ask, only if you say "you dont have to, or,"You can wait to send me the book anytime you want" I feel uncomfortable doing so, that's why I give the author/publisher the option of saying no to me. Anyways, I just hope this isn't lowering blogger's feelings about what they do to handle author/publisher emails, or how they do their reviewing steps.
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