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With all the buzz about Brian McLaren’s new book, a sub-conversation has surfaced on the topic of bloggers reviewing for publishers. Core to this discussion is the concern that publishers are taking quite a bit of advantage of bloggers to generate a lot of free buzz, usually at the minimal expense of sending out a few key review copies of the book in question. Bloggers are doing a very valuable service for publishers, which in the past would have cost them a great deal of money. Conversely is the problem of those who do get paid to review and promote books, but who do not disclose this fact. Bill Kinnon weighs in, as does Jordon Cooper.
My own experience with this has been mixed. I have participated in a number of programs or agreements with publisher and organizations where I would review books for free. Some were less than appealing, even uncomfortable in the pressure to review something I was not interested in and/or seriously displeased with. However, I have also had some great experiences. For example, anyone who reads my blog will know that I review a fair amount of InterVarsity Press titles. IVPress has been a wonderful publisher to partner with, allowing me to choose titles I am interested in and encouraging honest reviews (both positive and negative). IVPress has related to me more as a ministry than a business (though of course sales are not important to them). The free titles I have received have been adequate compensation for me. Other groups could learn something from this clearly missionally minded group of people.
In respect to being paid, this is a new topic for me, as I have never been paid to do any online reviewing or promo. However, that changed recently in a very pleasant way. When I learned the Stuart Murray
Here are the critical factors that should be noted in this decision:
- Herald Press is a small publishing house that, while still a business, is clearly geared towards getting their material into the right hands for meaningful impact on the church.
- Herald Press offered to pay me, not only because they felt my time was worth it, but because they knew it would help support a missionary pastor.
- Herald Press was explicit that they did not want me to review anything that I didn’t not fully believe in, requiring honest review of the material regardless of whether it was positive or not.
- I approached them first, offering to help spread the word for free. They were under no obligation to offer me compensation.
- Knowing Stuart Murray and his work, and having read excerpts from The Naked Anabaptist, I knew this was a project I could excitedly help promote.
- I hesitated accepting compensation out of the risk that, on disclosing it, readers would questions the sincerity of the review (something I am still concerned about)
This topic is a fascinating one for me. The reality is that the internet and the struggling publishing world are coming together in a new relationship, one in which these kinds of questions will become increasingly important to grapple. I would affirm that bloggers who want to make the most of this new relationship should identify their own values and boundaries, establishing clear agreements with any publisher or author. Be discerning, honest and realistic. If this loses you a free book or two, it is worth it in the long run.
What do you think? Does my disclosure change the way you will view my reviews? Any advice for bloggers?
Tags: book review, Books, Missional, publishing
Since I do a fair share of book reviews myself I would love to way in on this topic.
I also have never received pay for this service as I feel it helps the authors, the publishing house and also my own blog as it helps drive traffic and I only review items I really believe in.
I think if you are open about receiving pay for the review, yes you may receive criticism, but you are being honest and forthcoming. People can judge your review how they will. As long as you personally know that you are not basing your review on the amount received I say go for it.
I think the disclosure makes it an acceptable arrangement, and to be fair, this is not a different process from many other “traditional” media review options. I would encourage you to move forward with this relationship and be honest and forthright in each review: after all, they are paying you to review, not promote, their products.
Jamie, I think this is a very useful post, constructive rather than angsty.
On the other side of the publishing issue, too, is that idea that as missional/emerging/whatever people I think we should be aware, or reminded, that these values should not simply be expressed in our ecclesial questions.
I made a decision to pursue publication with a small publisher, knowing there’s not any where near the marketing budget. But you’re right, for so many of these smaller publishers it really is a ministry, that have passionate visions for helping to provide a service to the church. But without the marketing budget to flood various media outlets, they just so don’t have the reach. Even one book selling beyond expectation for them can mean a wonderful increase in their ability to publish more non-mainstream books.
But, without some kind of agreement or up front cost to a organizer or such, so often small publishers get pushed aside even by word-of-mouth bloggers. Bookstores won’t carry books by smaller publishers unless they see there’s a market, leaving these publishers so desperately in need of helpful attention by those who really share the values and approaches represented by outsider presses.
That you have a relationship with them and they chose to support you is wonderful, I think. You are edifying each other in helping the other better realize the mission.
Thanks for bringing this book to our attention. It really does look interesting, and I think, more constructive and helpful than the books that get a lot more press these days.
I agree, Rick. Ultimately, it is a bit of a win-lose situation. I am going to give this project a shot and see where it goes from there. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Thanks Dean. I agree.
Thanks Patrick. Very well said. As for “The Naked Anabaptist”, I think it deserves the attention. I am really enjoying the book. More than that, it is already shaping how I live, lead and love in our own community.
Peace,
Jamie
I have only done two official reviews at my blog but I loved the process. In one of those I was specifically advised to be honest…that was a nice surprise and I went with it as there were elements of the album that I didn’t like.
What’s cool about this is that it is happening naturally and out of friendship…you can’t go wrong with honesty and relationship. Go for it.
Thanks Chris. I agree.
[...] Previous Post – Much Ado About Book Reviews [...]
Hello Jamie,
Long time no talk!
As a reader, I do look to people I can trust for honest and thorough reviews of a book I am considering for purchase.
Such honest and thorough reviews take a lot of time – first to read the book carefully and completely, then to think about the book, its message, and the quality of writing and cohesive, flowing thought. Lastly, you must take all of that and put it down into a review that is both concise and of a manageable size for the reader.
With the amount of time and effort it takes to offer such honest and thorough reviews, I see no problem in someone getting paid to do so. People have been paid for this type of work for a long time. The shift that has taken place in recent years has shifted the source of payment, and that is where the controversy lies.
A reviewer (of books, movies, restaurants, or otherwise) was paid for their services by the publication that distributed their reviews. Now that writers have their own publication in the blogosphere, that compensation is coming directly from the publishers (at least in the case of books, as we are discussing it).
I can see where this arrangement might be a red flag for people, but it isn’t for me — simply because the people that I trust for honest critiques are people that I also trust to make judgment calls in the realm of money for services rendered that will not affect the honesty of those services.
Maybe I am in the minority here, but those of you who are both consistent and thoughtful in your blogs can only do so by spending a lot of time doing, thinking, and writing. I think that kind of effort should be rewarded.
Peace,
Jason
Hey Jason. Thanks for weighing in. Did you see the follow up posted from the publisher? An interesting read. Frankly, I have felt well compensated by receiving the free book. A few experiences have been less than appealing, but I am not as active in those circles.
Peace,
Jamie
[...] Jordon Cooper wrote “The Christian Book Whore,” and Jamie Arpin-Ricci wrote two posts here and here). Reading these thoughts (which are both constructive and critical) led me to a few [...]
Bro that’s awesome! I’m looking forward to reading reviews of what Herald Press releases, I’ve always been fascinated by their choice in literature.
Thanks Paul. They have some great titles, but not a lot of readers are that familiar with them. Hopefully that will change.
I have a slightly different perspective on this, being a blogger who does book reviews who also happens to own two Christian bookstores. On the one hand, I continually fight a battle for the lowly retailer to be more informed on what is being published. On the other, I am thankful as a blogger to not have to pay for the books out of my own pocket anymore, though getting signed up with the publishers I really like has proved more challenging. Also unfortunate is that many of the publicity copies given out to bloggers are done so with little regard for their actual readership.
BTW, Stuart’s book isn’t listed with STL, the large U.S. Christian book distributor, and also the source of smaller publishing house titles for those of us in Canada. You might want to get that rectified; as I’d like to carry this title in our own stores, and it’s just not practical to track down each and every independent.
Hey Paul,
Thanks for your input. I will pass on the info to the publisher.
Peace,
Jamie
And “Foreword by Gregory A. Boyd” ain’t too shabby, either. I’m a huge Greg Boyd fan.
I agree, Paul!