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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?
