I’m joining in with Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer‘s book blogger hop again this week, where they post a question which you and other bloggers answer, hopping from blog to blog to see people’s answers. This week, the question is…
Do you read and review books mainly for publishers or authors?
For me, the answer is no, I mainly review books I buy, am given, or pick up at the library. I pick books for so many reasons, because I love the author, the genre, have heard good things about it or I feel like a change, like I need to step out of my comfort zone. A good cover will sway me every time.
I don’t review all of those because sometimes life gets in the way and it’s been a few weeks since I finished the book then I simply don’t get round to reviewing it as a result. Sometimes, I just don’t finish the book because it isn’t for me.
I feel I have to finish books given to me as review copies so I try to limit how many of these I request/read because having too many of those on my reading list can feel quite overwhelming. If other things then come up – as they usually do – I feel I have to review these, and often to certain timeframes, and then can’t actually enjoy them because I’m just reading for reading’s sake.
Sometimes I think it would be nice to get more new releases in advance, and it would definitely help my bank balance, but my time management is pretty rubbish at the best of times, never mind with reading, so I think, for me this is the way to go.
What about you, do review mainly your own books or those from publishers/authors?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
[…] Over at the excellent blog for readers, Once Upon a Littlefield, blogger Emma joins the Book Blogger Hop answering the question: Who am I reading for? – Once Upon a Littlefield blog […]
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Most of what I review is something I have picked up for myself as well. I read for me and more often than not, the book I decided on was one that caught my eye randomly walking through the store or taking the kids to the library. I am not one to read the most current books as soon as they come out (expect for certain authors) – so I am mostly reading books published years and years ago! I am also a sucker for a series.. So I will literally start with book 1 and work my way through them all, which could take awhile lol.
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I am a library browser as well and get the series thing. I will sometimes read randomly from a series but if I like the book a lot, I will have to go back to book one.
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I read more from NetGalley and now from books offered by publishers because I’ve fallen down that hole and can’t get out! It is easier on the budget but sometimes I wish my reading wasn’t quite so scheduled.
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I can see how it would happen. I sometimes fine myself looking at books on net galley and wanting to request or read now and I haven’t always resisted. I have a few review books to read at the moment – well for me – so I decided to just not go on the site. I have no willpower otherwise.
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Yep, what Katherine said! I keep saying I’ll cut back on books for review, but then temptation strikes. I’m getting better at only taking books for review that I would want to buy anyway, though. And I’m also much more relaxed about missing reviewing deadlines than I used to be.
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I can see the temptation and I have done it a few times but I just don’t like stressing- I do it too much for work – and this makes my life easier, even if I do have the occasional twinge of jealousy when I see how many new books other bloggers get. Then I remember I have no deadlines to hit…
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I mainly review books from publishers. I used to do more for authors, but have cut back.
Thanks for sharing what you do.
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
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I think there just be something that is more personal when reviewing for authors but I would worry about hurting feelings.
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I request, and get given l, lots of books for review and had a real nostalgic pang for your comment about browsing in the library – This year to contain the review books I have designated one mont as review book free so I can get to enjoy more of my own books. As I review every book I finish I don’t really feel the same pressure as you and I am grateful to have access to so many great reads!
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You do get to read so many good books though. I do feel envious sometimes but I know how I am. Saying that I did request a few more review copies than I normally do recently- ones I couldn’t resist.
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That’s the start of the slippery slope haha
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[…] People – both of which I really enjoyed. I also wrote about who I review for as part of the book blogger hop. Book wise I finished Don’t You Cry (see my Tuesday intro) which I’ll be reviewing […]
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Most of my books I get from publishers or publicists, but occasionally I get a review request from an author directly, especially an indie author. Those can be fun, and I love helping indie authors when I can. My goal is to balance out the number of requests that I accept with the number of books that I pick up and read just for me.
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It seems from comments that getting the balance is the key. I have to be honest and hadn’t thought about how I could support indie authors but it is a really good way to look at it.
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I started out just like you; I would read and review the books I liked, and already owned. Then, somewhere along the way, I started participating in book tours. So I began reviewing for Indie authors, and, indirectly, for their publishers. But this can get overwhelming! So now I mostly do promo posts or interviews for the book tour companies. I’m also trying to cut down a bit on the book tours.
I think you’re right about receiving ARCs — you have to balance reviewing them, and thus saving money — with the time management. It’s not easy…..oh, the TEMPTATION of those free books!!! Lol. I think all of us book bloggers have exactly the same problem!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting on my own BBH post!! 🙂
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I do get tempted and sometimes feel jealous when a new book by an author I love comes out on other blogs before it’s been released but you have to know your own limits I think.
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[…] Over at the excellent blog for readers, Once Upon a Littlefield, blogger Emma joins the Book Blogger Hop answering the question: Who am I reading for? […]
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