I apologize for not having my typical Tuesday book review post up today. I have been a little behind on reading. That happens occasionally, even when I am healing at my in-law’s. I still have cuddle time with my youngest son where he demands that I read the same book to him over and over again. I do not mind though, it makes me happy that both of my boys enjoy reading. While my oldest was at his dad’s this past weekend, his dad took him to get his own library card. My husband and I each have one but at 7 years-old, he was really happy to have his own. We are a family of readers and nothing makes me more proud than my kids asking to go to the library and get books.
I guess I better move on before I rant about what reading means to me again…
If you’d like to know what reading means to me read these blog posts: Reading…an isolating activity? and What reading is to me?
Welcome back to my newest blog series…Book Blogging 101. I am no expert, these are simply things that I have discovered or learned from my book blogging journey. I hope that these tips and tricks I share can be helpful to you.
Tip #3: Learning to Say No
There are many facets of life where we must learn to say no. Being a parent is a big one. It is so hard saying no to your kids sometimes, but we do it so that they become better people as adults. For book bloggers, it can also be hard. We love books and learning to turn down a review request can be difficult. I mean seriously, saying no to reading a free book simply for a review…that is tough. You have to learn early on that you are not obligated to accept every offer that comes your way.
Even as a new blogger, when you are active, chances are you will have review requests. When you read the summary of a book and decided you are not interested, don’t feel obligated to accept it. Authors are not going to be offended if you turn down the book. They would rather have someone who is interested in and likely to enjoy the book review it. Not everyone will enjoy every book. The book review is going to be better for a book that you actually enjoyed. Your time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted on a book you will not enjoy. Reading is a hobby after all, not a job. Being a book blogger still entails being polite though…
Just because you have the right to deny a request does not mean you should be rude about it. Like in every other part of your life, you should be respectful and polite when dealing with others. Book blogging may not be a job, but you should always respond in a professional manner. This professionalism is noticed and respected. Too often I have seen rude or unprofessional responses. I have even had review requests from authors and they used slang terms and were not professional. That instantly turns my interest away from the book. A little courteousness goes a long way.
I am giving this tip because, as with requesting books through NetGalley, you can quickly become overwhelmed if you accept all review requests. The combination of being overwhelmed and uninterested in the book does not make for a good book review. It causes more stress than is needed. Do not get ahead of yourself and put too much on your plate.
I hope that this helps fellow book bloggers, new and old. Getting free books is a wonderful perk to book blogging, but it comes with a lot of stress and responsibility. Accepting a book to review should not be taken lightly. It should be cherished and you should enjoy it, not read it because you feel obligated to.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this Book Blogging tip! Let me know what you think below. Do you have any questions about review requests? Do you have any advice for fellow book bloggers about review requests?