My Rules/Methods of Reviewing

With communcation at a high and almost every home having a computer, online sales are growing so too with this is the requests for reviews be it for a book, cd, ipad or lawnmower. With everyone having the ability to post reviews to hand and with the introduction of social networks, one would think that people would grasp the intelligence to understand the importance of being careful about how they not only portray themselves but also what they say about others and objects. Of course objects don't have feeling or do they? we arent entirely sure, but the people behind the products do have feelings. A poor review is not only damaging for the products sales but also the company/people behind it and in turn you the reviewer. If you are incapable of giving an honest review then your opinion has no place in being heard and you should simply keep your mouth shut!
As the saying goes "honesty is the best policy" and it truly is, not only are you doing good for the product and its creators but by giving an honest review you are painting yourself in a good light that more people will in fact be willing to listen to you.
Lets not forget here however that an honest review does not neccessarily mean a good product. An honest review takes time and effort.

Having read a blog an hour ago also about reviewing where a poor review was given simply on book length, I felt myself compelled to reveal my own rules and methods for writing reviews.

1. When you first recieve a request, do not reply at least not yet.

2. Research the author then the book. Never do I accept a review without learning of the author first, one can't be too careful online these days especially with files to download, once happy someone is legit I'll read what I can about the book itself then decide.

3. Decide if the book is enough to your liking that you feel you can read it and review it. Do not accept unless you have read a description.

4. Request relevant information regarding number of chapters and pages, publisher and any other info you feel you want to include.

5. Put together a bio of the author, everyone likes to know something about authors that they can relate to.

6. Maintain an open mind, this cannot be stressed enough.

7. I am never without an open word doc on my laptop or a notepad close to hand whilst reading, you can never tell when something will spark a thought or emotion. As much as the saying "always carry a pad and pen" refers to authors and reporters, it is also just as relevant for reviwers.

8. Whatever comes to mind, always write it down. Whether these notes are used or not, translated or not is down to you when you finish the review.

9. When you have all your notes put together your description of the book.

10. Write your opinion of the book in as much detail as possible, you dont have to be perfect but a good opinion will give other potential readers something to bounce off.

11. Summarise. Age recommendation and grading be it stars, hearts or whatever symbol you choose.

12. Have fun and enjoy.

13. One of the most important rules is never give up. While a book can start off extremely bad, it doesn't mean the end will be. Perhaps something interesting will happen or there will be an unusual twist. If you aren't willing to find out, you have absolutely no right what-so-EVER to write a review for it.

14. If by some chance you get stuck on something, talk to the author, especially if it is about a subject you do not understand.

15. Be polite and professional and give reasonable deadlines.

16. When publishing the review, offer the author a digital copy and produce links to your blog and, let the author know where else you have published and when it is likely to become available (e.g. amazon = upto 48 hours)

17. Thank the author for the opportunity - not only are you doing something for them but they have done something for you.

18. Sometimes on occasion you may stumble upon a book which lacks a certain something, whilst this can be damaging, do not solely give a damning review for it, know your grading and let the author know why they lost the points.

19. As an added bonus I spell check as I read however I do not let this influence my reviewing but it is up to you whether you do or not. In my case I include this in the email sending the returned review, I understand how writing blends together when writing a novel and after many passes the writers mind fills in the missing words so some are missed; I also understand that those that manage to use an outsourced editor cannot afford a top notch one first time and so items are missed, of course this is down to the author to check but then I am sure they again have their minds fill the missing words. It happens more often than not.

Anyone can write but not everyone can produce an immaculate book and some reviewers tend to forget this and let it influence the outcome of their review.
One thing to remember is while you are a reviewer, so too are you being reviewed by your readers.