As I’m getting more requests for reviews, I’m finding myself
in a bit of a conundrum. My main issue is whether or not to publish unfavorable
reviews of books. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to only publish reviews
on books that I can award at least three stars.
The reason for my decision is that I’m a writer too. I know
how angsty writing a novel can be. You’re basically giving people a glimpse
into your private inner world. To read that someone thinks your story sucks is
heartbreaking. I can read fifty favorable reviews on my novel and still find
myself tormented over the one that rips my book apart.
As a writer, I decided to stop obsessing so much over
reviews. I know some writers who don’t read reviews at all (I’m aiming to have
that kind of will-power). Reviews can get into your head too much and it’s
distracting when you’re writing subsequent novels.
I’ve received recommendations from other bloggers to set up
a review policy. I’ve done that and posted it under my Contact tab. The gist of
my policy is that I won’t post reviews on books I don’t finish or would rate
one or two stars. Genres I’ll accept include New Adult, Young Adult, Paranormal
Romance and Contemporary Romance.
