The Book Bloggers

Blog Name: Write For a Reader
Blog URL: http://www.writeforareader.edublogs.org
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://writeforareader.edublogs.org/feed/
Blog Owner: Shelly Burns

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I started reading other review blogs and thought to myself, “I love books; I can do this.” So, I did. It didn’t start out that way though. I wanted to blog about reading and writing in my classroom, but then I took a Reading Specialist position and things changed. I decided to do reviews instead.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
I love being able to share the books I review with others.

3. What types of books do you review?
I review mostly books for kids: children’s books and young adult. Since I work in an elementary school, these are the books that I can use with and recommend to my students and other teachers in the building. I also review adult books: fiction - romance, historical, and fantasy mostly. I have done a few memiors and am looking at a few self-help titles as well.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
My expertise would be in the genre of fiction, realistic and fantasy as that is mostly what children’s books are.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
I am not a big Sci-Fi fan, so that is probably where I would draw the line. I have given one a try so I’m not saying no, it’s just not my favorite genre to read.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
No.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Yes, I actually have one now that I’m going to start for review. I won’t do this often as it has gotten pushed to the back of the books to review, and I don’t feel that is fair.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Yes, I would love that. I think it would give my readers a different perspective and let them see a different side of the author than they would through the review or an interview.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Yes. I’ve done some on my own, and now I’m starting to do some through the publisher.

10. Do you interview authors?
Yes. I love this! It allows me to learn more about the author than just what the book blurb or website says. It also gives my readers a chance to get a more personal look at authors.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Yes.

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
I try to read the book and post the review 2 weeks - a month after I get it. It all depends on what the publisher asks for and when the book is due out.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
Yes, I am a reviewer for 2 other sites(The Well Read Child and Paperback Frenzy).

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
I try to do this for every review I post.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
I prefer to get an email request asking if I would like to review the book. I don’t like to be told I have to review this or that, because if I don’t like the genre, or can’t get into the book, I don’t want to be held to a review. I don’t think it’s fair to the book or the author.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Review requests should be submitted to Shelly Burns, shelcows (at) gmail (dot) com.

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