Interviewed by J.B. Scott
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JB
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You are a Review
Coordinator with Sharpwriter.Com. Can you please share with us
what is involved in being a Review Coordinator? |
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NB
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The first thing is keeping really good
records. I try to keep around fifteen to twenty books on hand.
Some of my reviewers are fast readers. Right now, I have around 8
reviewers, but have had as many as 13. I have all their
information in a file, which helps me to match a book to the best
reviewer.
When I get the review note from Sharp
Writer, I print out a copy for myself. When I assign the book, I
write on the paper the reviewer’s name, and date assigned. This
way, if the computer fails, I have a hard copy. On another sheet
of paper, I list the books by name, the reviewer, date assigned,
date returned me, and the date I pass it on to Sharp Writer. This
way I know what book also needs reviewing. When one of the
reviewers has finished a review. I pass it along to Sharp Writer,
write the reviewer, thanking them for their work. And at that
time, assign them another book. I think I have the best reviewers.
These people are great.
And the time involved isn’t a lot, I would say sometimes an hour
or two a week, to three or four hours a week, more if I have to
write to a reviewer, which I do when I haven’t heard from them in
about a month. And if I don’t hear from them or they don’t answer
me, I just reassign the book
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JB
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Now, being a Review
Coordinator is a volunteer role. What inspired you to want to join
up when Sharpwriter were looking for reviewers? |
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NB
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It was just something I
had wanted to do for a long time. I had belonged to an on line
writers group, and a friend had sent me the notice that
SharpWriter was looking for reviewers, I signed up around July of
1998, or 1997 ( don’t remember) and when SharpWriter asked for
Coordinators, I became one in July of 2000.
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JB
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Please take the time now to tell us a
little bit about who N. L. Banks' is, including:
- Favorite author, and why
- Favorite book, and why
- Your chosen genre, and why
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NB
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I really don’t have a
favorite author, unless it's Patricia Cornwell. I really like to
read mysteries, but will read just about anything when I have the
time.
From Sharp Writer, I
would have to say that “The Bad Season” by Dennis Latham is my
favorite. This book really is good.
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JB
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Favorite literary
experience, and why? |
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NB
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Nothing published, but
I have several short stories, one Children’s book finished, and I
have a novel that I am working on. I have lots of ideas for more
books, with some in different stages of development.
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JB
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What advice would you
offer to any author who would like to get a review? |
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NB
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It always helps me when the author or publisher tells me a bit
about the book and the correct genre, this way I can make sure I
gave the book to the right reviewer. (Or read it myself if it
sounds really good!!) If one reviewer hates mysteries and I
don’t know what the book is about, and assign the book to this
reviewer, it would not get the same type of review that someone
who loves mysteries would give the book.
It also makes it easier for the reviewer if the book is
printable. This really helps. I have had a few problems with the
e-books that can’t be printed out. Most of the reviewers work at
other jobs, and read when they can. And that isn’t always in front
of the computer.
And one more thing, ALWAYS check the grammar and spelling
before sending the book to Sharpwriter. I have had many comments
on this subject.
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JB
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As reviewer, what do
you think are the important factors to consider when writing a
review?
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NB
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As I’m reading the book, I write down a few notes. Sometimes I
highlight a part that I would like to use in the review.
When I review a book, first I like to tell a bit about the
book, using the parts I liked the best in the review if I can.
Then about the authors style of writing, including pace, a few
notes about the characters, story line, etc. I leave out anything
about the ending, you have to read the book for that. I try hard
to stay objective when I’m writing a review. It is hard to write a
review when, for example, the book just isn’t to my liking. This
doesn’t mean the book stinks, it just means that I don’t like it,
but someone else, who likes this type of book, may really love it.
So I try to give a positive review because of this. BUT, if I
really don’t like the book, and its in a genre that I like to read,
then I will say why I liked it or not.
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JB
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How do you decide what
rating to give a manuscript under review? |
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NB
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If the book keeps me
glued to the chair while I’m reading it, boy, does it get a high
rating.
Once I did a review
of a book, that not only could I not put it down. But, I felt like
I was in the midst of the story, and kept waiting for the “bad
thing” to jump out at me. So I would say, the more the book keeps
me interested in it, the higher the rating.
I feel that the
first few lines of the story or novel can either make or break it.
If it has good pull, then you have me hooked. Once you have me
hooked, I’ll keep reading, and if I keep reading, then you have a
good book and a good review. And the ending better not
disappointment me either. |
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JB
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Is it just as difficult
to assign a 5 star review, as it is a 1 star? |
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NB
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For me, giving a book a
rating of one star is really hard. Once again, it goes back to the
objective part, I may not like the book, or it just isn’t the type
I like, but that doesn’t mean it is not a good book for someone
else. I have to think about the book really hard, before giving it
one star.
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JB
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In your opinion, what
makes a good reviewer?
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NB
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This is a hard one to answer. First off, most reviews have to be
between 250 and 500 words. So, for one, the ability to be able to
write what you think and feel really helps. To put these feelings
into good words that make sense helps, too. And of course to like
to read and finish what you started out to do helps.
I have had a few reviewers that sound great on
paper, but when the review comes in, it’s so short, or it just
never comes in. Then I have to find another reviewer. And if the
book isn’t really a good one, then it makes it even harder to find
a reviewer.
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JB
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As review coordinator
and you have just received a review from one of your reviewers,
and there is something wrong with the content. How do you handle
that? |
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NB
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When I read the review,
I just write them back and ask them to please correct it, or add
words to it. As I have said before, the reviews need to be between
250 and 500 words. Asking seems to work just find. Or just use the
spell checker.
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JB
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What are your thoughts
on the E-Book industry? Do you believe that it will eventually
replace the old-world paperback?
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NB
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Have you ever heard of
the saying “A bird in the hand” well, e-books are like this. As I
have said, my reviewers want books that they can print out, so do
most people.
I like to read in
bed at night or on my lunch break at work, I can’t carry a
computer with me, so I want a book that can be printed out. I
don’t think e-books will ever replace the old paperbacks because
of this. But being able to buy books on line that can be
downloaded to your computer, and printed out is great, and I think
people will like this easy way of getting books. Plus, it is
making it easier for writers to sell their books, but they need to
remember to EDIT, EDIT, EDIT. |
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JB
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Now, this is where you
let your hair down, and offer anything further…yes a free plug is
more than okay… |
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NB
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We at Sharp Writer are
always looking for more reviewers, and it’s not hard to review.
You just need to really love books. The more types or genres you
like to read, the better.
I can help you even get
started. So come join us. I also have a crochet list with over 500
people on it, sometimes I get members from there to be reviewers,
but of course, they must like to read.
Click here to see my
Crochet list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse
Between working, being
a Sharpwriter Review Coordinator, and the crochet list keeps me
busy, which is the way I like it!
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JB |
N.L. Banks, I would like to take this
opportunity of thanking you for agreeing to do this interview and
I wish you well for all your future endeavors.
Regards
JB Scott |
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