Advanced copy reads?
To read or not to read, that is the question?
So, here’s my thing with ARCs… Publishing companies and authors are expecting too much for no pay or too little pay. They want bloggers and reviewers to spend hours reading their books and hours reviewing their books as well. Plus, they want you to post about it on your social media pages.
WTF!
I ain’t got time for that.
You see, I have this thing called a job. I also have two little people who need my time and attention. There is also a husband around here somewhere too.
Oh, I see. I get a free copy of your book. Why didn’t you open with that? I didn’t realize I was going to get a free $3.99 book for my troubles. Well, of course I will read your book now. I mean, who am I to turn down such a great offer.
Get the fuck out of here!
I see, I see… You’re going to tell other authors and publishers not to work with me?
Let’s be honest here… What do people really get from ARC besides a book? Not a damn thing. So, what if you receive a copy before everyone else? All you’re doing is helping line the pockets of someone who couldn’t give a fuck about you.
This might sound a little fucked up but it’s the truth and the truth fucking hurts sometimes.
If I have time to read and blog all day everyday without being paid for it, then I need to get a job. If I can’t afford a $3.99 book and am always looking for a free book to read, then I need to get a job. – Again, I am talking about me. I’ve got bills to pay, children to feed, clothes and shoes I need to buy. Let’s not forget I’m saving up for a Chanel bag 🙂
If an author or publishing company wants to buy me a $5,000 Chanel bag I will consider reading your books more often. Otherwise…
I’m not saying I won’t read and/or review ARC, I will just do it when I feel like it. I will also ask an author if I can read and/or review their book. I’ve done it plenty of times and will continue to do so. I have no shame in asking.
I used to welcome the emails and DM’s from those asking me to review their books but now I just find it annoying. Companies that send out emails with pictures, summaries, Facebook and Twitter messages and more for me to post made me happy. That was until I realized they were just using me for my social platform. It was a lot to keep up with.
When to post, where to post, what time of day to post, links to post, etc. It was stressing me out.
In 2017 I will only be doing ARC with full review and social media posts for certain type of authors.
- Authors who I like and have developed cool relationship with.
- Books that have drawn my attention.
- New authors, as I believe in supporting small business.
- Authors I have previously reviewed for and enjoyed their books or style of writing.
- Bloggers turned authors.
Everyone else, not so much. I am so sick of being used for my platform and reading shitty books.
I refuse to give my time and attention to books that only distract me from the things that I enjoy. I read for fun, not for someone else.
With that being said, I hope authors and reviewers don’t lump me in that category of those reviewers on Goodreads, my blog, social media sites and more who just give 4 or 5 stars all the time. Those bloggers and reviews get no respect from me and I have stopped reading their reviews because I know they are getting “paid for play” and can’t be trusted. Plus, they get on my damn nerves with that shit.
My friends and readers know what they can expect from me, the truth whether they agree with it or not.
If you are a new author, I welcome your books because I’m here to support!
Thanks for letting me get a little messy but it’s time to get pretty again. TTYL!