Article: The Book Blogger Balancing Act

The Book Blogger Balancing Act

There is something that I have discovered in my two years of book blogging. It is probably the most important thing to think about for the book lover who wants to start blogging about their thoughts on books. I bet you’re wondering what it may be.

Balance.

Sounds simple enough, right?

You couldn’t be more wrong.

I mean, who wouldn’t love to get emails from authors and publishers asking you to review their book? As a blogger, this is our dream! We love to read books and we want to share out thoughts about them! So, we enthusiastically say “Yes! I would love to read and review your book!”

But what happens when you can’t say “No”?

Your review pile looks something like mine.

Then you get really, incredibly stressed out.

Next thing you know, you are in a big-time reading funk where you don’t want to read anything! Reading becomes a chore. It no longer becomes enjoyable. It becomes *gasp* a job.

So why become a book blogger? Not to be rude or blunt, but if you are starting it to get review copies of books, well, it is obvious you did it for the wrong reasons. When I started my blog, I just wanted to share my opinions of books. I never thought authors and publicists would care about regular ‘ol me reading their books and what MY opinion was! When I started getting e-mails, I was floored! Don’t get me wrong – I was doing cartwheels throughout my house, but this was sort of like a bonus for me. I got to share my opinions on books I’m already reading AND review some upcoming books by some of my favorite authors?! How cool was that?

But, as the book blogging community exploded, so did the amount of review requests I received (as did many of you too, I’m sure). And, how can you say “No” to a new book coming out by a favorite author?

I’m telling you to consider saying “No”. Authors and publicists are not going to hate you or never contact you again. You aren’t going to ruin your chances of never getting another review book. If I have to say “No”, I will offer another solution in the form of a book spotlight, author guest post, or book giveaway. For example, my e-mail may look like this:

“Dear (PERSON’S NAME),

Thank you for your e-mail. At this time, due to my current review commitments, I am not accepting any review books that I feel I cannot get to in a timely fashion. If you would like, I could post a book spotlight, author guest post or book giveaway instead. Please let me know if this is a workable solution. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Jennifer”

I have never had anyone blast me for saying “No” to reviewing a book. Offering up an alternative solution to giving their book some exposure is a great way to compromise while, at the same time, not increasing MY workload too much. Plus, it also helps the author/publicist promote the book.

So, the point I’m trying to make here is that it is vitally important to strike a balance when you are book blogging. Read books that YOU ENJOY. Read books that AREN’T FOR REVIEW for a publisher or author with a specific time frame, but that you will still review on your blog. Once reading becomes a chore and you are constantly on a deadline, it is time to take a step back and re-evaluate what it is you are doing and if this is how you want to continue.

I thought this was an important topic to discuss in light of MY recent reading funk that lasted about a month and is still going on. I finally finished a book that I loved, but it took me weeks. I really enjoyed the story when I was reading it, but I had no desire to read. I still have no strong desire to read so I am only doing about 5-10 pages a night. I keep looking at my pile of review books and thinking of how many people I promised reviews to and have let down and I get so discouraged! In a moment of pure clear-headedness, I actually did the unthinkable – I closed my Review Request form. Of course, that doesn’t stop the e-mails! But, this was an important step for me. It gives me time to concentrate on finishing the review books I currently have piled up without adding tons more TO that mountain. It was a hard choice, but you know what? The authors and publicists will still be there when I re-open my form. And, I will be in a better place to handle it.

So, don’t get to where I am – stop yourself before you get this far in! And if you are already there, take a step back like I am doing and rethink your priorities. Reading is supposed to be fun. Don’t take the fun out of it by stressing yourself out with review deadlines.

Easier said than done, I know. But think about it.

All opinions expressed in this article are mine and mine alone!
Stack of books image is from http://www.dailyclipart.net/clipart/stack-of-books-clip-art/

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