Quote:
Originally Posted by Blossom
I'm talking about those who are on her ACR team not just anyone. I joined read one book by the author she was publishing and could not give it five stars. Five stars for me is rare. It has to have all the right elements. I love her type of books being a cozy fan but I just didn't feel right giving a five star review for a free book.
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Oh those! That's more like a beta type read than a typical reviewer ARC--I think in that case the publisher/editor/author is actually looking for feedback. But I have never done those so I could be wrong. One of the gals who reviews for my blog is on a team like that for an author (although I don't think the author requires five star reviews--she merely asks if there are elements that would keep the reader from giving it 5 stars and wants to know what those things are--and it's also part of a forum discussion where it generates discussion about the book).
There's all kinds of things out there these days--street teams, blog hops and the usual ARCs for review, beta reader opportunities and so on. Most of them last for a little while and then people move on. They can be too much work in a hurry. And while a reader might have time to do one, the next book they might be busy. I recall the reviewer said that those who don't participate will be dropped from the next "call" email/list.
I've never tried anything like that. I do use beta readers, but I can't really handle input from more than two or three people. I did eight once and that nearly did me in. Everyone has an opinion and after about 3 people, those opinions start to disagree with each other and you just end up with a total mess.
There's nothing greater than finding a good beta reader or good editor--one who has the skill to pinpoint plot holes, problem areas, pacing issues and so on. But that beta level is generally before the things above (although they are still called beta reads in some cases--or sometimes review of an ARC...)
Thanks for the clarification.