Review requests

As an author, I’m asked if I’d consider reading other peoples' books and manuscript for an author quote, which is used during their promotional campaign. I’ll be honest, I accept very few requests. I know there are professional readers, bloggers and reviews who can skim read a book in an hour or so - I'm not one of them, that’s for sure.

The average book takes me approximately twelve hours to read because I read as a reader, not as an industry bod. I have my reading speed and it’s served me well since I was four years of age. I’m one who lingers over the language choice, enjoys the imagery of good description and takes delight in fresh dialogue. I read for pleasure, I read to relax and I read because I love to escape within the covers of a book hiding from what appears to be 'bad or sad' in the world in which I exist.    

So, when I agree, it feels like a treat to me rather than a chore. I undertake the request, much as I do with any new reading book: open-minded and eager. I have daily reading sessions so slot my reading between my writing hours. I read before breakfast, read a little with lunch and then usually finish the day with a few more pages – which all adds up over a week.

I’m not one to read a book a week, as I have other hobbies as well, but I can usually muster a requested read in a fortnight. I jot down details as I go knowing that I’ll be writing a review at the end and awarding the infamous star rating. I don’t think I’m particularly generous with my ratings, if anything I’m probably a little harsh as I know what I want and expect from a story. I want to be drawn into the fictional world, be part of the conflict and emotion, I wish to believe in the characters, good or bad, plus I want to be rooting for certain ones. And if I’ve enjoyed reading it, I also don’t want it to end! Sometimes, I think I demand a lot from a book but then I value my time so expect to be rewarded with satisfaction. All in all, first and foremost, I’m a reader - whether I'm reviewing a book or not!