Review Policy
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about what a review from BTS entails! Here you will learn all about how to request a review, the overall review process and what you can expect from a review here at BTS.
Current Reviewing Status: I am not accepting review requests at this time. Please check back as I will resume with review requests soon.
The Reviewer:
Here at Books that Spark, I am the sole book reviewer. Although the common term used is ‘reviewer’ I must emphasise that I don’t see myself as a professional reviewer. In fact, I feel the term ‘Book Blogger’ fits better. I read and review for my own enjoyment only.
I consider all the requests I receive personally and as a result, I only decide to review a book if it feels as though it will be a good fit to my reading tastes. Also, there are only so many reviews I will commit to at one time. I’m a student and I’m in part-time employment as well, so there is only so much time I can dedicate to reading.
If you would like to learn a bit more about me and the blog please check here.
What to Expect:
Book reviews make up most of the content on the blog, for the simple reason that I take great pleasure in writing about books I’ve read.
The reviews I produce won’t always be perfect, although I do work very hard at them, but above all else they will be an honest reflection of my own experience reading a particular book. The reviews I write tend to focus on my thoughts and feelings towards the book opposed to a critical analysis. However, being a degree student of English, it does seem natural for me to comment on the plot and characters within the book. I must emphasise that I don’t claim to be an expert.
I understand that reading tastes are variable and I can appreciate that the thoughts I hold of a particular book can differ from others. I will never attempt to influence my reader’s decision when it comes to purchasing a book. All I can do is offer my honest opinion and allow them to make their own decision.
In a scenario when I haven’t enjoyed a book, I will be truthful about this. I will not jeopardise my integrity at any point. However, I will never trash a book or its author. Although I take no pleasure in writing a negative review, the review will be constructive. I aim to review a book as a book and not the book I wished the author would have written instead.
The Reviewing Process:
You might find it useful to refer to this post which explains in further detail how I approach writing a review.
When I receive a request for review, I will consider whether or not the book is the right fit more me and the blog. I do aim to respond to all requests however if a week as passed with no response, please assume that I am unable to review the book at this current time.
The books that I request will take precedence over all others. Second to this will be the books that I accepted via a review request and in this case, reviews will be completed on a first-come-first-served basis. ARC titles will be read and reviewed within the month around its release date.
Although I cannot promise a review to be completed on a specific date, I do aim to read and review titles in a timely manner. In rare circumstances, I may consider a certain date if requested.
Please remember that I can’t guarantee that I will complete your book. There are rare circumstances when I find the book is not for me and I’m unable to finish it. As a result, I won’t review a book I haven’t read in full. This doesn’t seem fair to me. I will endeavour to feature the book on the blog some in some other form if this is the case.
The completed review will consist of the following:
- Cover art
- Author details
- Publication details
- A synopsis of the book*
- My personal thoughts
- A star rating (go here to find out more about star ratings)
If there is anything else you would like me to include, a book trailer for instance, please let me know when requesting a review. I will aim to adhere to this.
All reviews will be posted here at Books that Spark and GoodReads. A link will also be posted on Twitter and Facebook. From time-to-time, I will also post the review to other websites such as Amazon.
*The synopsis will be taken from either the blurb, GoodReads, the publishers website or Amazon.
Accepted Genres/Formats:
Books that Spark is a book blog featuring Young Adult literature. Therefore, I am pleased to accept the following genres of Young Adult:
- Fantasy
- Paranormal
- Dystopian
- Romance
- Contemporary Fiction
- Chick Lit
- Historical
- Mystery/Thriller
Please Note: If the book is part of a series and I have not read the preceding titles, I do ask that you provide these as well so that I’m able to provide a fair review. I will not read a series out of sequence.
At this time, I won’t accept:
- Self-Published
- Non-Fiction
- Erotica
- Religious Undertones
- Horror
- Crime
- Self-Help
- Short Stories
Accepted Formats:
- Print Copies
- E-Books (that are compatible with the Kindle or Ipad)
At this current time, print copies do take precedence over e-copies. Due to time constraints, I am more likely to accept your review request if a print copy is provided.
How to Request a Review:
I am not accepting review requests at this time.
If a review is not ideal for your needs, please take some time to look at the other promotional offers here.
Disclosure
I receive books from authors/publishers in exchange for an honest review. I do not accept or receive monetary compensation.
Last Updated: 28/02/2013.
