The digital world is ever-changing. While being a book blogger is a great way to share our love of books, we must also take stock of our roles as readers and creators. Be it writing reviews, creating content, or interacting with our community of authors and fellow bloggers.
Last month, I shared the A Book Blogger’s Bill of Rights, my take on Daniel Pennac’s Reader’s Bill of Rights. Allow me to refresh your memory.
- Right to not review every book I read
- Right to not talk about books I don’t like
- Right to read more than one book at a time
- Right to explore different formats of book blogging
- Right to not schedule posts
- Right to blog about topics other than books
- Right to participate in reading challenges
- Right to read and blog at my own pace
- Right to not stick to a TBR
- Right to charge or not charge for a book review
How to be a responsible book blogger
Rights go hand in hand with duties and responsibilities. Today I share with you what I consider my responsibilities as a book blogger and a reader to maintain ethical blogging standards. Including some book blogging do’s and don’ts.
Honesty and integrity
Authenticity. Honesty. Integrity. Not just book blogging, these are pillars of blogging in general too.
As a book blogger, we owe it to our readers to be honest and transparent when reviewing a book. An honest review does not necessarily mean a negative review. Reviews are subjective, what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. But coming from a position of influence – the fact that readers go ahead and purchase a book we recommend – honesty while reviewing a book is imperative.
This also includes leaving a negative review without even reading the book… just because. Rating a DNF book is different. I don’t review a book I don’t finish but I am all for people who do. Leaving a negative review because one received a damaged copy or has an axe to grind with the author is pure evil.
Last but not least, transparency goes a long way and adds to your integrity. Including disclosure about a free copy in exchange for a review, sponsored content, and affiliate links.
To not tag authors on a negative review
Remember the golden rule you learned as a child? Treat others as you would want to be treated by them. It applies to book blogging too, particularly while reviewing books.
We have a right to leave a critical or a negative review for a book. But for the love of God, PLEASE don’t tag the author when sharing it on social media. This is a common courtesy. The author will read it (or choose not to) in due time. We need to remember that authors are people too.
To not add to book piracy
This is something that is a given for book blogging. It is as much about sharing your love for books as promoting your favorite authors.
You will be surprised by how prevalent book piracy (particularly e-book piracy) is in the bookish community. Really beats the purpose of it all. There are so many ways to procure genuine copies. Participating in blog tours and giveaways. Requesting copies from authors. Not to mention libraries. Authors spend years writing the book. It is their blood and sweat. We are here to promote books. Promote reading. Let’s not add to the piracy as book bloggers, shall we?
Cross-posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads
Yes, our reviews on the blog do matter. But for the sales and more publishing opportunities, reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other platforms matter too.
We often spend hours reading the book and drafting the perfect review. We do have a right to not review every book we read. But when we do publish it on our blog and Instagram, let us take a few minutes to cross-post it on Amazon and Goodreads too. It just takes a few minutes and goes a long way.
Promoting diversity and inclusivity
We are privileged to have a platform to promote books. Popular books get more traffic to our blogs but it was never the driving force we got into book blogging, right? It was our love for reading.
Promote diversity and inclusivity through books. Start conversations around them. Provide support for readers who are struggling to cope.
Blogchatter‘s #CauseAChatter campaign over the years has allowed me to explore more diverse books by Indian authors. Books not many of us are aware of.
To not add to the toxic culture
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang had a mixed response from the book community but it was on point about the toxicity in social media and the cancel culture.
If you have been an active member of the Book Twitter (Or is it Book X now?), you would have come across some form of drama or the other. While calling out a problematic book or an author is important, it is now bordering on cyber-bullying.
We are all entitled to our opinions but let us not add to a toxicity. It has not seeped much into the Indian bookish community, thankfully. That is a saving grace.
To not plagiarise and give credit where due
Ten people receive a book to be reviewed. There are bound to be similar thoughts and reactions among a few. But that does not make it okay to plagiarize a review, just tweaking it here and there.
Similarly, there are book tags and discussion posts that might have inspired us. As always, it is common courtesy to give credit where due.
To not give out spoilers in reviews
The purpose of a book review is to create buzz around the book. To pique a reader’s interest. We all have our methodology for reviewing a book. Some of us are analytical. Some discuss it at a more “experience” level – how the book made us feel.
There is no right way to review a book and that is what makes us unique. What is a no-go is spoiling the book for a potential reader. Be it a single sentence about how the book ends. Or a chapter-by-chapter detailed analysis revealing the whole story that leaves little to explore.
Including trigger warnings in reviews
Trigger warnings are something I feel strongly about since I have been personally affected by the lack of it. Reading a romance book that included the guilt of not having done enough to save a parent. Something that sent me on a downward spiral during one of the darkest phases of my life.
As we become more and more aware of mental health issues, let us be more empathetic. Some do view trigger warnings as spoilers but the merits do outweigh.
What are your thoughts on the responsibilities I listed above that help build a positive blogging environment? What makes you a responsible book blogger? Do share in the comments below.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
Photo credit: Canva.com
December 1, 2023 @ 9:23 pm
Cross posting of a review on all relevant platforms is something I strictly adhere to.
Even being as non-biased and subjective in my review as possible; sometimes adding a line like ‘hey, this bit didn’t work for me but it might not be an issue for you”
Great pointers here, Ritu. Somebody had to say it. Thanks a lot!
December 3, 2023 @ 12:01 pm
I can’t agree more with your words. As responsible readers and bloggers, it’s our duty to provide honest and transparent thoughts about the book while being an empathetic to writers.
December 4, 2023 @ 2:27 pm
Loved what you wrote on book piracy. Reading diverse books is essential too. And social media is a minefield when it comes to opinions on art. I think people forget that just like art is subjective, opinions are too.
December 5, 2023 @ 11:43 am
Honesty and integrity are vital. Quite many reviews seem to ignore that.
December 8, 2023 @ 6:19 pm
Oh, yes. I don’t review books that I don’t finish, avoid saying negative things about it. I just quietly remove it from my Goodreads shelf. And it would be really mean to tag the author in case we write a negative review. About trigger warning ―honestly I didn’t mention it in my earlier reviews. But now I do.
December 8, 2023 @ 6:51 pm
It’s sad that one has to reiterate these responsibilities – they’re simple obvious rules of decency. Glad you put them down here Ritu, all of us need reminding.
December 9, 2023 @ 9:47 pm
I completely agree with all your points! I think I just struggle with crossposting reviews. INitially, when I started blogging I didn’t know it was something one was supposed to do so I never formed the habit but now I dod try to make an active effort to at least post reviews on Amazon.
December 11, 2023 @ 7:03 am
Creating a positive blogging environment is crucial, and your outlined responsibilities reflect a commitment to fostering a supportive community. Building a positive blogging environment requires a dedication to certain responsibilities. In my journey as a book blogger, I prioritize fostering a supportive community through thoughtful reviews, respectful discussions, and inclusive content. It’s important to create an atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels welcome to share their thoughts.
December 12, 2023 @ 11:01 am
Agree. When we decide to and sign up to review books, we must be truthful to ourselves, at least. Honesty comes first and even if didn’t like a book, there are ways to put it so that it doesn’t sound very rude. That’s why I always add, what I liked and what I didn’t like sections when I review. That way, we are balanced in our review.
December 14, 2023 @ 6:02 pm
Your blog post beautifully highlights the responsibilities of a book blogger, Ritu. The emphasis on honesty, transparency, and promoting diversity adds depth to the ethical standards discussed. The reminder not to tag authors in negative reviews and to avoid contributing to book piracy reflects a considerate approach. Your insights on not adding to the toxic culture, avoiding plagiarism, and incorporating trigger warnings showcase a commitment to fostering a positive and respectful book blogging community
December 15, 2023 @ 1:04 pm
Three cheers for penning the points, Ritu. I never bought books that were pirated. Ebooks piracy is something I haven’t encountered as yet. I do know that some people put audio books without the author’s consent, which is absolutely not okay. As writers, we need to support authors and vice versa. When you don’t like a book, it doesn’t mean you need to rub it in. Your view, your choice; their pen, their creation!
December 30, 2023 @ 11:06 pm
I agree with you…I appreciate the emphasis on honesty, integrity, and responsible reviewing. Treating authors with respect, especially in the realm of negative reviews, is a golden rule we should all follow. Keep up the thoughtful reflections.
December 21, 2023 @ 12:36 pm
Dear Ritu,
Thank you for being such a sensitive and responsible book blogger and this bookish community is in need of people like you who know how to do their job with honesty and taking due care of the emotions of the people associated with the books we read and most importantly review. Just the way we as book bloggers respect the sentiment of the authors in return we also expect the same. But sadly in many cases I came across many authors who consider us taken as granted and in many cases force the reviewers to give rating as per his/her choice and not of reviewers decision. This are few reasons for which I shifted myself to picking books which actually I feel like reading and reviewing. In any case If I find the book not upto the mark I get into a personal discussion with the authors guiding him/her about the flaws which they should try to erase in their upcoming work. This is the way I love to work. Trust me none of us are perfect and that dosent make us bad. A little bit of support from both ends (readers/reviewers and authors) can help us making this world of books a heavenly place. Thanks for this meaningful post from you Ritu.
Love Samata
December 25, 2023 @ 3:49 pm
I completely agree with you Ritu. These are the reason which is why I am not confident to review the book on my blog. Integrity is the most important thing you have to maintain it. Book piracy is the new concept for me. Your post is really beautiful and should be read by every book reviewer. Kudos
December 28, 2023 @ 8:26 pm
Can’t agree more Ritu… although I do not review anything but I know this is how it should be! I appreciate your aporoach and candidness. Little things matter and you have pointed out some little things that make a huge difference… loved your take.😊
December 27, 2023 @ 3:45 pm
hi ritu I agree. Building authenticity in blogging happens when we are honest about what we write about a product or book. It helps improve the reliability of our audience on what we claim to be true. Exclusivity through books is the best way to embrace the change that society needs to grow and flourish.
December 28, 2023 @ 6:18 pm
Love this list as its message is somehow the same as “saying no”. As an advocate of self-care, it is important for everyone to always set boundaries. We may be swayed from time to time due to different circumstances in life but having this boundaries helps make sure that the respect for yourself is kept and safeguarded.
December 28, 2023 @ 6:27 pm
I dont review on blog, my main power is my Goodreads here. I try not to give negative review. Even if I have to I express it with subtlety. I completely agree with your point in here. Honesty is important but in a calm meaningful way!
December 29, 2023 @ 7:02 pm
Just like everything else, we need to be honest about reviews too. Because people will go and buy based on our recommendations. My first book got pirated and I know how that feels.
December 30, 2023 @ 7:28 pm
True Ritu, every profession has some work ethics, and book reviewing too should be done keeping these in mind. I have learned a few things too from this post to keep in mind when writing a review. I like to keep my reviews a little detailed because what may be offensive or appealing to me may not be to some other person and they should be able to understand whether this book is for them or not.
January 1, 2024 @ 7:23 am
Here are a few additional rights I added to my list as a book blogger:
Right to take breaks: Book bloggers have the right to take breaks from blogging when needed, ensuring mental and creative well-being.
Right to express personal opinions: Bloggers have the right to express their personal opinions and perspectives in their reviews and discussions without fear of censorship.
Right to collaborate: Book bloggers can choose to collaborate with authors, publishers, and fellow bloggers on terms that align with their values and preferences.
Right to evolve: Bloggers have the right to evolve and adapt their blogging style and content over time, reflecting personal growth and changing interests.
Right to diverse genres: Book bloggers can explore and promote a diverse range of genres, embracing different literary tastes and preferences.
On the funnier side, adding a touch of humor to the book blogger’s rights can make the reading experience even more enjoyable:
Right to use excessive bookish puns: Book bloggers have the right to sprinkle their content with puns and wordplay, even if they make readers groan.
Right to blame fictional characters for sleep deprivation: Bloggers reserve the right to blame their favorite fictional characters for late-night reading sessions that result in tired mornings.
Right to engage in bookish procrastination: Book bloggers can indulge in book-related procrastination, like organizing their bookshelves instead of writing that next review.
Right to hoard bookmarks: Bloggers have the right to collect an excessive number of bookmarks, even if they never seem to find one when they need it.
Right to consider fictional worlds as vacation spots: Book bloggers can daydream about vacationing in fictional worlds and count it as a valid travel plan.
I think, adding a humorous twist can make the book blogger’s experience more lighthearted and relatable. 😄
January 3, 2024 @ 5:43 pm
Dear Ritu, I was nodding my head while reading this post. I mean there are so many things that I have wanted to write about myself, which you have written so articulately. Being on both sides of the fence has made me appreciate the honesty and integrity of good book bloggers like you even more!
January 6, 2024 @ 12:20 pm
These are excellent points, Ritu, I found myself nodding along to all of them. I’m currently reading Yellowface, and the narrative around cyber bullying really makes me think about where we should draw the line: calling out harm/racism etc. without it reducing to trolling/bullying. I’ve seen a lot of it in the international community, and it’s brutal even as an observer. Can’t imagine what writers/those on the receiving end go through!
January 8, 2024 @ 7:53 pm
This is like a beautiful guide for book bloggers. I really like the points you have put up. Many of your points stand right for content bloggers as well.
January 12, 2024 @ 12:20 am
I could not agree more with you. Like everything else, we need to be honest about reviews, as people will buy books based on our recommendations.I also loved what you shared your thoughts on book piracy. Being a book reviewer , I know what all ethics stand for.
January 24, 2024 @ 2:42 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Nicely put.