Who Pays for a Review?

by E. Martin

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In late 2009, the US Review of Books was created for two reasons: first, to provide inexpensive access to professional book reviewers for all authors and, second, to pay the writers a fair wage for their work. In two years, the US Review has employed dozens of reviewers and written over one thousand reviews to mostly happy authors. They are mostly happy, because the USR’s reviewers are honest and thoughtful. If a book is hackneyed or wasn’t properly edited, perhaps for style and spelling, the review is going to mention these facts. Luckily that isn’t the norm, and the large presses are starting to notice and quietly submit their books for value media coverage. Seeing the future, publicity agents and author services companies are also integrating the US Review into their marketing plans. Good books deserve serious consideration and discussion, regardless of where and how the book is published.

As the next generation—sometimes called Generation We or the Digital Generation—assumes authority, the Internet and all modes of digital transfer will take control. It makes sense; it’s convenient and mostly green technology. Outlets like the US Review of Books will continue to expand in order to fill authors’ marketing needs while providing employment opportunities to the writing/journalist force.

E. Martin worked for over forty years in the Manhattan publishing industry during its golden years. In 2002, he launched Hopewell Publications, dedicated to classic reprints with works from bestsellers such as Eric Hoffer and Robert Gover. He has printed new works from important authors such as Christopher Klim, Duff Brenna, and Matt Ryan, and has been a long-time financial supporter of literature through projects such as Best New Writing and the Eric Hoffer Award.

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