Cash-for-reviews: thanks, we don't want them

Now that the cash-for-reviews hubbub has died down a bit, I wanted to bring together the opinions of the more than 6,000 of you who read the original article.

© Cyberstock | Stock Free Images

What do we think? Without wishing to speak for the entire book community, it's clear from the blog comments and tweets that at least 6,000 of us find the idea of book blogs charging for reviews distasteful. But there are many nuances within this general reaction, and important definitions to think about.

Should bloggers charge for reviews?

A book review blog offered me a "favorable/good or even excellent review" in exchange for $95. I said no, thanks, and when I exposed their practices, they threatened to sue me and ruin my reputation amongst reviewers.

© Feverpitched | Stock Free Images

This is the original post that appeared on July 16th. The name of the blog has been redacted, at their "request".  More details about that request are included at the end of the article.

Introducing Jamie Scott

*Stands up*

Readers, I have a confession. I wasn't always a chick lit writer. A long time ago, before I began to dabble in the wonderful pink, fluffy world, I was ... I was an upmarket commercial fiction writer.

It's true. I wrote three books. I'm sorry you have to find this out, but it's best you know.

*Clears throat*

I am Jamie Scott and I don't care who knows it.