Reviews are short (175-200 words) Individual editors handle specific subjects

2. One editor oversees dispersal of most fiction. TrevelynJones, who has headed reviews for 30 years is stepping down. The new review coordinator, Kiera Parrott will step up on Oct. 28. For now, you can contact Trev Jones at tjones@mediasourceinc.com • Reviews are 250 words • Summarize the plot and give an accurate, well rounded reflection of book • Recommend an grade at which most readers will enjoy this book • SLJ also has areas for audiobooks, apps, electronic resources and reference.

3. Reviews are short (175-200 words) • Individual editors handle specific subjects • The audience is primarily librarians in public libraries, with smaller audience of academic and school librarians • Try to state what readers or libraries would be a good fit for the book • Format ends with a VERDICT: segment • Guidelines for reviewers available on the LJ website: www.libraryjournal.com

4. Amazon allows (and encourages) any one to write a review. They have review guidelines on their website

6. Library Thing at www.librarything.com • Early Reviewers group • Member Giveaway list

7. Writing a review

8. Examples of disclaimers: These from Michael Hyatt’s website at www.michaelhyatt.com • “I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” • “I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

9. More examples of disclaimers: • How I got this book: I received review copy from the publisher • This book was sent to me without charge, with the expectation that I would write a review. My review reflects my honest opinion.

10. Things to consider as you write reviews: • Who is your audience? • What is the deadline? • Technical requirements, such as formatting and word count guidelines • Style of other reviews in the publication • Should your individual voice be heard or are you part of a larger group?

11. Reading lots of reviews is one of the best ways to hone your own abilities. • Keep a personal review list before you put anything on line • You may be asked for sample reviews • Find some reviewers you like and read lots of their work Writing your first reviews

12. Examples of Reviews:*Library Journal (handout)*School Library Journal (handout) Reviews for professional sources need to be even-handed, no matter what you personally thought of the book. There are many ways to honestly review a book that you do not think is worthy of being purchased for a library. Be up front, and let the reader decide if the book fits her/his library collection.

13. Sample reviews from Amazon

14. Getting the word out about what you do: • “What I did this summer” note • Note $ value of books received, if you donated them to your school • Book giveaway – note how books were obtained • Send copies of finished reviews to your administrator • Keep an archive of finished reviews

15. More about getting the word out : • Put a bookplate in books you donate to your library • Talk it up at in service • Donate books to departments/ individual teachers who could benefit. Mention how you got them. • Seek input from colleagues with special knowledge, if it could be helpful.

16. Still more about getting the word out : • Let your administrators know why you are away from school • Put it on your resume • Bring books you are currently reviewing to school • Have a shelf of books you have reviewed • If the review is in a professional journal, get a copy of the publication into the hands of your administrators

17. Being on a reading committee: Things to consider: • The time commitment • How will you track books? • Must allow for many points of view • Consensus • Travel requirements?

18. Young Adult Round Table ( YART is part of TLA) • Spirit of Texas Reading Committee - Middle School • Spirit of Texas Reading Committee - High School • Lone Star Reading Committee • Tayshas Reading Committee • Maverick Reading Committee Apply by submitting a Volunteer Applicationonline: http://www.txla.org/groups/yartvolunteers (for this year, the deadline was Sept. 30, so you’d be applying for next year)

19. Young Adult Library Services Association YALSA is part of the American Library Association. You must be an ALA member to serve on selection committees. • Alex Awards • Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults • Best Fiction for Young Adults • Fabulous Films for Young Adults • Great Graphic Novels for Teens • Margaret A. Edwards Award • Michael L. Printz Award • Nonfiction Award • Odyssey Award (coadministered with ALSC) • Outstanding Books for the College Bound (not appointed every year) • Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults • Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers • William C. Morris Award Members must attend ALA's Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. Selection Committees are appointed each October. More information and link to volunteer form: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/bookawards/booklists/members

20. Thank you for attending!Maggie Knapp, Head LibrarianMiddle School/Upper School Libraryknappm@trinityvalleyschool.org • inspiring the extraordinary • TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL • One of America’s Most Highly-Regarded K-12, Coed, Independent Schools