Something that reviews definitely create are academic careers—they are used to prove a writer has accomplished enough to be reviewed in a serious outlet, when people are up for tenure and promotion. They’re not just about getting people into the store that day. They’re also hopefully there whenever a reader searches for them, day of publication or many years later. It’s an infrastructure that helps us find each other. I would like to keep that.
Such an important point, Alexander, thank you for sharing this insight. Critical reviews from the major publications are deeply meaningful to authors from just a literary/artistic angle, but as you note, are crucial for career/tenure matters. And to your further point, they most certainly create discovery (and rediscovery) roadmaps and connections over the long haul. That there are fewer opportunities in this space is hugely significant — really appreciate you calling all this out.
Always worth it to pursue reviews, but good to understand the challenging landscape. The more time/runway you have during the pre-pub phase, the more opportunites you will have to pursue different types of coverage.
Something that reviews definitely create are academic careers—they are used to prove a writer has accomplished enough to be reviewed in a serious outlet, when people are up for tenure and promotion. They’re not just about getting people into the store that day. They’re also hopefully there whenever a reader searches for them, day of publication or many years later. It’s an infrastructure that helps us find each other. I would like to keep that.
Such an important point, Alexander, thank you for sharing this insight. Critical reviews from the major publications are deeply meaningful to authors from just a literary/artistic angle, but as you note, are crucial for career/tenure matters. And to your further point, they most certainly create discovery (and rediscovery) roadmaps and connections over the long haul. That there are fewer opportunities in this space is hugely significant — really appreciate you calling all this out.
Helpful framing as now I am in pre pub land and wondering about what’s worth it
Always worth it to pursue reviews, but good to understand the challenging landscape. The more time/runway you have during the pre-pub phase, the more opportunites you will have to pursue different types of coverage.
Excellent conversation! Lots of wisdom in there. I was taking notes :)
Thank you, Jeffrey! I found this very insightful. It's definitely given me some thoughts to chew over.
TRUTH.