Earlier, we were talking on the blog about the decline of book reviews, particularly the uproar that followed the closing of the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s book pages. Tomorrow, I’ll be joining several other concerned publishers and critics to talk about what can be done to keep book reviews from disappearing.

More than anything, I believe this hurts new writers. If there are only a few spots available in print, the books that will be reviewed are all going to be well recognized names, rather than up and coming authors who desperately need the publicity. And if the book gets only one review, instead of six or seven, the writer will be screwed if it’s a negative one (and we all know what THAT’S like). In any case, come by tomorrow, or visit the National Book Critic Circle’s website to find out what you can do to help save book reviews. If you are a writer, this should concern you.

Wednesday, June 13th @ 6:30 pm
National Book Critics Circle Panel
“Save Our Book Reviews!”
with Hannah Tinti
NBCC President John Freeman
Dan Simon, publisher of Seven Stories Press
Sarah McNally, owner of McNally-Robinson Booksellers
M.A. Orthofer, managing editor of The Complete Review
Tim W. Brown, freelance reviewer and NYCIP Executive Council Member

General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen Library
20 West 44th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
NYC
Call 212-764-7021 for info
FREE