DEFINITION OF REVIEWER
“For the majority of readers in the world the reviews will always represent the book. Indeed it could be said that reviews are the midwives of the books they consider, bringing them into being.” —Author, editor, and book reviewer


COMMUNITY
“Reviewers interpret, declare, dismiss and augment—creating the discussion space that books need in order to live. Reviews are the oxygen books breathe.” —Author and book reviewer


“I review for the NYJB because it gives me an unprecedented opportunity to be a part of something special. The experience has been wonderful, with supportive people who believe in my abilities and what I can do—which means a lot to me as a writer and an author.” —Award-winning children’s book author


“Reviewing books for NYJB means I’m part of a group of people who care about good writing and are specialists in their fields.” —Celebrated baseball historian and author


“I love that first brush of my fingers on a new book that’s just arrived. I love knowing that I’m about to read from someone’s heart and share my thoughts on that book with people I can’t see, but I can still touch.” —Veteran DA/Prosecutor and author


“Not only do I have the opportunity to get the jump on a new release, I am in the company of distinguished and talented authors.” —Author and reviewer


“The reviewers at NYJB are diverse and talented experts in their genres who take pride in their work and in building a model that others will emulate.” —Author, speaker, and retired FBI agent


“I have become part of the community of the NYJB reviewers: smart, skilled, generous, and committed to delivering the best possible product as required by the high standards set by NYJB.” —Career journalist and nonfiction author


“Becoming a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books has been an honor so deeply felt that it’s difficult to articulate all the benefits of broadening my scope of knowledge and exposure to great books.” —Author and therapist


“As an author with quite a few books to my credit, I feel that if I can help another author get a foot out there into this big world in some way by giving them an honest review, then I will do it.” NYJB is all about people helping people—and that is what it should be.” —Award-winning children’s book author


“Writing for the Journal, an innovative and creative resource for people interested in reading all kinds of books, has given me an outlet for my creativity and composition skills, kept me reading “outside my box’ as an individual, and afforded me fellowship with a wide variety of fellow reviewers. “ —Author and children’s literacy specialist


“I work in a world of dark, hard places, where bad things happen to good people. Reviewing for NYJB allows me to be part of the light.” —Veteran DA/Prosecutor and author


“I am and have been enjoying writing reviews for NYJB. Like writing and translating poetry, and editing and revising other writers’ work, writing book reviews gives me that sense of flow where work ceases to be work and is instead a great joy.” —Poet, translator, and journalist


“I have been writing reviews for several years—for a review magazine and another online site—and have enjoyed being able to share my passion of reading with others.” —Book reviewer
“Knowing there are people, including authors and publishers, genuinely interested in my opinion is pretty cool.” —Author and educator


“Everyone involved with the Journal truly feels books are important.” —Award-winning romance author


“I review for the New York Journal of Books because I believe in our mission, and I believe in our team. I cannot wait to share what we have accomplished and will accomplish in the future with the world.” —Former librarian and experienced book reviewer


LEARNING
“I have learned so much about good writing from other authors, and access to NYJB has also taught me more about the craft of writing than I could have imagined.” —Author and therapist


“I am proud to be a part of this new venture because it is challenging and demanding. The high standards of conduct demanded by the Journal make me a better reviewer.” —Author


“NYJB has enabled me to be able to think critically about works of literature and to step outside the box in my writing.” —Author


“Reviewing such wonderful and varied books has helped me to improve my own writerly voice and has also assisted me in understanding other people’s fictional worlds more effectively.” —Author


“Being part of the panel of reviewers at NYJB deepens my own understanding of the creative process that yields words on the page. I’m sure an online resource like NYJB will prove a useful resource for booklovers of all tastes and interests.” —Author and reviewer


“It’s great to be on the ‘other side’ of the fence as a reviewer of books, looking at writing, characters, and plot from a different perspective. NYJB has made me feel excited about the written word again, opening an entirely new world for me—and hopefully for all those involved in this thrilling venture.” —Irish crime novel author


“Becoming a book reviewer for the New York Journal of Books (NYJB) is offering me the best of all writing experiences I have ever had. As an author, I appreciate the craft in a way I never could before; I am becoming a better writer as I examine the details of how a book is written and its attempt to reach me as a reader.” —Career journalist and nonfiction author


“Reading more and writing book reviews helps to enhance my own work—a definite plus in this competitive field.” —Author and reviewer


“Reviewing books for NYJB is not only a profound experience but enhances one’s own writing skills.” —Journalist and author of short stories and a family memoir


SCOPE
“Because it’s an electronic publication, NYJB can review titles that print journals don’t usually consider. NYJB can not only afford to cast a wider net, but also revels in doing so.” —Author


“I review for the New York Journal of Books because I truly believe that this platform and site will help further revolutionize the way people search for and read book reviews. As technology continues to make book reviews more accessible, the New York Journal of Books is going to be a front runner in new technology and the ways in which people access books.” —Former librarian and experienced book reviewer


“NYJB offers me a unique platform for writing about my particular passion, cooking, which doesn’t get much space in traditional print media. Suddenly, the world of cookbooks and food writing just got bigger, and it is a huge kick for me to be a part of this.” —Food writer and cookbook reviewer


“The New York Journal of Books is where I can safely combine a love affair of books with my sputtering courtship of the business world—all in one place for the world to see.” —Consulting firm president


“I enjoy reviewing for NYJB very much because it both spurs me to learn more about my greatest interest, yoga, and to bring yoga to others in a way that is entirely different from teaching it in a class setting. —Yoga instructor, educator, and owner of a yoga studio


“I value my relationship with the New York Journal of Books because, as a reader, it connects me with authors and works that are often new to me.” —Author


“Reviewing books gives me a chance to read stories created by some wonderful and talented authors that I may not normally read or even know were out there. It’s nice to delve into and review the variety of books that I do.” —Award-winning children’s book author


“Through the NYJB I have read books I’d never have read previously, and have been introduced to at least two new writers whom I’d otherwise have never read until they became—as I’m sure they will—the new stars of the literary world.” —Author


“In order to meaningfully appreciate almost any particular book, it is necessary to be able to place it in context of other books—even books one hasn’t read—to know its place in the universal library.” —Author, editor, and book reviewer


QUALITY/STANDARDS
“Anyone with a blog or website can call themselves a book review site, but very few of these online review sites strive for both quality reviews AND ethical standards. I have been thoroughly impressed working with NYJB and its desire to work with reviewers who know their subject, can communicate their understanding by way of their reviews, and are not intimidated by the size of the publisher or the fame of the author.” —Publisher of an independent press


“NYJB makes sure I get the full story.” —Book reviewer


“The reviews at NYJB can be critical—but not condescending; they can be complimentary —but never fawning. Everyone associated with NYJB loves books and all books deserve honest, quality reviews.” —Publisher of an independent press


“I find no other book review site as contemporary, timely, or forward-looking as NYJB. I believe it’s a template for all book reviews going forward.” —Author, speaker and retired FBI agent


“NYJB gave a voice to an otherwise invisible topic when it comes to book reviews. Not only has the subject matter I review received attention, but NYJB has allowed me, as a reviewer, to honestly comment on the pros and cons of each text.” —Fashion professional


“I enjoy reviewing books for the NYJB. I like getting advance copies of the books I select, and then distilling my thoughts into tight, reasoned reviews.” —Author and educator


“With NYJB, I am able to share my thoughts by digging deeper into the book(s) I review. I get to express not only the positive features of the book I have read, but also my feelings about the not-so-positive aspects. In our present economy, readers are paying hard-earned dollars for books and do not want to be enticed by ‘fluff;’ they want a reviewer’s true feelings.” —Author and reviewer


“The level of feedback, constructive criticism, and editing impressed me the first time that I submitted a review. I look forward to contributing to this high-caliber site as it turns into a premier source on the Net . . . and in the world of print.” —Reviewer and humanities professor


“I review books for several international organizations. As a published author and a reviewer, I know that review organizations are all unique. Some cater to specific genres or categories. Some will review anything that appears in print, or is available electronically. But the New York Journal of Books is a breath of fresh air.” —Book reviewer


“Like the publishing industry itself, there are conscientious and unscrupulous review organizations. Some are more concerned with advertising revenue than honesty. In a swiftly changing industry . . . NYJB represents and stipulates brutal candor, openness, and honesty with all their reviews.” —Book reviewer


“I am passionate about the NYJB because I believe it fills a crying need: a highly professional review resource that handles all genres with equal respect. The level of professionalism and ethics which all reviewers are held to is impressive.” —Award-winning romance author


“The standards at NYJB are the very highest. Thus, I consider it a great honor and achievement to be accepted as one of their reviewers. It’s no wonder NYJB has quickly become a sought after review journal, with more in common with the best print review standards and yet the latitude gained online.” —USAF Islamic Terrorism expert, Stealth Bomber pilot, and thriller author


“Evaluating books in advance of many of the big-time regular print reviews assures New York Journal of Books readers of an honest assessment and, for the most part, a courageous one: reviewing done without a net, meaning opinions offered without reliance on existing commentary and already published views. Unlike PR notices that accompany book releases—typically summaries and adulatory blurbs—NYJB reviews are expected to address books without regard to reputation, either of the author or the press. It is a pleasure to be associated with a journal that encourages this kind of increasingly rare independence.” —Oft-published and award-winning author


“Reviewers often try to please and placate the author and publisher. After all, we are taught as children not to be demanding or critical in our relationships. We are taught to say nice things about people. And, while this works well in interpersonal relations, it does not work so well with book reviews.” —Book reviewer


“Writing is an art, like painting, sculpture, and music. Some contributors are better than others. And while beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, reviews must hold fast to the demands of artistic perfection. The manner in which authors express themselves must be evaluated along the lines of clarity, honesty, value, and creative alignment with their promise to entertain, educate—or both.” —Book reviewer


“My experience with the New York Journal of Books has been excellent. . . . They demand that we identify flaws and imperfections in style, punctuation, grammar, character development, and all of the other rules of exceptional writing and publishing.” —Book reviewer


“NYJB expects nothing less than the best, yet insists that reviewers enjoy the reviewing experience. Rigorous guidelines and standards must be followed and met, yet there is latitude and indeed a desire for a reviewer’s own voice and expression to fill a review. The very DNA of New York Journal of Books takes the art of book reviewing to a new level—the bleeding edge.” — Journalist and author


“Since no author is impeccable, no book perfect, and no literary effort flawless, the NYJB forces reviewers to be exceptional analysts.” —Book reviewer


“Trade publishers are the gatekeepers of quality in an industry undergoing rapid change. And, while many self-published books are of excellent quality, most are not. This decision reflects upon the NYJB demand for quality.” —Book reviewer


“From each perspective, the NYJB is reviewing books the right way: with clarity, objectivity, and time-tested criteria of quality.” —Author


POETIC MISSION
“Although I may never meet a reader who picks up a book because of my words, the incredible spark of literacy gets passed along, the flame fanned—and that certainly makes it worthwhile.” —Author and children’s literacy specialist


“When I started teaching at the university level, my father gave me a sign that read, ‘I teach; I touch the world.’ I review for the Journal because perhaps I can touch someone who will read a book that they otherwise might not have.” —Professor and managing director of a management consulting firm


“The New York Journal of Books: a mythical city in the sky, comprised of dark, imagined alleyways, and deep syntax-strewn canyons, where the streets are paved in words. I am part of it for one reason, the only reason good enough: They love books as much as I do.” —Author


“I review for the NYJB because it's such an exciting opportunity to be a part of a dream realized. I love being able to let people know about the great books that are out in the world. Playing a small part in connecting readers and writers is an awesome mission for one who has loved books her whole life.” —Clinician and educator


“Kudos to all the writers who have worked so hard to make this review of books a reality. The NYJB is the perfect showcase for a wide variety of talent. It is also a tribute to all the publicists, agents, and publishers who have been willing to take a chance in using NYJB to introduce the world to their new talent as well their established authors!” —Author and therapist


“I review for the NYJB because to be part of a dream realized. To connect readers and writers is an awesome mission for one who has loved books her entire life.” —Author, clinician, educator


“Books have transformative value and change lives. Reading and reviewing books is an awesome pursuit. Steering readers to their right book is what we do at NYJB—and always with immense passion.” —Political author