DIVERSITY AMONG REVIEWERS
Most readers including myself, read book reviews before making a purchasing decision. Simply put, book reviews drive sales.
But does it matter who reviews the book? Definitely.
Readers, are you likely to make book purchasing decisions based on reviews by bloggers or trade reviewers?Pls RT!— Nuzaifa (@wordcontessa) July 9, 2016
I regularly buy books solely based on the recommendation of trusted bloggers and reviewers. And I'm more likely to add books to my to-read list or go out and purchase a book based on the review of book blogger than trade reviewers like Kirkus Reviews.
However, libraries and bookstores are likely to choose which books to stock up by looking at trade reviews since they are long established and are high on the credibility scale when it comes to the book publishing industry. Similarly, readers who aren't active on Goodreads, social media and the blogosphere/booktube community are more likely to go to trade review sites for recommendations.
Either way, there's no doubt that reviewers (both trade or independent) have a direct influence on what readers buy. End of story.
So what happens when these reviewers aka influencers are largely white cishet, able-bodied women?