But that's seldom. The rest of the time I'm just another bozo on the reviewing bus. The tough part is working in a highly incestuous field. Most of us know everyone else labouring in the same vineyard. In other words I review friends' books, work by colleagues and acquaintances, even, occasionally, fiction by people I've slept with.
Objectivity is desired but difficult.
Then there's the matter of my working in the field I'm reviewing. Protocol demands I announce my participation in a project but, of course, I can't offer up a glowing notice of my own material. Right now I'm starting to read 999 for review. And much as I'd like to say something about my own contribution, I can't. What a good way to segue into a discussion of horror.