Does Literary Criticism Have a Grade Inflation Problem? | New Republic

Why are book reviews so damn nice? Many argue that America has few professional critics left, which means that most of the criticism is being done by freelancers who lack institutional protection and therefore are disincentivized from making sharp critiques. Freelancers are more likely to be drawn to books that they like because, unlike a professional reviewer, they have no obligation to review a hot new novel. They may also want to publish books themselves, so they're loath to piss off potential publishers. Furthermore, the literary community itself - if such a thing exists - is miniscule. Reviewers may have met the author they're reviewing, either in person or online. (For instance, in full disclosure, I am friendly with Diamond and at least half of Lit Hub's staffers and regular contributors. So if I'm being too nice, blame that familiarity.) Also, reviewers are often authors themselves, and would hope to be treated kindly when the tables are turned.