Day 1
Welcome one and all to our Book review challenge, I just want to thank everyone who is supporting this series it means so much to me. So what have we got for you?
I truly believe that books and book sales are changing as people browse virtual book stores to buy their books. This is where the book review really will help sell a book in a market place full of millions and millions of books. If I had a £1 for every-time someone said to me in the last week “Since I starting writing my book I’ve come to realise how important book reviews are” well, we’d be well on the way down to the nearest bookstore to stock up on books!
So today I’m in the spotlight talking about book reviews and giving you some simple easy tips to start you off book reviewing. I’ll get you thinking about reading a different genre and we have a guest piece from Melissa Newman at Martin Sisters Publishing.
We’ve been busy signing readers up who want to read and review one book from the line up we have to offer. There are still copies available of many of the books.
Thursday 26th June – Book reviewing by Bodicia from A Woman’s Wisdom + How to download a PDF file of a book to your kindle+ non-fiction reviews.
Friday 27th June – The Importance of book reviews by author Terry Tyler + a look at Goodreads + A bad or negative review, should you write it?
Saturday 28th June – Book Reviewing by Diane Coto from Fictionzeal + Shelfari + Going in deep, talking more about reviews.
Sunday 29th June – Book reviewing by Ionia Martin from Readfulthings + Reviewing to Amazon + Gearing up to write that review.
Monday 30th June – The Importance of book reviews by Lizzie Lamb + Authors should walk to the book reviewers side of the fence.
Let’s find out more about Rosie Amber’s book reviews.
Yes. We do research authors. We like to see what they’ve written and how or if they market themselves. If they do it’s a big plus for us. Some writers believe that once the book is published then the heavy lifting is done – not so. The heavy lifting is just beginning. Your work is not truly complete until someone reads it; and for that you need to market your work.
2) If you saw an author had previously self-published a book and had several book reviews, how many reviews and what ratings would impress you?
We are not turned off by self-publishing but if an author has self-published we like to see that he/she has implemented a good plan for reaching potential readers.
3) When reading a book review, what types of comments would make you feel it was from a genuine reader and not just a friend of the author?
Genuine readers don’t usually use cliché’s, hyperbole and what I like to call “sales speak.” They are honest about their feelings toward the author and his/her work and it shows.
4) How important are book reviews to the book industry?
Book reviews are extremely important to the book industry but just like everything else in marketing, when the message is obviously controlled then it spoils the book review industry as a whole. Word of mouth is still the best marketing tool and if you give readers a platform to speak opinions then book reviews work – when those reviews are paid for and the message is controlled, they don’t.
5) Would you ever consider representing a book that had previously been self-published?
Martin Sisters Publishing may consider a book that has been previously self-published but it’s not likely. The initial launch of a book is crucial – that’s when you get the most “oomph.” If it has already been released the “oomph” is gone and it’s much harder to build an audience.
Thank you so much Melissa for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us. Find more about them here http://www.martinsisterspublishing.com/
Do you fancy an adventure in the forests of Windemere with young warrior Luke Callindor sent to protect the heir of Duke Soloman? REQUEST A COPY OF BEGINNING OF A HERO BY CHARLES E. YALLOWITZ (Fantasy) (2 copies left)
How about a modern twist on Tudor history? Relive the life of Henry VIII through the eyes of Harry Lanchester and his merry wives. REQUEST A COPY OF KINGS AND QUEENS BY TERRY TYLER (Contemporary) (1 copy left)
Are you in a romantic mood? How about a romantic Highland fling? REQUEST A COPY OF TALL, DARK AND KILTED BY LIZZIE LAMB (Romance) (2 copies left)
Or how about a romantic romp with journalists in Norfolk with wedding bells in the air? REQUEST A COPY OF BOOT CAMP BRIDE BY LIZZIE LAMB(Romance) (2 copies left)
Want to escape your superpowers? Null City is they place to be in this New Adult paranormal fantasy. REQUEST A COPY OF ONE WAY FARE BY BARB AND HANNAH TAUB(Paranormal NA Fantasy) (1 Copy left)
More tales from Null City, can be easily read as a stand alone or part of the series.. REQUEST A COPY OF DON’T TOUCH BY BARB TAUB(Paranornal NA Fantasy)
How about a bit of history? England 1647, civil war and Matthew Hopkins sweeps through the land as the Witchfinder. REQUEST A COPY OF THE BLACK HOURS BY ALISON WILLIAMS (Historical)
Could you see yourself at a tournament of Gamesmen as they play a game of Comet? There’s a mystery man and a potion maker in this fantasy. REQUEST A COPY OF THE BIRR ELIXIR BY JO SPARKES (YA Fantasy)
Love a thriller? Travel with John Cannon as his relaxing leave of absence turns into a nightmare when his boat is attacked by terrorists. REQUEST A COPY OF MY GRL BY JOHN W. HOWELL(Thriller) (1 copy left)
Can we tempt you with a spiritual quest? Albion, is the oldest name for Britain. Wen and Don take you on a mystical journey through Myths and Legends of these blessed Isles. REQUEST A COPY OF THE HEART OF ALBION BY SUE VINCENT & STUART FRANCE ( A spiritual quest around England) (All copies have now been requested)
Crime? The first book in the Georgie Connelly crime series. Join feisty documentary film-maker Georgie as she dangerously plans to expose Gentleman’s Clubs. REQUEST A COPY OF BUSINESS AS USUAL BY E.L.LINDLEY(Crime) (2 copies left)
NON-FICTION here’s the chance to get some help promoting your work. REQUEST A COPY OF HOW TO PROMOTE AND MARKET YOUR BOOK BY MADI PREDA (Non-Fiction) (2 Copies Left)
There’s more romance on it’s way. Marianne Coltrane’s writes an award winning scoop about the sale of babies. Destiny will take her to an island off the wild west coast of Ireland. Love a mix of Ireland and romance? REQUEST A COPY OF THE HOLLOW HEART BY ADREINNE VAUGHAN(Romance) (2 copies left)
If you’ve read The Hollow Heart by Adrienne Vaughan, here’s your chance to loose yourself in more Irish themed romance with the second book in the series. REQUEST A COPY OF A CHANGE OF HEART BY ADREINNE VAUGHAN (Romance) (2 copies left)
How about a murder mystery set in a coastal resort in Maine? REQUEST A COPY OF DEATH IN A RED CANVAS CHAIR BY N.A GRANGER (Murder Mystery) (All copies have now been requested)
Step back in time to Georgia and the deep south for this book, real people struggling to survive with segregation and inequality. This is a fictionalised real story. REQUEST A COPY OF RED CLAY AND ROSES BY S.K. NICHOLLS (1 copy left)
TJ Therien has his fantasy book for FREE on Smashwords and Barnes and Noble (Nook), so no limit on the number of copies but he’d still like reviews. (Fantasy) Only
British Adult comedy comes in the form of the Derek series, we have the first book available as a kindle download for UK reader/ challengers only. REQUEST A COPY OF PLEASE CALL ME DEREK BY MAC BLACK (British Adult Humour)
1867, the American Wild West. British raised girl Annie meets wild man Colt McCall after a stagecoach crash. Fantastic cowboy romance. (Voucher from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com to download the book.) REQUEST A COPY OF AN ENGLISHWOMAN’S GUIDE TO THE COWBOY BY JUNE KEARNS (Historical romance) (1 copy left)
1924, the English Shires. Jazzing flappers and a half share in a million acre ranch in Texas. (voucher from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com to download the book.) REQUEST A COPY OF THE 20’S GIRL, THE GHOST AND ALL THAT JAZZ BY JUNE KEARNS (Historical Romance) (2 copies Left)
16 year old Jade discovers her Grandmother was murdered. She sets out to find the mystery commune killer. REQUEST A COPY OF JADED BY KRISTY FELTENBERGER-GILLESPI.(YA Thriller) (1 copy left)
Terrific piece on reviewing! I’ve been writing reviews for The Romance Review, and I can honestly say that reading a book with the idea that I’ll comment on it makes me a better reader, and I get SO much more out of a book. It also gives me a much bigger appreciation for the incredible spectrum of creative talent out there! Two things that get debated, both by other reviewers and by readers are spoilers and summaries. So I completely agree with your point #10. My personal take is that spoilers are a total No-No, whenever possible. (ie I once reviewed a book about the Titanic, and it’s pretty obvious what’s going to happen there). But whenever I’m reading a review, I do appreciate a general summary of the premise.
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Thank you Barb, great to hear your own reviewing story.
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Reblogged this on A Woman's Wisdom and commented:
Today is the day! Book reviewer and Author Rosie Amber invites you to take up the book review challenge…there are great books up for grabs so join up now as it is first come first served and there are only a few days left to sign up!
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Reblogged this on The Scrolls of Sion and commented:
get some tips on reviewing from Rosie and some publisher insights from Melissa Newman of Martin Sisters Publishing.
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This is an incredible post and one that I plan to save. I’m so happy you decided to do this – it will be so useful to both writers and readers. I am used to reviewing scientific papers, where you discuss everything in the paper. This is a whole different ball of wax! Thank you, Rosie.
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Thanks Noelle, glad you enjoyed it.
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Hi Rosie – Fascinating! I think there is great advice for both authors and bloggers in your post. Thanks! 🙂
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Thanks Diane, I am hoping lots of people will find something of interest here.
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Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
The first of the series on how to write a book review and insights by Martin Sisters Publishing
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Pingback: Book review Challenge Series – How I write a book review | 1WriteWay
Reblogged this on Lizzie Lamb and commented:
A great post which helps readers to leave reviews
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Reblogged this on teripolen and commented:
Great book review tips from Rosie Amber!
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Great blog, Rosie. Very helpful to the reader who might be nervous about leaving a review.
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Susan Scott said: All so interesting and informative Rosie thank you! Am bookmarking to re read.
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Old Things R New Said: I love reading books, don’t enjoy writing a review. Your tips are very helpful. Thanks
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Lizzie Lamb wrote; Great blog post Rosie. The internet ate my original. How rude is that?
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I think you used the booking form and that goes straight to my e-mail, but I copied you here where I think you meant to post.
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Reblogged this on S.K. Nicholls and commented:
An awesome guide for book reviewing by Rosie Amber. Great tips for those who might like to support authors in this way. Also some good reasons for doing so by Martin Sisters Publishing.
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Reblogged this on Daily Echo and commented:
Rosie’s review challenge… how to write a good review… and why!
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Could I mention a few more tips? That there is no right way to write a review (there are wrong ways though, I’ll get to that), the important thing for someone wanting to leave a review is figure out for them how to they want to write it.
Do they want to give a highly detailed over view or a more simple like or dislike?
Be honest. Giving a more generous review than you think something deserves for whatever reason does a disservice to other readers and to the writer of the work.
Remember that your audience for a review is not the author, but other readers who might be interested in reading the book.
Things I think reviewers shouldn’t do: Leaving a negative review is okay, in my opinion, because that was my experience with the work and that could be helpful to other readers. However, as a reviewer, you should never have anything that attacks the writer directly. All the points should be about the work, never about the author.
If you dislike something, be specific as to what. It does not help other readers if all a reviewer says is, “I didn’t like this book.”
Also find other reviewers you like and try to figure how they write. In my case, I recently rediscovered Roger Ebert and reading his reviews are great examples of good writing, in my opinion. So in the future I am going to be reading a lot more of his reviews as an example of ‘how to write.’
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Thanks Bradley, looks like you could have had your own guest piece for this tour, I’ll keep you in mind for the next one.
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Seems like a pretty neat idea. I missed the initial announcement of it all. My blogging reading is really sporadic lately.
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Ionia Martin wrote: That was a lot of fun! I enjoyed looking at how the answers to the reviewing questions differed from my own. This is great, Rosie.
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Excellent post, Rosie Amber. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
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Thank you.
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere and commented:
First day of the ‘Book Review Challenge’!
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Reblogged this on AUTHORS PROMOTION.
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Reblogged on AUTHORS PROMOTION.Great idea this Review Challenge Series.Congratulations and thank you Rosie!
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Hi Rosie, just dropped by & wanted to wish you & your reviewers happy reading. I’m a random reviewer myself, and post reviews as the mood strikes – sometimes for books I read years ago – suddenly spring to the laptop with an urge to tell everyone how wonderful an almost forgotten favourite is! It’s always fun to read through other reviewers comments and compare reading experiences, this on-line book lovers community is one of the brighter sides of the internet and again, best wishes to you and your fellow book lovers – happy reading and reviewing.
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Thanks Julia, lovely to hear from you.
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