Q & A #2 | I DECLINE BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS

I promised to be brutally honest with this post, so, here’s hoping this is not like opening a can of worms instead. I do believe that I have to tackle this subject now, not later. IT has to be said.

Q & A #2:
"I was wondering if you would be interested in reviewing my book?" 

REMEMBER, IT'S FREE.

Most book reviewers DO NOT make a living out of book blogging. We do it for FREE, out of love for books. I know I do, anyway. I blog because I want to share great books I’ve read, to give new/debut authors a chance, and to spread the joy of reading. I have a life and family on a regular mode of things, I blog on my spare time. And I, for one, also believe that TIME is a commodity. I value it. And so, sharing time is no small matter.

SYMBIOSIS.

I also believe that readers and authors share a symbiotic existence. Of course, Publishers and Book Publicists exist between that relationship, too. Book review requests are usually emailed or forwarded through this blog’s contact form by the author, publishing representative, or publicist. If I agree, they either give me the Netgalley or Edelweiss widget, or simply send an electronic copy.

• Often, I do agree when they comply with my Review Policy and requirements.


• Sorry, I do not review self-help, textbooks, erotica, or anything with uncensored adult content.


• I agree if they give me enough time before the release date. Mostly, it’s 4 to 6 months ahead of time. (Because reading takes time.)


• I agree if I like the plot. That is why I always ask for the book blurb and the 1st chapter of the book.


• I agree because some people know how to surprise me, like finding a book in my mailbox when I get home. Now, how can I turn that down, when they have been generous enough to post it to me? (Yes, international postage costs plenty)

TRUST AND RESPECT.

Why I decline book review requests is not exactly the opposite of what I wrote above. There’s more to it. Remember that symbiotic existence? Well, essentially, there’s trust and respect involved in that. Over the years, I have trusted people in the book industry. A few of them （mostly authors) still reconnect with me, every now and then, which I highly appreciate. Some never bothered reconnecting after the first time, because I gave them a low rating. Some reconnected because they took the review objectively. Most of them, well, are probably still busy after publishing their 7th book to reconnect or simply couldn't be bothered. Yes, that's a thick shade, right there.

• I declined because I don’t have enough time. Often, if that happens, I offer a Book Spotlight or Guest Posting as alternatives.


• I declined because they never cared about reading my Review Policy and requirements.


• I declined because they don’t even know my name! If they went through my blog, they can’t miss it. Right? My name is not Louisa, Louisee, or Ms. Walker. One time, someone emailed me with a completely different name from a different blog site. I do understand the necessity for company generic emails that they copy and paste, but really, they have to proofread it first before sending.


• I declined because details from their emails do not add up. Again, I review books for FREE. The least they could do is be honest with me. They do not have to make promises or some kind of profit scheme just to hook me in.


• I never bother opening emails with headings like, “Book Review Opportunity” or “You’ve Been Chosen”.


• I declined because it has been my long-standing rule never to accept books pitch through any social media platforms.


• With regards to that, just because you follow me on my social media platforms, does not mean you get automatic approval. I’m sorry, but it does not work that way.


• And, that goes the same with anyone who got my email address from book review sites.

For more cohesive advises, please read Melanie Rockett's HOW To Ask Bloggers For A Review — The RIGHT Way!, and The Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for a Book Review by Craft Your Content.

THE J. HARRIS ADVICE:

“Don't do it, kids.
Don't work for free.
Because out there in the real world,
what's free is considered worthless.”
– Joanne Harris

There were times I want to take Ms. Harris’ advice strictly. Yet for me, that will somehow make the book world smaller. And, I truly respect how much authors pour themselves into their work. So, let us make this symbiotic existence more harmonious and worthy. I am not a perfect book reviewer. Heck, half of the time, I don’t even know if I am doing it right. All I know is that I give my honest time with every book I read and that I am sincere with every review I write. To all the authors, publishers, and publicists whom I have worked with, I thank you for trusting me with your books. Godspeed everyone!

Q & A #1 | ADVANCE READER COPIES AND HOW TO GET THEM
ON HOW I HANDLE REJECTION

Read more →

Written February 18, 2019 by Louize DG

 ARC, book review, books, Uncategorized  No comments

Book Review | THE LIBRARY OF LOST AND FOUND by Phaedra Patrick

March 26, 2019; Park Row

A librarian’s discovery of a mysterious book 

sparks the journey of a lifetime 

in the delightful new novel 

from the internationally bestselling author of 

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.

-Goodreads

I’ve read both previous books by Phaedra Patrick, THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER and RISE AND SHINE, BENEDICT STONE. As I’ve said before, Ms. Patrick has a gift for creating the most charming character. Martha Storm, our main character here, is no exception. Reading Martha, it felt like no one can hate her. There are times I wanted to shake her silly; others, I just want to give her a good hug. She’s an absolute gem – selfless, unassuming and endearing. (Honestly, Ms. Patrick, how do you come up with these characters? We should have a good chat about it.)

THE LIBRARY OF LOST AND FOUND is a familial story, one that can happen to anybody. The most interesting is how fairytales are employed to give weight to the unfolding of fresh truths. Each reflecting a bottled emotion – absolutely challenging and tugging. The naive language and structure of fairytales actually help deliver a moral lesson, meanwhile, reshaping allows new authors to provoke the mind and instinct, like, examine our position on gender roles, color, or social relations. This story is about three generations of women and how their choices have fermented such consequences for their family, and yet, I find it really difficult to blame them.

It’s very rare that I reread a book straight away after, but I really felt that I must with this one. I enjoyed every minute of this book. It is simple and sincere. Please, do put THE LIBRARY OF LOST AND FOUND on your TBR. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Book details:

Title: The Library of Lost and Found

Author: Phaedra Patrick

Publication: March 26, 2019; Park Row

Genre: Fiction

Rating: ★★★★★

*Thanks to Edelweiss and Park Row for the DRC in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Q & A #1 | ADVANCE READER COPIES AND HOW TO GET THEM

Every now and then, I get questions from readers regarding book blogging. I am not sure if I am the best source of any book blogging information, really, but I’ll try to answer them as best I could. As a reader, you have to take everything with a grain of salt, of course. I compiled those questions and narrowed them down to these series of Q & As.

Q & A #1 is the foremost among these questions:
How to get an ARC or Advance Reader/Reviewer Copy?

Answer: There are different ways how, and they all require different levels of commitment on your part as a book reviewer. Not every suggestion below is based on my personal experience, you have to try them yourself. Take it or leave it, sort of.

WHO GETS AN ARC?

This is something we have to cover first to answer the main question because not everyone simply gets a copy. To get an ARC you have to be a librarian, bookseller, educator, reviewer, blogger or in the media. ARC providers or publishers will ask librarians, booksellers, educators, and media entities to provide their organization and proof of affiliation. As a reviewer or blogger, providers or publishers will ask your main platform, site URL, how long have you been blogging, and how many unique page views you get per month on average. You may want to sign in with Google Search Console to provide you with such information. And if you are cross-posting on other sites, you have to provide those URLs, as well.

WHERE TO GET AN ARC?

Netgalley 
Sign up. Fill up all the information needed. They have a help desk on how to make everything about your reviewing and reading life easier. Make sure to list all your preferred genres and favorite publishers. It helps when requesting for an egalley. Different publishers have different rules on approving requests and posting reviews, please read them carefully.

Edelweiss
Sign up. Like Netgalley, you have to fill up all the necessary information and your preferences. Review copies are divided into those you can ‘Download’ or ‘Request’. You will be asked for a strong reason on why you are requesting a copy every time.

Goodreads
There are groups that offer ARC. I am not a member of any of these groups and most of them are private groups too. So, you have to experience this yourself and find out if it suits you.
Goodreads also offers giveaways. It’s legit! I’ve won a couple of times and they sent me printed copies.

First to Read
Penguin Random House offers this program to US residents only. And I really wish PRH Canada offers it too.

Penguin Teen
These are for Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Picture Books. You need to fill out their Blogger Request Form. Again, this is only available for US residents.

Riveted
Riveted by Simon Teen is a community for young adult fiction lovers, where you can read YA books for FREE, enter for the chance to win new and forthcoming releases, and more!

Blog Tours
Being on social platforms, look out for blog tours. Most Blog Tours are run by publicity companies (there are plenty, believe me) and they offer services to authors, which include reviews from bloggers. You sign up for their virtual book tours to get review copies.

Newsletters
Most publisher websites offer newsletters for their followers, opt to sign up. They [almost] always host giveaways. At the very least, you will know which books are hot on the shelves and which are most expected.
Publishers also offer their imprints’ emails. Although, most of them do not approve individual customer requests.

The Book Blogger List 
Let authors, publicists, and publishers find you instead. If you are diligent in keeping up your blog, they will keep you on their list.

Book Sirens
As the website says, it is the easiest way to be a reviewer. If you are reviewing for free [like me], you have to be aware that this site [same with Netgalley and Edelweiss] is free for reviewers but not for authors. You have to read thoroughly before signing up.

Quick reminders for new bloggers, though. (1) I highly recommend that you put up a Review Policy, no matter how small your site is or irregular your reviews are. Review requests will frequent sooner or later. Your Review Policy will help you narrow down to what you really want to read or host and when to best accommodate them. (2) Review copies cost both authors and publishers and digital galley proofs are limited. If you cannot accommodate review offers, decline them as soon as possible. If your request is approved, be kind enough to provide them with a review, even a short one. Or, if you really can’t provide one, give them an honest reason why. (3) The truth is, rejection will happen more than you expect it. Keep requesting anyway. Here's my rant on how I handle rejection.

I hope part one of this Q & A series provided you with some answers. Part Two will try to answer why I decline or do not respond to some review requests. I’ll be brutally honest, PROMISE!

My resources are limited if you can add more ways to get ARCs, please comment below.

Read more →

Book Review | GINGERBREAD by Helen Oyeyemi

March 5, 2019;
Riverhead Books

The prize-winning, bestselling author of
Boy, Snow, Bird and
What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours 
returns with a bewitching and inventive novel.

Read more →

KATY-NO-POCKET by Emmy Payne, H.A. Rey

Once, a long time ago, my father gave me a copy of this book. It’s a story about a mother kangaroo who doesn’t have a pouch to carry her joey with. So, she starts her adventure searching for a way.

Read more →

PEACHES FOR MONSIEUR LE CURÉ by Joanne Harris

   

It isn't often you receive a letter from the dead. When Vianne Rocher receives a letter from beyond the grave, she has no choice but to follow the wind that blows her back to Lansquenet, the village in south-west France where, eight years ago, she opened up a chocolate shop. But Vianne is completely unprepared for what she finds there. Women veiled in black, the scent of spices and peppermint tea, and there, on the bank of the river Tannes, facing the square little tower of the church of Saint-Jerome like a piece on a chessboard - slender, bone-white and crowned with a silver crescent moon - a minaret. Nor is it only the incomers from North Africa that have brought big changes to the community. Father Reynaud, Vianne's erstwhile adversary, is now disgraced and under threat. Could it be that Vianne is the only one who can save him?

Joanne Harris’ opening lines will get you every time. You will tell yourself, “just a few paragraphs for now”, then, “just this chapter”, but before long you have read a quarter of the book itself. You do not want to put it down. A fact.

We came on the wind of the carnival. A warm wind for February, laden with the hot greasy scents of frying pancakes and sausages and powdery-sweet waffles cooked on the hotplate right there by the roadside, with the confetti sleeting down collars and cuffs and rolling in the gutters like an idiot antidote to winter. - Chocolat (#1) 

It is a relatively little-known fact that, over the course of a single year, about twenty million letters are delivered to the dead. - The Girl With No Shadow (#2) 

Someone once told me that, in France alone, a quarter of a million letters are delivered every year to the dead. What she didn’t tell me is that sometimes the dead write back. - Peaches for Monsieur Le Curé (#3)

If I may venture to say, Harris is a conjurer. She conjures words. They are so delectable, I want to enjoy every bit of them. She conjures people, the kind you are so enthralled with, you want to follow them around and eager to find out what will happen next. She conjures the most intriguing place, Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, I cannot find it in any map, but welcomes me every time I open a Chocolat book.

As with its prequels, not everything is what it seems in PEACHES FOR MONSIEUR LE CURÉ. They are about perceptions versus the heart of things. Harris had been extra brave with this one. The book tackles the sensitive, but relevant issues of religion, race, and gender. It highlights how people can twist religion to their advantage; how self-righteousness and position create disparity and oppression, mostly on women; and, reminds us that Christianity is not about the comparison of religion, but abounding inclusion.

Lastly, this book is about food and how it crosses the divide – by sharing cultures and heritage - the most binding thing in any community around the world. And love, of course, above all, is love.

There will always be a space in my heart for this series.

Book details:

Title: Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure

Author: Joanne Harris

Publication: May 24th, 2012, Doubleday

Genre: Fiction, Magical Realism

Rating: ★★★★★

Read more →

Wednesday Spotlight | Realm of the Beast by Angela J. Ford

About the Book:

An enchantress and a wizard get tangled in the grisly plans of an undead creature.

Tor Lir, the Nameless One, is unsure what he is. However, he knows he was born to bring balance to the powers of good and evil.

Forsaking his birthplace and fleeing from suggestions of a dark knowledge he’d rather not discover, he decides to take his fate into his own hands.

A chance encounter with a dead body, a dangerous beast, and a desirous creature lead him on the path to Paradise, where he senses imbalance.

Banished from her village and lost in a wicked forest, Citrine makes a deal with a dark creature, but that was before she found Paradise—the legendary land of a friendly giant.
Falling in love with the land, Citrine takes advantage of her time to study the lore of herbs and craft a spell of protection for her mythical beasts.
When darkness creeps into Paradise, bringing the mysterious Nameless One and an omen of death, Citrine realizes the consequences of her actions spell danger for herself, her beasts, and Paradise.
As time runs out the undead come to life. Citrine faces the ultimate showdown as everything she holds dear is ripped away.

Will the Nameless One save Paradise or destroy it to welcome an era of peace?

Realm of Beasts is the first of six planned books in the epic fantasy series: Legend of the Nameless One.

Find a copy of the book via Amazon.

About the Author:

Angela J. Ford is an International Bestselling Author and author of the epic fantasy series: The Four Worlds. Brought up as a bookworm and musician, Angela J. Ford began writing at the age of twelve. The story line of her books was largely based off of the imaginative games she played with her sisters.

Angela originally finished the series when she was sixteen. After college, Angela began to rewrite The Four Worlds Series, bringing it from a child’s daydream to an adventure young and old can enjoy. Since it is inspired by fairy tales, high magic, and epic fantasy, Angela knows you’ll enjoy your adventures within the Four Worlds.

If you happen to be in Nashville, you’ll most likely find her at a local coffee shop, enjoying a white chocolate mocha and furiously working on her next book. Make sure you say hello!

Find more about her here.

*Content sent by the author's publicist for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

Read more →