Sheyanne Warren's Blog, page 2

Problems with publishing

The Problem with Publishing Today: Hype, Marketing, and the Reality of Viral Books

The publishing industry is in a strange place. On the surface, books are thriving—more people are reading, BookTok is fueling a resurgence in interest, and viral success stories are everywhere. But beneath that glittering exterior, there are cracks in the foundation. Let’s talk about the issues plaguing publishing today, from marketing tactics to the volatile nature of viral books, before diving into some honest book reviews.

The Marketing Machine: Selling a Story Before the Story is Even Finished

Publishing is no longer just about good books; it’s about good marketing. And marketing often happens before a book is even finalized. Big publishers push preorders with exclusive covers, special edition sprayed edges, and influencer ARCs (Advance Reader Copies). While this strategy can work wonders for established authors, it creates a high-pressure system where a book’s success is determined before it even hits shelves.

The Preorder Hype Train: Publishers capitalize on preorder incentives, often dangling signed copies, alternate covers, or bonus content to entice readers. While this can be exciting for fans, it pressures readers to commit before genuine reviews are available.

Tropes Over Substance: The pressure to go viral on BookTok is another huge factor. Publishers now actively seek books with ‘viral potential’—a vague but powerful metric based on aesthetics, tropes, and high-drama plot twists. This has led to a wave of books that feel formulaic, built to fit the mold of what performs well rather than what tells a great story. According to a recent article in The Guardian, industry insiders admit that the push for viral hits often means investing more in books that fit popular tropes over original or risky stories that may not generate immediate online buzz.

Quantity Over Quality: With the fast-paced nature of social media, books are sometimes rushed to market before they are fully developed. In the race to capitalize on trends, some books receive less editorial refinement, leading to inconsistencies in storytelling, pacing, or character development.

BookTok’s Double-Edged Sword

BookTok has undeniably helped the industry. It has resurrected backlist titles, introduced new authors to massive audiences, and driven real sales. However, it also creates unrealistic expectations. Books that go viral often experience a hype cycle that’s nearly impossible to live up to. Readers pick them up expecting a life-changing experience and end up feeling let down when the book is just…fine.

This trend also means some books skyrocket to popularity without much editorial refinement. Publishers rush to capitalize on trends, sometimes pushing out books that needed more development. Meanwhile, quieter, high-quality stories get overshadowed in favor of the next ‘hot’ trope-driven sensation. As noted in Publishers Weekly, this rapid, trend-driven approach has made it harder for debut and midlist authors to find stable footing in the market, as the focus shifts towards instant bestsellers rather than long-term literary careers.

The Problem with Virality in Publishing

The cycle of hype-driven publishing creates instability. Books can sell out overnight, but if they don’t maintain momentum, they vanish just as fast. Long-term author careers suffer when publishers focus on short-term, social media-driven wins instead of developing strong, consistent readerships.

And let’s not forget the heartbreak of viral book disappointments—those stories that promise the world but fail to deliver. That brings us to the review portion of this post.

Book Reviews: Hype vs. Reality Onyx Storm

This book had me confused for the first ten chapters. The world-building was dense, and I felt like I was dropped into a setting without enough guidance. However, once I pushed through, the middle of the book completely captivated me. The character development, the stakes, the emotional depth—it was all there. Unfortunately, my excitement was squashed by the ending. The cliffhanger felt abrupt, almost like the book stopped in the middle of a sentence. I get that it’s setting up a sequel, but it left me feeling more frustrated than eager for the next installment.

Finale

As the third book in the Caraval trilogy, I had high expectations. The previous books built a rich, mysterious world filled with magic and intrigue, and I was hoping for a satisfying conclusion. However, while Finale had moments of brilliance, it struggled under the weight of its own ambition.

Slow Start: The first half felt slow, almost like it was reintroducing characters and plotlines instead of propelling the story forward.

Romance & Magic: While the romance arcs were engaging, some of the magical elements felt underdeveloped, as though the book was juggling too many moving parts.

High-Stakes Climax: However, the climax was breathtakingly intense. Stephanie Garber knows how to craft tension, and the stakes in the latter half of Finale were as high as ever.

Mixed Feelings on the Ending: Instead of a tight, well-rounded conclusion, the final chapters felt rushed, leaving some important story threads feeling unresolved. While it was a beautiful book in many ways, it didn’t quite deliver the final punch that such a dazzling series deserved.

Final Thoughts

The publishing industry is at a crossroads. While BookTok and viral marketing have changed the game, they’ve also created an environment where hype can sometimes overshadow quality. Readers are left sorting through over-promised but under-delivered stories, while truly standout books can sometimes be drowned out in the noise.

What’s the solution? We need to find a balance between marketing and storytelling, between trend-chasing and genuine literary craft. Until then, we’ll keep sifting through the hype, hoping to find the next book that actually lives up to its promise.

Too Much Representation?

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Representation in Books?

Hey book lovers! Let’s talk about a debate that always pops up in the book world: Can there be too much representation in books?

I’ve seen this argument float around social media, publishing spaces, and even in some book reviews. The idea that “too much diversity” weakens storytelling or makes books “less relatable” is still floating around—but here’s my take:

That’s nonsense.

Stories are meant to reflect the world, and the world is diverse. There is no such thing as too much representation, just as there’s no such thing as too much perspective, culture, or experience in storytelling. If anything, we need more of it.

So, let’s break it down—with some book recs to prove diverse storytelling isn’t just important, it’s essential.

Why Representation in Books Matters

Books shape the way we see the world. They influence how we understand people outside of our own experiences, and they provide validation to those who rarely see themselves in stories.

Did you know? A 2020 study from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center found that:

12% of books featured Black characters 9% had Asian characters 5% had Latinx representation 1% featured Indigenous characters

Even in adult fiction, there’s still a lack of fully developed representation for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled characters. Many authors from these communities have had to fight just to get their stories published, while the industry still favors one type of narrative (you know the one: white, cishet, able-bodied).

Representation affirms existence. People deserve to see themselves reflected in books in meaningful ways.

Books That Nail Representation:

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn – (Black excellence, Arthurian fantasy, grief, and magic)
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi – (Queer, Black romance with deep emotional complexity)
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger – (Indigenous futurism, Lipan Apache storytelling)

The “Too Much Diversity” Argument is a Myth

I’ve seen people say some books feel “forced” because they feature too many diverse characters. But let’s be real—what does that even mean?

The real world is diverse. People aren’t just one thing. A person can be:
Queer & disabled
Black & neurodivergent
Latinx & nonbinary

Stories that reflect this are not “too much”—they’re realistic. Yet, books that don’t center white, cishet experiences often face pushback.

I’ve seen this happen with books like The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport and Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas—books that center Black, queer, or non-Western narratives unapologetically. Some readers frame their discomfort as “criticism,” but let’s call it what it is: people not being used to diverse stories being centered.

Books That Challenge the Default Narrative:

The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport – (Black, sci-fi/fantasy, military training, revenge)
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas – (Latinx, trans protagonist, YA paranormal fantasy)
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan – (Queer retelling of Chinese history)

Tokenism vs. Authentic Representation

Now, don’t get me wrong—bad representation exists.

Tokenism happens when marginalized characters are added with no depth, often as a way to seem “woke” without real substance.

But here’s the thing: The problem isn’t diversity. The problem is bad writing.

A well-written diverse character is fully developed, with flaws, goals, and complexity.
A token character is just there—often sidelined or only existing to educate the main character.

So instead of blaming diversity for “ruining” books, let’s demand better writing from authors and publishers.

 Books that have been called out for tokenism or flat, one-dimensional representation:

The Maze Runner by James Dashner – The only Black character, Alby, is the leader of the Glade… for about five minutes. Then he gets sidelined, injured, and basically exists to make the white protagonist look better before dying. Cool.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling – Look, I love nostalgia as much as the next person, but let’s be real—Cho Chang is the only East Asian character and her name is literally two last names mashed together? Meanwhile, characters like Kingsley Shacklebolt and Dean Thomas barely get any real development. Oh, and don’t even get me started on how she retroactively made Dumbledore gay but never actually wrote him that way.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – There’s one queer character in the entire book. He’s introduced, made into a tragic figure, and then—yep, you guessed it—he dies. Because apparently, queer characters can’t have happy endings?

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – Now, I like this book, but let’s talk about it. While the rep is there (queer, disabled, racial diversity), some people feel like Kaz’s disability is used more for aesthetic and edginess rather than a fully developed part of his character. And let’s be honest—Jesper’s queerness is barely explored in the first book. It gets better in Crooked Kingdom, but tokenism is when diversity is added without depth, and for some readers, the early handling of these characters felt a bit like that.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – Our main character is bi, but the book barely acknowledges it. Like, why throw that in if it’s not actually going to be a meaningful part of her character arc?

Books That Handle Representation Well:

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin – (Diverse cast, social commentary, sci-fi/fantasy blend)
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar – (Queer, South Asian romance with depth)
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender – (Black, trans joy, self-discovery, and romance)

How Social Media is Shaping the Representation Conversation

BookTok has had a huge impact on diverse books. Some of this has been great—amplifying voices that might have been overlooked before. But it also has its downsides.

The same 5 books dominate the conversation, leaving equally amazing diverse books in the shadows.
Some books go viral for their aesthetic, but don’t actually explore diversity in meaningful ways.

If we want true representation, we need to seek out diverse books—not just wait for the algorithm to hand them to us.

Underrated Diverse Books That Deserve More Love:

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker – (Black fantasy, New Orleans setting, family legacy)
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri – (Queer, South Asian-inspired epic fantasy)
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers – (Neurodivergent-coded character, cozy sci-fi)

Final Thoughts: There is No Such Thing as Too Much Representation

Books should reflect the world we live in, and that world is filled with people from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities.

Saying there’s “too much” representation in books is like saying there’s “too much reality” in storytelling. It makes no sense.

So, let’s:
Keep pushing for books that showcase all voices.
Support authors telling fresh, diverse, and meaningful stories.
Make sure everyone can see themselves in books—not just the same default narratives.

What do you think? Have you read a book where representation felt real and meaningful? Drop your recs in the comments! Let’s share the love for diverse books! B

How BookTok Saved Barnes & Noble

# How BookTok Saved Barnes & Noble

If you’ve walked into a Barnes & Noble recently, you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming presence of BookTok. Entire tables are dedicated to books that have gone viral on TikTok, adorned with colorful signs that boast “#BookTok Made Me Buy It.” But if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that all the books are the same—since romantasy is popular, that’s all that dominates the tables. From the latest romantasy phenomenon to tearjerking contemporary reads, these displays prove that TikTok has played a massive role in revitalizing Barnes & Noble’s book sales. But did it really or make the same authors more popular?

The Struggles of Barnes & Noble Before BookTok

A few years ago, Barnes & Noble was struggling. The rise of Amazon and digital books put the company in a precarious position, and many thought the brick-and-mortar chain wouldn’t survive. Ebooks surged in popularity, and many readers moved away from physical bookshelves, preferring the convenience of digital libraries.

Despite this shift, I have always maintained my physical bookshelf, even though my Nook library contains 310 books and my Kindle holds about 50. Yes, I could probably build a small fortress out of my digital books alone, but there’s just something about seeing a physical book on my shelf that makes me feel like a scholar—or at least someone who has their life together. Meanwhile, my TBR pile continues to grow at an alarming rate, and if books were currency, I’d be a billionaire (but still somehow broke, because I’d just buy more books).

And if you’ve ever watched one of my videos that I create alongside these blogs, you’ve likely seen my bookshelves standing proudly behind me, an ever-present testament to my love for physical books. No matter how many ebooks I own, my shelves remain stocked, ever-growing, and sometimes threatening to collapse under the weight of my book-buying habits.

The love of physical books never truly faded, and BookTok played a crucial role in bringing readers back to in-store browsing. The viral power of TikTok’s bookish community brought a surge of readers back into physical bookstores, eager to get their hands on the latest sensation. According to reports, sales skyrocketed, and Barnes & Noble even credited BookTok with driving a new generation of young readers into their stores. Studies such as The Rise of BookTok and Its Influence on Publishing by Publishers Weekly and How TikTok Brought Readers Back to Bookstores by The New York Times provide deeper insights into this phenomenon. If you’re curious about the numbers behind this resurgence, NPD BookScan’s Annual Report on Book Sales is also a great resource for understanding just how much BookTok has impacted the industry.

The Dual Nature of BookTok

But here’s where my feelings on TikTok get complicated. Depending on what side of BookTok you’re on, your experience can be vastly different.

Black BookTok: A Hub for Fresh Discoveries

If you’re on Black BookTok (or really any space dedicated to diverse authors), you’re constantly exposed to fresh recommendations, underrated gems, and books by authors who don’t always get mainstream recognition. There’s a richness in variety, a chance to discover books outside the repetitive cycle of the same five bestsellers.

Black BookTok actively works to uplift books by authors of color, queer authors, and stories that often go ignored by mainstream publishing. It fosters deep discussions about representation, the importance of own-voices narratives, and the way books reflect lived experiences. Instead of cycling through the same viral recommendations, Black BookTok dives into different genres, from hard-hitting contemporary fiction to fantasy epics infused with cultural influences. These spaces also highlight indie and self-published authors, ensuring that a wider range of voices is celebrated.

Additionally, readers on Black BookTok engage critically with books, not just hyping them up for the sake of trends. Reviews tend to be more honest, analyzing themes, writing styles, and impact. This makes the community feel like a trusted space for book lovers who are looking for more than just surface-level bookish content.

Mainstream BookTok: Repetitive and Homogeneous

On the viral (often white-dominated) side of BookTok, however, the recommendations can feel stagnant. The same books—Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas—circulate endlessly. These books are fantastic in their own right, but the homogeneity of recommendations means that lesser-known books, especially those by marginalized authors, struggle to get the same visibility.

I also don’t like TikTok for its short-form content and creators’ tendency to chase virality rather than be honest about the books they promote. Many influencers prioritize engagement over genuine recommendations, which can make it difficult to trust the hype around certain titles. Sometimes, it feels like books go viral not because they’re groundbreaking, but because they fit into a trend or a quick aesthetic appeal. This can lead to great books being overlooked while the same few dominate the conversation.

How Barnes & Noble Reflects These Trends

It’s frustrating when Barnes & Noble’s BookTok tables reflect this lack of diversity. Walk into any store, and you’ll see the same trending books prominently displayed, while other incredible books—especially those outside the mainstream—are buried in less noticeable sections. Even within different genres, the selections remain limited to what has already proven to be a bestseller. This creates a feedback loop where only the most hyped books continue to dominate while fresh voices struggle to gain exposure.

Meanwhile, on Black BookTok, you’ll see readers hyping up books like Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, or The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport—books that are just as gripping, yet rarely get the same level of bookstore promotion.

What This Means for Other Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores

While Barnes & Noble has benefited greatly from BookTok, the impact on smaller, independent bookstores is more nuanced. Many indie bookstores have adapted by curating their own BookTok sections, often with a more diverse selection than mainstream retailers. Some even partner with local influencers or host BookTok-themed events to engage their communities. However, they still face challenges in competing with the marketing power of large chains.

For independent bookstores, BookTok represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While it can drive sales, it also risks reinforcing the same viral book trends, making it harder for lesser-known but equally deserving books to thrive. If readers want a broader literary landscape, supporting local bookstores that champion diverse voices is essential.

In the end, the revival of bookstores is something to celebrate, but ensuring a truly inclusive and varied literary market requires ongoing effort from publishers, booksellers, and readers alike.

A Deep Dive into Two Incredible Sequels + The Audiobook Debate

If you’re a fantasy book lover like me, then you know the thrill of diving into a sequel that absolutely delivers. Today, I’m breaking down two books that completely blew me away—Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros and Legendary by Stephanie Garber. Both are brilliant in their own ways, and I have so much to say about them.

And because I know the debate never ends, we’re also tackling the big question: Do audiobooks count as reading? (Spoiler: YES, they do!). Let’s get into it.

Iron Flame – A Brutal, Heart-Pounding Sequel

I knew Iron Flame was going to be intense, but I was not prepared for how much it would wreck me. If Fourth Wing was about survival, Iron Flame was about pushing past every imaginable limit—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Picking Up Where We Left Off

We jump right back into Violet Sorrengail’s story. She barely survived her first year at Basgiath War College, and now she’s dealing with:

Xaden’s secret—he’s marked by rebel magic.Navarre’s lies—they’ve been hiding the truth about Venin and wyvern.New enemies—and the fact that second year at Basgiath makes year one look easy.The War College Becomes a Living Nightmare

Violet is stronger, smarter, and more determined, but that doesn’t mean life gets easier. In fact, it gets ten times worse.

Vice Commandant Kaori is her new worst nightmare, making sure Violet suffers every step of the way.Xaden is struggling more than ever—being a marked rebel puts him in an impossible position.Andarna’s powers evolve, and Violet has to figure out how to control her dragons before it’s too late.

The battles? Absolutely brutal. The betrayals? Gut-wrenching. And the ending? I still haven’t recovered.

This book is non-stop action, but what I loved most is how it forced Violet to grow, adapt, and fight like never before. If I wasn’t already obsessed with this series, Iron Flame sealed the deal.

Legendary – A Darker, More Dangerous Caraval

If you thought Caraval was all about illusion, Legendary is all about truth—and sometimes, the truth is terrifying.

I loved this book. It took everything Caraval built and raised the stakes dramatically. It’s bigger, darker, and even more intoxicating.

Tella’s Turn to Play

This time, Scarlett isn’t the player—Tella is. And the game is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.

The grand prize? A wish that could change everything.But this Caraval isn’t a performance anymore—it’s real.And the Fates—ancient, deadly beings—are waking up.

Tella is bold, reckless, and brilliant, and I loved watching her navigate this high-stakes, magical mystery.

The Fates & A Deadly GameThe Prince of Hearts is back, and let’s just say… he’s trouble.The game is filled with deception—nothing is what it seems.Tella must decide who to trust and how far she’ll go to win.

I was hooked from start to finish. The romance, the tension, the magic—it was all perfection. I loved Legendary even more than Caraval, and I cannot wait to talk about Finale next.

Do Audiobooks Count as Reading? (Spoiler: YES.)

Alright, let’s get into it—because this debate needs to end.

YES, audiobooks count as reading. And here’s why.

1. Your Brain Processes Audio the Same as Text

Studies show that whether you read a book or listen to one, your brain processes and comprehends the story the same way.

So if someone tries to say, “Listening isn’t reading”… science disagrees.

2. Storytelling Started as Oral Tradition

For thousands of years, people passed down stories orally. Long before books, we learned through listening. Audiobooks are just modern-day storytelling—and they’re just as valid.

3. Accessibility & Inclusion MatterAudiobooks make reading possible for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities like dyslexia.Busy people—parents, commuters, students—can enjoy books on the go.

And let’s be real—if an audiobook has ever wrecked you emotionally, you READ that book. End of debate.

Final Thoughts

Iron Flame and Legendary were both phenomenal. One was intense and brutal, the other was mysterious and mesmerizing—but both completely captivated me.

And as for audiobooks? They’re reading. Period.

Now, I want to hear from you!
Which sequel was your favorite?
Do you listen to audiobooks?

Let’s talk in the comments! And if you love deep-dive book discussions, make sure to subscribe for more!

Tropes

Hey Hey Y’all. What’s up?! 

Tropes are like keys to hidden doors in literature. And I am here to unlock a few of them with you. These storytelling elements have been around forever, yet they never fail to lure us back for more. Like wandering through a shadowy library filled with ancient books, there’s something comforting and thrilling about knowing where the story might go, even when it surprises us. Today, let’s chat about some of my favorite tropes in fantasy and romance, all with a touch of that dark academia vibe I know you love.

1. Age Gap Romance

You know the feeling: two people from different stages of life, bound by something inexplicable. The age gap trope explores the tension between experience and expectation. It’s all about whispered conversations under towering arches and finding a connection where you least expect it. Books that come to mind are Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas for a slow-burn romance and Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Mist and Fury for a high-fantasy twist on fate and desire. These stories remind us that sometimes, the beauty lies in how much time separates—or ultimately unites—us. However, I do not like the realistic age gap! I don’t know what it is. My idea of an enjoyable age gap is Quicksilver by Callie Hart – Shadow Daddies to the Rescue! For real, I’m okay with centuries a part, but not 20 years. 

2. Enemies to Lovers

Ah, enemies to lovers. This trope is the literary equivalent of a thunderstorm over an old manor house. You’ve got sharp words, fierce stares, and that undeniable spark. In One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, you’ll find secrets and rivalries and I am here for it 100%. For even more tension, dive into The Cruel Prince by Holly Black or From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If it’s on author I will recommend, it Armentrout. She is AWESOME! These stories pulse with electricity, and when that moment of realization hits—that they’re not so different after all—it’s like lightning striking. Sometimes they take forever to get there, but when that is written well I am all in. 

3. Forced Proximity

Picture this: an isolated mansion, thick with mist, where two characters are stuck together—for better or worse. Forced proximity creates those deliciously awkward and emotionally charged moments that reveal who people really are. Rachel Schneider’s Metal Slinger thrusts its characters into survival mode, and you’ll see walls—literal and emotional—crumble. If you’re more into romantic comedy, The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey turn up the heat and hilarity when characters are forced to endure each other’s company. It’s the ultimate test of patience—and attraction.

4. Fake Relationship

There’s something so irresistible about a fake relationship, isn’t there? It’s a masquerade of emotions where both characters and readers wonder when reality will take over the charade. In The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, you’ll find humor and heart as two people pretend they’re a couple for science’s sake. Meanwhile, Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before captures the thrill and awkwardness of high school romance with its delightful fake-dating setup. These stories feel like secret letters you stumble upon, each line blurring the line between act and affection.

5. The Quest

Who doesn’t love a good quest? It’s the backbone of epic fantasy, where characters set out into the unknown and find themselves along the way. Natasha Bowen’s Skin of the Sea and Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone take us on journeys steeped in myth and destiny, blending African lore with powerful storytelling. And of course, there’s the classic The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and the expansive world of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. These quests are more than adventures; they’re transformative experiences that stay with you long after the last page. This comes to a close second behind enemies to lovers. There is just so much you can do with a quest, so many different avenues, and even though there is a typical ARC, it’s the journey that counts. In the video, I  go on a tangent about romance. How I don’t really like romance because it’s predictable, the ARC. I recommend Robbie Renee Somebody’s Husband as a book where the journey (The Quest) is good it makes up for the fact that I know they will get together. 

Why Tropes Matter

Here’s the thing about tropes: they’re familiar, imperfect, and full of character. Some people call them clichés, but I’d argue that’s missing the point. Tropes give us a foundation to build on. Whether it’s enemies finding common ground or heroes answering the call of adventure, these tropes hold a kind of magic that keeps us turning the pages.

Spied: A Deceptive High Novel as well as Sister Assassins: Vigilante have their share of tropes! Write in the comments which ones they are. 

So, go ahead. Step into these stories. Who knows what dreams, dangers, and destinies you’ll encounter?

Fourth Wing & Indie Makeup

Caraval and Beat Face

Book Reviews: Mine and Blake Pierce

The Jelena Cohert series follows Jelena Cohert, a FBI agent through her adventures. The first books introduces you to her and her life. She keeps secrets and hides her connections. She keeps secrets to keep her husband safe, right? Well, she hides her connections because she can do just fine on her own, right? Anyway, Jelena has a new case where her and her teach are on the trail of a infamous con women. Sandra Highworth has been stealing since she was a baby and has been the best con artist for almost 2 decades. She has never met her match but now Jelena Cohert is in the ring. You can't be a fiery Latina without making enemies, but Jelena isn't scared of enemies. She has has to fight for her life before and it looks like she will have to fight for her life now that a serial killer is on her trail. Will she survive? Will she catch Sandra Highworth? Will her life crumble in the meantime? #JelenaCohertSeries #SheyanneWarrenAuthor #ReviewMyOwnBook #AfricanAmericanAuthor Riley Paige is a FBI agent in the behavioral analysis unit. This 16 book series follows her personal and professional life. Author Blake Pierce does an excellent job through this series connecting the reader to Riley, her friends and family. Riley has an ex-husband, a daughter or two. She had a boyfriend, sometimes and a partner, or lover, no a partner and friend right? Riley has a special talent of being able to get in the mind of the killer. Her instincts are killer only she can't turn them on and off. She is not afraid to break the rules or get fired apparently. She always get's rehired though because Riley is a #Beast. She sees a psychologist because she has normal problems, well BAU agent problems and she is a fierce mama bear. She struggles with insecurities and is authentic. Blake Pierce did an excellent job keeping the reader through all 16 installments and has made her way to my top 3 favorite authors list. #BlakePierce #BookReview #FavoriteAuthorsList

The better the cover the better the book?

We have all been walking through a bookstore or library and stared at the spines of the books. The one we pull out is the one that catches our eye, right? When I was first developing my cover this is what I thought of. So I wanted to do something with bright colors that was still appealing. That is where the pink bark design came from when my book first was published. I am going through self promotion options and seeing where my budget can take me and for right now my book is only available online. So the front cover is what people are seeing, not the spine. I made the decision to change the cover. When I opened the program I thought of the present and the future. Right now I needed a cover that was catchy that would be seen straight forward. However, eventually I will be able to afford my book to be distributed to physical stores and here they will be viewed by the spines which brings me back to my original issue. I decided to pick a design that connects with the story but also is bold and different so that the spine sticks out. What do you guys think? The old cover is on the right the new on is on the left.

Self Promotion, how far is too far?

Going the route of self publishing means I have to self promote as well. The first thing you think of is family and friends as well as social media. Once you've put everything out there you know all the ads start popping up on your device with all these promotion ideas and avenues. Then you start thinking, am I doing enough? To answer my questions there are still steps I want to take. I have a social media page (facebook.com/sheyannewarren.author), which could always have more followers. I have hooked up an authors page for goodreads (goodreads.com/swarren.author) and amazon (amazon.com/author/sheyannewarren. I have a website (swarrenauthor.wixsite.com/warren and am currently working towards getting a domain name. With a domain name, the web designer I am using has different promotions in the package that I don't have access to now. I think in this early stage there is always going to be doubt of am I doing enough or the temptation to spend a lot of money on all the ads coming to my phone. But I have a day job, So I want to make sure I promote smart and not hard all at once. Anyone with promotion ideas for me, drop them below!