Book Talk - New-To-You Authors > Likes and Comments

How frequently do you read "new-to-you" authors?

They may have been around for years and you just haven't gotten to them or they could be a brand new author with a debut book or anything in-between.

A lot of the new authors who's books I read come from interacting with them on social media.

Most authors all are well published with many novels in their portfolio.

About 30-33% of the books I read are by new-to-me authors. In 2025, that was 55 books. So far this year, I'm at 22 books or 40.7%.

Of those books, 2 have been five star reads including a political thriller by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen: Cold Zero. The other was nonfiction by Ken Burns.

10 have been four star reads including books by Gregg Hurwitz, J.L. Calder, Tim Rees, Mark Edwards, Hunter White, B.R. Spangler, Taylor Brown, James Cleary, Shannon Baker, and Matt Goldman.

Only 2 books have been 2 stars and the rest have been 3 star reads.

Jackson wrote: "A lot of the new authors who's books I read come from interacting with them on social media.

Most authors all are well published with many novels in their portfolio."

Thanks, Jackson. Unfortunately, I enjoy so many different genres/sub-genres that there are authors that are well-published that I haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Before publishing my own novel, I’ll be honest—I didn’t really pick up books by new authors. I usually went with names I already knew.

But after writing and releasing my first book, that perspective changed.

Now I understand what it feels like to put your work out there and just hope someone gives it a chance. Not just for reviews or sales—but for real reactions.

A comment, a discussion, someone sharing what they felt while reading… that means far more than numbers.

So these days, I find myself more open to discovering new writers—and I appreciate anyone who does the same.

Great thoughts, A.J. It's interesting how our perspectives change over time and with what we experience in life.

Many years ago I would read through most, if not all, of an author's backlist and generally kept to one or two genres. Now I read a wide variety of fiction genres and a few non-fiction with a healthy dose of new-to-me authors.

In 2025, I read 43 new authors out of 108 books. I believe that is about average.

Thomas wrote: "In 2025, I read 43 new authors out of 108 books. I believe that is about average."

Almost 40%! Do you have any new favorites from the 43?

Fiza Pathan see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Jane Ziegelman see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Abir Mukherjee see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have gone back and read book 1 by this author.

Christine Kuehn see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Siddharth Kara see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Robert M Edsel see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jesse Q. Sutanto see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Not all of these are mysteries or thrillers, but all are 5 stars for me.

Thanks for sharing, Thomas.

The only one of those that I have read anything by is Jesse Q. Sutanto. I've read both of the books in the Vera Wong series. I'll have to check out the other authors.

Where is the best place to post that I would be willing to send out a few paperbacks to get a new author in your hands!

Adam wrote: "Where is the best place to post that I would be willing to send out a few paperbacks to get a new author in your hands!"

Adam, The best spot is in your Author Spotlight thread Here.

Also, check out this thread for authors if you are interested in your book being scheduled for a BOTM. Comment two. (State so in your spotlight thread.)

PamG wrote: "Thanks for sharing, Thomas.

The only one of those that I have read anything by is Jesse Q. Sutanto. I've read both of the books in the Vera Wong series. I'll have to check out the other authors."

You are welcome. I have continued to read Sutanto's books in the Aunties series.

Thomas wrote: "In 2025, I read 43 new authors out of 108 books. I believe that is about average."

Wow, that's great Thomas! You must enjoy finding new authors :)

Carolyn wrote: "Thomas wrote: "In 2025, I read 43 new authors out of 108 books. I believe that is about average."

Wow, that's great Thomas! You must enjoy finding new authors :)"

I do

I always find it interesting discovering authors I hadn’t come across before.

Some of the best ones seem to fly under the radar, especially in the thriller space.

Lately I’ve been drawn more to stories that feel grounded in reality — the kind that stay with you after you’ve finished them.

Always good finding new authors, usually by recommendations here

What I Feel After Publishing My First Book

As a new author, reaching readers is far more difficult than I expected. Writing the book was one challenge—but getting it into people’s hands is an entirely different battle. I’m still figuring out the right approach to connect with readers, and honestly, it’s been tough.

I’m putting in the effort to promote my book, but the results feel slow and uncertain. At times, it’s frustrating. You pour your thoughts, time, and energy into something meaningful—and then it feels like no one is listening. I’ve received a few orders, but that’s not the point.

What truly matters is whether the work reaches readers, resonates with them, and sparks genuine feedback. Reviews and honest opinions are far more valuable than numbers. They help a writer grow, improve, and avoid repeating past mistakes. They give direction and purpose for the next piece of work.

Right now, it feels like new authors need more than just sales—we need encouragement, guidance, and a sense of connection. Chasing numbers from day one can drain the passion out of writing. What we really need is inspiration and support to keep going, to keep creating, and to keep believing that our words will eventually find the right audience.

I was told to expect a slow process. The number one driver of sales will be reviews. Reviews give credibility. A huge choice of books to read is a lot of competition to get eyes on yours. Also a sale does not always yield a review. Reviews can take time to roll in unless you offer ARC reading. Its also hard to avoid falling for all the solicitation to help you boost your sales before you have some reviews.

Our two BOTMs for May are new-to-me authors. I've read The Other Woman: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T. Ryan and it got 4 stars from me.(Sherlock Holmes story) I plan to read The Cryo Code by Mehmet Demirci after I finish the book I'm currently reading.

This month I also read a nonfiction book by a new-to-me author. In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival, and Courage by Michael J. Tougias. It also got 4 stars from me. It's a true story of survival, nature, and courage.

A.J. wrote: "What I Feel After Publishing My First Book

As a new author, reaching readers is far more difficult than I expected. Writing the book was one challenge—but getting it into people’s hands is an enti..."

Ditto A.J. Karlson I find it just as much work to get the word out about your book as the actual writing of the book. Plus, I am trying to work to get my second book out, and sometimes I get confused between the two thrillers since my mind has to bounce back and forth between them. If I could just write, edit, publish, repeat, that would be great. I am hoping readers will find our books here and give them a try. Lee D. Blumenthal

Adam wrote: "I was told to expect a slow process. The number one driver of sales will be reviews. Reviews give credibility. A huge choice of books to read is a lot of competition to get eyes on yours. Also a sa..."

I agree Adam Kervale, it is slow progress. I am a Type 'A' person. You know what causes my stress? Waiting at a red light. This book marketing business is certainly a journey. Lee D. Blumenthal

I'd say 80%. I don't read as much as I should so most authors are new to me in terms of having read stuff by them before.

Jackson wrote: "A lot of the new authors who's books I read come from interacting with them on social media.

Most authors all are well published with many novels in their portfolio."

That's good feedback jackson kim. I thank you from a fellow engineer. I have a strong Facebook presence for my book, but I guess I will need more. Based on your feedback, I added another podcast, and I will add to my TikTok profile! Lee D. Blumenthal

From Lauren

Hello dear readers!

What would you do if one ordinary day... you witnessed something you were never meant to see?

Would you run?
Would you stay silent?
Or would you risk everything to uncover the truth?

That's the terrifying question at the heart of Fun City.

What begins as an ordinary day quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival as danger closes in from every direction. Every page raises the stakes, making it nearly impossible to stop reading.

If you love suspense, mystery, and thrillers that keep your heart racing until the very end, this is a book you won't want to miss.

If you decide to read it, I'd love to hear your honest thoughts afterward. Your review could help another reader discover their next unforgettable book.

Get your copy here:
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fun-City-S-Kni...

Love seeing this thread still active! As someone who writes thrillers, I've been gravitating toward debut and lesser-known authors more and more. There's a boldness to their storytelling that really stands out. PamG mentioned Ward Larsen's Cold Zero upthread — I just added that to my TBR. Have any of you discovered a new-to-you author recently that completely surprised you?

Mel wrote: "Love seeing this thread still active! As someone who writes thrillers, I've been gravitating toward debut and lesser-known authors more and more. There's a boldness to their storytelling that reall..."

Brittany Butler's book: The Patriot's Daughter: A Novel was a four star read for me in June as well. This was my first book by her. I think Sean read it as well. It's an espionage/geopolitical thriller. This is the second book written by Butler and I have the first book on my TBR despite it having mixed reviews.

Yes a 4.5 read for me, this was only her second book.

Also a real CIA agent.

Thanks for the recommendation, PamG! A thriller written by a former CIA agent sounds fascinating — I love when authors bring real-world expertise to their storytelling. Sean, glad to hear it was a 4.5 for you too. I'll definitely add The Patriot's Daughter to my list. Anyone else come across a debut or lesser-known author recently that really caught them off guard?

Yes One of our authors doing a Q and A for our group

A former CIA agent and a former police officer.

An author and brought back Streets of San Francisco characters in her BOTM ... Robin Burcell

That's a great tip, Sean — Robin Burcell sounds like exactly the kind of author I've been looking for. A former CIA agent and police officer bringing real experience to the page is hard to beat. I'll definitely check out her work, especially if she's weaving in those Streets of San Francisco elements. Does the group have any more Q&A sessions planned with authors like her?

That's great to hear, Sean — a Q&A with a former CIA agent and police officer sounds like exactly the kind of session this group does so well. I'll be watching for that one. Do you usually post the schedule in this thread or in a separate announcement?

Thanks for the Brittany Butler recommendation, PamG — The Patriot's Daughter sounds right up my alley. I love discovering debut authors who bring fresh perspective to the thriller space. Have you read anything else by her, or is that the one to start with?

Mel wrote: "Thanks for the Brittany Butler recommendation, PamG — The Patriot's Daughter sounds right up my alley. I love discovering debut authors who bring fresh perspective to the thriller space. Have you r..."

You're welcome, Mel. She's written one other book. Here debut was The Syndicate Spy. I haven't read it.

Greatest Horror Stories from Around the World

Terror has no borders. 🌍👻
From the gothic shadows of Europe to the ghostly legends of Asia and the supernatural folklore of the Americas, Greatest Horror Stories from Around the World brings together the most chilling tales ever told, all in one deluxe hardbound collection.
168 readers gave it 4.8/5 stars. Will you survive it?

Good to know The Syndicate Spy is her debut — I might start there to see how her writing has evolved between books. Thanks again for putting her on my radar, PamG. Have you come across any other debut thriller authors this month worth keeping an eye on?

Yes Kerry Donovan

His Ryan Kaine books are great, a great action series.

Sean, thanks for the Kerry Donovan recommendation — I hadn't come across the Ryan Kaine series before, but action thrillers with a strong series lead are exactly my kind of read. Do you have a favorite book in the series to start with, or is it best to go in order from book one?

This is from Lauren, again. Posting in General Information.

Hello dear readers!

Not every hero wears a cape.

Sometimes, courage looks like an ordinary person standing up when fear says to run.

When a young woman witnesses something horrifying, her world changes in an instant. The place she once called home becomes filled with danger, uncertainty, and people determined to keep her silent.

But the biggest question isn't whether she can escape...

It's whether she can find the strength to fight back.

If you're looking for a suspenseful thriller with heart, mystery, and a powerful journey of survival, Fun City is waiting for you.

Discover the story here:
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fun-City-S-Kni...

And if the story keeps you turning the pages, I'd greatly appreciate your honest review after you've finished reading. Your feedback helps both the author and fellow readers alike.