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message 1: by J.M. (new)

J.M. Guillen (jmguillen) | 21 comments Mod
If you are looking to have our group members review your work, make a general request here. You can link to your book, or do whatever you need to to in this thread.


message 2: by C.S. (last edited Sep 29, 2013 07:56PM) (new)

C.S. Hughes (cshughes) | 6 comments Fracture Wolf

Fracture Wolf is poems, short stories, artwork. freely available on iBooks for iPad. Glad to get any comments or reviews on Goodreads or iBooks/iTunes.

Fracture Wolf - C S Hughes


message 3: by Ilyan (last edited Sep 29, 2013 10:02PM) (new)

Ilyan Lavanway Please feel free to review or comment on the short story, Sevenfold by Ilyan Kei Lavanway.

Young wife, Gracie yearns for renewed innocence. Abiathar wants to secure it for her. Their trek has been anything but blissful. Stomach their journey, and let your faith be strengthened through their experience. Glimpse tribulations and miracles future pioneers may expect as you live vicariously through the life of this young family.

Sevenfold by Ilyan Kei Lavanway


message 4: by Alon (last edited Sep 30, 2013 08:01PM) (new)

Alon Shalev (alonshalev) Winner of the 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Award for YA, At The Walls Of Galbrieth (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...) is a coming-of-age saga about a young elf, destined to free his enslaved people. But he finds the use of violence abhorrent and holds the friendships he forms higher than his own safety or destiny.

Seanchai is not your typical hero but these are not typical times. His friends might be the only ones who can keep him moving forward and at the same time, hold him back. A first-romance, a friend fueled by a desperate need to prove himself a warrior, and a mysterious boy with a violent past, but a future that might just change everything.

The enemy is a ruthless and smart general, who has rarely known defeat, but who hides a secret past that makes him vulnerable and unpredictable.

Magic is powerful. Skill with a sword essential, but the power of friendship might just hold the hidden key to an unlikely success. It must. All Odessiya awaits.

Alon Shalev can be found on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/.... He really appreciates you taking your time to review his work on Goodreads and Amazon.com. Thank you to J.M for setting up this group.

Alon Shalev - http://www.alonshalev.com

At the Walls of Galbrieth (Wycaan Master, #1) by Alon Shalev


message 5: by Ken (new)

Ken Mooney (kenmooney) Hi guys

Godhead (The Last Olympiad, #1) by Ken Mooney
Would love to introduce a few more people to Aphrodite, the villainous goddess at the heart of Godhead.

It's a dark fantasy bringing the Greek gods and their influence to the present day. There's blood, violence, sex, and a couple of scenes that might make you sad.


message 6: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments I need to take a trip amidst a foreign genre. I think it is time to spread my wings into the unknown. I will check this one out. After the release of my book I have stepped over that fine line, and I like it (some of it, I have hit a few tough ones).


message 7: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments I am looking for reviews of "The Kennedy Half-Dollar." This story is true of a murder that took place in Hawaii. A memoir of my life, that still today, stirs many on the Islands; many good people, many that were bought, and a few that should not be free today. I was warned of the consequences that I could face, but at my age and what I went through then and the death of a young man, I challenge any repercussions. The reviews I hope will include reading with the music I cued throughout the book. I wish I could have made a CD to go along with the story, but it was costly. It takes some time to pull each song up, but I feel it is worth it. I lived in music and much of my emotions still exist in the song. I welcome reviews of those that don't choose the background music.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...


message 8: by Brewin (new)

Brewin Brewin | 5 comments Always keen to get reviews (good and bad haha), in particular I'm looking for reviews of my horror novel The Dark Horde

Here's some details to get your interest:

BLURB:
1989, rural Victoria, Australia. Something is preying upon the township of Howqua Hills. Brian Derwent, head of the local Police Station, must simultaneously grapple with the investigation, his disintegrating personal life and unseen forces that are not of this world.

Part thriller, part crime-fiction, all supernatural horror, The Dark Horde tells of the return of an ancient evil that is neither stoppable nor comprehensible...

AWARDS:
* Dan Poynter's Global Ebook Awards 2013 FIRST PLACE (Horror)
* Indie Excellence 2013 Awards FINALIST (Horror and Thriller categories)
* Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards 2012 HONORABLE MENTION (Genre Fiction)


message 9: by J.M. (new)

J.M. Guillen (jmguillen) | 21 comments Mod
I'm starting to wonder if we need to be offering to TRADE reviews. It seems as if we are drawing more authors than readers, and trading might be beneficial....


message 10: by Ken (new)

Ken Mooney (kenmooney) I like the idea of trading reviews, and have already marked a few of these to pick up and read. But...I don't want to volunteer myself for too many since I've way too much going on at the moment and don't want to disappoint anyone when three months later, I still haven't reviewed...


message 11: by Katrina (new)

Katrina Cope I like the idea of trading reviews also. Although it is the straight readers we wish to attract to our books, often they are the ones who do not leave reviews as they don't understand the need or care about our review ratings and don't leave one. No I am not saying authors are not our targeted audience.
The downfall of trading reviews with direct authors, is that you don't want to feel like you have to leave 5 stars for an author even though you really don't like the book, just because they are currently reading and reviewing your book.
It would be nice to set up a group where you need to review so many books a year to be in it and to add your book to the group. Maybe to start with you need to review one book out of the group before your one book will be put for review in that group, and anyone who gives the majority of 3 stars or less most the time, they would not be able to continue in the group (as it would appear that they don't like many books).
Just a suggestion.
I am trying hard to get a review on my book esp. on Amazon, but so far not having much luck. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...


message 12: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments This is what happens. If you go to blog ing, I think that's what it is called, authors are blogging their asses off, and it's all to other authors. Not that there is anything wrong with other authors, but you want to hit the readers. Most forums have a special spot for authors to introduce themselves, but readers don't check that spot. Kboards has a special place for authors, but again only authors frequent it. These places go wild with books and authors, it's overwhelming and I feel low-class, in a way, for throwing mine in there. We do need a place that readers will check out new books and authors, but the only way it seems to get them would be to offer an incentive for viewing. I feel the same as Katrina when it comes to reviews. The best come from random readers. I want true reviews whether good or bad, and that is hard when trading books with other authors.There has to be something to attract readers and get our books out there at the same time (in a classy way). There are many writer/author websites, but readers don't frequent those either. Book faires are great. Do they have online book faires. That might be fun. I don't know???


message 13: by S.G. (last edited Oct 01, 2013 04:31AM) (new)

S.G. Night (sg_night) | 2 comments I'd love for anyone to review my new YA/NA Epic Fantasy, Attrition: the First Act of Penance

Attrition the First Act of Penance (Three Acts of Penance, #1) by S.G. Night


message 14: by C.M. (new)

C.M. Johnson (cmjguardian) | 6 comments I have five books in my series so far and only one review besides my own on Tales of the Fifth Guardian; Book One: The Beginning(on Barnes & Noble's site). My reviews are all here on Goodreads but give more background on the development of the books than actual reviews since I don't feel right in reviewing my own. I would love more reviews on all of them but, if you'd like to start with book one you can download it free with the coupon code YN39D at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Thanks all.


message 15: by Dawn (new)

Dawn J Stevens (dawnjstevens) | 9 comments Mahree wrote: "This is what happens. If you go to blog ing, I think that's what it is called, authors are blogging their asses off, and it's all to other authors. Not that there is anything wrong with other autho..."

Very good point. I also like the idea of an online book fair. I know it helps to gain excitement over a select set of books, such as the way the schools and libraries have them for mostly children's books. I would like to see genre-based book fairs where there are incentives for reviewers. Begging blindly for reviews seems a little time consuming to me.


message 16: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments Well I am all for good thought in this area and making it happen. I like the genre base, that's a great idea. Goodreads & Librarything have a great many readers interested in book giveaways. Librarything has the Early Reviewers. It's fun for the reader and gives the author and the book exposure. Goodreads has built a fan base from countries all over the world. Maybe with a well laid out plan of how these book faires would work, Goodreads would consider it as a extension of their site. I'm not sure if Amazon has taken over yet, but they purchased Goodreads. I just know that blogging and some forums are inundated with authors and books and looking very unprofessional, which will soon give the indie authors an ambulance chasing reputation.


message 17: by Kit (new)

Kit Cole | 6 comments Mahree wrote: "I am looking for reviews of "The Kennedy Half-Dollar." This story is true of a murder that took place in Hawaii. A memoir of my life, that still today, stirs many on the Islands; many good people, ..."

That sounds like it's up my alley Mahree, and I'll trade you, because I'm looking for reviews of my own Time-Travel Romance Justice for All Time - want to connect at kitcolebooks at gmail dot com?


message 18: by Kit (new)

Kit Cole | 6 comments Hi S.G. - I tried to grab your YA book Attrition: The First Act of Penance, but couldn't find it on Kobo. And the link off your GoodReads page takes me to a general Kobo page that doesn't include that book...


message 19: by Kit (new)

Kit Cole | 6 comments Hi CM, I just grabbed Tales of the Fifth Guardian, would you like a copy of my ebook Justice for all Time?


message 20: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments I'm down S.G., I'll get it ordered.


message 21: by C.M. (new)

C.M. Johnson (cmjguardian) | 6 comments Kit wrote: "Hi CM, I just grabbed Tales of the Fifth Guardian, would you like a copy of my ebook Justice for all Time?"

Hi Kit, I'd be glad to take a look at your ebook.


message 22: by Kit (new)

Kit Cole | 6 comments Augusta wrote: "I would love reviews of my work!!! Just so happens my first novel, Revelations of Cian is free starting Friday, for 48 hrs! I'm throwing book two out at anyone who wants to review it!! Celebrato..."

Count me in Augusta, we read the same authors and write similar books, I'm in for a review trade!


message 23: by Theresa (new)

Theresa | 3 comments I have reviewed 50 books in the last 5 months. I wanted to support my author followers on Twitter.
However, I was recently told by a seasoned author, who lives off his work, that it is not a good idea to review other author's work on amazon. He said he knew of authors that had not only had their reviews pulled, but also had their books pulled from Amazon for doing just that. I reviewed like I would have reviewed if the person had been in my writing group - constructively. I was lucky and ran into 4-5 stars. I don't have an answer to this dilemma. I too need reviews on my books, but I can't risk being banned by Amazon. I will continue to read. I will continue to tweet about those books I have read, but I will think long and hard about doing another review - sad to say.


message 24: by Kit (new)

Kit Cole | 6 comments Theresa wrote: "I have reviewed 50 books in the last 5 months. I wanted to support my author followers on Twitter.
However, I was recently told by a seasoned author, who lives off his work, that it is not a good i..."

I don't understand, it's not underhanded, it's just a way to get introduced to new books - why would Amazon take issue? And how would they know?


message 25: by Katrina (new)

Katrina Cope Theresa wrote: "I have reviewed 50 books in the last 5 months. I wanted to support my author followers on Twitter.
However, I was recently told by a seasoned author, who lives off his work, that it is not a good i..."

Authors are readers also and have every right to read and review books. This is not 'having a go' at anyone, but maybe the seasoned author is trying to hinder new independent authors from moving up the ranks with ratings. I don't see anywhere in Amazon's rules that an author cannot rate books.
I am currently reading an independent authors book in order to review. I expect to be finished fairly soon. I would be interested in doing a book swap with other authors for reviews. If anyone is interested in this, with my YA book, please let me know. Please note though, I am not really interested in erotica or full romance books, but a little romance throughout is fine.


message 26: by Katrina (new)

Katrina Cope Theresa wrote: "I have reviewed 50 books in the last 5 months. I wanted to support my author followers on Twitter.
However, I was recently told by a seasoned author, who lives off his work, that it is not a good i..."

I forgot to mention, Theresa you are doing a great job supporting all those authors. I'm sure they are really greatful in you reviewing their books and promoting them however you feel comfortable in doing so.


message 27: by Dawn (new)

Dawn J Stevens (dawnjstevens) | 9 comments Agreed. After I read that interesting bit about Amazon, it got me thinking. Maybe just review them on GoodReads if it's 3 or lower? I don't want to inflate a books ratings just out of fear my own will get booted from Amazon. I also don't want to see self-publishing get a bad name from poor writing and inflated ratings from friends. Ratings and reviews should for sure stand on their own, be honest, and help out the author IF it is deserving of 4 or 5 stars. That's just me, I guess.


message 28: by Jacob (new)

Jacob Whaler (jacobwhaler) | 7 comments If anyone is interested in a techno-thriller, I just put Stones (Data) out on Amazon. It's the first book in a series of four that will all soon be out. Here's the link:

http://amzn.com/B00EQEF2LI

I wanted to write a book that posits some answers to the age-old question: what is the meaning of life?

I would appreciate anyone interested in doing an honest review and posting it here and on Amazon.


message 29: by Theresa (new)

Theresa | 3 comments I honestly cannot swear that when I heard was true, but I consider the source I heard it from and am hesitant to discount it. I really love reading and writing reviews. I just wish I was more comfortable with it like I was in the past when I thought I was helping.


message 30: by Theresa (new)

Theresa | 3 comments Thank you Katrina. I think I will continue to review, but perhaps not at the pace I can, and have, been doing in the past. I would think that if there was a rule, they would publicize it. But then Twitter doesn't list it rules very clearly either :)


message 31: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments I'm pulling out of the review trade. I have become disenchanted with the review system. I love the reviews from a reader that doesn't know you–that's what I look for. I bought a book because Stephen King said it was the best mystery of the year, and the newspapers all followed; New York Times, Chicago Tribune...... It was so bad and made me furious that I fell for that once again. I just bought a book the other day (I'm doing that ABC reading and I am on D), so I grabbed a book that began with D (without looking except for the name and cover). I pick it up last night and who is giving reviews, Stephen King, New York, Times, Chicago Tribune AND the author from the book they all raved about, that I hated. I took the book back without even reading the first sentence. People are bought and I can't be bought. I want the truth, period. Sorry! Not that you won't be honest, it's to keep me honest.


message 32: by Anna (new)

Anna Othitis (aothitis) | 2 comments Hi all very interesting conversations and points here I believe that authors do read other authors books, however we also have to connect with other readers other than authors and there should be a way of doing this within a group of some sort.


message 33: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments As Indie authors, we are in a bad spot. We sit unknown and beg for reviews so people will notice us. We find ourselves desperate to acquire recognition for our hard work. There has to be a way that not only is professional, but ethical. Did you want to be a writer to make money or one to entertain a reader; share your mind, heart and soul? It's like a doctor, are many studying to be a doctor because it is a lucrative career or are they genuine about helping sick people. There has to be another way to get people to read our work. I don't know what it is. I have found out by reading this one, so called, famous author's book, that big names and big hype can make you money, but eventually, people will figure that it was only hype and the author's chances in the future start to fall apart. I don't want that direction either, unless I am actually a good writer. It's disheartening for me to find that even in writing, morals fall at the wayside, and trickery lives in every facet of life. I do understand that everyone has different tastes and a book I would like, someone else wouldn't. But in that case, it should never be considered the best mystery, or whatever, ever written. Sorry, lol. I put hours of my busy life into her book and feel I was cheated and deceived by big names. It's important to me that I have not made someone furious, that they wasted part of their life to read my book. I put my heart into my book, but that may not be enough. If that is true, then I must stop writing. So true, honest reviews are important to me. Wow, good thing we aren't talking politics or religion, I'm worse, lol. We have a lot of good minds here, there is a way!


message 34: by Mahree (last edited Oct 12, 2013 08:51PM) (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments Okay, I've calmed down. How about an Indie Book Fair. I still think that would attract readers. Offering giveaways or book thongs or something. Blogging and forums suck, readers don't look at the blogs or go in the forums. Online Indie book clubs, help me out here you guys. How about an indie magazine sent in mass across the country. USPS has money saving offers. We can add "Indie best seller" like they add to every book out there.


message 35: by Dawn (new)

Dawn J Stevens (dawnjstevens) | 9 comments Mahree wrote: "Okay, I've calmed down. How about an Indie Book Fair. I still think that would attract readers. Offering giveaways or book thongs or something. Blogging and forums suck, readers don't look at the ..."

I think it could be done all online, would just have to organize and advertise correctly. I probably could outline it and put it together, but don't really have the time. Let me think about it a bit more and do some research, then I could probably pass the torch to someone with enough time and knowledge to execute.

BTW - My novel will be free Tuesday and Wednesday, if anyone wants to grab it for review:
http://amzn.to/1beVqD0


message 36: by Mahree (last edited Oct 13, 2013 03:27PM) (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments I'm down, Dawn! I'm strapped for time too, but it would be worth squeezing it in. I wish I had a set schedule, but the book I'm working on involves a large family and I am pretty much on call. I have to take the info when they are ready to give it or it could be lost. When you are working with sensitive material, there can often be a change of heart from one minute to the next.
What idea do you have?


message 37: by Dawn (new)

Dawn J Stevens (dawnjstevens) | 9 comments Rolled around the idea of online book fair last night... would need a website, some type of chat room (maybe Google hangouts?), and maybe use the carousel widget on Amazon to have all the books on display. Again, I'd suggest doing it by genre. Links to GoodReads pages and social network pages would also be a good idea.


message 38: by Mahree (new)

Mahree Moyle | 14 comments Well, my kids told me I was being to tough, so, I'm open to review books and have mine reviewed. That doesn't mean there isn't another way for us to get exposure.


message 39: by Eric (new)

Eric Maskell (wwwgooreadscomericmaskell) | 2 comments I would love some reviews of my book and also review others. How does that work?

my book is available at http://www.amazon.com/The-Veil-Eric-M... also on smashwords...kindle direct.

-E-


message 40: by Ellen (new)

Ellen Mellor (samarcand) | 1 comments My latest book is a collection of short stories, Stories From the Corner of the Room - I'd love it if someone could review it for me - drop me a line and I'll send you an e-book copy (in whatever format you want)and I'll send one on to you.

Also, my two novels The Long Sleep and Down Among the Yla are both available for free from Amazon this week, to celebrate the publication of Stories...>

Thanks!

Stephen.



message 41: by Peprah (new)

Peprah Boasiako (authorpeprahboasiako) | 6 comments Anybody interested in reading/reviewing my new book, THE HITMAN: A Short Story. THE HITMAN A Short Story by Peprah Boasiako The Hitman by Peprah Boasiako it's now available for free download here www.lulu.com/spotlight/peprahboasiako


message 42: by D.T. (last edited Dec 12, 2013 10:44PM) (new)

D.T. Griffith (dtgriffith)
Hey everyone. New horror anthology out called The Bestiarum Vocabulum. 26 stories about mythical beasts by 26 very different writers, including Hellraiser alumnus Barbie Wilde. Would love some reviews, happy to offer reviews in exchange. Just know I might be a little slow getting to them as my schedule is heavily booked. Thanks!

Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1494375222/

Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1494375222/


message 43: by D.T. (new)

D.T. Griffith (dtgriffith) Hi Peprah,

I've downed Hitman. I will read it soon. Looks interesting.

Thanks.
D.T. Griffith


message 44: by Peprah (new)

Peprah Boasiako (authorpeprahboasiako) | 6 comments D.T. wrote: "Hi Peprah,

I've downed Hitman. I will read it soon. Looks interesting.

Thanks.
D.T. Griffith"


Hi D.T.,

Thanks for the download, hope you enjoy it. I'll be looking forward to your review.

Thanks
Peprah


message 45: by D.T. (new)

D.T. Griffith (dtgriffith) You're welcome. Should the review go on Lulu.com?


message 46: by Peprah (new)

Peprah Boasiako (authorpeprahboasiako) | 6 comments D.T. wrote: "You're welcome. Should the review go on Lulu.com?"

I'd love for it to go on Amazon but I doubt Amazon will allow you without a purchase unless you know another way. If not then lulu.com is our best choice


message 47: by D.T. (new)

D.T. Griffith (dtgriffith) Peprah wrote: "D.T. wrote: "You're welcome. Should the review go on Lulu.com?"

I'd love for it to go on Amazon but I doubt Amazon will allow you without a purchase unless you know another way. If not then lulu...."


Got it. I'll figure something out with Amazon, if there's an option. I know their system very well as I work with them – professional relationship through my day job. They also own Goodreads now, so it may not be all that complicated.


message 48: by Peprah (new)

Peprah Boasiako (authorpeprahboasiako) | 6 comments D.T. wrote: "Peprah wrote: "D.T. wrote: "You're welcome. Should the review go on Lulu.com?"

I'd love for it to go on Amazon but I doubt Amazon will allow you without a purchase unless you know another way. If..."


Great! Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it


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