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Group 164. Out of this World - Mod Scott
message 51:
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Scott
(new)
Nov 29, 2017 06:02AM
Yes Alex, it's perfectly the idea to be honest. A low-starred review cannot be requested to be taken down in this group. In some other groups, yes, but not this one. This is been discussed extensively and it's settled that this group aspires to inform readers and the public how well written or how short of well written a book is.
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Alex wrote: "Here's my first review. I hope the idea was to be honest. If it wasn't, let me know and I'll try to get it taken down:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-......"
Thank you for the review, Alex. I appreciate the honesty, feedback, and that you made the distinction in star ratings. I am sorry you didn't enjoy the story more.
Thanks for the grace, Lucretia. Authors like you are more successful because they connect so well to everyone.
Scott wrote: "Thanks Alex. You're fast. Everyone got his or her books or gave away to everyone? We should finish exchanging books by Nov. 30, that's four days after group start date.
Let me know if you're ha..."
I have my first two rounds to read and have been able to send to the first three rounds for mine. Waiting on the rest, I've already started reading round 1.
Scott wrote: "Thanks for the grace, Lucretia. Authors like you are more successful because they connect so well to everyone."Aww, thank you, Scott. I love to entertain. When I don't do that, that's on me. I'm studying deep pov now, and once I have a better grasp, I will go back and look at all of my books with a keener eye.
Still have one I need to receive, first round. Also, one that the other person is having difficulty accessing. Working on that.
Okay, I've successfully sent my book to all four reviewers, and gotten three out of four for myself so far. Good! Hope everyone else is doing well.
Scott wrote: "Okay, I've successfully sent my book to all four reviewers, and gotten three out of four for myself so far. Good! Hope everyone else is doing well."I've not been able to reach David to give him mine. I've emailed and left a post here. He has my book for round 3, so perhaps he's not in a hurry??? Possibly going to get on KU???
I heard from David today. He apologized for being busy and said he'll take care of everything tonight.He lives in Australia, which is in a time zone opposite of ours, so let's wait another half day.
Scott wrote: "I heard from David today. He apologized for being busy and said he'll take care of everything tonight.He lives in Australia, which is in a time zone opposite of ours, so let's wait another half day."
That makes sense! Thank you so much :)
Sorry for the delay guys, I believe I have sent mine out to those requesting, I will follow up the other 2 in the morning :)
Lucretia wrote: Thank you for the review, Alex. I appreciate the honesty, feedback, and that you made the distinction in star ratings. I am sorry you didn't enjoy the story more.Cool! Thank you :) Oh, and I meant to say that I love the new cover - the white one with the woman's face? Gorgeous!
I've sent mine out to three & another bought a copy on her own initiative (thank you :) )I've also received the books from 3 and am waiting on the final one.
I have only received one and bought one. Another author has tried to send my one but it has not been successful. I sent one via my PA and another author has stated they are reading through a KU download. After NaNo finishes I should be able to devote more time to clearing up this mess. I am in no way tech savvy so I have always bought books or had them sent to my PA so she can send them to me. I understand there is a method for receiving books to kindle but I do not know what format I should request.Mary
This is a little out of order, but I started on Jessica Titone's book, as I had yet to receive the first rounder. Reviews can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
I struggled with the rating here, to be honest, and depending on when you click on this link you will either see 3 or 4 stars for the Amazon review. There were parts I sincerely liked, but a large section in the middle that jarred me. In the end I erred on the side of the author, and put it at four stars, and 3 stars on goodreads.
S.D. thanks so much, you're very efficient!Just wanted to point out that there are options to hide part of your review due to spoilers. I know you've added a note that there are spoiler alerts ahead, but you want people to be able to read your review and get the gist of it, as it's too hard for people to just stop reading ahead.
I do think some of your comments could be considered spoilers, such as the secret identities and the ending of the book.
Goodreads does allow you to pick certain words and phrases to hide by using this notation:
spoiler: (view spoiler)
Can you try again? Keep your review intact, it's very constructive, but just hide the spoilers.
Thank you!!
Sorry, I think I inadvertently did too well in embedding the code.Basically you do this first before the phrase to be hidden:
(view spoiler)
Ha, I keep getting it too well done. The basic notation is this:Left-facing arrow then the word spoiler then the right-facing arrow. No spaces.
Then the phrase to be hidden
Then again left-facing arrow then the slash then the word spoiler then the right-facing arrow.
Sorry Scott, I am not following you. I didn't put any note, I just clicked on the box. The review is hidden otherwise.
Sorry, your link led me directly there. It didn't appear hidden at first instance, but when I went back to the main listing for the book, yes, you're right, the entire review is hidden.That's fine, and if you wish, you can show more of your review and still excise the choice phrases by hiding them using the code I've described. But yes, what you've done already is all good and proper, thank you. Feel free to do more creative tinkering with the formatting if you like!
Apologies, thought I would just do a direct link. More often than not my reviews don't contain too many spoilers, this one was different, however.
It's fine S.D. On another positive note, I got, and sent, all my books! I'm hearing success stories all around for this group as to getting started, so let's get reading!
Round one:https://www.amazon.com/review/R1RGLSE...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1W6I...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...?
Fantastic read.
I'm doing this all wrong! I've been doing the reviews in the order in which I got the books. Sorry about that! This is my review for Scott Spotson's The Deadly Wizard Games, which I think is my round 4. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's also on Amazon.com and .uk
I'm moving on to Jennifer Arntson's Scavenger Girl next.
Thanks, Alex. Good on ya that you loved the politics and economics, when I had earlier versions of this book with loads of that stuff, some readers said it was too boring! Ha, can't please everyone, and thanks for the positive review. It's okay to do reviews out of order. The key thing is to do the number of reviews by the deadlines, not the order of the specific books assigned. The order is just a way for us to keep track of everyone, that's all.
I, of course am doing this wrong as well. I started with Arkad's Children this AM (late but I had to finish the book I was on) I had thought to do the books as I received them.Is there anyone out there who has not received their copy of Voices in Crystal that is supposed to have it?
Mary R. Woldering
Again, it's no problem to do the reviews out of order. The number of reviews and the date of each round's deadline is of importance to me. I find the instructions confusing as well. If this helps, I have my own system for figuring out these rounds:
Four people below you on the list: you review them, in that order, starting with your own name, then down one person at a time.
That's what I focus on, since I have to keep doing the reviews for the two months that this group typically lasts. The people below me.
At the very beginning, I focus a little bit on the four people above me since I have to get them my books. Of course order doesn't matter for that, if you get rid of your book to all four within a few days after the group starts.
I still think someone may not have a copy. I've had oral surgery today on the heels of an almost miss NaNoWriMo plus finishing a book I was reading for another review program. New methods and instructions just confuse me.
Hey, Mary, in that order, you review:The Deadly Wizard Games by Dec. 17
Tales of a Nuisance Man by Jan. 7
Akrad's Children by Jan. 28
Curses of Scale by Feb. 17
You can mix up the order. But you must review these four books and no other books, for this group.
Thanks for clearing that up. At least I have them all and should be able to finish reading reviewing them. As Stated I am reading Round 3 by accident first after that I will read the others in order: Rounds 1, 2, 4
I've got all four of mine sent out to my readers, (or in one case, they bought it!), and have received 3 out of 4. Still waiting on David. I've made a good dent in the first one, Akrad's Children, so should be on track to get them all in.
I have David's book Genesis. I can get it to those who need it. He sent it to me a few days ago so I can volunteer if he's away for a few days. Just send me a private message here on Goodreads.
This is still addling my soul. I think my readers for Voices in Crystal are: Lucretia (already read & reviewed - thanks) Do You All (the other 3) have a copy? I messed up and did not notify you because I was busy with NaNoWriMo AND this is my first time so I didn't understand what to do.So embarrassing
Jennifer Arntson for round 2
Alex Beecroft for round 3
Jessica Titone for round 4
Does everyone who needs it have a copy?
I sent one to Alex. Some said they got it from KU.
Maybe I have early onset dementia - I hope not.
Mary- I bought it, so no worries! I figured a verified review would be best ;)
Yay! I would have done so too! I know about the verified reviews and know the others get deleted too often. As I said I would have and will as long as they are priced reasonably ($4.00 and under) I thinbk everyone can use a sale, and there are NO DOWNLOAD PROBLEMS THEN but y'all sent me free ones... Thanks.
Scott wrote: "Hey, Mary, in that order, you review:The Deadly Wizard Games by Dec. 17
Tales of a Nuisance Man by Jan. 7
Akrad's Children by Jan. 28
Curses of Scale by Feb. 17
gotcha
You can mix up the order. But..."
Here is my actual week one review. I apologize for being brutal here, but this needs an editor. There is a wonderful idea buried within, though.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
Here's my first review. I also posted one on Amazon, but it needs to be reviewed by them. It's the same as GR, here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Round 2 here I come!
Posting two reviews. To be honest, I read my second round book first because it was available on KU, and my subscription was ending soon. I wanted at least one of my assigned authors to get page read credits. I know reviewing out of order has been discussed and approved, but my rule abiding brain would not let me post the review for the second until I had completed my first round assignment.Round 1: Lioness of Cygnus Five
GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FP47R...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RN8FC...
Round 2: Scavenger Girl
GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RKIWBZJ...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RRM8W...
On to round three!
Jennifer wrote: "Here's my first review. I also posted one on Amazon, but it needs to be reviewed by them. It's the same as GR, here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Round 2 here I come!"
Thanks for the thoughtful review, Jennifer. I appreciate you reading my work and taking the time to write a review. I wish you had enjoyed it more, though I imagine you do too. ;) I hope you enjoy the rest of your books.
My first round review, Tales of a Nuisance Man. A fun read!https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'll post links to Amazon reviews soon; they're the same as this one.
Tales of a Nuisance Manhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2842...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3CTN4B...
Lucretia wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Here's my first review. I also posted one on Amazon, but it needs to be reviewed by them. It's the same as GR, here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
R..."
You're welcome...I only wish I started with the first one! Your reviews for the first two were so glowing, I feel like I missed out. In the future, I might recommend to start at the beginning of the series. You're a great writer. I have a feeling it would have been worth the journey - your other readers certainly did! I read the reviews on book 3 after I posted mine (as not to influence my opinion) and felt like a came to the buffet right before closing.
Oh, BTW...I'm so glad you didn't kill D. He was my favorite character!
Jessica wrote: "Posting two reviews. To be honest, I read my second round book first because it was available on KU, and my subscription was ending soon. I wanted at least one of my assigned authors to get page re..."Thank you so much, Jessica! So glad you liked it :)
Jennifer wrote: "You're welcome...I only wish I started with the first one! Your reviews for the first two were so glowing, I feel like I missed out. In the future, I might recommend to start at the beginning of the series...."Thank you you so much. I really appreciate that. I have a soft spot for D, too. ;) I've absolutely learned the lesson on starting point. I'm sad to say the hard way and at the cost of your enjoyment. Those who assured me this story stood on its own have been frowned at very sternly.
I had hoped to use these rounds to gain some reviews on back parts, but with new rounds and a fresh four in each one, I just don't think they are going to work for me in that way.
Lucretia wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "You're welcome...I only wish I started with the first one! Your reviews for the first two were so glowing, I feel like I missed out. In the future, I might recommend to start at th..."When Beta testing my second book of the series, I asked a few authors to take a peek at it because I wondered if it could stand alone. While some of them caught on to the themes of book 1, there were gaps (much like what I experienced with your novel). When I started your book, as my review said, I didn't know there were already established story-lines. When things didn't get resolved, I got frustrated, thus the break.
I consulted a forum about this issue, actually. It's not uncommon for authors to request reviews for mid-series works. A few folks actually said they do them. I think the key is to disclose to your reader that there are previous works and offer them the chance to read those first. I would have appreciated the chance to at least look at the synopsis of your earlier works and aquatint myself with the characters/world you created.
It's like I said, your writing is fantastic. I would imagine that anyone who liked your first book would pick up the next and so forth. I kind of wonder if reviews are really necessary for validation for a third book...? If they like your writing, the story and the characters, and there are more books available in the series, I'd imagine they'd binge on it. The book is definitely NOT a stand-alone. I'd reconsider your strategy and put up book 1 for a round instead.
Jennifer wrote: "Lucretia wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "You're welcome...I only wish I started with the first one! Your reviews for the first two were so glowing, I feel like I missed out. In the future, I might recomme..."That all makes perfect sense. I wish I'd thought to send you the synopsis at least. It really bothers me you didn't enjoy it, I'm sorry for that. That's why I craft books after all, to spread joy.
You raise another really good point, and now I'm wondering about the necessity for reviews on later parts. There is no real break between two and nine for sales or page reads. There is some between one and two, which I suppose is to be expected, but once a reader commits to part two they tend to read them all. Just not review them LOL. If I jump in another round, I'll certainly offer part one rather than two or three.
Sorry I hijacked your thread here too, Scott. PS I'm really having fun reading your book.
My first round review for Akrad's Children. Good book. Amazon reviews are posted and waiting to be cleared.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jim
and here are the Amazon ones:https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
Review Group
Books mentioned in this topic
Genesis (other topics)Voices in Crystal (other topics)
Scavenger Girl: Season of Atchem (other topics)
Fateful Attractions (other topics)
Stolen (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Mary R. Woldering (other topics)Jennifer Arntson (other topics)
Lucretia Stanhope (other topics)
Alex Beecroft (other topics)
Jessica Titone (other topics)
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