Small and Independent Press Books discussion
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By now, we've finished our discussion of Joni's book. This was the first time we've ever done anything of this sort, so it was an experiment, and a learning experience. (Everyone involved has approached it that way, including Joni, and myself as moderator; and have acted in an honest and above-board fashion throughout the process!) By now, some conclusions can be drawn from the group's experience, and from feedback I've gotten. I've come to two conclusions, and am setting them as policy for the future.
First, formal common reads, voted on through a poll, are not well suited to this group's focus on independent or small press books, nor to the very broad diversity of reading interests and tastes in our membership. It's fine for members to use the "Buddy reads?" thread to arrange for groups of interested members to read a particular book together, and to discuss their reading experience on the thread for that book. But my decision as moderator is that for the future, we won't try to do any more group-wide reads, even though participation is (was) voluntary.
Second, it's fine for authors to offer free electronic (or print) copies to members of this group. However, in the future those offers should be made on the thread for the book or series in question, by the author himself or herself; and the author should be the one to handle the distribution of the free copies. When group moderators serve as middlemen, and/or when group announcements are made using the "broadcast message" function, there's an inevitable --even if mistaken-- perception that the group is advertising or endorsing the book. So that won't be done in the future.
Like individuals, groups grow in understanding through experiences, and that's a positive thing! I appreciate the contributions of everyone who took part in this particular experience.

As soon as I finish a small current task, maybe I can get up a discussion.
Thanks for all your work, Werner.
Books mentioned in this topic
And The Wolf Shall Dwell (other topics)And The Wolf Shall Dwell (other topics)
From conversation I've been having I gather that there are mixed responses to my novel. Someone even questioned whether the book is edited, which I assure you it is.
The novel underwent 3-4 editing sessions with an very professional editor called Helen Baggot and another editing session by my publisher, Olli Tooley from BluePoppy.
Having said that - if you find glitches please let me know!
I know the style is narrative and the English is brit, so some might not like these aspects, but please keep an open mind and don;'t aconfuse style and editing. I welcome any criticism, especially constructive so I can build on for book # 2.
today 2/2/18 (starting 4pm GMT, 8am PST) and throughout the entire weekend, the novel will be free on Amazon, to celebrate my late grandma's birthday, to whom the novel is dedicated.
Please 1) download a 'verified' copy so your review will be verified and you can participate in this pomo to have a character named after you in my next book
2) Please help me spread the word to make this freebie worthwhile and raise awareness and advance in Amazon's ranking
And the Wolf Shall Dwell free on Amazon US store
And the Wolf Shall Dwell free on Uk Store
Thank you!!