Writing

How To Get Book Reviews As A First Time Published Author ~

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Book Promotion Tips For Authors, Book Review Post, Featured Guest, News Around The Web, Posts , , , , , , ,

Hello Readers, Authors, and Writers. Welcome, New Friends.

As a first time published author, I know how difficult it is getting a reader to place a book review on Amazon, Goodreads, and even on Barnes & Noble when they are done reading your book. Why is that? One reason I know for my book, it is an off-genre type of book. It is a memoir, but some of the sharing is about when I was tangled in a gambling addiction and alcohol, and finally recovery. Some readers don’t care reading about addictions.

So it makes a tougher book to not only promote and build a readership but also to get readers who do read it, to go back and place a book review! So when I came across this exceptional and informative writing blog last summer run by Best Selling  Author, Joanna Penn of The Creative Pen, I wanted to share it with all my author friends here.

So make sure you visit Joanne  and check out all her published works here: All Her Published Books as she has many other helpful posts at “The Creative Penn”

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J. F. Penn
Learn all about J. F. Penn on Amazon Bio.

How To Get Book Reviews As An Unknown Author

 

 “A few months ago, I started a new pen-name and have kept it secret in order to avoid ‘pollution’ of the also-bought. But it has been SO hard because I have basically started from scratch – with no email list, no street team, no reviews, no platform, no social media.”

bookreviews

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The pen-name is slowly gathering steam, but it reminds me how hard it is starting out and getting those first reviews can be one of the hardest things. 

 

As an unknown author, getting Amazon reviews for your book is crucial to unlocking its full potential. But it’s not as easy as it sounds.

False Assumptions

You might think that downloads lead to Amazon reviews.

They don’t.

You might not know if Amazon has restrictions on reviews.

They do.

You might think reviews will eventually start rolling in with enough time and word of mouth.

They won’t.

It’s easy to get discouraged. You might think it’s impossible for an unknown author publishing their first book to get any traction with Amazon reviews.

It isn’t.

A Tale of Four Books

During the 2015 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries Summer Institute in Atlanta, I met the renown scholar and Christian apologist Os Guinness. He had just released Fool’s Talk: Recovering the Art of Christian Persuasion.

Also in attendance was the author and apologist Ravi Zacharias whose book Why Suffering? Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn’t Make Sense was released in October the previous year.

And in October of 2014, John MacArthur, one of the most influential preachers of all time, released Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told.

OOTF reviewsSo how is my first book One of the Few: A Marine Fighter Pilot’s Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview—self-published as an unknown author around the same time–different from the traditionally published works of these three powerhouses in the field of Christian apologetics?

Mine has more Amazon reviews.

I’m not trying to brag. These men are my heroes, and their books are a million times better than mine.

So how is that possible?

Today I want to share with you exactly how I did it.

Isn’t It Simple?

Okay, here’s the answer: assemble a street team with 300 advance readers for your book launch and expect about 100 Amazon reviews during launch week.

See? Wasn’t that simple?

No. It’s terribly difficult for the unknown author without the right knowledge and tools.

After the initial launch of One of the Few, I had thousands of downloads but under 30 Amazon reviews.

And I know how important it is to get reviews. They’re one of the most influential factors in whether or not someone is going to decide to download your book. They might mean the difference between getting a BookBub or not. And they’re definitely part of the formula for tripping Amazon’s algorithm—the ultimate arbiter of the Amazon author have and have-nots!

What I Didn’t Know

During the pre-launch phase, I tried to reach out to as many people as I could to provide them with a free copy for review consideration, but I had three problems:

  • I didn’t know whom to look for.
  • I didn’t know where to find them.
  • I didn’t know how to connect with them.

What I Learned

Then three things changed when I joined a mastermind group for authors.

  1. I found out how to identify the perfect reader for my book.
  2. I discovered new tools to help me find them.
  3. I learned how to connect with them effectively.

I decided to re-attack my campaign for seeking Amazon reviews, and in a matter of months, my review count surpassed 150.

The new technique worked so well, I decided I had to write a book and share it with other authors.

Every Author Starts Out Unknown

You might be a rockstar writer with a rock star past writing rockstar books. But the book review scene might have your head banging.

You might have a Ph.D. and teach at a university with peer-reviewed articles. But your Amazon reviews aren’t making the grade.

You might be the former CEO of a million-dollar company. But in terms of book reviews, you’re bankrupt.

Unless you’re no-kidding famous, everyone starts out as an unknown author.

And when you are an unknown author, reviews do not come on their own! At least not in significant numbers. You must be extremely intentional about getting them.

Following Amazon’s Rules

But you also have to follow Amazon’s rules, and they made some significant changes over the years. Here are some highlights:

Amazon “will continue to allow the age-old practice of providing advance review copies of books.”

However, “Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review.”

Additionally, you cannot offer a review in exchange for:

  • cash
  • a free or discounted product
  • a gift certificate
  • a discount off a future purchase provided by a third party
  • entry into a contest or sweepstakes or membership in a program

What Can You Do?

You can provide a free copy and ask readers to consider leaving a review, including that fact that you’re willing to accept both positive and negative reviews and that they will be under no obligation.

So in order to get a significant number of reviews, you must identify large groups of people interested in reading your book, connect with all of them, make them want to leave a book review, and do so without requiring a review or attempting to influence the review.

(Phew!)

Sound impossible? It’s not. It’s an art that I’ve been working on for some time, and I want to share what I’ve learned.

Steps You Should Take

I’ve broken it down into a 5-step process. This is what you need to do when planning your book review campaign:

  1. Identify your perfect book reviewer
  2. Find large groups of them online
  3. Find their personal websites
  4. Prepare a spreadsheet
  5. Connect with them personally

Step 1. Identify Your Perfect Book Reviewer

You’ve probably heard about contacting book review bloggers about reading your book for review consideration. But there are some specific things to look for that will increase your chances of having your book received and reviewed.

You want to make sure they enjoy reading books in your genre.

Even better, you should look for reviewers that have other things in common with you. For instance, you’re both from the northwest. Or you both love a good Netflix binge on the weekend. (Keep this information handy. You’re going to use it later.)

Step 2. Find Large Groups of Them Online

With a bit of creativity, you can find large groups of your perfect book reviewer online. A Google search for “book review bloggers” is good, but a search for “search by blogger” is even better. That’s because what will benefit you the most is not to find a book review or blogger website–it’s to find lists of book reviews or blogger websites.

Sometimes instead of a list, you might find links to book review blogger websites on multiple pages. These can be turned into a list of web extraction tools like Import.IO.

[From Joanna: You can also use Author Marketing Club’s automated Book Reviewer Grabber Tool]

Step 3. Find Their Personal Websites

Sometimes a search will lead you to a single website with many book reviews. If that’s the case, find out if the reviews are by a handful of reviewers or many reviewers.

If it’s the latter, search for a link back to the review blogger’s personal blog. You want to visit their website so you can learn about them in order to make a personal connection later on.

Step 4. Prepare a Spreadsheet

Spreadsheet

You’re probably working on a timeline. Maybe you’ve set our book launch date and want to start contacting potential advance readers a few months prior. If that’s the case, you can front load all your review blogger research and then connect with them all at once at the desired time.

You’ll want to keep careful track of your research, and one way is to use a spreadsheet. Make columns for the review bloggers name, email address (or other platform contact details), and date contacted.

I also recommend including a column for you to record a bit of personal information you learned from visiting their website.

A spreadsheet will help you keep track of everyone who has responded and how long it’s been since your last contact with them. It will also help you avoid contacting someone you’ve already contacted before.

Step 5. Connect With Them Personally

Once you have your spreadsheet loaded with your perfect book review bloggers, it’s time to reach out.

There are many ways to do this including connecting on social media, contacting them through their website, or sending an email. Before you email, make sure you know and adhere to your country’s SPAM laws.

If you choose to email, there are tools like GMass that can help you merge your spreadsheet data with your Gmail account making it easy to send individual personalized emails in bulk.

Once bloggers start responding, take note of your most common responses to them and create a few Gmail “canned responses” to save you time responding in the future.

Before you know it, your inbox will start filling with “yes” emails.

You Can Do It

This might all sound like common sense, but it’s easier said than done, especially if you’ve never done it before. But there are tools and techniques out there to help you connect with book reviewers on the scale you need to make a difference. This kind of connecting is done by experienced authors and publishing houses alike. You can do it too.

And as an author with any hopes of getting a meaningful number of Amazon reviews, you must.

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About J.F. Penn

I’m J.F. (Joanna Frances) Penn, an Award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author. 

My books blend my love of traveling and learning new things with psychology and the supernatural in a fast-paced style. I’m also an international professional speaker and award-winning creative entrepreneur.

I love reading and always dreamed of writing my own books, but I spent many years thinking about it before I actually took the plunge. However, I did write a lot of journals during my many years as a corporate business consultant!

I have a Masters degree in Theology from the University of Oxford, Mansfield College and also a Graduate Diploma in Psychology – both interests are entwined into my writing. Her books weave together ancient artifacts, relics of power, international locations and adventure at the edges of faith. Joanna lives in Bath, England and enjoys a nice G&T. Stop by her Official Author Website for her Free Thriller Book Offer!

 

 

Holiday Guest Post ~ 9 Ways to Write Better By JayDee of Author Wall & Being Author Book Promo…

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, Featured Guest Writer, Marketing and More, Posts, Updates and More, Writing Tips , , , , , , , ,

writing

WRITERS? Are you happy with your way of writing? Do you stick to a certain style, format, or outline? Well, today my friend Jay explains how to write better in this special “Writers Spotlight.” He owns and runs Being Author an Author Promotion and Writer Blog and the new Free Book Promo site

9 Ways to Write Better:

We are all writers now. Whether you write books, blog posts, emails, tweets, or text messages, you are a writer. No matter your preferred medium, here are a few tips to help you write more effectively:

Treat text messages like prose. Before hitting the send button, look over your text: check spelling, content, punctuation. Ask yourself: What am I attempting to communicate? What am I attempting to express? Be more deliberate with your most common form of casual writing, and you’ll automatically become more deliberate in other mediums.

Words are tools. Expand your vocabulary to make your writing more precise. There’s no need to use a ten-dollar word when a ten-cent word will suffice, but having more tools in your toolbox will allow you to select the most appropriate tool for the job. Because sometimes you need an ax, sometimes you need a scalpel. So pick one new word each day, and then use it at least 21 times in your conversations with others that day. The most useful words will stick, and your vocabulary will expand over time.

Do it daily. If you want to improve your writing, write every day—make it a daily habit. Writing is a muscle: if you don’t use it, you lose it. For me, the best way to guarantee consistent writing was to start a blog.

Punctuation. Is. Pace. To add variety, velocity, and cadence to your writing, play around with different punctuation: periods, commas, em dashes, colons, semicolons. Short sentences communicate tension. Longer run-on sentences, on the other hand, help establish a frantic, hurried rhythm—a feeling that the pace is picking up as the words tumble onto the page.

Avoid throat-clearing. Blogs, books, and social media posts are littered with unnecessary intros, solipsistic digressions, and avoidable drivel. Ditch the nonsense and state your points. When in doubt, delete your first two paragraphs and see whether the writing improves.

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Don’t waste the reader’s time. Our time and our attention are two of our most precious resources. It is selfish to force a reader to spend fifteen minutes reading something you could’ve and should’ve communicated in 90 seconds. If you want to earn your reader’s trust, don’t waste her time.

30% composition, 70% editing. For every hour you spend writing, spend three hours editing, shaping your work into something more concise, more powerful—more beautiful. Writing truly is rewriting.

Narrative urgency. Every sentence must serve a purpose: Your first sentence must make the reader want to read the second. The second sentence must propel the reader to the third. So forth and so on until the very end. If a sentence doesn’t move the narrative forward—if it doesn’t make the writing more urgent—then it must hit the cutting-room floor, no matter how clever or precious it seems.

Avoid too many adverbs. A sure sign of amateur writing is the overuse of adverbs, especially -ly adverbs. A woman in a story isn’t incredibly pretty—she’s beautiful; the sky isn’t very blue—it’s azure. Find the right words to avoid using adverbs as crutches.

24174535_1675190495878642_1151751025571020341_n  Author Wall Free Book Promo

About Author Wall 

Most Authors spend a lot of money on Book promotion but they don’t get expected results. To solve this issue we have built Author wall… JayDee 

 

Meet Shawn Robinson and His Website: “Self Publishing On A Budget” and This Post About Editing – Feedback…

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Blogging Tips, News Around The Web, Posts , , , , , , ,

I always love sharing other bloggers who have the same passion as I do in helping writers, authors, and bloggers. I found Shawn today and this particular has solid advice about how to get “feedback” while writing. Please visit his site for the whole post and let him know? CAT sent you!  Six Ways to Receive Feedback and WELL.

 

As a follow-up to Five Ways to Tell You Do Not Want Feedback, I wanted to share six great ways to show you do want feedback and to help you make good use of the time with your “Feedbacker.”  I’m sure that’s a word. Don’t look it up. I strongly believe that good feedback on my writing is like gold. It’s often rare, but it is so precious. 

I have valued the feedback from people more than I can express. Sometimes they tell me things I do not like. Sometimes they tell me things I can’t use. Most of the time, they tell me things that save me the embarrassment of poor writing and poor storytelling.

I think good feedback is so very important to an author. Here is some advice on how to receive it well:

 

1. Lean in

I mean it… physically, lean in! If you’re really into a movie or a book, you probably find that you’re actually leaning toward the screen or book. It’s the same with a story. If someone really has you on figurative the edge of your seat, look down. You are probably also on the literal edge of your seat.

When you are genuinely interested in something, you naturally lean in. So if you really want feedback, overcome the feeling of shyness and the fear of someone having found a problem in your writing… and lean in! Show yourself interested.

 


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So stop by Shawn’s website to read the rest of this amazing and helpful post for all writers and authors…


ABOUT SHAWN

I’m not going to bore you with major details… so I’ll be short and to the point.

I’m a writer, a husband, a father, a Christian, a hiker (or at least I was until some recent health problems), a lover of coffee, a biker (not the cool kind, but the kind that rides around on an old motorcycle and has a blast) and someone who enjoys watching movies with my sons and playing cards with my wife.

I have done a lot of writing in the past, but only recently has it become a focus and a hobby. Some life changes (health issues mentioned elsewhere) have been part of what I believe God has been doing in my life to refashion me.
The writing has been fun as well as somewhat therapeutic to me in my recovery.

If you’d like to know more about me in general, check out My Story.  If you want to know more about my Writing Journey, check out… well… my Writing Journey.

 

“CAT LYON’S Reading and Writing Den”

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Author – Writer SpotLight on Tony Roberts of “Delight in Disorder”…

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, Featured Guest Writer, Posts , , , , , , , , ,

Since fall has arrived and winter not far behind, readers will be gearing up for READING! Reading awesome new books, visiting blogs and websites, listening to music, and getting ready for the holiday season too. So I thought I would start a new fun feature on “Spotlighting” bloggers, authors, musicians and more as “the real writers they are.”

A more in-depth profile of their writing as a writer and learn what makes them tick. We all write for many reasons like just writing from the heart in a journal, write to author a book, or even write lyrics for music, or even write as a profession.

So let’s have some fun learning more about the person and their “craft as a writer.”  My First Guest?  I WELCOME Tony Roberts! An author, blogger, writer, and mental health advocate…

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Image result for copy free images of Tony Roberts Delight In Disorder

About Tony Roberts:

Tony was born and raised in the Hoosier heartland just south of Indianapolis.

“I grew up worshiping high school basketball and once had the honor of playing in a televised “game of the week.” 

I went to Hanover College (alma mater of both Mike Pence and Woody Harrelson – go figure). After many detours into sex, drugs, and more folk rock than roll, I wound up at a seminary and became a pastor. It was then that symptoms of depression and mania culminated in a psychotic episode that became pivotal in my life, for better and for worse. After graduating from Hanover, I obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. While there, I did ministry assignments at a state hospital for persons with developmental disabilities, as well as at a women’s prison, and an inner-city hospital.  

I served two decades as a solo pastor. I then shifted to writing, speaking, and leading small groups. In March of 2014, I published my spiritual memoir, Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness, Mission. Having served in pastoral ministry and gone mad, it’s now my mission to bridge the gap between faith communities and the mental health world.

I now live to write and write to live in Rochester, New York. I also have a “delightful domain” on Lake Caroga, the gateway to the Adirondacks.  My greatest earthly delights are my four children and two grandchildren.

Tony is also an author of his book; “Delight In Disorder” available now on Amazon and Amazon Kindle store online.

Product Details

“What makes Tony’s devotional so compelling is that bipolar disorder continues to periodically beat the crap out of him, and he still believes.”

– David Zucker, Mental Health Advocate, University Presbyterian in Seattle.

 


 

“A Writer Interview With Tony Roberts”

 

Hello and welcome to Cat Lyon’s Reading & Writing Den, New Writer Interviews.
My name Catherine Lyon, Author…  Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we?

Tell us your name and a little of what you do?

Tony Roberts. I am the author of Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness, Mission and the co-founder of Delight in Disorder Missions. I write, speak, and facilitate small groups with the aim to build hope and foster compassion for those with mental illness, like me.


Where are you from?

I was born and bred in Indiana, where I now live. I spent much of my pastoral career in Upstate New York.


Tell us more about you? Like your education, family life. Etc.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and theology from Hanover College and a Masters of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary.

I am blessed to have four children (ages 25, 23, 16, 13) and two grandchildren who are the delight of my life. My birth family means a great deal to me. We live close and care for each other.


Do you have any latest news?

My blog, delightindisorder.org is growing. I will be featured in an upcoming issue of bp magazine. Plans are underway to develop a podcast with commentary as well as interviews with persons in the faith community and mental health fields.

Are you a writer?

Yes. Writing is my vocation.

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve written in various forms since I was 7. My first piece, “Ode to My Pet Rock,” was a hit in my family. I wrote satirical stories in high school, college, and seminary. I wrote over 100 articles for school newspapers. I studied Creative Writing and penned a novella called, Life (in obvious places).

Why? For the same reason as Isaac Asimov. “I write for the same reason I breathe – because if I didn’t, I would die.”

What inspired you to write your first book?

It started out primarily as therapy. I had lost much of my memory and I had lapsed in my practice of reflecting on Scripture. This was a way of reclaiming both. I’ve been told that if we first write for ourselves, others will need to read what we write.


How did you come up with the title?

“Delight in Disorder” is a 17th-century poem by Robert Herrick about a dress that is beautiful in its imperfection. The subtitle (Ministry, Madness, Mission) was given to me by a friend when I described the stages of my pastoral life.


Do you have a specific writing style?

No. Sometimes I jot down notes. Sometimes I sketch outlines. Sometimes I start with a Scripture quote, sometimes I weave it in. Sometimes I move right to the word processor and edit as I go.  If there is one “style” is have is a commitment to editing.

~Paul Velery once wrote, “A poem is never finished, only abandoned.” I believe this about any writing. When I read my published work I cringe, knowing I could have spent more time on it.

How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

All my writing is based on my own life.

To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

My memoir only required introspection. I could sit in my basement and stare at brick walls, which I often did.

My current writing is more collaborative. I have traveled various places to meet faith and mental health care advocates and learn more what is going on and how we can improve.

Who designed the covers?

Nicole Miller of Miller Media Solutions.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I want people to read my memoir and find hope in Christ for those with troubled minds.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer?

Tim Keller is currently on my memoir. Favorite all-time would be Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Outside of family members, name one person that supported your commitment to becoming a published author?

Leanne Sype, my editor.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I’m always thinking of changing I would have liked to make. But I now see I’ve given birth to it, it has a life of its own.

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned many things — some brought me joy; others, sorrow. The biggest thing, I learned, though, is I can delight in the One who delights in me.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

How about Russell Crowe? He makes a pretty good tortured soul.

Any advice for other writers?

Read. Write. Walk. Repeat.

Share one thing about you that will surprise readers?

In college, I was given my first tour by Mike Pence and later partied with Woody Harrelson.

Will you write another book?

Probably. Right now I am focused on electronic media, but I will likely get back to my first love eventually.

What are you reading now?

Nobody Cares About Crazy People by Ron Powers.

Do you remember the first book you read?

Bible story books from my grandmother’s house.

Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Singer/songwriter John Prine because he is the best storyteller I know.

Do you have any hobbies? Cooking.

Favorite Music?

Americana: John Prine, Iris Dement, Jason Isbell, Zoe Muth, …

Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do? 

 Listen to music. Cook. Share stories with friends and family.

What do you want to be written on your headstone as part of your Legacy?

“He delighted in the One who delights in us.”


Do you have a blog or website where readers can visit for updates, events or updates?  Tony Roberts, Author of Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness 

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Image result for copy free images of Tony Roberts Delight In Disorder


I thank you for sharing with me and my readers Tony! 


You can connect with Tony on Social Media!
Facebook
Twitter

Sound Advice When Dealing With Book Reviewers…Guide For Indie Authors.

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Book Promotion Tips For Authors, Featured Guest, Marketing and More, News Around The Web, Posts , , , , , , , ,

Guest Post By LaFifeReviews  Ms.  Latoya Fife ~ September 5, 2017 by 

Book Blogger Confessions: Tips for Indie Authors

Book reviews have become a valuable marketing tool for commercial and indie writers. When I look at the top selling books on Amazon and Goodreads, I realize they usually have a ton of reviews. The modern writer’s job does not end when they hit submit and send their creative babies off to publishers. As the publishing world evolves the lines between publisher, author and publicist blur. One powerful tool that can make or break an author is the book review.

Popular book sites like Kirkus and Indiereader know the importance of a professional book review. Authors pay $250-$500 to get a review that will hopefully give them access to an audience that will buy their books. Kirkus and Indiereader both go a step further than the professional review, offering publishing services such as editing and marketing. There is a debate in the publishing industry about the value of a paid review. With the rise of blogging, more book lovers from different careers and backgrounds have brought to life the freelance occupation called the “Book Blogger”.

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Book Bloggers are book lovers who offer free, honest and in-depth book reviews. Successful book bloggers make money through advertising on their blogs and other freelance opportunities. Book Bloggers, unlike a paid review service, have nothing to gain from giving a positive review. This article will help writers get the most out of the writer blogger relationship to improve craft and to gain exposure. After reviewing other book blogger’s review policies and my experience as a book blogger and a lover of books, here are some tips for indie authors to create a positive blogger-writer relationship.

Submit a finished product.

I cringe when authors submit a book filled with errors, some authors would even let you know ahead of time that it’s not the finished product. Book bloggers introduce books to their audience of readers, putting your best foot forward is best when you want to potentially grow your readership. Some authors confuse beta readers and book reviewers. Beta readers are readers that read mostly fiction to correct errors and to add suggestions in regards to character development, plot etc. Book reviewers are book lovers who read for enjoyment, they are giving you a sneak peek into the thoughts of your reading audience. Book reviewers critique the finished product, beta readers’ help with the development of your product. As a book lover with a lot of books to read and very little time, a book that’s has been thoroughly edited has a better chance of getting a review.

Read Book Blogger’s review policies and submission guidelines thoroughly before submitting a book.

Policies and submission guidelines are created to ensure a smooth process. Book lovers/ book bloggers create policies and submissions based on preference and experience. For example not reading submission guidelines an author might submit their nonfiction book to a fiction reviewer’s blog. Also, some bloggers request books or galleys in formats that support their devices. Sending the wrong format may delay your review and as an indie writer, your time means everything.

Remember to never lose your cool.

Most professional readers are readers who study the craft of fiction or literature. Writing a book is not an easy task, as a literature student, I understand the complexity of creating complex characters and making sure my plot is well-developed and consistent. As a book blogger to give a constructive review, one must separate those feelings of understanding and critique a book based on the product that is presented. One important piece of advice I received from a mentor is as a writer you must listen to all feedback and apply constructive advice based on your style. When I go on sites like Amazon and Goodreads and I see some authors respond negatively to unfavorable reviews, it deters me from reading that book. As an Indie Author creating a good positive image helps build a good brand and it lets the reader feel safe, to be honest with their favorite writers. Book Bloggers don’t enjoy giving unfavorable reviews but giving constructive criticism helps writers write better books.

You can get a list of book bloggers that you can contact to review your books from sites like “The Book Blogger List and The Book Review Directory. Book Bloggers can help indie authors grow readership and improve on your craft...

Submitting a book to a book blogger is an opportunity to get unbiased feedback on your book without the conflict of interest when purchasing critique. So go check out The Book Blogger List Authors  and BeingAuthor.com Today!

Book BLogger list 250

About the Author (@marvelustalent)

Writing and literature student and Book Blogger at LaFifeReviews. Ms. Fife has posted reviews online and an article on school readiness on her school’s website. Latoya Fife is a life long learner with a great passion for reading books and connecting readers to her favorites.

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“CAT LYON’S Reading & Writers Den” ~ Author, Catherine Lyon

My Author, Writer, and Blog Pick of The Week. Meet My Friend Stephen Who Needs Your Advice Blog Friends!

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, Featured Guest Writer, Posts, Writing Tips , , , , ,

Many of my friends and readers know I ENJOY meeting new authors and writers through social media. Isn’t that using social what using social media for besides maybe business, marketing, and promoting or supporting something…I met Stephen I believe on Facebook as we have a lot in common.

SO, I wanted to help support him and his awesome blog by sharing a recent post he has on “Seeking Advice” on his book project he working on. Here is more and I invite you all to share your tips, advice, and wisdom writers and authors. Even YOU Readers!

 

Meet Stephen Kavalkovich

Author/ Speaker/Recovery Advocate and Coach

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I am a man who was given the gift of many experiences in life. For most of my adult life, I was a 911 Paramedic. I have seen tragedy and suffering first hand for many years. Little was I aware that I was the one who needed the saving. Through seeking peace within by using all things external, I wound up dead and ruined in every way.

My goal is simple, to use my experience to connect and give you a voice. I have expertise in Emergency Medical Care, First Responder and Addiction/Substance abuse issues, Recovery Coaching, Intervention, Leadership, and Spiritual Studies. I am available to serve your coaching, professional speaking, and journalistic needs.

 

HELP! FRIEND, I SEEK YOUR GUIDANCE…

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Good evening, friends. I have taken to my blog to enlist your guidance. I have had a burning desire for many years to write a book. A few months ago, I sat down at my table and just began writing. I wanted it to be a memoir of sorts, but my research showed a massive selection of the same format in the marketplace. I wanted to do something different, so have decided to draw on my personal experiences and create a fiction novel. I also felt that it would give me more creative freedom regarding details and specifics. As you can see above, this is the book cover I have created along with a short description of its contents.

Now, for my humble request. I wanted to ask what it is you would want to read about when you see the title and cover design?
What is it that would keep you turning pages?

If you take the time to read my autobiographical story at https://www.facingaddiction.org/news/2017/05/25/paramedic-survives-911   
this might help you to understand who I am and where I came from. I am so excited to embark on this project and really thought it would be a great idea to have as much of your input as possible.

For those who take my request for help seriously, there is a reward for you.

Any feedback or guidance offered will get a mention in the acknowledgments and 2 free autographed first editions. Would you want war stories? Factual events? What is it that would get you to purchase the book from a store display or on your Kindle or Ipad? I know what I would like to read but I really want to know what you would want.
I sincerely wish to express my gratitude for your current and hopefully continued support in the future. I pray for blessings and peace for each of you on your own journey of life and transformation…

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I would like to invite you to visit Stephen’s blog  ~  Welcome to Tales from the Broadside.  And connect with him on Social Media too!

On Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  LinkedIn   ~  And Instagram!

Thanks, Friends!

“Cat Lyon’s Reading Den”

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