Category: Staff Articles

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed what reviewers do and do not want to see from books they review. In Part 2, we covered the etiquette of the relationship between an author and a reviewer before and after a review. In this segment, we find out how reviewers feel indie authors stack up against the traditionally published authors, and where there may be room for growth and improvement.

Reviewers are certainly as diverse a group as authors. Each has his or her own style, preferences, and ethos. Add to this the fact that while these reviewers may have read some of the same titles and same authors, the overlap in the titles they read is likely small, potentially leaving each with an entirely different impression of the quality of indie writing. One could reasonably expect to see some variance of opinion on the quality of indie authors. Continue reading “What Reviewers Want (Part 3)”

Check out Greg Allen’s interview with the cool Lia Fairchild.

Interested in learning how to make bookmarks? Jac shows you how.

M. Edward McNally puts you some knowledge about his awesome Norothian series of epic fantasy/adventure books.

Take a look at some cool book trailers over at Nancy Lee Parish’s blog.

Reviewer Kim Fowler tackles Sibel Hodge’s latest title.

Paul Roemer provides helpful tips on how to bluff your way through any meeting.

Not that Indies Unlimited isn’t fascinating enough, but maybe you wonder what else is going on. Here are some links to other blogs and sites you just may wish to check out:

Looking for a Halloween movie recommendation? Author Erik Gustafson shares info on one of his faves. I think you may be surprised.

Author Ey Wade has a great-looking new website. Check it out!

One of your usual stops if you’re looking for a good read should be Book Junkie Reviews.

Author Tim Greaton receives a pretty special letter.

Poet and author Y. I. Washington delivers a little taste of her work.

My novel, “Upgrade” receives a wonderful review from Sue Palmer. *blush*

What’s the difference between horror and thriller? Author R. G. Porter weighs in.

Author and Paranormal Investigator Linda Prather offers up a short story.

Jonathan Maberry snags an interview with Smashwords legend Mark Coker.

In part 1 of this series, we discussed what reviewers want to see (and do not want to see) from authors as regards actual writing. All that stuff is what constitutes the middle of the relationship between an author and a reviewer. There is something more to the relationship on either end.

The relationship begins with the submission of your magnum opus to the reviewer. Next you wait. You keep waiting. You check their website and still don’t see anything. Over an hour has passed, and you are starting to get nervous. My advice (and it really is mine alone—all the reviewers I interviewed were too polite to bring this up), is to keep waiting. Do not call. Do not e-mail. Do not fax. Do not “check in” to see how they like it so far.  Find something else to occupy your mind and your time, because it may take a while. Continue reading “What Reviewers Want (Part 2)”