As many of you know, I love to read Indie books. Over the last year, I’ve discovered some wonderful Indie authors with books available in electronic and paperback formats. Many of these authors have found success online and loyal readers. Several writers have formed their own Independent publishing companies or publish with Independent presses. Some have even gone on to strike deals with traditional publishing houses.
It’s hard work to become a published writer, let alone if you are doing it all yourself — from writing, editing, creating a cover, marketing to networking. But authors are now able to realize their literary dreams by publishing via the e-book platforms of Lulu, Create Space (Amazon), Smashwords, Pub It! (Barnes & Noble) and other Self-Publishing companies.
These authors are getting the word out on their writing. Traditional publishing houses are sitting up and taking notice of these fantastic writers and books — like Colleen Houck, author of TIGER’S CURSE. Now, published by Splinter, TIGER’S CURSE, first, was noticed by readers via the Internet. TIGER’S CURSE has gone on to become a New York Times Bestseller and has several books within the series in the works.
In March 2011, it was announced that popular Independent author, Amanda Hocking, who has sold her stories by the hundreds of thousands is in talks with a traditional publishing house. She was living paycheck to paycheck. Now, with the success of her self-published books, Hocking has made a living as a full-time writer. Her stories have landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. Her books include: the Trylle Trilogy, the My Blood Approves Trilogy, and HOLLOWLAND.
Recently, I’ve been approached by Independent authors to review their books. I’ve accepted receiving reading the novels in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I admit, I never read any Independent books before CAMILLE by Tess Oliver, which is outstanding! With that being said, there are many Independent books that are fantastic and deserve recognition! Because of my interest in these books, I’ve decided to write special reviews aside from my standard reviews and mini reviews.
These reviews will be called: Indie Author Book Review Spotlight.
I will feature the book, author, and trailer (if one is available).
I review the following only:
- adult and YA literary fiction
- adult and YA historical
- adult and YA mysteries and suspense
- adult and YA fantasy and paranormal
I generally do not accept religious or political fiction. I try to remain neutral in my reviews, so I stray away from anything to do with these topics. However, if you are interested in me reviewing a book of this nature, I will look it over and let you know my decision.
The reviews will be based on plot, the world, characters, writing, and the cover.
Rating System:
4 Retro Typewriters – No longer retro, now an electric! (Solid writing, characters and world).
3 Retro Typewriters – No white out needed! (Good ideas with good writing).
2 Retro Typewriters – Not too many keys get stuck. (A step in the right direction but still needs work).
1 Retro Typewriter – Requires a new ribbon. (Needs major work and editing).
If you are an independent author, or publisher and would like your book reviewed and/or featured on my blog, please email me: info [at] reelswellproductions.com.
To see a list of my reviews, click “Reviews” on the menu bar.
Please Note: At this time, I am accepting Indie Books to review. However, I am extremely behind on several I already have to review, as well as books from traditional publishers.
For those of you who have sent me books, I will get to your reviews as soon as possible. Please know, that I may start reading your book and it ends up not being for me or I do care for it. In that case, I may not finish the book. If I don’t care for it — this goes for traditionally published books too — then I’m not going to post a review for the sake of a review or a negative one. That doesn’t help anyone! So if you sent me a book and I never posted a review…it can be a.) I didn’t finish it or b.) I didn’t care for it.
NOTE: When I accept a novel for review it doesn’t mean I will read it or post a review!
For those of you who have sent me requests, I cannot respond back to everyone. I receive review requests daily. For the books I’m extremely interested in, I will try to respond to the author in a timely manner. – Thx, Julie
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