Best Posts of Summer

As I have been reflecting on this summer and all I have experienced, I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to keep writing. Though the pandemic has shut some things down for writers, namely book signings and speaking events, I have yet been given the privilege of searching my soul for the truth of why I write. And it seems that readers fall right in line with me.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

None of us write to hide. We write to be seen. We write to be heard. I would imagine that's why the most popular post this summer has been "Do you write to be average?" There's not a person I know of who doesn't want to leave a legacy of some kind to the world. Whether that legacy is a recipe, a story of their life, or a photo album of their adventures. 

Second, we want to win! In "Why Would You Want to Enter this Contest Today?" I shared my newest release, "I Walked With Jesus". Evidently, there are a few of us out there [tongue in cheek] that hope to win. I am waiting for the results and will let you know when I have them. 

Photo by Wesley Eland on Unsplash

Third, we want to know what others are thinking. In my post "Reviews of I Walked With Jesus" I shared multiple reviews from readers and what they thought about my newest book. Reviews help a reader decide on the purchase of a book. Will it be something they will like? 

Will it fill a need for them? Will it change their life? Many readers reading inspirational books hope they will take away something that they will be able to carry with them through life.

Fourth, we don't want to miss out! When the contest held at Novels Alive was almost over, I put out a post, "Just hours away from ending!" Perhaps you were one of those who kept telling yourself you were going to enter the contest and the days' sort of slipped away from you until the very end. Sometimes, life is like that.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Fifth, we forever want FREE stuff! "Free book until August 30" focused on my previously published book, "Enlightened: My Personal Journey with Christ Through Scripture Journaling". I remember, years ago, when I won a Seals & Crofts album from a radio station. That record was like gold to me for many years! And all I had to do was to be the 10th caller!

Thank you to all of my readers!

How I Review Books

Since I'm currently reading An Invisible Hand by Kathy Golden, to be released in May, I wanted to spend a few moments letting you know what I look for in a great book, and how I write my reviews.

A great book must go beyond a terrific cover, of course. I look for an engaging story, one that takes me somewhere I may not yet have visited either physically or spiritually. I look for real characters, people that are unique in their characteristics; ones that I can relate to or understand. I want a message. I don't want to be beaten over the head with it, but I want a message. I want the sentences to flow like water, the typos to be minimal if any, and the work as a whole to leave me wanting more. Books like these get 5 star ratings.

I'd like to think my reviews are honest without being rude. I focus on what works in the book over what doesn't, what I like over what I don't like. I find a review rarely needs to focus on the negative to be a review that works not only for the author but for the readers who will now pick up the book.

Reviewing books for me is sort of like talking to a friend about something great I have just finished reading. If I like the book enough, I want them to feel like my choice might also be their choice.

I also want the author to know that I actually read and thought about their book. A few days ago I learned that some reviewers actually go to Amazon, read the little that's written there, and then post their review as if they'd read the book entirely.



Wow. I guess I'm a bit naive even in my 50's.

Reviewers have a great responsibility, not only to read the entire book, but to put their best foot forward when it comes to review time. And I hope that how I review books not only helps readers but also writers who want to continue to write.

Getting Book Reviews UPDATE!

I wanted to talk a bit about getting book reviews today. It seems they are getting tougher to get, at least for some genre's like Christian fiction. That being said, I did receive a fine review yesterday for The Feast: A Parable of the Ring, book two in the parable series.

You can find the review here. This is the second time I have been reviewed by Mareena at Emeraldfire's Bookmark. You'll also want to check the review I received today on Virginia Ripple's blog for Marketing Your Book on a Budget as well as the one recently posted on Amazon.   

Here's another review for Marketing Your Book on a Budget:

This is an excellent guidebook for a budding author, and loaded with many great tips for getting your book where it belongs: in front of readers! Finally, a clear and concise resource that will get you off the ground as an author. ~Lou Farris

The good news about reviewers who've enjoyed a previous book you've written, is that you will more than likely get them as a taker on the next book. But this isn't always the case. Reviewers are getting busier by the minute because authors have discovered that not only can they receive great FREE reviews online, but they don't necessarily have to worry over not getting those sought after reviews that often came from places like Kirkus or The New York Times.

Like getting on television or on a local radio station, it just doesn't make sense for a writer to stress about places they will probably not be able to market their book (at least at first), and instead, focus on those avenue's that will help them get the word out.

That's why I love blog reviewers. They are book readers, and many of them, though not in the business to write 'professional' reviews in magazines and newspapers, will do a right fine review of your book on their blog and even pass that review along to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads.

In my newly revised book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget, there is an entire first chapter dedicated to getting reviews from bloggers. You may want to pick it up either in eBook or paperback format to learn more about the people and places that hunger for your specific type of book.

Until then, remember that reviews (in my humble opinion) next to interviews, are the most important way to get the word out about your book, so it makes sense to dedicate some quality time to the project.

I wish you luck!

Kathryn

Marketing Cover!

Good news!

We're nearing the publishing of Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2014.

There have been some last minute needed changes, and a bit of tweaking to the cover, but all in all the changes have been a success.

I should have everything edited by this weekend, so expect to see a new book on my site as well as on Amazon within the next couple of weeks!

Here's the book cover:

I would LOVE to know what you think of the new cover!

Kathryn

Reviewing to Improve Your Writing

I don't know about you, but I am constantly juggling one or more books in-between writing and marketing.

I'm currently reading, Memory Lake, by Nancy S. Kyme, and am (so far) enjoying it. It's just the book I need during the frantic-ness of moving. I couldn't have chosen a better summer read.

That said, I am also going to be reviewing this book. I have a Christian non-fiction book in the rafters as well as another book that's coming.

Suffice it to say that I love reading, not only for the escapism or even the opportunity to grow and become a better person, I love what I learn from other authors. I especially appreciate their strengths, where, frankly, I have weaknesses. And I love the idea of learning from them.

For example, I may always struggle with setting, but reading authors like Kyme, I learn how someone else has done it.

Photo by: IllinoisHorseSoldier, courtesy of Flickr

Through the years I have learned to slow down and to enjoy every moment of writing. I try not to hurry through scenes and skip parts so that I "can just get to the good part." If a book is written well, every part "is a good part" and needs to be described in vivid detail.

A scene at the ocean can be memorable. It's not enough that the main character "went there," more important is how she felt and what she learned and what she saw when she was there.

Photo by: J_O_I_D, courtesy of Flickr

Reviewing is a step above reading. Sure, I can read for total enjoyment, but with reviewing, the joy is still there, while, at the same time, my left brain is also blinking. If the sentence is choppy, or the direction of the book, uninteresting, or I feel as if I'm "lost" I make a note of it on a sticky note and place it on the page where I noticed it. After I've finished the book I go back to these sticky notes and write my review.

Something happens to my brain as I do this: sort of a sticky note inside telling me that not every writer writes perfectly, and that there is always room for some improvement; if only a little.

And that's what I'm counting on.

Crazy for Reviews

I have lately been eager to read new books and review them, primarily from authors who are searching like I am to get the word out. And the books I have been reading, for the most part, have been stunning!

Photo by: zimpenfish, courtesy of Flickr

I want to thank you for that. I also want to thank you for the assistance I have received in my own personal life to improve where I am weak and add to the strengths I have already gleaned.

If this sounds simplistic, it shouldn't. We all learn from each other and have our own take on spirituality, growth, trial, and that funny thing called love.

And I want to continue to learn from you.

Photo by: mtsofan, courtesy of Flickr

So if you have a book that fits in one or more of the categories below, please don't hesitate to drop me an email at: kathy@ariverofstones.com, and let me know about your book. If I am interested I will let you know.

Here's the list:

Children's picture books
Children's middle readers
YA novels
Adult novels with a spiritual or Christian theme
Self-Improvement

If your book receives either a 4 or 5 star from me, I will post it on my site for everyone to see!

And thank you for the sublime opportunity to review your book!

Reviews are Priceless

For any of you authors who don't believe that you can get reviews on your books, or feel as if the time and travail you put in is really not worth the effort, allow me to try and change your mind. I received this review today and have no idea who it is. What made it even more worthwhile than the 5 starts I received is that the person purchased the book and then did a review for me.

Good, quick beginner's guide

By

Bull Frog "author" (Pensacola FL)

 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget(Kindle Edition)

This book has good, beginning advice for the self-published author about how to promote a book. It is well written and knowledgeable.

 

Writers, we all know how long it takes to gather our own set of reviewers, but when other readers, and in this case other writers, make the time to review our book(s) that's when the review is especially priceless.

And so I want to thank Bull Frog who has written books as well, though I couldn't find them listed on Amazon.

If you're not a famous author yet (like I'm not) and feel as if you're not reaching enough people or selling enough books, consider continuing with reviews, yes, even if your book is a year old or older, you've just about given up on it, or you're working on a new project.

Keep the reviews going and you'll find that people will see them.

And while I don't know how Bull Frog found my book, I'm grateful for the review.

Thank you!

Marketing Your Book on a Budget a Big Success!

Thank you everyone for your support!

At the highest point, Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013 reached #3 in the Writing Skills arena, and #4 in the Marketing arena of free books at Amazon!

Fantastic!



When one 'window' closes, another opens.
Photo by: pfly, courtesy of Flickr

Did you miss the window?

Don't despair! The eBook is now only $1.99 and the paperback $5.98 http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Your-Book-Budget-ebook/dp/B0094XV6MA

I will also be co-teaching a class on Marketing on April 3, 2013 at the Holladay Library; 2150 E. 4800 S. at 7 p.m. All Utah writers that live in or near Salt Lake City, will want to attend this FREE class!

In the class I will be discussing various elements of Marketing Your Book on a Budget. If you want to know how to get book reviews, interviews, connect in social media, advertise for free, and more, you'll not want to miss this class.

I will also be offering a special deal on my book following the presentation for those who are interested.

I look forward to seeing you!

Kathryn

P.S. Some of you may know that my husband went in for emergency gallbladder surgery last week during my book's release. Wow, that was exciting! So you know, he is doing well and returned to work today. Thanks for all the well-wishes!

Book Reviews

Book Reviews.

I love getting book reviews (usually) because I learn something about my own writing. I learn:

• What works
• What doesn't
• New discoveries

I got such a review today that took me through all of these ideas and I'd like to share them with you.

Scrambled (A Susan Sleuth Mystery)

Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

Ideacreationspress

2012

Cozy Mystery Genre

5 stars

Sometimes we think the grass is always greener on the other side and that’s exactly what Jenny (AKA Susan) thought. Unable to have children, adoption not working and a controlling husband that just kept gaining weight, Susan takes off to start a new life. Instead of getting out of a mess that her life was in she steps into a bigger one, this one involving murder. Renting a room in an old rundown hotel she becomes the house keeper in it. Now she is involved in the middle of a murder and she is being accused. Now who can she trust. Who is trying to pin the murder on her. Out of all the residents that live there there is one she thinks she can trust – Mrs Boaz or can she. Receiving threating notes and things showing up in her room to implicate her, does Susan dare stay here or flee for her life.

I really enjoyed the book once I got into it and understood the characters. It was a little slow in the beginning but then it picked up pace and I kept reading to find out who was who. The cover picture of the book at first threw me and I wondered what scrambled eggs had to do with the  story line but then I finally found out. When you get upset you scramble eggs. I feel anyone who loves  the cozy mystery genre will enjoy this debut book of the Susan Sleuth Mysteries. I would like to see more of her  detective work in progress.

I would like to thank Ms. Jones for the review copy and giving me the chance to read her book. Excellent start to a new series.

 

http://misslynnsbooks-n-more.blogspot.com/2012/09/scrambled-susan-sleuth-mysterykathryn.html

I have heard from other reviewers that this book is a little bit difficult to get in to. And I am reminded again that starting a novel with action is often preferable to narration. In the second book, "Sunny Side-Up," coming out next year, the first line is action.

I like that this reviewer mentions that the main character struggles with heavy issues, and thinks that life can be better if she leaves home. This is one of the reasons my cozy isn't found in the traditional cozy stack. The back story is important to this cozy as is also the depth of the main character.  

What surprised me was the mention of the cover and the thought, "When you get upset you scramble eggs." While this is true, the use of the word "Scrambled" also represents the people living in the old hotel.

Thank you, Lynn, for the review.

Where to Get Free Book Reviews

Since I've just come through the book review saga--again--I wanted to share with you some of the places I discovered and give you a bit of a head's up on where to find reviewers, especially if this is your first book.

Photo by The Daring Librarian, courtesy of Flickr

One of the first things you'll quickly discover when searching for reviewers is that some won't take you, others will ask for money, and yet others will know little about book reviewing.

Big book reviewers such as Kirkus Reviews may not even take a look at your work if you're a new author. They have stacks of books to review, and yours, quite frankly, may be at the bottom of the pile. Instead of shooting for the top, choose blog reviewers that have reviewed other books. Just by reading some other reviews you'll get a sense of what they do. (You can find good as well as not so good reviewers on Amazon.com).

If a reviewer you query wants money to do the review, my opinion is, don't send it. There will be plenty of other reviewers who will review for free or for a free copy of your book. I like to think a review will be more honest and straight-forward if I haven't paid the reviewer to write it.

I have made the mistake of not checking out a reviewer; their style of writing, how they review, etc., before taking them on and I have been disappointed because of it. Do your homework. A new reviewer doesn't necessarily mean a bad reviewer but go to their blog and find out how they write by reading what they've already written. And make sure you send your book to reviewers who review your genre.

Some other suggestions:

• Find out how many followers they have by looking on their blog. The bigger number, the more eyes that sees your book.
• Check out who the blog owner follows. One blog owner may have a list of ten other blogs they follow that also do book reviews.
• Get reviews from people you know that will give you an honest review. (You know who they are).

When getting book reviews it's important not only to thank the reviewer after it's posted, but to keep their name and contact information on file--for the next time you have a new book to be reviewed. 

Marketing on Foot

Yesterday I did a bit of marketing on foot. What that means is that I gathered my books and other marketing materials and talked with local business owners.Those owners that were not in I tried to gather business cards for.

My goal was to place books, book materials, get some writing classes going and be at the right place at the right time for some book signings. In the end, I set up one writing class, was given a possible opportunity to be a part of an art festival and had met some wonderful people.

Photo by Craig Cloutier, courtesy of Flickr

I think it's interesting that only when a writer steps out of their comfort zone that even more changes begin to occur. When I'm putting my book out there for the very first time, that takes guts, and changes occur. When I began marketing online I gleaned even more interest, but it wasn't until I began asking for reviews, interviewing and posting blogs on others sites that more change occurred.

I used to think change was hard, and I used to think of change in a sort of negative light. But change is about new discoveries and growth and a quickly beating heart. And I'd like to think that marketing on foot will bring about even more of the same.

If you're stuck in front of the computer, trying to figure out how best to sell your book, don't forget to leave your front door and talk to your neighbors.

It's probably the biggest step you'll ever make.