I've had my first book blogger review. And whilst it didn't make me scream or cry like a baby, it made me blink, pace the room, and say...huh?
It's listed as a horror by the reader? Yes, you read me right...paranormal/horror. Dracula (one of the scariest damn books I've ever read) is horror. My fairy running around kissing vampires and unable to deal with her responsibilities? Hmm. I admit there is death and despair in the book, and vampires have become bloodsucking bad guys (sorry, no diamond skin here guys), but that is life, right? Death is a sad thing, and though it can be violent and disturbing, it is a natural passage of life.
That said I'm happy with my first blog review, and I appreciate the reviewers comments, just like I appreciate the awesome 5 star feedback I've had from members of the public in the iBookstore, through Amazon UK, or who have found me on Twitter and other channels.
This review has let me see my work from a whole other angle, which is what feedback is all about!
I'm excited to hear what other people have to say, and if they pick up on the general themes I was trying to promote. I don't think this reviewer was impressed with a few of the darker paragraphs in the book, which seem to have stuck with her more than I intended.
Let's see what others think... is it horror? Or just a book that does not dress up death and danger as good, clean things...
You can read the review here; Bitten by Paranormal Romance
Hi Penelope. Congratulations on doing so well with your book!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I could ask you a question.
I see that your book is being offered free on KIndle, but when I try to set the price for my books it won't let me go below 99 cents.
How did you manage it? Did fairies help you? :-)
Best wishes, and good luck with your writing,
Stephen
Hi there Stephen,
ReplyDeleteYou know, I wondered if those rascally fairies were interfering again...
It's frustrating that you cannot offer your books in the Kindle store for less than 99cents, and whilst I would love to proclaim I told Amazon off and they obeyed my word, honestly? I think a reader told them it was free everywhere apart from in their store, since one day they set it as free in the UK store. Then I saw blog posts from readers in the US grumbling that people in the UK could download it for free. So, I emailed Amazon and told them it was not fair to do so. When I checked the next day it was free in the US store too. I don't know how long it will last, so I hope people grab it when they can.
I hope you have a chance to read it and feedback...if it's your kind of thing, that is. I just checked out your blog and it looks interesting. I don't read that many crime books, but I have been broadening my horizons recently... I’ve added to my bookshelf on Goodreads, so I'll read and feedback at some point. :)
Thanks for taking the time to say hello and the good wishes. Ditto.
PJ
It's certainly getting you a bigger readership!
ReplyDeleteThe three I have put on Kindle at 99 cents have sold about 500 in ten days, so I've a way to go yet to reach you!
I don't just write crime by the way - I've written a vampire book (once bitten) which you can download as a PDF for free at
http://www.stephenleather.com/unpub.html
I read the comments about editing... you don't need a professional proofreader ('cos they're expensive) but you definitely need to get at least two other people to read it looking for spelling mistakes and stuff. Offer them a reward for every mistake they find! But the beauty of Kindle of course is that you can constantly be updating your work as you spot mistakes!
Best of luck,
Stephen
Hi Penelope!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your book! I had a hard time putting it down! I love to read, and I have written a book of my own, how do I go about publishing it?
Donna j
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
Well, I'm no expert, I've only released one eBook and am just getting ready to release a Print Version, but I used Smashwords to distribute my eBook. Its easy, free and many people use it.
I'd start there :) Let me know how you do.
Hai! Loved Demon Girl, can't wait for the sequel.
ReplyDeleteGlad I didn't read the review before the book! How many spoilers?
I'm guessing the comments about proof- reading/ editing have already been made. I find the main problem with trying to do it yourself is you tend to see what you expect to see when reading your own work. You also understand what you mean, so miss any unintended ambiguities. I doubt you need to bribe your proof readers though, surely getting to read the story early should be incentive enough!
Hai back!
ReplyDeleteI don't think hearing someone liked my book will ever get old. Thank you for taking the time to feedback.
Yes, I became blind to the mistakes the readers pointed out, but I'm glad they did, rather than ignoring it. It means I can fix it, and ensure it never happens again.
You're right that I now have no shortage of offers to read my MS beforehand, so life will be a little easier on that front :)
Thanks,
This book was an extremely fresh read for me and I loved every moment of it. my only criticism is the major spelling & grammar errors. Other than that - great work and can't wait to read the next book
ReplyDeleteThanks for feeding back James. I'm glad you liked it. I promise the sequel will be better polished, as so hopefully the criticism will be MIA. :)
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ReplyDelete