Please read this helpful article before asking for a review: 5 Things to Do (or NOT to Do) When Asking a Book Influencer to Review Your Book
July 13, 2020
Please read to the END of this paragraph, thank you. As of today, I am not accepting any review requests for the foreseeable future as I am behind and inundated–however, Betanda Shanam, my reviewing colleague, may accept your request. Please see the genres she reads and reviews here.
I don’t review fantasy novels; Betanda does.
Review Policy FAQ
“You know, if you want to be a serious book blogger, you really need to have a review policy.”
“I do?”
“Writers might contact you to review their books. They need to know what you won’t read.”
“Oh, you mean like I will drop a book instantly if there’s abuse in it or the main character has been abused? Or like if it’s all angst and melodrama? Or that I have trouble getting into fantasy novels?”
“Yep, those kinds of things. But you also need to say what you do like.”
“That might take more than a page because I love romances with music or sports or dogs and funny ones. The same with YA novels. But not NA. I haven’t found a NA I like because they seem to substitute sex for brains. I love cookbooks and gardening books and books about herbs and crafts like knitting and self-improvement and meditating and… I guess the best thing would be to check out the genres in my reviewed books. That would also help someone figure out if they really want me to review their book.”
“I get the drift. And mention turnaround time and what happens if you have a book you don’t like.”
“Turnaround time’s a toughie because I have lots of books to review. A crazy amount, but if an author asks far enough in advance… Oh, and I don’t review dishonestly. I can’t and won’t. If I didn’t like a book, it goes in the review. So if an author doesn’t like that possibility, I guess I should suggest they don’t send me their book.”
“What about Indies?”
“I do review Indies, but I limit the frequency. I won’t do one at the last minute. Because of my schedule, I can’t accept any books at the last minute…unless you’re one of my favorite authors in the world and then…maybe.”
“Guest posts? Interviews?”
“Yes! Those are such fun. Are we done here?”
“How can people contact you? That should be on your policy page.”
” saschadarlington@aol.com . Are we done now?”
“I dunno. Let me think about it.
I like your sense of humour, Sasha.
Apologies for getting the spelling of your name wrong, Sascha. Best – Kevin
No problem. Most people and smart correct miss the “c.” 🙂
Thank you. 😀
How many books a month do you read, Sascha?
My calculator has the average for this year being around 13-14; mind you some of those are novellas, cookbooks, and children’s books, which are not as long to read.
Do you ever not finish a book?
Yep. Just this evening. The writer (an Indie) started almost every sentence with “I,” there was too much exposition, and I thought life is too short…. 🙂 Plus, I have too many books that I’ve agreed to read. (sigh–hard work….haha)
Are you open to reviews now? It says late summer, so I wasn’t sure if I should contact you.
Hi, Starr–
I apologize for this late comment. If you’re still looking for reviews, tell Betanda and me what your book’s about and the genre and if one of us can do we’ll get back to you.
I would love for you to review my book. Is there a fee for your work? Thanks for stopping by Poemattic.
Hi, Melba–
We don’t charge a fee. While I don’t have an opening right now, it’s possible that Betanda could be interested if you tell us what your book is about and the genre.
Thanks. Sascha
Thanks! I will be in touch.
So, can you review my stuff this afternoon, hmm?
heh. I can also laugh out loud. 😀
And thanks for making the comment because I found a error in grammar when I went back to read.
What is your highest rating and what is a ladybug compared to a butterfly?
Five butterflies is the highest rating. A ladybug is a half star (I didn’t want to halve a butterfly! lol ). Thank you for asking!