On Writing
How do you get a book published?
There are lots of different ways! I worked with a non-traditional small publisher, which helped me keep a lot of creative control over my book while still getting the editorial support that traditionally published books receive. For future work, I hope to publish with a literary agent at a major press.
Will you talk to my classroom/be on my podcast/blurb my book?
Almost definitely yes! Send me an email through my contact form.
Will you read my manuscript and give me feedback?
Almost definitely no, outside of paid editorial work. If you want to talk about that, you can send me an email too!
When did you start writing QUEEN OF ALL?
When I was about eleven or twelve. It took me ten years to finish and five years to publish.
On Reviewing
What is your review policy?
I try to review everything that is sent to me! My preferred format is a hard review copy. I know this costs you money to send to me, so I can also accept a PDF. Send me a message through my contact form for info!
What do you do with your reviews?
I’ll post them here and on Goodreads. I don’t post on Amazon for ethical reasons.
What is your rating system?
I only rate on Goodreads, not on this blog. I don’t think rating works of art is particularly constructive, but when I can in good conscience provide a star rating that could help an author on another platform, I will. They are as follows:
Five stars: Enthusiastically loved this book. The standard is not perfection, but passion–I’d be excited to recommend it to a friend and read it again myself.
Four stars: A very good book. Technically sound, with successful mastery of at least most of the major elements (plot, character, pacing, theme, worldbuilding, and style). I’d happily read more by the same author and could see myself returning to this book.
Three stars: A good book. Usually this is my rating when the elements of the book are good (likable characters, interesting worldbuilding, compelling plot, etc) but the execution is lacking, or vice versa. I won’t leave this rating on Goodreads unless asked.
Two stars: I didn’t enjoy reading this book. Probably I found some or most of the listed elements to be lacking, most often style or writing quality, or I thought one of the book’s central ideas was offensive or badly thought out. I won’t leave this rating on Goodreads unless asked.
One star: I didn’t enjoy this book, and I thought there was something outright offensive or harmful about it.
What is your review approach?
I work hard to take every book on its own terms (as much as I can deduce them as a reader) and then evaluate how much I felt like it succeeded on those terms. I try to treat every book, from self-published to the biggest names in publishing, with equal seriousness, and apply the same critical standards to both the work and the ideas expressed in it.
Why should I send you a copy of my book?
Because I want to read it! I love speculative fiction, especially fantasy, and I’m always excited to discover new authors that I will love. I can’t promise a positive review, but I can promise an honest and thoughtful one that will hopefully help you connect with readers that will love your work. I don’t think you should do this because of my “credentials” or what have you, but I am a published author myself and I have an MA in English, so I have the knowledge to provide an informed review, which is what I aim to do!
Case Studies
Case Study A
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Case Study B
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Testimonials
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Jane Done
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Jane Doe
Anya Josephs 