Last Updated on: March 1st, 2015
Is offering an autographed book in exchange for a review a sweet deal? I think it is, if it involves a book I want to read, and so did the three authors with whom I have struck deals! They all responded the same way: Yes! Yes! Yes!
In face, Lisa Jacskon herself saw this post, and took me up on my offer. She, indeed, sent me an autographed book! 🙂
A while back, I made some arrangements with a few authors. Basically, I offered to write a review and a blog post in exchange for an autographed copy of their book. Well, the reviews have been written and posted, and so now I am writing this to fulfill my final requirement.
PLEASE NOTE THAT, IN THE FUTURE, ALL REVIEWS WILL FOCUS ON ONLY ONE AUTHOR. (I was a “newbie” when I first started doing this, but now I see the importance and the value of devoting a post to each author I feature.)
PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT BOOK REVIEWS WILL BE POSTED ON MY AUTHOR WEBSITE, TOO, INSTEAD OF ON WORDING WELL.
For now, I’m going to simply tell you about the books I’ve read already…
Drumroll, please…
These are the autographed books that were sent to me!
Book 1
I wrote a review on Goodreads for Patricia Sheehy, who answered the questions I had for her in this interview. Here is the review I wrote for her:
Veil Of Illusion is a love story with an air of mystery, and the connections between the characters and their experiences are plausible. A believable tale, with just the right amount of modern spoken language and descriptive narrative makes the premise of the backstory realistic and worth pondering. Having never read a metaphysical novel before, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Veil Of Illusion was an easy, satisfying read. I have even deemed this novel worthy of a second reading!
I also posted this review on Barnes & Noble, and on her Facebook page. I was unable to post a review to Amazon (also part of our deal) since I don’t have a credit card and Amazon does not allow any non-customers to post reviews.
(UPDATE: I can now post to Amazon, as I received a gift card and was able to make a purchase, which has enabled me to write reviews. I have also posted my reviews to Amazon for all of the books I’ve read and written reviews for on Goodreads.)
I explained this to Patricia, and she understood that I was unable to fulfil this part of our deal. From this experience, I learned what I was capable of doing. It is important to note that Patricia was the first author with whom I worked.
She’s a sweetheart, too, since she inscribed my copy of Veil of Illusion with “for Lorraine—a real doll to work with—wishing you lifetimes of happiness—“
Book 2
When I approached Melissa Bowersock, I offered her a slightly different deal—a posting on Goodreads and a blog post.
This is now my standard offer to authors who wish to get an honest review from me!
I also now devote one post per author, unlike the combinatorial post this is.
Some of you may remember the interview I did with Melissa Bowersock, in which she revealed a lot of information about self-publishing. Of the many books she has written, “The Pits of Passion” was the only one I was interested in reading. The autographed inscription—for those of you who are curious—reads: Lorraine—enjoy the ride! Best- Melissa Bowersock AKA Amber Flame. It earned this review from me on Goodreads:
The Pits of Passion is an unbelievable, hilarious tale and an enjoyable, easy read. Captivating from the get-go, this novel will take you on the ride of your life! Elizabeth’s journeys will enable you to ride the high seas with her and her twin lovers, and laugh at the predicaments in which she both finds and loses herself. I have never read a novel quite like this one; The Pits of Passion is in a class of its own! … Congratulations, Melissa, (aka Amber Flame) for doing what so many writers fail to do! Also, thanks for the autographed copy of The Pits of Passion; I treasure it!
Melissa has just completed a new story, a ghost story, Stone’s Ghost and has sent it to me to both edit and enjoy.
(I pointed out three minor oopsies in The Pits of Passion for her to correct. She was so impressed with my sharp eyes that she wanted my eyes on Stone’s Ghost.)
Book 3
The final novel depicted in the above photo is Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It, by authors Jen J. Danna and Ann Vanderlaan. It is a mystery, which is my absolute favorite type of book to read. (I will be interviewing Jen in an upcoming post, since she agreed to answer a few questions I had about traditional publishing and the process.) Since her book is due to be released tomorrow, she’s a bit busy! (UPDATE: You can check out our first interview, learn about her novella, and read my review for her third novel.)
The inscription reads “Lorraine, Thanks for hosting me on your blog. Enjoy the book! Jen.”
I have to tell you all that I REALLY enjoyed this book!The review I wrote for this novel is as follows:
What a way to make a debut! I am a voracious reader, and LOVE mysteries, murder mysteries, and crime novels. Authors Jen J. Danna and Ann Vanderlaan have a talent for writing AND and a talent for crafting a gripping, interesting, and twisting story! I did not want this book to end! Each line was a pleasure to read. Never have I said that about another novel. I am saying it here, simply because it’s the truth.
“Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It” is an excellent book. When recommending books to others, I usually rate my overall reading experience on a 1 – 10 scale. Not too many make it past 8. I have only ever given one 10. I give this book a 9! (I don’t do “halves”, otherwise I would have to give it a 9.5!)Rounding up, I have to give it 5 stars here!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who (a) loves a good mystery or (b) loves to read great writing. The best part: there are at least two more books that we can look forward to—this is the first book in a series! I know this since I interviewed Jen J. Danna on my blog! (Watch for the post.) Congratulations on making your debut novel an awesome one, Jen and Ann!
I am looking forward to the next two books in this series, and (crossing my fingers) am hoping that I can negotiate the same “deal” with Jen (and Ann) when they are available! 😉
Another Update:
I have received more books – some autographed, some not – for free, in exchange for a Goodreads review and a blog post.
I’ve also interviewed several authors. I’ve even hosted a few giveaways!!!
You might want to check them out!
My Interview With the Author (+ My Review) of I WILL NEVER FORGET
My book review of Meaning, Self, and the Human Potential
A Special Featured Friday, Featuring Author Donna Jean McDunn, and A BOOK GIVEAWAY!
A NEW GIVEAWAY! Featuring: Author Jamie Lynn Miller + Her Tell-All Interview!
My Book Review of Molly Greene’s “Rapunzel”
Calling all authors
If you are an author who writes mysteries or crime novels, and would like me to do a review for you, feel free to contact me at lorrainemariereguly(at)gmail(dot)com with the subject heading: Review Requested.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and commenting!
Getting autographed copies can be fun, but nowadays I find myself wanting to read eBooks and not collect anymore print books. So that presents a conundrum when it comes to how to get autographs without getting a book… maybe a signed picture would suffice?
I read something last week about an app that will let authors take a picture with a reader at a book signing, for readers who read off tablets and e-readers. It will let the buyer take a picture with the author and then it will let the author sign the picture, digitally, somehow. I don’t know if this is available yet, but it will be soon. Apparently.
It used to be a “big deal” to have a signed book. Not so much anymore. I think it depends on the individual, and what s/he values!
Lorraine I enjoyed reading your reviews about the above authors and will be looking to read those books in the near future. I just started blogging over the past year but never published any of them until today. I published 3 today and have shared them with my Google account. One is titles “What would it be like to have lived in the 1800’s” , One is about our local Heritage center and our Towns Bluff &is titled ” Towns Bluff Park and Heritage Center & the last is titled ” Things TO DO In Georgia” if you would like to critique them for me I would appreciate it.
Thanks, Debra. These books ARE good.
I took a look at your posts, and they are well-written. 🙂 I did not realize you knew so much about Georgia!
Lorraine,
I’ll do that because I will need some beta readers, although that won’t be a signed copy of the finished book.
Sunni
Email me when the time comes, and I will see what I can do for you! 🙂
Sorry about that typing error. That’s what happens when you’re in a hurry.
Sunni
What typing error?
Lorraine,
I’m working on my first mystery novel. I usually write fantasy. It is being editied now and I have some rewrites to do, so it won’t be out until later this year. I’ll think about that review.
Sunni
Hmmm. I love mysteries. Keep me in mind, please, when looking for *ahem*I*think*the*term*is* “beta readers” (?)!
Thanks again for hosting me and I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed DEAD! 🙂
I loved it, Jen! Thanks for commenting, and for everything else, too! 😛
I love collecting autographed books as well. Helps that there’s load of book signings in LA. But asking for a review book is an awesome way to get copies, help an author and enjoy a new story!
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
If you don’t ask, you risk nothing. If you ask, one of two things will happen. You’ll be told either “no”, or, in my case, “yes”. You cannot get a “yes” if you don’t ask! I’m so glad I asked!!! 🙂
Lorraine, thanks for the very nice review; I’m glad you enjoyed The Pits of Passion. It’s not for everyone, but for those with a twisted sense of humor, it’s perfect!
It made ME laugh! I have a few favorite “parts”. Like when she contemplated her position…when she was sitting in the tub and…
Well, I don’t want to give away the joke and ruin it for others who might want to read it! I WILL say, though, that the blurb on the back cover DOES NOT do the book justice, as it is so much MORE than what it says… 🙂 Thanks again for the ride! 🙂
THIS is how the relationship between bloggers and authors (and others) should work! Fantastic job, Lorraine!
Thanks, Toby! I completely agree with you!