Sci-Fi, fantasy and speculative Indie Authors Review discussion

I know a lot of other group do this and I was wondering if there were any takers here; basically from a choice of six we all vote on what book we want to read and discuss the following month. In our case it will be a self pub/ indie book. Anyone interested?

I'd run it like this;

Accept suggestions from group members.
Set up the most popular choices.
Group members vote.
Result announced.
Everyone who wants to participate can then acquire and read said book.
We have a discussion topic on it the following month.

I was going to say that you couldn't nominate your own book but thinking about it that's actually counter intuitive. (Afterall it's a great chance to connect with the sort of people you want in your audience and make some sales and for the readers it's a chance to discover great new authors; slightly more win in favor of the author but still win:win.) So if you wanted to nominate one of your own books that's fine. The vote would choose which book is book of the month and is read anyway.

Am I making sense so far? Good.

Ok. If we go ahead with this I undertake to be fair, impartial, honest and immune to bribery and flattery (since I'd be the only one to see the nominations.) In return I trust you all not to form little conclaves to fix a result.

Actually I think everyone would deal honestly but it's best to be open about it.

Nominations don't have to be your own book or someone you know's book; If you've discovered a great indie read please feel free to put it forward.

Right, time to test the water and get my suggestion poked full of holes. If you're interested in trying this please say so below. Participation isn't mandatory and you can dip in and out each month.
If you foresee any problems also please so below.

(As a sweetener, I promise that I will personally write an honest review for every book of the month that gets voted in and read.)

I suppose group-reading shorter pieces (short stories, novellas, book excerpts even) is out of the question? I like the general idea a lot, the only problem being of whether I could fit in a full-length book every month. As I remember you saying yourself, there's not enough time (and, of course, there's even less of it left now than there was then!).

No reason we couldn't do collections of short stories or novellas. In fairness I realise I read voraciously ( 3 books a week on average) and that perhaps not everyone manages the same. That said if you only get two thirds of the way in, you can still contribute to discussions? Or pitch in when you finish? I'd leave each monthly thread open. I'm thinking of books of around 120,000-150,000 words max (and probably averaging around 90,000 words) not lord of the rings length stuff ;)

I like the idea of including, or even prioritising, books that have been written by members of the group (where's that 'cherubic, innocent face' smiley?). I agree with Richard that monthly might be a bit of a stretch - aim for every two months, or four in a year perhaps? I just haven't had time for a group read since last November. With regard to honest criticism and vote-rigging concerns, I think everyone here's grown up enough to play with a straight bat?

(I read voraciously when I have the time and head-space. At the moment it's a choice of a few minutes in the day in which to read or write, and writing generally wins)

I read quite a lot, too, and I'm having a hard time finding well-written books of the kind of Science Fiction that I like. Admittedly, I look for freebies and books at Amazon that can be borrowed under the prime members program, but I'm almost afraid to plunk down real money for an indie author because there is so much that I dislike when I get into it. And, hate to say it, that's coming from an indie author. I think it would be good to feature some books of varying genres--hard Science Fiction (my pick), Fantasy, and whatever other divisions that are out there.

We could start it off as a two monthly thing and then if people were getting two weeks in and finishing the book, up it to monthly? Matt what do you think?

I see your point Ken. I'm probably slightly less risk averse when buying books but not much. That said if we let people nominate their own books then there is a certain amount quality assurance, as they would be putting their reputations as writers on the line at the same time. There is also a benefit in having a few recommendations to help us find new authors.

So that's a potential club of four so far then. Anyone else interested?

It's somewhat serendipitous that I run across this at this particular time. I have recently joined the ranks of indies myself, and have come nose-to-nose with the incredible difficulty that indies have in getting their work before an audience. Prompted by my own experience, I have vowed to read and review a much higher preponderance of indies than I ever would have considered before, and a project like this fits right into my plan to help them (us) get more exposure for their hard work. If you can get this rolling, I'm in, and I have a suggestion for an opening work: The Crusader by J.P. Wilder, one of our Goodreads members. I just bought it to read and review. It's 40 pages on my Nook, should go down easy, and be a good "getting our feet wet" exercise. According to the blurb, it's a historical fantasy about a crusader who encounters magic and mysticism in the Holy Lands, and may lead to a larger work if it's well-received.

Not trying to hijack your project here, just suggesting. This has the look of a great idea, and I'd love to be on board when you launch.

That's great, Jack. Glad you're on board and thanks for the suggestion. Will add it to the 'to read' pile for voting in :)

I've found that since I started writing novels I get far less time for reading them :-(

Also I find myself looking at those I do read more 'technically'so I have to read authors a lot better than me before I enjoy them properly.

I suppose humility insists I admit that this still leaves an awful lot of good reading out there.

I do know what you mean, Jim. Effectively writing creatively uses the same mental toolset as reading the creative efforts of others. Constant use of any faculties is exhausting. And yes it is very easy to fall into the habit of reading technically or even comparatively ;) still I think between us we could all come up with palatable suggestions, which, while allowing for individual preference and taste, would still be well written enough not to be irritating. Can we count you as a maybe?

That is a good idea, Shanna. There is a lot of benefit for the author if a significant number of group members buy and read (and hopefully review) as well as discuss their book. I currently don't have anything to offer but I am working on a novella of my own so I'd be willing to do the same when I did.

Those published by indie publishers may not have much say in pricing but self pub authors might. What does everyone think?

I can see if I can get a deal...

Are we talking paperback or ebook here?

Given that an awful lot seem to be pitched cheaper than the £1 or $1.50 mark, price shouldn't be a big deal

Well I was more thinking ebook but it's really up to the reader.

I assumed you were J.A. That's why I felt that not many would be disadvantaged by the price. Hey, mine is apparently out there for $0.99 at the moment, pick that (says every writer on this august forum):-)

Lol. You're quite welcome to nominate your book when I set up the thread ;)

We'll need the chairman's casting vote, otherwise it'll be a joint winner with every book with the same number of votes, one! :-)

Ken wrote: "I read quite a lot, too, and I'm having a hard time finding well-written books of the kind of Science Fiction that I like. Admittedly, I look for freebies and books at Amazon that can be borrowed ..."

Here's one you can borrow as Amazon Prime: The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth

check out the reviews first. You can also download a free preview copy at www.e7prophecy.com

Enjoy. God Bless.