Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Hi Folks, I am looking for free ARC's to review.
Head's up, I am not a Pro Reviewer, but will give honest FREE feedback. Coffees are great but not required. The Blog is new, but I expect it to gain traction. It's up to you to believe!

My artwork comes first and my time is limited. Any review will be posted and reposted to my X-Feed. My preference is well-written, Historical Fiction, Fantasy Fiction and Intrigue, but covers most genres except erotica and marketing.
Take a look at my reading list on Goodreads.
Pulp-Fiction is fine as long as it is very well written.
It doesn’t have to be Dostoevsky but aim high.
I will not focus on Grammar etc, but on the quality of storytelling.
– Provide a free ARC in either EPUB or PDF
– Send to me or provide a link to the download, a short book description and size of the book

Drop past here or my new blog, www.UPosted.com
Good luck all.
Murray

How do you feel about dystopian science fiction?

Gail wrote: "How do you feel about dystopian science fiction?"
I enjoy all good Sci-fi, I have a high bar to be called good, as I have over 50 years of reading the genre (and fantasy). But I am willing to read and review. Contact me on Murraywinn.com or Uposted.com Include some info on the book etc etc I can cope with EPUB or PDF. Then we can email etc once I have your contact.
Regards, Murray

Hi Folks, I feel it necessary to have a "rant".
In an older post, I mentioned that I was looking for reviews for my memoirs, I also mentioned (wrongly) that a review swap may be possible - UPDATE - I WILL NOT SWAP REVIEWS!
Let's face it, I'm 70 and can drive a keyboard, but book stuff is new to me. Anyway, I am committed to my "Pay it Forward" Free Reviews". I was only recently aware of the Amazon review rules but am now up to speed, from a quite Shouty, Forceful Anonymous email saying I would be reported to Amazon and that I was now being "watched" by some unknown spy.

My rant is - I am receiving MANY unsolicited emails (Spam) offering PAID reviews. Now, Maybe those same spies can spend more time catching the spammy marketers instead of harassing a 70-year-old new author. Or, maybe they want to encourage the business model of review spam.... I don't know, but, I think a professional moderators comment reminding one of the rules is more professional than the email I received.
Rant over.

Yes, I am still offering free reviews as time permits.
Keep well all
Murray

Perhaps you would enjoy one of my books. I would be honored. You can contact me at my website if you would like. https://patspencer.net

Story of a Stolen Girl


Golden Boxty in the Frypan
A Baker's Dozen For Writers: 13 Tips for Great Storytelling

Hi Murray,

If I may, perhaps the anonymous emailer spy should visit your site. You've made it very clear that you aren't offering a pay-to-play review or a quid pro quo review.

One thing that might clear that up even more (you'll love this part) is to meet Federal Trade Commission guidelines. Here's a link to what they're looking for: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance...

Stellar Nursery Media (my boss) has a database of SF reviewer sites and we've observed most of them have some language that specifically addresses FTC concerns. I know, OMFT right? (stands for One More Freakin' Thing). After all, you were just wanting to put up a review site to get traffic who might be interested in picking up your book too. Just part of the marketing plan. Now you're probably thinking, why did I bother?

It's one way to do it. You've already noticed that getting reviews is a challenge on the internet. Especially if you're like me and not very social.

Reviewing books will slowly (think ice melting in the arctic) get you followers on your site. More of those means more authors/publishers contacting you for reviews. More reviews means more followers. Or at least that's the theory. So sure, accept the folks who've responded here that would like you to review their books. Might even consider a form that has THEM fill in the majority of info. After all, they have the publishing info (ISBN, Amazon link, their website, probably a blurb)... lets you flesh out the initial portion of the review. Just leaves your words describing your assessment about the plot, characters, etc.

Just please be careful that you don't get bogged down spending more time reviewing than writing. That's my two cents. Might be good if others chimed in... but like most things on social media nowadays, people subscribe/follow but don't actually read/respond. Just sayin'.

Pat wrote: "Perhaps you would enjoy one of my books. I would be honored. You can contact me at my website if you would like. https://patspencer.net

Story of a Stolen Girl
[bookcover:Story of a..."

Hi Pat, interesting topics. I will take a look. Thanks

Wells wrote: "Hi Murray,

If I may, perhaps the anonymous emailer spy should visit your site. You've made it very clear that you aren't offering a pay-to-play review or a quid pro quo review.

One thing that mi..."

Hi Wells. Thank you for the two cents, they were well spent. I am perfectly OK with a rules-based system. Your thoughts are most welcome. Yes, on both MurrayWinn and Uposted, I am looking to "pay it forward" for both art and writing. I will also look at your suggestions. Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

Murray wrote: "Wells wrote: "Hi Murray,

If I may, perhaps the anonymous emailer spy should visit your site. You've made it very clear that you aren't offering a pay-to-play review or a quid pro quo review.

One..."
Murray, if you would please email bbsmart@stellarnursery.net (so you don't have to put your own email up here)

Hi Murray, would you be interested to read and review book for toddlers to learn colors and shapes? Thanks!

Book title:
“Colors in Triangles - Inspiring Curiosity “

Blurb:
Beyond simply introducing concepts, this book delights and encourages children to explore, ask questions, and foster a love of learning through engagement and curiosity.
Follow our endearing protagonist as he curiously asks, ‘What can a (color) triangle be?' From the carefree purple kite to the irresistible brown chocolate, each page unveils vibrant colors found in everyday objects, nurturing early learning and language development.
This book goes beyond introducing colors and shapes by crafting a joyful reading experience. With rhythmic rhymes and repetition, the book aids in language development, while the lively illustrations make learning a visual delight.

Hi Lil,
This is wayyy out of what I have experience with. While I explored something similar in meditation practice, I do not think I am qualified to comment on children's learning, as important as it is. I would love to say yes, but think I am out of my depth with knowing what a piques a youngsters interest etc and what can pass as "teaching the young". So, If you run out of options, or are willing to have an "unqualified" review, contact me via murraywinn.com and I can give it a shot. I am not in a position to purchase a book for review, an ARC ebook suites me better.
Good luck with the book.

Murray wrote: "Hi Lil,
This is wayyy out of what I think I can objectively handle. While I explored something similar in meditation practice, I do not think I am qualified to comment on children's learning, as im..."

Hi Murray, No worries! But still thank you for being so gracious.

Regards

Lil Rustle

I am looking for ARC reviewers for my middle grade novel.
- Do you review books intended for kids between 8 and 13 years of age?
- Do you post your review on Goodreads, Amazon or social media platforms?

Thanks
Howard