Tonya Coffey's Blog - Posts Tagged "series"
Reviewers
For my second book I have worked hard trying to find reviewers interested in reading book 1 and 2. I gave out books and epubs just so I could get a review and others would see what the books were about from another persons point of view.
When I contacted the blogs and individuals, I asked that they read the books and place their review within a reasonable time. I felt as if four weeks - per book - was sufficient. Most people, who like to read, can read one book in two days. I get they have others to review as well, but why agree to do something if you know you can't?
I have agreed to review swaps. For some odd reason, I am the one who places the review first and I am still waiting on those people to add their review for my book.
It is so frustrating knowing who to trust with their word. I guess I am old fashioned because I believe your word is everything. If you say you are going to do something then do it.
Another thing about reviews, how bluntly honest should you even be? I have read a few books where I spot mistakes and I am not an editor. Should you point out everything or should you look at the story in a different way? Look at the plot, the descriptions, the characters.
I read one book that I was so surprised at the mistakes. This book is a best seller and has over fifty positive reviews. I reviewed it and I gave it a good review because of the details in the story. Is it wrong to do that? Should I tell them they need an editor to look over their story?
I don't know. Sometimes I feel as if I am struggling to stay above water. With husband, kids, and other problems that loom to every person who has only one income, I am beginning to think I picked a bad time to follow my dream of writing.
If the reviewers I contacted will not post a review and share their thoughts with their readers, I don't know if my husband will allow the series to continue.
When I contacted the blogs and individuals, I asked that they read the books and place their review within a reasonable time. I felt as if four weeks - per book - was sufficient. Most people, who like to read, can read one book in two days. I get they have others to review as well, but why agree to do something if you know you can't?
I have agreed to review swaps. For some odd reason, I am the one who places the review first and I am still waiting on those people to add their review for my book.
It is so frustrating knowing who to trust with their word. I guess I am old fashioned because I believe your word is everything. If you say you are going to do something then do it.
Another thing about reviews, how bluntly honest should you even be? I have read a few books where I spot mistakes and I am not an editor. Should you point out everything or should you look at the story in a different way? Look at the plot, the descriptions, the characters.
I read one book that I was so surprised at the mistakes. This book is a best seller and has over fifty positive reviews. I reviewed it and I gave it a good review because of the details in the story. Is it wrong to do that? Should I tell them they need an editor to look over their story?
I don't know. Sometimes I feel as if I am struggling to stay above water. With husband, kids, and other problems that loom to every person who has only one income, I am beginning to think I picked a bad time to follow my dream of writing.
If the reviewers I contacted will not post a review and share their thoughts with their readers, I don't know if my husband will allow the series to continue.
Book Signing 2
I had a wonderful time last night at my book signing. I meet a bunch of people who didn't know about the first book and fans who came to buy the second. One girl in particular inspires me more than I do her. She is a teenager who wants to become a writer one day. She has a leg up on her goal, she writes for the local newspaper and I'm very proud of her.
We talk through email and I hope one day she becomes the author she wants to be, because I think she has lots of potential and drive.
It's strange how it makes a person feel standing next to their books and people glance at you as they walk by. I'm in a library so I hate to ask them to buy my book, but I do. I ask them how they are, if they like fantasy and tell them about the series. Usually, 8 out of 10 will tell me sorry, they don't have any money. So I smile and say well they have here in the library you can check it out. They usually smile bigger than me and say, I will defiantly do that.
I understand how hard it is for most people and I don't expect everyone to buy a book but I hope they do. :)
We talk through email and I hope one day she becomes the author she wants to be, because I think she has lots of potential and drive.
It's strange how it makes a person feel standing next to their books and people glance at you as they walk by. I'm in a library so I hate to ask them to buy my book, but I do. I ask them how they are, if they like fantasy and tell them about the series. Usually, 8 out of 10 will tell me sorry, they don't have any money. So I smile and say well they have here in the library you can check it out. They usually smile bigger than me and say, I will defiantly do that.
I understand how hard it is for most people and I don't expect everyone to buy a book but I hope they do. :)
Next Book
I have been working nonstop on book 3, Pink Moon, of my series. I have done the first couple of drafts and am now in the final rewrite before I send it to my publisher. I am worried however that I may have taken it into a direction that doesn't make a lot of sense. The main points are still there, I just let one of the characters drift off more. They are lost you could say.
When I started the book, I had a clear sight of what I wanted to happen at the end, the middle and the beginning. For some odd reason, things happened in between each of these places that make me wonder if I should completely redo the book.
I think I'm just second guessing myself since writers are there own worst critiques.
I don't know though. What to do?
I think I will read it all over again, really focus on the small things and make my decision.
When I started the book, I had a clear sight of what I wanted to happen at the end, the middle and the beginning. For some odd reason, things happened in between each of these places that make me wonder if I should completely redo the book.
I think I'm just second guessing myself since writers are there own worst critiques.
I don't know though. What to do?
I think I will read it all over again, really focus on the small things and make my decision.
