Interview with a Book Blogger!

Today I’m doing something different. I have Bells (a huge fan who became a close friend -- the image above was taken this year at Lori Foster's Reader and Author Get Together), from Hanging With Bells with me. She’s going to provide a bit on insight on what book reviewers look for in books and how to approach blogs when you’re interested in promoting your work.

Jaime: Thanks for doing this, Bells! Welcome to Romancing the Muses!

Bells: Thanks for having me. I feel so special… and weird because I’m usually the one doing the interviewing.

Jaime: *laughs* You’re so silly. Relax, this won’t hurt…much. First question: Say an author wants to visit your blog or get a review. What is the best way to go about it?

Bells: Most of the authors that I chat with on Twitter will ask if anyone is looking for guest posts for their blogs and that's how I usually get an interview. I have had authors that have contacted me by email as well that were interested on having an interview on my blog. For me it’s best to contact via email or Twitter (where I usually hang out all day long).

Jaime: I know you’re obsession with Twitter! Can you tell us what you enjoy about authors?

Bells: I enjoy authors that seem down to earth such as myself. I tend to gravitate towards more authors that seem to have the same likes that I do. I am all about positivity! I love to laugh and there are so many authors on Twitter that make me chuckle all the time. That includes you as well. That is how we first bonded. Discussing the Twilight movies and what parts of them that made us laugh.

Jaime: Oh Lord, I remember that! Those were the days. I’m aware of bloggers who can be afraid of having authors if they feel they’ll lash out at a less than stellar review, or will argue with the reviewer. As an author myself, I always say it’s best to say thank you or nothing at all. What’s your take?

Bells: That’s kinda hard to answer, because authors are people too. They’re human and have emotions just like everyone else. I know as hard as it must be to want to say something, it’s best not to. There seems to be a lot of backlash when they speak out. You’ll see this on Twitter when an author says something negative and reviewers may start talking.

Jaime: Oh man, I remember the author who had a mug created after she went “snake” on a reviewer. It wasn’t pretty.

Bells: *laughs*

Jaime: Okay, next question: I’ve done posts before where I’ve mentioned it’s best to research book bloggers prior to submitting. Some bloggers prefer urban fantasy, others enjoy erotic romance. How important do you think it is for authors to place their work with readers who will enjoy it?

Bells: I think it’s very important. You want to make sure your book is going to appeal to the person reading it. If you give someone a historical when they don’t like historical the odds are they won’t like it. Sometimes people will enjoy books that aren’t what they typically read, but that isn’t always the case. If you want to get positive feedback it’s always good to check out the preferences of the book blogger you approach.

Jaime: Since our kids are going nuts (they are screaming as we’re doing this interview on the phone), I’m going to wrap things up. So final question: eBooks are becoming very popular. Are you finding you prefer eBooks to print?

Bells: I’m going to say…no. Even though I own a Kindle, I still seem to enjoy reading a paper copy more. I will read from my Kindle if I have to, but most of the time I prefer print. That said, it’s weird because there are times when I get into my Kindle. But there are others times when I go, “Meh.” Snuggling an eReader is not the same as snuggling with a paperback.

Jaime: Okay, I lied. One more question: I do know you read books from authors who are at ePublishers. Do prefer books from New York authors (who are in mass market paperback)? Or will you give anything that strikes your fancy a chance?

Bells: As long as the work appeals to me, entertains me, and has good writing, then that’s all that matters.

This week's eye candy of the week is for Bells. You can find her at Hanging With Bells, which isn’t your average book blog. She also lists new movie and music releases, as well as shares her Hump Day Hottie each week. If you haven’t visited, be sure to swing by and say hello!

Reviews & Authors: Between They Shall Meet

I touched on this issue on my own blog not long ago. Since then, a few authors have spoken in regard to the same thing. What am I talking about? The changing relationship between reviewers, book bloggers, and authors.

Nowadays, it's very easy for authors to rub elbows with book bloggers. On Twitter, it's a common occurrence. When a reviewer reads a book they like, they might follow the author. Or, if the author likes the reviewer, they can do the same. A quasi relationship develops. They talk, they mingle, and suddenly it becomes an area of grey. The trouble is, what happens when authors have been burned by reviewers, or find that they no longer want to respond to them or interact with them because they find their opinions of their work (or the work of others) snarky, rude, and without any redeeming factors that will assist an author in becoming better at their craft?

Personally, I think it's a double-edged sword. I'm a people person. I LOVE people. Don't believe me, ask Madelyn Ford. When we met, she told me straight out she didn't talk on the phone. Now? We talk every single day (she can't escape me, mwhahaha!). So when book bloggers started following me on Twitter, I reciprocated. Soon, I was talking to several of them. I didn't find it an issue. After all, some of them like my work, some don't, and others haven't even read my stuff.

With that said...

I've been fortunate. Those who dislike my work approach it with tact and respect. I've never been flamed on a book blog, nor have I been raked across the coals. If people disliked what I created, they stated why, mentioned what they did like, and left it at that. However, I know of a few authors who, after receiving very nasty reviews, have vowed never to submit their books for review again. I suppose that's bound to happen. Not all people review in the same manner.

I will say that I think that as time goes on, the relationships between book bloggers and authors will change. Why? Because authors are becoming frustrated with their inability to respond (even if they remain professional) to a negative or mean spirited review. This is considered bad behavior. Even if the reviewer has no such qualms about speaking out and saying whatever they'd like. Don't misunderstand me, reviewers have every right to their opinion. However, when you have such a huge chasm, one in which one person is granted a freedom another isn't, problems are bound to arise.

Recently, I've been trying to decide what to do when it comes to book reviews. When I started, I contacted several bloggers to ask if they were interested in reading my books. Now, I'm aware of which reviewers enjoy my voice and work, as well as those who don't. So the question becomes -- do I submit a review request? Or do I wait and see if I'm contacted about the book? No longer am I totally nameless in the writing world (that isn't to say I'm well known, just that I've developed a small following of readers) so is it really necessary to put myself out there (it is EXTREMELY difficult to request a review)? Do I have to put myself through the wringer as I wait to see if people like what I write? Is it better to allow them to come to me versus the other way around?

The simple answer is I don't know.

In this new age of reader/author interaction, it was only a matter of time before things like this became an issue. Back in the day, publishers submitted books for review (and most still do). Now authors are responsible for doing their own promo, this includes getting their name out there and contacting people to read their work and spread the word. It's a tricky bridge to cross. Authors have to do what they have to do, but if they decide to distance themselves from book bloggers and reviewers, is it a bad thing? Or simply a personal choice?

Another issue is the "reviews are for readers, not authors," thing. Most reviewers maintain that their reviews are to inform other readers about books they like and dislike. However, some authors have been quick to voice (even if it's behind closed doors) that book reviewers have a mob mentality. Like the popular crowd in high school, if one of the most liked students loves something, others will most likely love it as well. Because, let's face it, no one likes to be the "loner." Don't believe me? Let's just say I remember speaking to a book blogger several months ago who read a book, stated he/she disliked it, and was immediately bombarded with comments such as, "How could you NOT like this book?" When things like this happen, it becomes less about honesty and more about fitting in with the crowd. If this is true, then if a book receives a negative following, an author is bound to retaliate at some point. Just sayin'.

I, for one, hope there can be a common ground. Authors create stories to keep readers entertained. Readers provide authors with money to pay their bills. It's just the way the world works. I would like to point one blog by one of my favorite authors, Lilith Saintcrow, who addresses this trend. She has some excellent points.

Review Does Not Mean Immune

I'm curious about what you think about the entire situation. Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Now, for that eye candy! Happy Hump Day!

Know Your Book Bloggers

Once you finish you book, are contracted, and have a release date, it's time to enter into that hazy world of promotion.  For a new author, the task can be very daunting.  Not only are there venues such as Twitter and Facebook to introduce yourself (in which you have to be extremely careful to avoid a hard sell), but there are also various other methods to get your name out there.  It can become confusing, especially when you're doing all that you can and sales don't seem to be climbing.

However, I've found there is one surefire way to gain recognition -- book bloggers. They are people who, at heart, enjoy reading great stories.  Most take review requests and are more than willing to have you on the blog to guest host, answer questions, or provide a giveaway to their followers. Since the blogging community is very close, it's also a great way to spread the word about your work. A solid following will ensure that more people give your work a shot, which is an author's heaven when they are brand new and need to develop a name for themselves.

Another great thing is that book bloggers are also on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. This allows them to spread the word even further.  All it takes is one enthralling story to ensure they will be talking about your recent work, how much they enjoyed it, and recommending it to all their friends. I've found a majority of the book bloggers I submit my material to simply by doing some research. Look for those who enjoy your genre, are open to requests, and be sure to read their reviews. The key is to find people who have a grasp for reviewing, a solid handle on their audience, and a good reputation.

Much like searching for a place to submit your work, be sure you know who you're sending your book to assist you in promoting your story.  Things like their number of followers and the layout of the site is important, but secondary to the primary objective -- to obtain a good review (that positive or negative, weighs the pros and the cons).  Do your research before release, find bloggers who interest you, and start setting up a schedule.  Once that's done, be sure to check in daily when you visit, say hello to those who stop by, and before long the effort will pay off.

In a saturated market, it's always best to find your own little niche. All it takes is a posse of devoted book lovers to make that happen.