Hi!
If you're reading this, you're probably a newer author (or maybe an already published one looking for more reviewers). This blog will describe to you what my process is to see if we could work together to gain exposure for your works.
|GOAL:
I LOVE to read and for years, I've posted my reviews on Goodreads (njakub) and my private social medias. Late last year (2021), it occurred to me that private reviews do not do the authors much good, so I created an Instagram (wordynerdreviews) to begin posting there for the public.
I'm also in a writing group on Facebook and noticed many authors asking for reviews. That's when my lightbulb went off: I could beta and ARC read for them, then add them to my existing reviewer account. My only motive is to do what I love: read and help authors gain exposure. All services are FREE. You'll see a point below further explaining this.
I recently have decided to also include author interviews, so that's something that's in the works and will slowly be ironed out as WNR grows. I'll include a link to the review itself, but IG is picky about how long the post is, to whereas on here, there's not a set limit.
|PROCESS
First, we privately chat so you can see how I work and have a chance to ask any questions. Below is what I typically send my authors and part of our preliminary discussions:
1. Genres: I'm pretty open to most. If it's not one I've historically loved, I'm usually open to trying and will read 100% of the first chapters if I decide to take on a book. If I decide I cannot get into it because it's not up my alley, I will privately let the author know and no review will be published. I would love to recommend other beta/ARC readers, but haven't quite networked enough to do that yet.
2. Editing: Your work needs to be thoroughly edited. As a beta/ARC reader, these are the last steps to publishing. Betas typically are pre-publish to be sure your editing has been caught as much as it's going to be, as well as to be sure there's not any missed plot holes and to be sure that things flow. ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) reading means you've already been published and really just need reviews to help promote your book. If your editing is off, then I will send it back (politely).
Typically, I will read the first chapter or few and if there are missed edits, I'll post my suggestions on what they should be or how they should be fixed before sending it back to you. If you wish to have further editing help for me, that is the ONLY service I charge for, as it's a tedious job that takes up quite a bit of time and brain power.
*Note: I do NOT expect a 100% perfect editing job. I know even the best of the best have some errors here and there. Overall, though, it's very easy to tell when something has been thoroughly edited versus when it hasn't. I want to get lost in your works, not your errors.
3. Communication: I'm the type of reader to engage with the author as I go. It's usually me thinking out loud about scenes I've loved or how I appreciated specific details, etc.
4. Review Publishing Locations: Once we've agreed on everything and if I choose to take on your book (that sounds harsh. What I really mean is just if I'm able to get into it and the editing is up to par), my review will first be sent to you for an overlook. My format typically includes an intro, pros, cons, and conclusion. You can see examples of this on my Goodreads and IG accounts. I also will publish to book clubs I'm a part of on Facebook, as well as my private social medias, and to Goodreads and Story Graph. If you've got other places you wish for it to be, just let me know and I'll see what I can do.
5. Credentials: Given I'm a reader who has been doing what every other reader does, writing reviews after reading, I don't think "credentials" are necessary. Again, I'm already going to review if I loved it whether or not I know you, so why not help others out while doing so? However, if you're adamant to chat with authors I've worked with, many of them have agreed to be contacted, but let me know ahead of time so I can arrange for it.
6. FREE: I do NOT charge you for my reviews. This also means I do not expect to be charged for your book. I typically receive the books in Word or Google docs, free on Kindle (I do have a Kindle Unlimited account if yours is free there), and in some cases, the authors have sent me a copy they have on hand.
*If you send a copy: please pre-sign it! I always enjoy having those personal little signatures for projects I've helped promote!
7. Timeline for Review Posts: YOU decide when you want your review posted. Some authors, especially if I'm a beta and not an ARC, like for me to wait until they've got their final copies ready to go. I've got a file in Google Docs that I save the review until you tell me to publish. Again, you will see it and approve before I have it go live.
8. Imaging: IG requires photos with posts, therefore once we get to this stage, I ask you how you'd like me to present your book and once you approve, that's the photo that will be used.
9. Interviews: This is a very new feature to my process and I'm still working out the kinks, but it's one I've really been enjoying and would love to keep up. This happens after I'm finished reading and typically includes a discussion with you about what I loved, as well as has a list of written questions I'll ask.
Formats could be a recorded video of us talking, me summarizing in written form what we discussed (again, you'll see it before it's published), or me simply sending you the questions and you answering. If you've got other ideas, I'm all ears!
|Conclusion
I think that's about it! If you've got more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at wordynerdreviews@gmail.com !
