The New Book Review

This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

New Release Alert! Get Review Requests to 2,400 Legitimate Reviewers

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Get your book in front of 2,400+ legitimate book reviewers, Amazon reviewers, and book bloggers


Solve the mystery of getting a book in front of legitimate reviewers. SPAWN has the answers to these questions:

Where do I find these people?
What do I present to them?
Do I send a print book or ebook?

Feature your book in this service from SPAWN, 
open to members and nonmembers.

Sign up now and be part of New Releases from...
Deadline for next issue is September 30, 2019

Book must have been released during the last six months or will be released before October 2019.
View the August issue
Praise for New Releases from...SPAWN

"I never expected to receive such an amazing and heartfelt review, and I appreciate it so much." ~ Chuck Redman, author of A Cottonwood Stand

"In January  2019, at age  79, I published my first  novel, a memoir called I Slept In Hitler's Bed. I had no idea if it was marketable. I signed up for SPAWNS New Releases, and received 3 remarkable reviews, the last from Midwest Book Reviews, a 30-year-old organization that reviews for Educational Institutions and Libraries. SPAWN has placed my book out into the universe, and the feedback just as important to me, since it has confirmed that I am a writer." - Jay Balter

"As much as I am a do-it-yourself kind of marketer, one author can only do so much! SPAWN's outreach to reviewers got results--one of the best pay-for-help services I ever used!" ~ Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically 

"WOW! We already received three book order from reviewers in less than 24 hours. Thanks, so much." ~ Bob Osland, Surepoint Publishing
DO YOU HAVE A BOOK PLANNED FOR WINTER RELEASE?

Editors had a positive response to New Releases from SPAWN. One thing several wanted were unreleased books, those coming out in the Winter.


Plan your marketing for reviews at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
Reserve your space now!
Launched in March 2017, the newsletter goes out every quarter to over 2,400 book reviewers, Amazon reviewers, and book bloggers. The reviewer list is pulled from Cision, the premiere online media database company that updates its media lists daily and includes top publications, online and broadcast resources like NPR, daily and weekly newspapers that publish book reviews, and a host of freelancers and bloggers who review books.

Each participating author submits up to 75-word description of the book that starts with a catchy log line such as appears in the New York Times Book Review or online at Kirkus Reviews. Log lines are the concise one-sentence description of the book usually at the top of the review. We want these descriptions to sound professional and grab reviewers. Quick set and a grabber to get them to request the book.

View the last issue for examples.

Along with the description, an image of the book cover and a link for reviewers to request a book.

Fee and how to participate in the New Releases from... newsletter

     Option One:  $225 for one book description and cover. SPAWN members only $150 - non-members including membership

The New Releases from… newsletter goes out four times a year.

  • The next edition is October 2019.
  • This service is open for all books published within the last year.
  • Deadline for participation in the next issue is September 30, 2019.
Learn more or sign up!

New Release Alert! Get Review Requests to 2,400 Legitimate Reviewers


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing
HowToDoItFrugally

Thursday, September 19, 2019

YP Publishing President Yvonne Wu Recommends Frugal Book Promoter for Seasoned Authors

Title: The Frugal Book Promoter, 3rdEdition
Subtitle: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Publisher: Modern History Press(Limited Time: Special gift and discount.)
Genre: Nonfiction – Writers/Careers/How-To
Book of the Month at Women Connect Online
Available on Amazonas ebook, paperback, hardcover
ISBN Paper: 978-1615994687
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1615994694
ASIN: B07X2CCTGL

Reviewed by Yvonne Wu originally for WomenConnectOnline

Wow this book is a treasure chest of knowledge and ideas. This powerful resource is a collector’s item! The book provides you with up to date solid advice and direction as you navigate through the different ways to promote your book and prepare for your book launch.
New authors will love the book, the conversational style, the humorous quotes and the fact that it begins with explaining book promotion in simple steps. Every objection that a new author would have is mentioned and Carolyn Howard-Johnson provides solutions. Throughout the book she goes through what would be in a authors marketing plan. She provides the reader with explanation to the essential components of a marketing plan. She talks about branding, public relations, media kits, attracting media attention and more.
I myself have been providing book promotion services for 10 years and I learnt a lot about public relations after reading this book. I like that Carolyn Howard-Johnson warns the author of marketing scams and lets the author know that free book promotion is not necessarily free you get what you pay for.
The target market for this book is both self-published authors and published authors. As well she targets the new author who may not have any marketing- or journalism-related experience. She provides information on how to market yourself to a Publisher or Agent. Many chapters have funny phrases that answers new and seasoned authors marketing objections. The index provides easy reference and the book is full of free resources and excellent examples.  This book will save you time and money!

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Yvonne Wu, president of The YP Publishing, provides services tailored to professional speakers and authors, helping them with marketing themselves in person and online. Yvonne has assisted authors with a wide variety of projects across North America, helping them with publishing and promoting their books. Yvonne has been a Buffalo Books Examiner and has been interviewed on sites that discuss various aspects of the publishing industry. Yvonne has been a Benjamin Franklin Book Award Judge, has been a Global eBook Award Judge and Stevie Award Judge. The 6th Annual Shorty Awards nominated The YP Publishing as #10 in the small business category of the Shorty Awards 2014. Yvonne is a writer and an award-winning author. Her book has been an Amazon top seller in the Podcast category. Linkedin has highlighted The YP Publishing as one of the top 10% most viewed profiles. Learn more about her at http://theyppublishing.com

YP Publishing President Yvonne Wu Recommends Frugal Book Promoter for Seasoned Authors


Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Dr. Wesley Britton Reviews Marijuana Murders



The Marijuana Murders
Subtitle: A Nostalgia City Mystery #3 (Nostalgia City Mysteries)
Author: Mark S. Bacon
Fiction: Mystery
Publisher: Archer & Clark Publishing (June 17, 2019)
ASIN: B07T94PKPM   


Reviewed by Dr. Wesley Britton


It doesn't happen to me very often--in the first pages of The Marijuana Murders, I knew I was going to enjoy the ride. I was glad I stuck with it.

For one thing, much of the story is set in Nostalgia City--no, not the real museum in Myrtle Beach--but a fictional theme park in Arizona where everything is maintained in the state it was in the 1970s.  Especially cars.

For another thing, the backdrop to the story is the competing interests of two movements wanting to legalize pot in Arizona; one wants to impose corporate control over pot sales and the other wants a looser, grow-your-own approach. Do their conflicting interests set the stage for murders in Nostalgia City? Toss in those opposed to legalizing pot at all and we get a number of competing perspectives. Everything is happening with major touches of the '70s mixed in with contemporary issues. 

And right from the get-go, we are introduced to a stellar cast of characters revolving around the pivotal pair of Kate Sorenson, the Vice President of Public Relations for Nostalgia City walking around on alluring long legs, and Lyle Deming, former cop and now cab driver for visitors to the immense theme park. They assist official law enforcement when employees start dying in a refurbishing garage which turns out to be the center of a large-scale drug ring.    

Mark S. Bacon unwinds his mystery with a light tone and often humorous touches as parallel investigations get underway as various potential criminals are checked out, ruled out, pulled to the top of the suspect lists, and put Kate, Lyle, and Arizona police in deadly danger for unclear and unknown motives. Through it all, Mark Bacon keeps the pace fast-moving, the descriptions vivid,  the setting unusual, the lead players interesting, the plot intriguing, and the surprises coming. You want more in a murder mystery?
I admit, after completing the third volume in the Nostalgia City yarns, I plan on going back and diving into volumes one and two and hoping for another round down the road.

More About the Reviewer  

Dr. Wesley Britton is the author of The Beta Earth Chronicles. He is a frequent reviewer for this blog and BookPleasures.com. Learn more about him at:





Dr. Wesley Britton Reviews Marijuana Murders


MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER, THIS BLOG, AND ITS BENEFITS FOR WRITERS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everything from Amazon Vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.



Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too.

#TheNewBookReview #TheFrugalBookPromoter #CarolynHowardJohnson #GreatBookReviews #GettingGreatBookReviews #HowToDoItFrugally #SharingwithWriters

Monday, September 16, 2019

Clare O'Beara Author Interview in Dublin, Ireland

Q and A Interview for the New Book Review

When in Dublin recently, I had a chance to meet up with author Clare O’Beara and her IT husband. Due to her busy schedule, I was just lucky enough to catch her between being the official film recorder for science-fiction World Con and Hugo Awards problem solver, as well as the start of the fall college class startup. Of course, she also is a busy tree surgeon. To my delight, she had a few hours to talk. We initially met on Goodreads as she answers readers’ comments and questions, and this was our first in-person talk.

Clare O'Beara Author Interview in Dublin, Ireland

When did you start writing?

I have been writing for most of my life. Now, I write mysteries, science fiction, young adult, and romance books. I have won several awards for short stories and am an Amazon bestseller. I also review books and am considered a top reviewer with Net Gallery, Fresh Fiction, Goodreads, and Amazon. I review excellent, accessible facilities for people with disabilities As an example, this is a link to her short film about accessible places in London.

Why are you taking college classes when you are already a successful writer?

As a multimedia journalism student, I am learning more about improving my writing, making publicity marketing materials, producing videos, and networking with people interested in this area. I help run events where this knowledge is helpful. At the science-fiction World Con, it was helpful to know about multimedia journalism as I was an official film recorder and Hugo Awards problem solver. I learned more about creating book trailers. I am already using the degree although the classes are not even finished.

This degree seems to be made for O’Beara! I’m sure it helps with her blog, website, and YouTube channel.

I see you are a national showjumping champion. How did you become interested in horses?

At the age of four, I wanted to be an architect. Then, my parents put me on a pony to go for a ride, and that was it. I have been a horse person ever since. Several of my books involve horses in the plot, especially Silks and Sins, Murder at Kildare Mensa, and Rodeo Finn.

I also asked O’Beara if she had ever dressed up especially for a race as described in Silks and Sins, and she said she did a few times.

Cats are important in your books. Do you own cats?

The answer was she has four cats. I wasn’t surprised as they are part of the stories and even included when friends visit. One cat, boots, was ignored by an owner which figures into the mystery. I think I didn’t have to ask if one of her cats had white paws and was named Boots. I just think probably so!

Did you try traditional publishing prior to self-publishing?

Yes, in the 1990’s when manuscripts were sent through the post with SASE (self-addressed stamped envelopes for their return). It was a very slow process. She tried this a few times. Then she started to realize books like Wool by Hugh Howey did well although self-published. As a best-selling Amazon author, she is not at all sorry she tried this route. She evens shares what she has learned about independent publishing at the page on her website.

O’Beara said she bought ten ISBNs and used seven in her first year. She had five books ready to publish at that time. She used five the next year.
Why do you review books for sites such as Fresh Fiction?

Participating in book awards and reviewing books written by others is always educational and I learn so much from these activities. This is where I first noticed the increase in independent publishing which inspired me, for instance.

Self-publishing involves much technical work. How do you accomplish all this?

My husband, Allan, is my IT support. I take the photos, and he creates the book covers. He is the website maintenance and troubleshooter. It takes time to do the writing much less the technical aspects of this kind of writing. I appreciate the support.

*Note: Read her advice for people who want to self-publish at this link.

What are your writing plans for the future?

I plan to write a book a year although I’m taking the multimedia journalism degree and working and volunteering with my other interests.

I hear the science fiction World Con will be held in New Zealand next year. Will you attend?

Well, that is a long way off and a long distance. This year we were lucky as we said Ireland should have a turn, and it was here. The volunteers do get their entry tickets paid, but the travel and accommodations are not covered. We will just have to see. She added:

“I've just spent a week and a half helping to staff Worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention. This was held in Dublin for the first time and all hands were needed. My husband Allan also attended and gave me great assistance. The Hugo Awards were carefully administered, and duly awarded in a stunning ceremony.”

Climate change is a constant theme in your books. What would you like people to know about this topic?

I recommend the movie Mimicking Africa to learn about sustainable animal agriculture. I also help moderate the Green Group on Goodreads where we discuss this topic. I am a fan of the Fota Wildlife Animal Sanctuary and share information about it, as well.

You are very active on Goodreads. That is where I met you. I was so pleased when you answered. Do you like comments from readers on that platform?
Yes, and I do answer and converse with readers on Goodreads. I welcome comments.

Thank you so much for meeting with me today!

Previously on The New Book Review, I have reviewed some of Clare O'Beara's books.


I also have reviewed other books by O’Beara on Amazon, such as this one for Murder at the Dublin Mensa

Thank you for reading, Carolyn Wilhelm, Wise Owl Factory

Clare O'Beara Author Interview in Dublin, Ireland

Clare O'Beara Author Interview in Dublin, Ireland


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Tiny House Living Through the Eyes of a Child Picture Book, Sissy Goes Tiny


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.


Tiny House Living Through the Eyes of a Child Picture Book, Sissy Goes Tiny
Sissy Goes Tiny a Children's Picture Book about Living the Tiny Life
Last summer, two graduates of Brainerd High School in Minnesota had a stroke of inspiration when catching up over coffee. B. A. Norrgard had been living the tiny life for six years when the idea struck that how would downsizing and going tiny might look through the eyes of a child.
B.A. Norrgard’s personal lifestyle and career within the tiny house community gave her insight about the nationwide movement. She teaches others and leads by example.

Becky Flansburg is an award-winning writer and wondered if “going tiny” might be scary for a child. Rebecca is the long-time project manager of Multicultural Children’s Book Day and Head Elf for Audrey Press. She is a member of Brainerd Writers Alliance and readers can also find her at BeckyFlansburg.com or on Instagram.
They both used their imaginations and talents as they discussed a possible story, and the idea for this innovative book began. They wanted children to know living life unconventionally is full of big possibilities.

Sissy Goes Tiny a Children's Picture Book about Living the Tiny Life
You have probably seen some of the popular TV and Netflix shows about living in less space, downsizing, and repurposing. Norrgard says when preparing for such a lifestyle, keep only items that serve a purpose, meet a need or bring joy.

Norrgard’s Tiny House is named Sisu to help remember her mother. Sisu is a Finnish word and means having grit, determination, and perseverance. She needs plenty of that to live in her hand-built 78 square foot home. She has traveled over 14,000 miles with her house and writes about her minimalist, vegan life on her website, banorrgard.com.

Sissy Goes Tiny a Children's Picture Book about Living the Tiny Life
Sisu sort of sounds like the name, Sissy. So, the main character of the book is Sissy. She is eight years old. During the story, she learns stuff is just stuff. Somehow illustrator Penny Weber knew just what she looked like, and was perfect for the project. Don’t you agree?

Often our lessons in elementary school (yes, I’m saying it again) for children end at recycling. Downsizing, repurposing, and tiny living are not usually mentioned. This book is unique. It was brilliant of Norrgard and Flansburg to come up with the idea and see it through to completion.
Would you be able to decided what to take with and what to leave?

·  Title: Sissy Goes Tiny by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard
·  Publisher: Audrey Press (CEO Valarie Budayr)
·  ISBN: 978-1-936426-22-5
·  This project was supported by Five Wings Arts Council with funds from the McKnight Foundation.
·  This diverse picture book can be purchased at AudreyPress.com  IndieBound, and Amazon

tiny-house-living-for-children-book-review-of-Sissy-Goes-Tiny


Thank you for reading, Carolyn from Wise Owl Factory

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Franky the Flamingo Must Find Water in Florida's Environment

Title: Franky The Thirsty Flamingo
Author: Wanda Luthman
Illustrator: Mara Reitsma
Available on Amazon
Genre: Fiction: Children's/Biology/Environment


The environment! A passion of mine. How could I not love this story of a young flamingo who must learn the ways of the world, including what to drink. This slender book tells about his difficulty in finding proper water to drink. Encouraging and positive, his story is told in perfectly metered rhyme that will appeal to any child. It would make a wonderful addition to the gift shops at libraries and national monuments and parks where flamingoes abound.

I also appreciate how the illustrator let her topic influence her color choices. She helps make the book sing Florida and Sunshine.


More About the Author

Wanda Luthman has her Masters of Arts in both dental Health Counseling and Guidance Counseling from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. She is an award-winning author who with five books to her credit and a member of Florida's Writers' Association.

Franky the Flamingo Must Find Water in Florida's Environment


Franky the Flamingo Must Find Water in Florida's Environment

Franky the Flamingo Must Find Water in Florida's Environment


More About this Blog

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Stories of Your Life by Ted Chang and Arrival the Movie Discussion Questions

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Stories of Your Life and Other Stories by Ted Chiang 
and Arrival the Movie Discussion Questions


Stories of Your Life by Ted Chang and Arrival the Movie Discussion Questions


Stories of Your Life and Other Stories was written by Ted Chiang. Arrival, the movie, is based on a single chapter entitled (not surprisingly) "Stories of your Life." After watching the movie, I was inspired to read the book thinking it was based on a novel. So, I had to make do with the one chapter that really didn't explain that much more about the movie. The movie does leave a person wondering. However, the book is still worthy because of all the other stories. Ted Chiang's book, Exhalation, was on a summer reading list by former President Obama.
Stories of Your Life by Ted Chang and Arrival the Movie Discussion Questions

If a book club has read the book or watched the movie, these questions are on a PDF instant download available at the next link. Click for your own copy.


Now for the book questions. Ah, Chiang seems to be somewhat of a technical writer and we must use our inferring reading and thinking skills to figure out what he means. This makes for a great book club discussion, while not an easy one. He offers us some thinking challenges.

Stories of Your Life by Ted Chang and Arrival the Movie Discussion Questions

My questions probably do not do the book justice as it is quite deep. A book club might take the discussion deeper, after beginning with the handout. 

You might also enjoy the discussion questions for the books and movies, The Green Book, as well as The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Thank you for reading, Carolyn Wilhelm from the Wise Owl Factory


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.