Looking over this blog I notice that I spend a lot of my time reviewing. I’ve talked about comics, tv, movies. Heck, my podcast, Comics League International is basically a review show. Plus it is highly entertaining. (I think. There aren’t that many reviews to be honest.) I like reviewing materials. I like giving my input and sharing my opinions. It probably has to do with a problem of ego but I do recognize that there is much value to be had sharing opinions and even in crafting said opinions. I like to think that I have warded off some problems just by recognizing similar complaints in other works. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are problems in what I create, but I’m trying to create the best works I can.
On March 15 I released the fantasy novel Deadly Troubadours. Which makes me one more independent voice in a sea of voices. I am truly grateful to each and every person who has purchased a copy (available at Smashwords and Amazon). That a friend, acquaintance or stranger has taken a chance on an unknown like me… well, I want to say surprising. And in just a week there have been a decent amount of such surprises. Again, thank you to everyone who has picked up a copy.
But I am impatient. I want reviews. I really, really do. There are many reasons why. Of course there is the obvious. In my dreamworld everyone who reads my book will be moved to tears with its beauty and power. Other writers will pull out their hair as they sing of my superior talent. What? Its my dreamworld and in that world I am awesome. So, yeah, I’d love to hear some praise. But that isn’t the only reason. I’d love to just hear some critiques of this piece of writing. I know it isn’t perfect. I’d like to know what others think are its weaknesses so that hopefully I can improve on them in the next book. Of course, hopefully there will be some good points highlighted as well.
And then there is the other big reason for wanting reviews: Proof that people are actually reading the thing. I know from personal experience that at times I will purchase a book with the full intention of going through it, and just somehow never getting around to it. It sits on the shelf mocking me. And if it was something penned by a friend guilt mixes into the equation as well. (I getting to The Riddle Box soon, Derek. Promise.) I don’t know if anyone who has purchased my book has actually read it. So, I’m hoping for a review as proof.
Oh, and there is the aspect that more reviews, especially the positive ones, lead to more sales. And, you know, I want money. Who doesn’t?
So, yes I am looking for reviews. So much so that I am making this offer. I will distribute 10 copies of my novel, Deadly Troubadours, to the first 10 people who email me at deadlytroubadour(at)gmail(dot)com and ask for one. I can send out a copy in mobi, epub or even pdf. Let me know. But there is a catch. Asking for a copy is basically agreeing to review it. In a perfect world that would mean a review for Smashwords, Amazon, Goodreads, perhaps a blog post review. After all, those are just a bit of copy and paste. Even a review of the Reading Deadly Troubadours podcast on iTunes would be nice. To be clear, I am not looking for false praise. I want honest opinions. At least for now.
So, are you looking for a free book? Willing to write some reviews? I’ve got 10 copies. Now I just need 10 readers.
Deadly Troubadour 