As an indie author it can be said on a certain level, once your story is finished, the real work begins. That’s because after all that lovely creativity, you’ve got to let go and present your baby to the wide world. The result from that step will be – you guessed it – Reviews! If you’re like me, an introvert, the thought of asking strangers for their opinion of your work becomes a massively intimidating part of your campaign to be successful. So, Reviews and how they help your sales and how you might get some? It can’t be too hard, can it? Well, it depends.

After your cover and your blurb, reviews can help you move sales along onto the road to financial success. It takes 50+ reviews on Amazon to get decent sales traction. But how to get reviews? One way is to simply ask on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, Goodreads, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms . Despite people complaining about Facebook it still remains the premiere social media platform. Instragram too has a good reputation for virtual book tours and bookstagrammers who can be approached for reviews. Just as a reminder always be super polite and give them lots of time to respond. If they don’t, move on. It’s also best to try establishing some sort of relationship and connection before you approach them for reviews. If you’re a complete stranger don’t expect to grab their attention right away. Most reviewers are incredibly busy and even if they accept your book, it will probably be put in a queue behind other books looking for reviews. Also, in this situation, you would provide the person with a copy of your book for free – most likely an ebook version though some reviewers ask for a print copy. So, if you approach someone in Australia that only reviews print books, consider the cost of shipping when you reach out. Other than that, you should never pay individuals for their reviews. Amazon, as example does not allow paid-for reviews on their site. However, there are ways to find people who may agree to review your book that does include a fee.

Beyond social media there are Review Services where you submit your book. The service then presents your book to their stable of readers. You do not pay a reviewer for their review, you are paying the service to find you readers. One such service is Reedsy Discovery. They charge a flat fee of $50.00 USD and will push your book to readers interested in your genre. They require your book be uploaded in PDF and EPUB formats. They do not guarantee that everyone who downloads your novel will leave a review or that it will be positive. With any service I mention here, you are taking a gamble, in a way, so pay attention to your budget. However, Reedsy Discovery does boast a 75% review rate (across the site, not genre specific) which is impressive overall.

A similar claim is made by the review service Book Sirens, the second site I’ve listed on. Book Sirens is more of a curated review service, in that you provide information on your book and then they ‘review for potential registration’. This means that if there is a glut of books in your genre being offered to their reviewers they may turn you down at the current time. You can always re-apply later. I got on. For this service, I provided my book in EPUB, PDF and MOBI formats. Their pricing system works differently too. You’re charged $10.00 USD to register and $2.00 USD for every reader that downloads – not just clicks on – your novel. You can ensure you stay on budget by capping the number of readers that can download. Now, there are larger, more prestigious review sites where you can submit your books, like Kirkus Review and The Indie Reader. However, those services run in the $500 USD range. Perhaps something to consider when you’re a more establi$hed and lucrative author.

Again, the services do not control what the readers say about the book – good or bad. However, the sites do offer help with particularly trollish reviews – even if it’s bad, we can respect an honest review but don’t allow the trolls any territory in your space. In any event, reviews for an Indie Author are one of the best way to get your book selling. Now, I have to go and try approaching some independent reviewers (politely, of course) and see if I can ensure more reviews. If you have read The Witch’s Foundling, please leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads or the platform of your choice. It really helps me keep this enterprise going and the next book coming!

After all this “Review Talk”, please check out the latest news about the Book Signing I’ll be hosting on the “News!” page of our website. If you can make it, I’d love to see you there!

Now, not everything here is about novels and reviews. I am also an illustrator, after all. So, I’ve continued with our Year of Dragons by creating the illustration for (drum-roll) The Back-to-School Dragon!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? You’ll find our enchanting Prof. Dragon ready to receive students and go along to school on t-shirts, mugs, stickers, tote bags and more. Check it out at our Redbubble Store!

As I have noted before in this space, my book is a “Gaslamp Fantasy”; a story set in late 19th century England featuring witches, ghosts, other spirits and secret societies in a battle of Good vs. Evil, all seen through the eyes of a 16 year-old girl. Despite my background in illustration, I didn’t feel skilled enough to produce a cover for an ebook, paperback and hard cover dust jacket. Luckily, with the help of Tellwell I had access to professional cover designers and below you see what you’ll want to look for should you wish to buy a book from one of the many platforms on which it’ll be available. Look to our Facebook page for on the spot news of the times it will appear. Sign up for our newsletter to hear about some contests and other giveaways I’ll be planning for my baby – I mean novel. Without further adieu … Behold! The Paperback!

And next the Hard Cover Dust Jacket!

Yes, there is a haunted mansion and secrets and danger abound, so, for further clarity and in case you couldn’t quite make out the type on the back of the book cover, here’s a clearer version of the blurb.

“While hedge-witch Mama Grace tends to the needs of the poorer denizens of Bellamdale, respect for her power does not extend to her foster daughter, Sally Founder. Trying to save a cat from local bullies, Sally finds herself in dire straits, until rescued by the Nephilim Samdriel. In exchange, the young girl becomes the host for his disembodied spirit.

Their merging grants Sally some of Samdriel’s power, as long as their relationship remains a secret – even as other spirits grow restless and call for blood. When evil omens spur new violence, Sally is granted sanctuary by Lady Bellingham of Briarstone Manor with promises of protection and an education. Yet, the young girl’s new home holds secrets of its own and pretty gowns and fancy balls cannot keep the growing darkness at bay. Sally unwittingly becomes part of a broader game that has been played for untold centuries. Could even Samdriel’s power be enough to save the witch’s foundling and those she loves as an ancient evil comes searching for a prize that threatens the world?”

Of course in addition to spooky we also have a fun side. As Summer winds down, you might wish to take a few more trips to the beach to enjoy the sand, the sun and the waves. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Beach Holiday Dragon. Tempt him to play with a colourful beach ball … only don’t expect to get it back. This latest dragon design from SillWill Studios is available at our Redbubble store on just about anything you can imagine. Keep those summer dreams going but look to the magic of The Witch’s Foundling to cool things off for you.