Your Shelf Life Book Reviews –– Review Policy
3 Dec
I’ve gotten so many requests from authors to review their books that I need to explain Your Shelf Life’s review policy. First off, I am a writer, not a reviewer. Every review I post takes away from my writing time. I’m very careful about what books I read and review. I do reviews for my own pleasure and as a break from writing. I’m unwilling to make my reviewing into an obligation or a burden.
You will see book reviews on Your Shelf Life. These are reviews of books I’ve found myself or which good friends have recommended. Despite the fact that reviews appear here, this is not a review site. I do not take outside books for review. Please do not contact me asking me to review your book.
I’m sorry to have to refuse your request. I know how hard it is to have your book reviewed in the beginning, but I’m a writer, not a reviewer. My time–like yours–is very valuable. A search of the ‘net will reveal many reputable sites that do take books for review. Some may even specialize in your genre. Keep looking for reviewers! You will succeed.
Two good review sites are Todd A. Fonseca’s Review my Book on Amazon and the Midwest Book Review.
Since you will see reviews on this blog, I’m going to set out my policies.
- First, as I said, I don’t do reviews on request and I do not solicit books to review.
- Second, if you see my reviews here or on Amazon or elsewhere, you’ll notice that they’re pretty much all five-star reviews. Does that mean I’m a soft touch? No. I ONLY WRITE REVIEWS FOR BOOKS I REALLY LIKE. So if you see a bunch of very high reviews under my name, that doesn’t mean that I only give terrific reviews, it means that I didn’t review the bazillion other books I’ve read. I’m not into “star-wars”––you know, “You gave my book a bad review, so I’ll give your book a worse one.” (And then I’ll organize my friends to slam your book.) This stuff happens. I won’t buy into it.
- Third, I do not charge for the reviews I write, other than accepting a complementary review copy of the book. This is standard industry practice.
My very best wishes to you for success in your writing adventure.
Sandy Nathan is the winner of twenty-one national awards, in categories from memoir, to visionary fiction, to children’s nonfiction. And more.
Sandy’s books are: (Click link to the left for more information. All links below go to Kindle sale pages.)
The Angel & the Brown-eyed Boy
Numenon: A Tale of Mysticism & Money
Tecolote: The Little Horse That Could
Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
Two sequels to The Angel & the Brown-eyed Boy are in production with a late (very late) 2011 publication date, or early 2012. If you liked The Angel you’ll love Lady Grace and Sam & Emily.
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable activity and our whole community will likely be thankful to you.