Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Welcome to iUniverse Book Reviews

Introduction for iUniverse Authors

Would you like an online review of your iUniverse book? The evidence suggests that tens of thousands of you would. After careful study of the POD market for about seven years, I am considering entering a new hobby, just to see where it leads me.

I am an author who has contributed to traditionally published books and released four books with iUniverse. My viewpoint toward iU and publishing is somewhat unusual. Three of my iUniverse books were never submitted to traditional publishers for many reasons, the most interesting one being that I want to create my own style in which none of my books fall within the same genre, at least from a conventional sense. My books are of a particular type of nonfiction that I want to release at a particular time. I want all the covers to reflect a particular style, and I prefer to slowly build an educated readership rather than go for the quick buck. I don't make money on my books, and I do not expect to do so. I write because I feel compelled to communicate with an audience, no matter how miniscule that audience may be. I write for quality instead of quantity.

My attitude toward iUniverse is unlike the horde of what I call the slap-fighters on the POD blogs and message boards. I am tiring of the snotty attitudes of those people, both the ones who have their own blogs and those who just pop up and dominate message boards created by others. I have only three negative things to say about iU: price, price, and price. They charge too much in set-up fees, book retail prices, and wholesale prices to the authors. Absolutely everything else I can say about the company is professional and positive. I have no interest in supporting competing companies, so this offer is for iU authors only.


Examine the Following Details Thoroughly

Send me a free copy of your iUniverse book and I shall review it. I'll consider a review on this blog site, Authors Den, Amazon, and/or B&N. Note: All self-published POD imprints (except Lulu) are considered for review as of 4/1/08.

Will I place the review on more than one site? I don't know yet.

Will I write an extensive, detailed review? I don't know that, either.

Will I write a review without actually reading the book? No.

Will I write a scathing review of a bad book? Not unless you happen to act like a butthead to me in some way, such as sending me flaming emails.

Will I read and review every book I receive? Probably not, particularly if the grammar and editing look like the book was written by Ernest T. Bass.

Will I let each author know if his or her book is being reviewed? Yes.

Will I let an author know if I am not reviewing the book because I could not in good faith give it a positive review? Yes.

Will I let an author know by email not to send me a book I have no interest in reading? Yes.

How can the author get my mailing address to send a book for review? (1) Respond on this blog site with your interest and categorize your book. (2) Either include your email or suggest an alternate contact point in your blog response. (3) We can connect outside the blog so I can give you my address.

Will I put your book up for sale at Amazon either after reading it or instead of reading it? No, I find that practice despicable. If I wish to dispose of a book, I'll give it to a prospective reader. I have no intention of spending or making any cash in this endeavor.

What types of books am I most interested in reading? I have a soft spot for werewolves, vampires, and other gothic horror, but I care very little for science fiction. I like political and economic nonfiction, but I want nothing to do with corporate propoganda about how to get more work out of your employees or how to get a million-dollar job in five minutes. I refuse to review any iU books that have sold well by what I call cheating; i.e., having a celebrity's name in the title or being about a celebrity. I do not want to read any iUniverse book that is selling well purely because of the title or subject matter. Get-rich-quick schemes and their associates will not be considered for review.

That about sums it up. If no one joins this blog, I shall assume that no one is interested in whatever I have to say in or about book reviews. If I get inundated with requests, I'll deal with that situation as fairly as I can if and when it happens. I am making this offer purely for my own entertainment and to satisfy my curiosity. Let's see if it goes anywhere.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm game too. I also have two books out from iUniverse, both young adult novels, both award-winning and Editor's Choice. One is getting close to the magic 500 number. I have been very happy with iUniverse's services so far although I am gradually learning that you are so right about price and discounts.
See my Web site at lydaphillips.com and let me know at lydap@hotmail.com if you'd like to receive copies of my books.
And thanks so much for making this experiment.

Anonymous said...

I also have two titles (one a sequel) with iU. I apologize that I posted a question on another thread here--blogging is totally new to me. The first book, Distant Cousin, features Hispanic characters, some (correct) Spanish, west Texas local color, adventure, romance, food, suspense, humor, a little comparative linguistics, a little ass-kicking, and a very minor bit of science fiction, mainly the premise. There's a little more info(slightly over-cheesy) at www.distantcousin.net, as well as a way to email me. I'll be happy to send a copy!

Tim Phelan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Geraldine said...

Hi I too am an Iuniverse PODer.

My book can be categorised as Contemporary Irish Fiction. For self promotion purposes I set up my own website at www.geraldinenesbitt.com
which also contains my email contact

Look forward to hearing from you

Paige said...

Sounds great! If you're still reviewing, I'd love to have mine considered. Web site: www.paigeshelton.com, email: paige@paigeshelton.com. The book is a juvenile fiction novel(only 85 or so pages). It received an Editor's Choice and is getting some great response from elementary school teachers and principals.

Thanks a bunch.

A. C. Ellis said...

Could you please review my iUniverse book, Worldmaker. It is a reprint science fiction novel from 1985 (originally from Ace Books.)

Web site: www.acellis.net
email: a.ellis@att.net

Please let me know by email where to send the book.

Thanks!

A. C. (Al) Ellis

Career Curator said...

Yes, I am a new iUniverse author and I'd like to have my career book,“Now, Launch Your Career: Find Your Path; Personal Advice Letters from Some of the World's Top Professionals” reviewed. To receive a copy of my book, please contact me at: paulc1101@hotmail.com
Thanks for facilitating this blog for us!

Cathy said...

Good day to you, Mr Orr!

I thank you kindly for having started this blog and giving POD authors the chance to get reviewed. I would appreciate it if you could review my fantasy book for young adults - please let me know where I should send the novel, you can contact me at: cathyd@vodamail.co.za
I am currently busy making a stunning webpage but it is still under construction and will very soon be up for view at www.thecrimsonwarrior.com, along with a little movietrailer!
Thank you again for the opportunity!
Regards, Cathy Dannhauser

Laurel Saville said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laurel Saville said...

Hi,

I just found your site by wandering the internet woods. What a lovely and well-lit glade you've created here in the publishing thicket.

I am variously published and would welcome a review of my iUniverse title, "Postmortem," which came out last Fall with Editor's Choice designation. The book is an exploration of my mother's life and death: once a 50s glamor girl, model, successful fashion designer, Anne Ford eventually became a homeless alcoholic who was stabbed and strangled in a burned out building. The book follows my efforts to unravel the twin trajectories of her life and understand who she was and why she was. In the process, I also research the volatile and creative times of which she was a part, in Los Angeles of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, as well as the lives of her parents.

I would be thrilled to mail you a hard copy. You can also review chapter samples and articles/reviews at my website: www.laurelsaville.com.

Whether or not you choose to review my book, I want to thank you for the service you are providing on this site. It is a welcome and truly independent voice.

Many thanks,

Laurel Saville

Kevin said...

Hi,

I am a Iuniverse writer and I stumble across this gem. I have a book that I would to have reviewed, a fantasy novel (with a little sci-fi references in it). The book is called Avenging knights "Rebirth of Lost Honor." Thank you for your time.

Floyd M. Orr said...

Hi,
The name of my book is Notes from the Firehouse which is a memoir. It contains seventeen stories that document the most memorable calls of my career. They includes rescues, fires and that special brand of insanity that's found around the firehouse. I'd love to have you review the book. You can reach me at notesfromthefirehouse.com
Best Regards,

D.E.M