I like to read and review independently published novels. I’ve gotten into many debates with people who think I’m wasting my time reading “substandard” material. To a point, I agree that some indie novels aren’t worth the paper the words are printed on, but in most cases I’ve found that indie novels are just as good, if not better than the polished, over-edited novels released by large publishers.
I will rarely turn down a request to review an indie novel. These authors are pursuing what they love, rarely without any monetary gain. I find this very admirable. In most cases, they don’t have the backing of a publisher, an agent or even a marketing strategy. I like to support their grassroots efforts and introduce their work to new people.
In my opinion as a book review blogger, there is no higher compliment than to have the author read and comment on a review you wrote about their book. Recently, I’ve received feedback on a few of the reviews I’ve posted on my blog directly from the author of an independent novel. To me, this is very exciting and a great honor.
I haven’t received any feedback or comments from any of the well-known authors I’ve reviewed that have book deals with large publishers. Maybe 2010 will be the year……
Sometimes, feedback from the big, established authors is not a good thing! :X
ReplyDeleteyou SHOULD definitely try it!!
ReplyDeletei get so excited thinking about it!!
its such a fun way of doing new things!!!!
i love that you love reviewing books... and i have to ask what would be your most favorite book because i need new books to read!
Dave: That's funny.
ReplyDeleteCrystal: I can't say I'm going out of my way to try to read indie authors, but if I get some indie books and they sound good to me, then I try them. Like you said, some are good, others are crap. I do spend most of my time with established publishers, though, but this year I'm trying to read a greater mix of books than just my norm. Interesting post.
@Dave-hmmm.... maybe I need to stir up a little controversy. You can't be the only one getting attacted by authors :)
ReplyDelete@Chelsea-I'm so definitely going to do it!! And it will give me something to blog about.
My fave books right now are the Hungers Games by Suzanne Collins and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
@Logan-This year I'm stretching out of my comfort zone and reading books I never would have read before. And of course, keeping up with the epic tragedy of Oscambria :)
I'm glad you're liking my tragedy. Who knows, maybe one day I'll find a kooky, odd-ball publisher that wants to publish strange, modern epic poetry and you'll end up with my epic, too!
ReplyDelete@Chelsea: I second Crystal with The Book Thief. It was amazing.
If that's what you like to do, I don't see any problem with it! I, personally, have made a decision to NOT read most self-published books. I feel bad because I want to help those who may have written a good book, but I have found that I am almost always unhappy with the books I agree to review that are published in this way. And I have soooo many books I want to read that were picked up by a publisher and that have other great reviews that I should stick to those. I sometimes used to think it would be fun to be one of the first reviewers, etc. to recommend a book, but at this point I just want to read good books that I like so I'm being very selective about the books I accept for review.
ReplyDeleteOh, cool, I think you reading out of your box and giving new authors the chance they deserve is awesome!! I like reading books from the small guys/girls, too :)
ReplyDelete@Jenny-Don't feel bad that you don't like self-published novels! I totally understand being selective and only reading good books. I've received my share of crap indie novels too.
ReplyDelete@Krista-Thanks! It's good to see you in the blogosphere again!
@Logan-You could always self-publish "The Absurdly Epic Tragedy of Oscambria". I would give you an excellent review :)