One of the most difficult things for an author to do is ask another author to read the ARC of their latest release. (ARC Stands for Advanced Reading Copy, a PDF that is as yet unedited by the publisher’s assigned editor, and has yet to go through the final proofreading stage).
The reason it’s so difficult is that you’re asking authors who you admire and respect, and you’re saying, “Please read my book and like it…and if you like it, will you write something that says you do.”
Difficult as it is, readers do look for these back of the book blurbs, and they do read the reviews posted on Amazon and other booksellers. So, as authors, we take a deep breath and ask. Not every ask results in a yes (if someone is on deadline, they aren’t going to have time to put everything else aside for your book), but the hope is you’ll have at least three yeses.
I am so very fortunate to have five incredibly talented authors who not only said yes, they also loved Skeletons in the Attic. I’ve included abbreviated versions of their “blurbs” here, along with their headshot, brief bio and links to their author pages (because if you haven’t already, you’ll want to read their books, you really will).
“A memorable and powerful character that lingers long after the final page.”—Jeff Buick, author of Bloodline
Jeff is one busy guy. Writing his nineteenth book. Delivering keynote speeches, attending charitable fundraisers, traveling, researching – and learning. Still, despite all the incredible things happening in his life, writing remains the one foundation that anchors everything. www.jeffbuick.com.
“A beautifully crafted page-turner…”—Ellen Byron, author of Plantation Shudders
Ellen’s debut novel, Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery, has been nominated for Agatha, Lefty, and Daphne awards. The second book in the series, Body on the Bayou, launches September 13th. Her TV credits include Wings, Still Standing, and Just Shoot Me, as well as network and cable pilots. www.ellenbyron.com
“A thought-provoking, haunting tale of decades-old deception.”—Annette Dashofy, USA Today bestselling author of the Zoe Chambers mystery series
USA Today best-selling author Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chambers mystery series includes Circle of Influence (finalist for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and the David Award for Best Mystery of 2014), Lost Legacy, and Bridges Burned, which was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel of 2015. The fourth in the series, With A Vengeance is now available. www.annettedashofy.com
“A delight…grabs the reader from the get-go and, as the plot twists and twists again…”—Catriona McPherson, author of The Child Garden
Past President of Sisters in Crime International, Catriona McPherson was born in Edinburgh and lived there, in Ayrshire, in Dumfriesshire and in Galloway before moving to California in 2010. Known for her incredible sense of humor and genuine kindness, Catriona’s latest book, The Child Garden, has been nominated for a Macavity Award. www.catrionamcpherson.com
“A complex plot, an extremely likeable protagonist, and a bombshell ending you never saw coming.” —Diane Vallere, bestselling author
After two decades working for a top luxury retailer, Diane Vallere traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. She writes the Madison Night, Costume Shop, Material Witness and Style & Error Mysteries. Diane is the vice president/president elect of Sisters in Crime. www.dianevallere.com
Should you want to read these reviews in their entirety, you can find them here.
SKELETONS IN THE ATTIC is now available for pre-order on Amazon at the special introductory price of .99US. (regular price will be $4.99).
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Congratulations! I just pre-ordered it. Good luck on launch day!
Thank you so much Micki! Apparently pre-orders are a big deal (My last book didn’t have pre-order) so I really appreciate your support and good wishes.
I’m with Ellen. Incredible company to keep. Can’t wait to hold the finished product!
Thank you again Annette! I hope this helps more folks find your wonderful Zoe Chambers series!
Thrilled to be included in such stellar company!
Ellen, just imagine how I feel. Honestly, still pinching myself. I am so very lucky!
Wonderful, Judy! I will be looking forward to reading it! How many ARCs did you send? Exciting times!
Hi Sheri, I sent out 7. The five authors here, Midwest Book Review (an amazing review: http://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/aug_16.htm#donovan) and one to King’s River Life (http://kingsriverlife.com) who will be posting a review and giveaway later this month. What I did was I took my word document and single spaced it, added the ARC page and a copyright page, and then saved it as a PDF. I didn’t include dedication and acknowledgments in the ARC. Just be sure your PDF looks good on a tablet or iPad. Not everyone will read a PDF either. Catriona wanted a print copy, so I had a copy printed at Staples (like Kinko’s) and had it coil bound and then mailed it to her. That was a bit of an expense, about $40 with mailing, but worth every penny. Catriona is amazing and she gave me some great advice to tighten the ending, which I took. Be sure to give folks about 8 weeks to read and blurb your book.