Review

How I review:

I prefer to read for my own enjoyment and love to share my views on what I read. I’m not a professional reviewer, interested in doing a critical analysis of the books I read. 

      My review style is subject to change but what you can usually count on is that my reviews are mostly very subjective and also honest. I do not compromise my integrity as a book blogger. I don't review every book I read, but please be aware that there are sometimes negative reviews. I don’t take pleasure in negating someone’s work, but as stated above my reviews are my honest opinion and I try to keep the negative review more like a piece of constructive criticism than a rant.

My reviews include:

• Cover art
• Book stats: Title, author, publisher, page count, release date, series status
• Where I got the book (source)
• My rating (out of ten)
• A summary (From Goodreads, Amazon, or the jacket flap)
• My honest 'verdict'/opinion of the book

Genres I love to read:

• Dystopian
• Sci-fi 
• Paranormal
• Fantasy
• Horror
• Graphic novels
• Manga
• Contemporary fiction
• Contemporary Romance
• Nonfiction (self-help/health/photography/art/travel/architecture/technology/craft books and magazines)
• Illustrated children's books

I don't usually read:

• Mystery
• Crime/True crime
• Children's chapter books
• Historical fiction
• Autobiographies/biographies
• Memoirs
• Erotica
• Titles with religious undertones

You can see titles I've reviewed, here.

When I accept a book to review:

It does not guarantee that I will read it, or that I will post a review. I don't get paid to review books (nor am I willing to accept payment for reviewing), I do it for the love of reading. Hence, I do not feel obligated to review each and every book that is sent my way. It is very rare, but at times I might not finish reading a certain book if halfway through it I find it not-my-taste. If not a review, I can definitely work out an Author Interview, Giveaway, Guest Post or a Promo/ Spotlight post for the book.

      Books that I request personally will have precedence over all other titles. Second precedence will go to those novels that were accepted via a review request/pitch. Novels that are received unsolicited will mostly likely go on the back burner, it will depend on my reading schedule and interest, as to whether the title will be read and reviewed. If I have no interest in reading the title, it will be passed along to another blogger or donated.

What to include* in your review request/query?

• The book's Goodreads page link (I always prefer to look at a book's Goodreads page). Or the amazon link, if you haven't set up a goodreads page yet.
• Which format are you offering for review? (print or digital?)

*Please note that this is was just a general guideline of what reviewers usually look for in a review request. I have shortened it to a bare minimum. But it still is, by no means, a mandatory set of rules or a list I created to waste your precious time! I only wrote this because a lot of authors who contacted me, asked for it (and now I've shortened it at others' suggestions). Please feel free to include as little or as much info in your email, as you wish. Logically speaking, when I post a review, I will obviously only be able to include the information you provide (I can't go scavenger hunting for the author image, bio., bookstore links, your social media links, etc., can I?). Seriously though, I am a friendly little fangirl who admires and respects authors for being AUTHORS! Also, I don't bite.

Review Request FAQ’s:

Do you accept indie titles?

When the book seems interesting, yes I do.

Do you accept ebooks?

Mostly, yes (Kindle/.Mobi format). But I always prefer good old paperbacks or hardcovers over e-copies.

Series: 

I do not prefer to read a series out of sequence. If you have a review request that is part of a series I have not read, I do ask that you provide a copy of each of it’s predecessors. This will allow for a more effective review.

How long will it take for a review: 

I try to read the review titles that I receive in a timely manner but I do have time constraints. If the book is an ARC, I will try to review the book in the month surrounding its release date, in most cases before the book is released or shortly after. 

      I will try my best to post a review within two months from the date on which I receive the book from the author/ publisher. If the author/ publisher wants the review posted on a specific date, please mention so in the e-mail.  

Disclosure/Disclaimer: 

I do not accept/receive monetary compensation for my reviews. Published reviews reflect my personal opinion. If I dislike a book, I have the right to not finish it and not review it.  If you would like to use part of a review for your publicity (something other than a link to Twitter, Facebook, etc.), please contact me first.

In accordance with FTC guidelines/regulations for bloggers and endorsements, please note that all the books/products reviewed on this blog are either purchased by me, or provided to me by the author/publisher/company in exchange for an honest, unbiased review and nothing else. In case of reviews for Blog Tours - while the company may have received some payment for their services, I as a host do not accept any payment and gain nothing in return for the review other than the book/ebook/review product itself. In case of books, the cover image and summary are taken from Goodreads/Amazon. No Copyright infringement intended. My reviews are my honest opinion and remain uninfluenced by the source(s) through which I obtained the book(s) or products for review.

Book Spotlight

In addition to book reviews, I also offer book spotlight or promotion service to authors who wish to share about their book (i.e., basic spotlight, giveaway, cover reveal, new release, price drop,  free day, etc.). This is completely optional and is independent of the reviews. My reviews will always remain honest and unbiased irrespective of whether or not you choose to go with any promotional service on Doodles, doodles everywhere. 

A basic spotlight post will include
Information about your book with purchase links, book cover, info about the author, any teaser or trailer you have. I also cross promote the posts across all my social media channels for full exposure.

Cost
Just $21 for the basic spotlight post.

I can also include (plus run, manage and promote) a giveaway in the spotlight post or an author interview for an additional $9. I use only PayPal for payments.

* If you want to include a giveaway, I will manage the giveaway and provide the name and contact information of the winner(s). The author will be responsible for the distribution of the prize(s). All prices mentioned are in USD (US Dollars).

Contact information

Email Aparna (me) at: 
aparna@mybooksateme.com


Happy writing (and reading)!