Dec 05 2008
Meet Library Girl Reads
Blog Name: Library Girl Reads
Blog URL: http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Blog Owner: Angela
1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I have over 10 years experience working in libraries and absolutely love to read. When we moved due to my husband’s job change, I was unable to find a job right away as the area libraries were simply not hiring. I’ve since become a stay at home mom. I wanted to do something fun for me that would keep me connected to the book world and when I found that people had blogs of their book reviews I knew that was the perfect outlet for me.
2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
My book review blog is one of my adult connections now that I’m staying home with my newborn daughter. It forces me to think more about what I enjoy about the books that I am reading. I love sharing these thoughts with others and reading other book review blogs has introduced me to new books and authors that I might not have found in another way. I hope that my book reviews can do that for other people.
3. What types of books do you review?
I review general fiction, fantasy fiction (traditional and urban), paranormal fiction (except romance), literary fiction, historical fiction (particularly stories about Native Americans), cozy mysteries, and more. I’m willing to read just about anything with the exception of items listed in question #5.
4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Definitely fantasy fiction - both traditional and urban. Historical fiction as well, although my blog doesn’t currently reflect that interest because of the current fantasy kick I’ve been on.
5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
I don’t read romance novels of any sort. Also psychological thrillers or pure horror.
6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Yes, I would be happy to. My step-mother is a self published author 
7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
I would prefer not to since reading is part of my ‘away from the computer’ time. However, I will consider it if it is the only format available and sounds like a good read.
8. Can an author guest blog for you?
I have not had this happen yet but I am definitely open to the idea.
9. Do you host book giveaways?
My blog is very new so I haven’t yet but I would love to if an author or publisher would be willing to provide a copy or two for a giveaway.
10. Do you interview authors?
Again, my blog is fairly new so I haven’t yet but I would love to!
11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
I would love to get involved with book tours on my blog but again this is something that I have not yet done.
12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
This partially depends on how large my ‘to read’ pile is and partially on how much reading my daughter will actually let me do. Books received for review will automatically be moved to the top of the pile ahead of personal reading. If I receive a book prior to the official publication date, I try to have the review up on the blog at least one month in advance of publication. If I receive the book within the month prior to publication, I try to have the review posted within a week or two of receiving the book. For books received after the official release date, I try to have a review posted within a month of receiving the book.
13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
I post my reviews on LibraryThing and the Visual Bookshelf application on Facebook. I have also been posting my reviews on my MySpace blog but I am currently having technical difficulties with MySpace. As a result, I’ve been posting bulletins there when a new review is posted with a link to Library Girl Reads.
14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
I will if an author or publisher specifically requests it. All of my reviews are tagged with the author, publisher, and book title so they can be located easily.
15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
Please send a detailed description of the book including genre, format, intended age group, and the official release date.
16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Please send an email to Angela with Library Girl Reads Submission in the subject line.
