The Book Bloggers

Blog Name: Ready Set Read Reviews & Bookish Mom Reviews
Blog URL: www.readysetreadreviews.blogspot.com & www.bookishmom.blogspot.com
RSS or Atom Feed Address:  http://readysetreadreviews.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default & http://bookishmom.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Blog Owner: RebekahC

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I have two blogs, both of which are fairly new. The one, Ready Set Read Reviews, is where I post my reviews of Children’s & YA books. As a mom of two little girls, it’s been one of my goals to instill in them the same insatiable desire for books that I have. Reading is not something we do in this house because we have to; it’s something we do because we want to. Since books are such a huge part of our lives already, and since I have been reviewing books (freelance and for another site online) for quite some time I thought it would be fun to take a step in a new direction. Starting my own blog site seemed like that next perfect idea. I love to share my thoughts and recommendations on the books I read, both to my kids and on my own, and I love to read reviews and recommendations from others. Having my own blog to share those thoughts on seemed like the natural progression for me. With my second, the newer of the two, blog, Bookish Mom Reviews, I wanted a place where I could post my own reviews and thoughts about books I was reading for me. (ie adult books) Again, I enjoy reading and sharing thoughts, suggestions, etc when it comes to books. Having my own blog provides me with a wonderful outlet to do just that. It’s my hope to at some point in the near future start incorporating in author interviews or guest blogs, contests for my readers, and more. Anything that has to do with books is right up my alley, so I’ll usually dive right in.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
Aside from the act of doing the reading itself, it’s very rewarding to know that people enjoy the tips and recommendations I can give through my reviews. Generally speaking I tend to have a pretty good filter when it comes to picking the books I’ll read. So, it’s not often that I end up bombing out with a real dud. However, not everyone is always that lucky. And while not everyone’s tastes are going to necessarily match up with mine, it’s nice to have a resource you can go to that you’ll trust to recommend worthwhile reads. I won’t go as far as to toot my own horn, but from the comments I’ve received from readers already I’d say I’m meeting that goal through my blog. I hope so anyways.

3. What types of books do you review?
Again, I have two blog sites where I post my reviews. The first of which is Ready Set Read Reviews. This one is for children’s and young adult books. Mainly the reviews posted there have been in the children’s side of things, but I’m a big fan of YA books so there will definitely be plenty to come in that vein. I’m pretty open when it comes to specific genres, so readers will tend to see a little of everything featured on my blogs. For obvious reasons, you’ll tend to see more variences in the book genres featured on Bookish Mom Reviews because it’s my adult review blog. I tend to lean towards horror, thrillers, chic-lit, paranormals, romance, inspirational, some non-fiction, and really most anything. The only genres you’re likely not to see or to not see much of on my blogs, at least wherein actual reviews are concerned, are sci-fi or anything real historical. These two are just not my cup of tea normally.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
see number 3

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
I don’t know as I’d go as far as to say there are any I’d absolutely not review. However, there are going to be certain books that might come up that I would judge on a personal book by book basis and might not feel comfortable with or might feel I couldn’t give the book a fair review on.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Most certainly! Some of the best books out there are ones that come not through the major publishers, but that come from the small independants or self-published authors.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Yes, but on a case by case basis. I prefer print because it’s more convenient for me as I do not have an e-reader or a laptop.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Unequivocably, yes! I haven’t had any do so yet, but I’ve enjoyed booking authors to guest blog at the site I was at for most of this year. It was a blast, and it’s something I’d love to get going on my own blogs.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
I haven’t yet, but I will. Maybe not as much as some, unless they are giveaways being sent directly from the publishers/authors, because I simply don’t have the extra funds to foot all the postage costs. I do though, now that you mention it, have a giveaway I’ll be posting about soon on Ready Set Read Reviews.

10. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
I try to have all books reviewed within 1-2 mos if not sooner. This isn’t always possible depending on the number of submissions I get, but it’s definitely the goal I strive for.

11. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
Not always, but frequently.

12. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Most definitely.

13. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
Not really

14. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Anyone wanting to contact me regarding children or YA submissions for review, blog appearances, giveaways, etc can contact me at ReadySetReadReviews. Anyone wanting to contact me regarding adult submissions for review, blog appearances, giveaways, etc can contact me at BookishMomReviews. I’m the only one at both of these e-mails, but for the record my name is RebekahC.