The Book Bloggers

Blog Name: Aricia’s Gay Book Blog
Blog URL: http://ariciasgaybookblog.blogspot.com/
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AriciasGayBookBlogBlog
Owner: Aricia Gavriel

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
There are scores (and more) of great blogs talking about new books, but a lot of my all-time favorites are older books, titles that came out in the 1970s and 80s. These books are being lost, or at least forgotten, because very few books are reprinted these days, and reviewers don’t often talk about old books. I review new ones too, but I review old favorite novels and writers, and I always find sources and include links to where you can get a copy — often at much lower prices than you’d get new books. This should help writers who are trying to market a long backlist. Some authors working today have forgotten titles from 20 years ago. It would be so nice if their earlier work were remembered.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
“Saving” older books from being forgotten! In the stores (at least in Australia) you only ever see bestsellers. In online stores, you have to know what, and who, to search for … how will you stumble over something great? A review is invaluable help. But who reviews older books? I do! They’re all available from online sellers, if folks knew where to look and what to search on. This is where I come in.

3. What types of books do you review?
Right now, specifically m/m gay books, old and new. Might branch out further as time goes by. However, the plots could be anything from historicals to crime and SF — it’s the m/m content that sets them into their own category.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
I’ve read a lot of SF and fantasy, (gay and not), but would consider myself an “expert” in the sub-sub-genre where the SF and fantasy has a gay spin.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
No. I’ll review anything … but if I think it’s a bad book, I’ll say so! Not wanting to hurt people’s feelings, I therefore stick books I like — or have, so far. I don’t have a problem with erotica, but if a book is hateful about some sector of the community (gay, colored, female, pagan, handicapped, obese, homeless…), expect me to speak out about it.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Absolutely. Some of the best fiction being written today is coming out direct from the authors. Mainstream publishers are only in it for the bucks, and newcomers (or writers in small niches) haven’t been able to break in for many years. They have two options: self-publish or give up. I applaud writers with the courage to learn the trade from the ground floor on up and become masters of every aspect of the business from writing and editing to layout and graphic design, and marketing. (However, I sigh over those writers who publish “too soon,” with immature skills in all departments. The end product is … sad.)

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
I’d be glad to! So far, I’ve been able to pull all books reviewed off my own shelf. I’d have to think long and hard about buying books to review (like many people, I’m counting the pennies these days), but it a writer or publisher chose to send an ebook or PDF, I’d be delighted.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Yes. Right now I’m not “configured” for it, but I’d be happy to set something up.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Would be happy to, if I had the physical stock. Regarding ebook giveaways — absolutely. This is so easy to organize via Lulu, Smashwords, Payloadz — I could even use my Box account.

10. Do you interview authors?
I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but now you mention it … it’s a fine idea.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Sadly, no. I don’t have the facilities, blogging as I do out of a laptop on the corner of a busy desk in the rumpus room!

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
I would guess, 2-3 weeks. I’d put priority on a book that had been sent to me, and would need time to read and post … allowing for real life to intervene and throw everything into uproar, as it always does.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
No. Everything I write for my blog is written afresh.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
If I were in contact with them, I certainly would. Most of the writers I’ve reviewed so far are “names” from 20 - 30 years ago … some of them are deceased! … but the current “names” seem to be very aware of the reviews. For example, Josh Lanyon and Mel Keegan have left comments.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
My blog is called “Aricia’s Gay Book Blog,” which gives you a line on what I review — and who my readers are. So long as a book has a m/m facet to it somewhere, that’s fine. I’ve reviewed books in every genre, from historicals to SF and fantasy, plus biography. I haven’t looked at non-fiction yet, but I’ll get around to it.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Contact me (Aricia Gavriel) either via the blog, or at ariciagavriel [AT] gmail [DOT] com.

I’m a voracious reader from way back, and have been a “proofie” or proofreader for Mel Keegan and DreamCraft since 2003 (which perhaps qualifies me as a reviewer). I don’t have any personal aspirations to be a novelist but I’m enjoying the living daylights out of blogging, and I post every couple of days. The blog is still a “start-up,” it’s been online only since 11/29/08, but already I have numerous regular readers in all parts of the world — including China, Malaysia and the Middle East! — and to my surprise, I score very highly on the Google searches. All very gratifying.

Blog Name: Ramya’s Bookshelf
Blog URL: http://ramyasbookshelf.blogspot.com
Blog Owner: Ramya

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I started this blog three years ago to keep tab of all the books I was reading. And I added a little snippet from each book I read, a little something to help me remember the book. But soon, I found other book lovers across the globe and became part of this wonderful book blogging community. Now, my blog’s become an addiction and I have so many new friends!

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
I love reading good books and I had a very tough time getting to know about interesting books (before I got into the book blogging world). So I enjoy it when people find good books on my blog and decide to read them and actually enjoy the experience. That to me is the most rewarding part of this.

3. What types of books do you review?
I love a good story. So I usually read anything that is an interesting story - memoirs, fiction novels, YA books, etc. I enjoy chick-lits every now and then. Chick-lits are my recharging mechanisms after reading something heavy. My favorite books are , however , books by international authors. Books based in different countries from around the world. I love getting to know the culture and traditions of people from around the world, and books are the best solutions!

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
I do not consider myself an expert reviewer. I love books and I love writing about books I have read. I tend to write honest reviews and I don not shy away from mentioning things I did not like about a book. I think that helps my readers to get a fair view of the book and helps them make a more informed decision. I read a wide range of books and don’t really concentrate on any one genre.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
Self-help and religious propaganda books.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Of course! I can imagine how tough it would be for self published authors to get the word across about their book. If I like the premise of the book, I would definitely read books by self published authors and do my share in spreading the word about the book!

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Not frequently. I find it tough to read ebooks. My day job involves being stuck in front a computer all day and I don’t like to stare at the screen when I am back home as well.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Sure! I have authors guest-blogging for me frequently and I enjoy reading and posting what they have to say!

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Never hosted one until now but I am not averse to the idea.

10. Do you interview authors?
Yes. I am part of virtual book tours and I host about 3 to 4 authors each month on my blog. I interview a few of them and I allow a few to submit a guest post.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Yes. I am part of TLC book tours, pump up your book promotion and Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. I love the experience.

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
Usually a week (if that is the only book I receive that week). Some weeks are crazy and I receive more than 10 books. At that time, I read books in priority order. I try to complete all my reviews for books within a month of receiving the book (even if it is not part of a tour).

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
I post some reviews on LibraryThing. Never posted on Amazon but I plan to start doing it soon.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
If the author has contacted me requesting a review, I usually let them know that the review is up. If the publicist contacts me, then my email is directed to the publicist.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
Hmm.. not exactly.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Authors can contact me - Ramya. My email address: ramyasbookshelf(at)gmail(dot)com

Blog Name: The Bluestocking Guide: Reviews by a Partial, Prejudiced, and Ignorant Reader
Blog URL: http://web.me.com/bluestocking_bb
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://web.me.com/bluestocking_bb/The_Bluestocking_Guide/Book_Reviews/rss.xml
Blog Owner: Bluestocking a.k.a. Brooke

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I’m always looking for something good to read, and I buy my books. The problem is it is hard to know when you pick up a book whether or not it is going to be as good as the review on the back of the book. Also, I like some unusual reads like all things Star Trek and Star Wars. Not a lot of people review the kind of books that I enjoy reading. I figured there are probably a lot of people like me who don’t know what to read or buy. So my blog is designed to give you the information on great reads especially if you plan to purchase a book.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
Well, it’s fun to keep track of how much I read. It’s also nice having people give their opinion on the same book in the comments. I think what I like most of all is when people decide to read or re-read one of the books that I review based upon my discussion of the book.

3. What types of books do you review?
I review Classics, Young adult (particularly fantasy), historical fiction, mysteries (cozies and detective), thriller/horror, Christian fiction, plays, humanities, some biography, non-fiction, and classical text.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
I have the most expertise in fiction- all genres.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
I won’t review books with a lot of profanity or sex. Also I won’t review romance novels. I’m not talking about books with romance elements. I’m talking about “bodice rippers.”

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
I will accept submissions from self-publishers. Beware, I am completely honest.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
I would prefer print, as I have a difficult time reading on a computer screen.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Sure

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Yes.

10. Do you interview authors?
I conduct audio interviews with authors on my podcast, Inklings.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Yes. I enjoy them and look forward to more.

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
Usually a week or two. If it is an Advanced Review then it will be a matter of days.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
I usually cross post on Metaxu Literary Network. I will post on Barnes & Noble.com if requested. I do not post on Amazon because they will have the rights to my review.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Yes

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
It needs to be bound as a book- no paper clips or staples. I usually read on the train so I don’t want the book falling apart.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed? 
Bluestocking (Brooke)
thebluestockingguide [at] me [dot] com

Blog Name: Poisoned Rationality
Blog URL: http://lastexilewords.blogspot.com
Blog Owner: Lexie

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I needed a way to not only keep track of what I was reading, but also to speak my opinion as honestly as I could about a variety of books. I review for a site as well, but the site is limited to Romance books 6 months or older. Since I tend to read a lot of older books or fantasy, I wanted somewhere to talk about those as well.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
Reading the books and maybe helping someone’s opinions. I try to be detailed about what issues I felt had arisen in the books I read, though that leads to spoilers occasionally. I try to keep major plot spoilers out of the reviews though. Whenever I read reviews I would always get a general idea of how the reviewer felt, but then when reading the book I’d think ‘Doesn’t anyone else find it aggrevating that the male lead’s age has changed twice?’ because its those sorts of nitpicks that bother me and possibly others. Better to be forewarned and forearmed as they say.

3. What types of books do you review? 
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, young adult, Regency Romance, Time Travel Romance, Star Trek (TnG, DS9, Mirror Universe), Anthologies, Science Fiction Romance, and Dark Fantasy. I also read mysteries, regular fiction and historical fiction, but only if the premise sparks my interest.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Fantasy or Regency, since those are my main two reading categories. I’m branching into Urban Fantasy a lot more lately and manga/Japanese Light Novels are also a large category for me.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
I try to avoid erotic romances–my younger (16) sister tends to read a lot of the books I get for her school’s newspaper. Horror along the lines of Stephen King or John Saul is a definite never as well as most auto-biographies/memoir sort of books. Hard Science Fiction is a hit or miss for me as is contemporary romance, inspirational romance and teen ‘drama’ books (like Gossip Girl or Clique).

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Yes, see no reason not to.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
I do, but they tend to take longer for me to review because a) I can’t stand staring at my computer screen for more then a hour at most and b) I don’t have a printer to print the book out to read at my leisure.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
That would have to be negociated between myself and the author. Since my blog is pretty much all about my interests and fandoms, the author would have to understand that their guest blog would have to fit within those parameters.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
As of right now I am a poor college student who babysits on the side to earn gas/bill money. In the future, if I get a better job, maybe, but right not I can’t economically do that.

10. Do you interview authors?
Haven’t done it before, but I love to e-mail authors and ask them questions so I can’t see it being any different right?

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Never even seen a book tour, so I’d have to say not.

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
For print books anywhere from two days to a month, depending on personal life, mood and length of the book. Like I said above e-books take longer and tend to be closer to two months depending on length.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
No, only because Amazon has dealt me unfairly in the past when I try to post my honest opinion about books. Plus since they require you to purchase the book now its even harder.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
If they’d like. Since all my reviews have been about relatively older books so far, don’t see any reason to. I’ll send them a copy of the review before I post it, if they would like even so that we can discuss any problems I might have had and I can adjust my review accordingly.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
Please e-mail me first with a synopsis or back cover blurb, as well as the genre/page count/publication date/etc. If there is a time sensitivity for the review, let me know that as well so that I know to read that before a book that isn’t due for another 3 months. If the book is part of a series please also mention that, as well as if its first in the series or if I should bone up on the other books first.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed? 
Lexie at Lexie.Cenni (at) gmail.com I check my mail on a daily (if not every five hour) basis except when I’m babysitting.

Blog Name: Write For a Reader
Blog URL: http://www.writeforareader.edublogs.org
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://writeforareader.edublogs.org/feed/
Blog Owner: Shelly Burns

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I started reading other review blogs and thought to myself, “I love books; I can do this.” So, I did. It didn’t start out that way though. I wanted to blog about reading and writing in my classroom, but then I took a Reading Specialist position and things changed. I decided to do reviews instead.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
I love being able to share the books I review with others.

3. What types of books do you review?
I review mostly books for kids: children’s books and young adult. Since I work in an elementary school, these are the books that I can use with and recommend to my students and other teachers in the building. I also review adult books: fiction - romance, historical, and fantasy mostly. I have done a few memiors and am looking at a few self-help titles as well.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
My expertise would be in the genre of fiction, realistic and fantasy as that is mostly what children’s books are.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
I am not a big Sci-Fi fan, so that is probably where I would draw the line. I have given one a try so I’m not saying no, it’s just not my favorite genre to read.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
No.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Yes, I actually have one now that I’m going to start for review. I won’t do this often as it has gotten pushed to the back of the books to review, and I don’t feel that is fair.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Yes, I would love that. I think it would give my readers a different perspective and let them see a different side of the author than they would through the review or an interview.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Yes. I’ve done some on my own, and now I’m starting to do some through the publisher.

10. Do you interview authors?
Yes. I love this! It allows me to learn more about the author than just what the book blurb or website says. It also gives my readers a chance to get a more personal look at authors.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Yes.

12. 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 read the book and post the review 2 weeks - a month after I get it. It all depends on what the publisher asks for and when the book is due out.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
Yes, I am a reviewer for 2 other sites(The Well Read Child and Paperback Frenzy).

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
I try to do this for every review I post.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
I prefer to get an email request asking if I would like to review the book. I don’t like to be told I have to review this or that, because if I don’t like the genre, or can’t get into the book, I don’t want to be held to a review. I don’t think it’s fair to the book or the author.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Review requests should be submitted to Shelly Burns, shelcows (at) gmail (dot) com.

Blog Name: S. Krishna’s Books
Blog URL: http://www.skrishnasbooks.com
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://feeds.feedburner.com/SKrishnasBooks
Blog Owner: Swapna

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I read A LOT and I needed a way to keep track of the books I’ve read. Plus I had been reading a lot of book blogs and thought “Hey, I can do this! It might be fun!” Plus I don’t know many people who read in my “real life” so I have no one to discuss the books I’ve read with. Book blogging is a great way to do that.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
Finding non-mainstream authors that I like and encouraging others to read their books. I love it when you find that gem of a book that few others have read and introduce it to an entire community. It’s nice to think that we actually can inspire someone to go out and buy a book and have an effect on sales.

3. What types of books do you review?
I review a lot of types. I’d say I primarily review chick lit/women’s fiction, but I’ve been reading less of that lately. I love historical fiction and contemporary fiction, especially multicultural books. I’ve also been getting into more YA fiction. I review some non-fiction as well (though it does take me longer to read than fiction).

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Chick lit and historical fiction - I have read and reviewed a LOT of these.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
Not really, but I’m very selective about what I review. I don’t feel like review books is a place to take chances in my reading, and I don’t want to waste an author’s or publicist’s time.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Generally, no. I have made exceptions, but they are few and far between.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Generally, no.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
It depends. I know some authors offer to guest blog in place of a review to ease burdens on the reviewer’s time, but I would only accept a guest blog if I had actually reviewed the book. I try to stick with my original blog premise, talking about books I read. So if I’ve read a book, I’d love to have an author guest blog, but not in place of a review! (I hope that makes sense).

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Definitely. I always have a book giveaway going on. I give away my own books and also partner with authors and publishers on giveaways.

10. Do you interview authors?
I’ve only done one author interview, but I’m hoping to do more.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Yes - I really enjoy book tours!

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
It depends on the book - if it’s an ARC or prerelease copy, I will post the review on the release date. If that’s not possible, I’ll at least do it during the week of release. I try to review every book in a timely manner, but sometimes life and other review priorities get in the way.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
Yes, Amazon.com and LibraryThing.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Yes, an author and a publicist, if I have the contact info.

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

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Swapna at skrishna AT skrishnasbooks DOT com

Blog Name: Grasping for the Wind
Blog URL: http://otter.covblogs.com
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GraspingForTheWind
Blog Owner: John Ottinger
1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
Nothing, actually. I had had a blog for some time, and been posting random things online, when I started writing mini-reviews. I was trundling along, posting reviews every so often when Tia of Fantasy Debut (http://fantasydebut.blogspot.com/) found me. She was so excited about my work that i got excited too, and started working hard on promoting myself and writing more in-depth, and valuable reviews. And the rest is history.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
When someone tells me they added a book I recommended to their To-be-Read pile. I like seeing authors gain a potential reader they might not have otherwise had becasue of my review. It is also great to have the interactions with publishers, authors, and fans that I never had before the blog. I was a lonely child in a world where reading fantasy and science fiction was frowned upon, and none of my friends read in the genre, so I had no one to discuss my favorite books with. Now I do.

3. What types of books do you review?
Primarily science fiction and fantasy, in all its forms. However, most of my reviews have been sword=and-sorcery, epic/high fantasy, space opera, comic fantasy/sf, space opera, and various anthologies.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Science fiction and fantasy, also known as speculative fiction.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
Horror or New Weird. I also do not read much from vanity presses or print-on-demand publishers anymore, as my review queue stretches rather long. But I will consider them, if the marketing is convincing enough.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
See above. Only on rare occasions anymore.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
That depends. I have done so on occasion, but I usually turn down ebooks these days. I like the feel of a book in my hand, and I always end up printing out ebooks anyway, since I do not yet have an e-reader (though a gift of one would always be acceptable!)

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
Most certainly. In fact, I encourage it. This is where I will accept work from POD or self-published authors. Though I don’t have time to review their work, I would be happy to use an article they wrote at my blog, and be sure to mention their self-published work in their author blurb.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
I have done so in the past with some success, and would be happy to do so again, so long as shipping the work is done by the author or publisher, rather than me.

10. Do you interview authors?
Yes, but I have to have read their book first. I will also interview people in the writing profession such as publishers, marketers, editors.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Once upon a time, I did. I plan to do so again for a couple in February, but these are few and far between. So I will, but I need advance notice. I am however, working on a sort of roundtable discussion that will work somewhat like a blog tour, so stay tuned!

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
That depends. Sometimes just a few weeks, sometimes several months. While I run this blog as a hobby, I also review semi-professionally, and those books take precedence, as they usually have due dates attached. But I will alwasy do my best to keep you in the loop about where I am on reviewing your book, and if I find I cannot ever get to your work, will return the volume to you at my own expense.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
Not at this time. Though I would be happy to let an author do so himself or herself, using my text and byline.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Yes, absolutely.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
See http://otter.covblogs.com/archives/2007/02/about-me.html for guidelines and contact info.

Please include a synopsis of your novel, any blurbs you have received, and a link to your website or blog in an email to me. I will respond within one to two business days.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
I’d rather not post my email here, but if you follow the link above, you will find instructions for contacting me.

Blog Name: POD Book Reviews & More (PODBRAM)
Blog URL: http://iuniversebookreviews.blogspot.com/
Blog Owner: Floyd M. Orr

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
After learning how to market my own four POD books over a five year period, spending sizable funds and enormous quantities of time and effort, I thought it might be rewarding to try to help other deserving new authors. I tend to be very meticulous instead of prolific, in both my writing and in everything else I do, so I set out to make PODBRAM the best of its kind. We don’t review the most books, and we certainly do not dole out gushingly positive reviews like bubblegum. All our review team members are mature, experienced writers moonlighting as true book critics. We try to be the premiere free, legitimate POD review site on the web.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
Receiving nice e-mail messages and comments on the site from authors and readers who appreciate the effort we put into PODBRAM. Seeing our names on authors’ book jackets, in their Acknowledgments, and on their websites is always fun, too!

3. What types of books do you review?
We actively seek out mature, qualified, writers who are dedicated to their craft. We want to compose thoughtful, honest reviews, and the duds of the self-publishing universe drag down our mood and our purpose. Look over some of the books we have reviewed at PODBRAM and you will see a very eclectic pattern. We are far more concerned with quality than genre. We have little interest in children’s books, poetry or religious zealotry. We aren’t too thrilled with reading the same old formulaic tripe in the romance, horror, or scifi genres, either.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Nonfiction in general, particularly that of a social, contemporary, or political nature, light social commentary, horror, thrillers, and mysteries. Other reviewers on our team specialize in historical fiction, science fiction, military, espionage, history, comedy, and other genres.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
The authors I refer to as cheaters are the main ones I refuse to review. These subjects include get-rich-quick schemes, celebrity trash, and other titles that are all too easy to sell to morons. We at PODBRAM generally have no interest in children’s books, poetry or pornography, either. We are looking for serious books by authors who are serious about writing, and that particularly means editing and proofreading.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Absolutely. We review books from all publishers except Lulu. Those are referred to our associates at The Lulu Book Review.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
No.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
No.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
No.

10. Do you interview authors?
Yes, we offer very extensive, detailed interviews of accomplished authors who particularly have something of value to offer to our readers. Visit the website to see exactly what I mean by extensive and detailed.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
No.

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
The timeframe is subject to how busy we are at the time. We have five reviewers, and usually your book will be selected by the reviewer who feels he or she can most likely read and review your book promptly. You will be notified at the time if the wait is longer than a few weeks. Often the turnaround is within a few days.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
According to the reviewer, we post reviews at various other sites. All reviews are posted at PODBRAM and Amazon, and in some cases, these are individually composed reviews. In addition, we have reviewers that post to their own review sites or to Blogger News Network.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Absolutely. We offer the best personal service available. An author selected for review will receive notification when his book has been received, as well as when his reviews have been completed. See our website for more detailed information.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
All an author has to do is to ask nicely. Be sure to mention the title of your book, your website, and your contact e-mail address. I will promptly research you and your book online to see what sort of author you seem to be. If I immediately discover numerous errors of editing or proofreading in your book, I shall let you know that your book has not been accepted for review at PODBRAM. If your book fits into what I call the cheating category, or there seem to be other careless discrepancies in your credentials as a serious author, you will be promptly dismissed. If you pass these two hurdles, and I am either not interested in or too busy for your book, then I send your information out to the other team members. If one or more of them requests your book, the one who seems to want it more will be selected and you will be notified immediately of the address of the reviewer. This whole process can take as little as ten minutes or as long as 48 hours. Most authors are notified as accepted or rejected either the same day or the next.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
Contact Floyd M. Orr at ice9 at nctv dot com or comment on any post.
PODBRAM used to be known as iUniverse Book Reviews (iUBR). The name was changed to PODBRAM when I decided to set up a team of reviewers and open up the submissions to all publishers, both traditional and POD. The URL has been left as it was simply because of the many links to the site already set up all over the web. We still probably review more books from iU than any other publisher, but we have no business relationship with the company other than as authors. Although it was not covered in this interview, PODBRAM offers a wealth of helpful information about the POD publishing and marketing experience, in addition to the book reviews.

Blog Name: Anna’s Book Blog
Blog URL: http://annavivian.blogspot.com/
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://annavivian.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Blog Owner: Anna Lemkau

1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I originally started doing reviews on my blog at MySpace, but then found that blogger had way more to offer so I decided to just do a blog that concentrated on reviews, books, & authors. Also I love books and I just want to get my thoughts out there and hear what everybody else thinks of the books. Plus I love to help promote authors and their books.

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
It’s nice to get my thoughts on a book out there. But what is most rewarding is helping to the promote the author and getting the word out about the genre.

3. What types of books do you review?
Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Historical Romance, Fantasy, Erotica, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Young Adult.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Paranormal Romance

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
Contemporary Romance, Inspirational and Westerns

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
Yes.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Yes, I’m addicted to e-books. So I’m definitely up to doing reviews on them.

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
I haven’t done it yet, but I’d be open to it.

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Yes, I do. I run contests every few months or so.

10. Do you interview authors?
I haven’t yet, but I’m open to the idea.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
I haven’t before.

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
If the book is an ARC …once I have the book in my had it’ll take me 4 to 7 days. But if it’s just a regular book on my reading list, It can take longer depending on what else I’m reading.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
Yes. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and several other Book sites

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Yes, I make sure to get a hold of them through email or MySpace. Sometimes they find the review before I get an chance to notify them.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
Just that it be one of the genre’s I read.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
darkhunters76 AT msn DOT com, Anna

Blog Name: Kay’s Bookshelf
Blog URL: http://www.kaysbookshelf.com/
RSS or Atom Feed Address: http://feeds.feedburner.com/KaysBookshelf
Blog Owner: me my name is Andreea but online I go by Kay
1. What motivated you to create a book review blog?
I am a very very passionate reader, and as such I have read lots and lots of books over time. After a while I have begun to notice how I don’t remember anything (or very little) about many of the books I knew I’d read. Very annoying. So I started this blog as a way to keep a detailed track of what I read

2. What do you find most rewarding about book reviewing?
Well, the very reason I started this blog in English was the fact that this way it could reach a wider audience. I’m quite happy when I see people looking for various book-related things and finding the answers on my blog. I love receiving comments or questions about the books reviewed. And, of course, I love the fact that everything is written down so whenever I need to know something about a particular book I can just look it up

3. What types of books do you review?
Um… anything? Never tried graphic novels though. Besides that I don’t initially shrink away from anything. I have given up a couple of books I didn’t like enough to keep reading until the end though. However right now no particular type comes to mind that would make me say “no” without even opening the book. My favorites are historical fiction and everything related to time-travel, but I have been positively surprised by at least one book of any genre, so I’m fairly open to anything coming along.

4. In what genre do you consider yourself to have the most expertise?
Fiction. I don’t know, I read about anything that comes my way, I don’t think I’ve preferred any genre over another over time. I may go through a period when I feel like reading only this or only that, but all in all I don’t think I’ve preferred anything in particular for long stretches of time.

5. Is there any type of book that you absolutely will not review?
Nothing comes to mind.

6. Do you accept submissions from self-published authors?
I don’t see why not. I enjoy a good book regardless on who published it.

7. Do you accept PDF versions or e-books for review?
Of course, I love e-books, my to-be-read pile is now a huge folder on my laptop. A brilliant thing storage-wise

8. Can an author guest blog for you?
I’m sorry but no. It’s my very very personal blog and I’d like it to stay this way (personal as in it expresses my own opinions not, of course, as in I write in it about me only )

9. Do you host book giveaways?
Never thought about it. It would be a bit hard though given that I mainly read e-books

10. Do you interview authors?
Never thought about it either. I mean I did once, when I had a huge question related to Audrey Niffenegger’s Time Traveler’s Wife, but I couldn’t think for the life of me of more questions than the one actually bothering me. Plus I ended up postponing it indefinitely anyway.

11. Do you ever host stops on an organized book tour?
Never had the chance. To be honest I’m not actually sure I even know what that is (I do have an idea, of course, but I’m not sure about the details)

12. What is the average turnaround time for a review, from the time the book arrives in your mailbox until the review is posted?
I usually start reading the book that very day and post the review the very day I finish it. Also I usually try to get it done within a week at the most.

13. Do you cross-post reviews to Amazon or other sites?
One more thing I didn’t actually think about.

14. Will you notify an author by email when a review is posted?
Always and absolutely. Plus I keep my breath until his/her answer arrives.

15. Do you have any specific requirements for review submission?
Nothing comes to mind. No.

16. Where can authors submit review queries and to whom should they be addressed?
The email address is groovyblog AT gmail DOT com. The name is either Andreea or Kay.