Once more into the breach...Kidlit book reviews

Once more unto the breach,
dear friends, once more.

~ Shakespeare's Henry V

Well, once again I’m jumping into something new, and I don’t know where it will take me:  I just added a book review tab to my website. 

Yep, I’ll be reviewing the occasional children’s book of approximately 100 pages, written for pre-school - 6th grade. 

Kinda nervous but excited. 

I want to support my fellow Indie authors.  I remember how hard it was for me to find reviewers, especially when I first started writing.  I was so grateful for anyone who gave me the time of day!  I want to pay that forward. 

Photo: Morguefile

I want to support my fellow Indie authors.  I remember how hard it was for me to find reviewers, especially when I first started writing.  I was so grateful for anyone who gave me the time of day!  I want to pay that forward. 

However, I’ve been turning down review requests because the day isn’t long enough to write, tend to social media posts, and have a balanced life outside of writing.  But there’s more to it than the time crunch most of us experience these days.  Readers expect honest reviews and professionally published books---by that, I mean books written by traditional and Indie authors.  Pressure’s on.

I understand the flip side, too: the soul and sweat authors pour into writing or illustrating a book.  I dread the thought of dashing any author’s dream if I could not give his or her book a favorable review.  Anguish and gnashing of teeth.

Yet, Indie writers are professionals who are held to the same standard as authors supported by a publishing firm and having a full staff of editors, marketers, and graphic/tech gurus that make writing life easier. 

I’ve been noodling over how to offer an occasional honest review and still continue to have time to write, feel at peace with myself, celebrate Indies, and not crush anyone’s hopes.  Did I already mention feeling stressed?

Eureka!  I came up with a query process and review policy that I hope will accomplish my goals.  In a nutshell, I’ll only complete and post reviews that I believe are deserving of a very good or excellent rating.  If I believe a book to be rated as fair, I will quietly, gently let that author know why I cannot write a review. 

I don’t want to come off like the Grumpy Cat.  I’m just trying to offer authentic reviews for all involved.  Gulp.  Deep breath.  Really nervous but still going for it. 

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You can take a peek at my review policy. 

Review Policy

And a wee drum roll….
Might you check out my first post on my new review page, and let me know what you think in the comments below?

kid lit book reviews by cat michaels

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Thanks for stopping by. 
Happy tales and all the best with your writerly journey.

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