Policies and Contact

Review Policy

While many of the books that I review are books that I have purchased or borrowed from libraries, I do accept some review copies.

I am fairly selective about accepting review copies, so don’t be offended if I don’t review yours.  There just aren’t enough hours in the day for me to read everything I would like to!  Likewise, I don’t send a personal response for every review request that I don’t accept.  I greatly appreciate every review request, and I want to support all of the authors I can.  However, I get a lot of requests, and if I spent all my time responding to each and every one that I don’t accept, then I wouldn’t have time for blogging.

I can’t make any guarantees as to exactly when a review will be posted.  I try read any review copies that I receive within a month (or two, depending), but I don’t make any promises.  I work full time and try to have a small social life outside of my blog.  Sometimes I get busy, and don’t post as many reviews as I’d like.  Sometimes I get behind and have to play catch up.  My apologies in advance.

If you are an author/publicist/publisher/etc. and would like me to review one of your books, please see the following guidelines:

1. I only accept books that have been professionally edited.  I don’t want to feel like I need to whip out a red pen while reading.  While I prefer traditionally published books, well-edited indie books are also welcome.
2. I prefer to accept print review copies.  I like to read in the bathtub, and electronics and water don’t mix.  I do have a Kindle, but bear in mind that I will take longer to read and review electronic books.
3. I am willing to review books either before or after they have been released.  Older books are welcome.
4. If I publish a review of your book, I am willing to conduct an author interview as well.  Let me know in your query if you are interested, and I’ll get back to you once I’ve finished reading the book.
5. I cross post excerpts and links to my reviews on Goodreads.  I am willing to post reviews to Amazon upon request.
6. I do not use a star-based rating system on my blog.  Different people like different books for different reasons, and I’d like my reviews to reflect that.
7. I am most likely to accept review requests from the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and literary or historical fiction.  I particularly enjoy books that are in some way related to Russia.  Most of the books that I read are aimed at adults, but I also accept YA novels.
8. I do NOT accept romance, thrillers, mysteries, self-help books, or Christian fiction (unless it’s Christian historical fiction, which is different).  I also don’t like depressing books.  There are enough depressing things in real life.  If it’s a tear-jerker, I’m probably gonna hate it.

Review requests should be submitted via e-mail to grace (dot) troxel (at) gmail (dot) com.

Comment Policy

Comments make me happy.  This includes comments from authors, who are more than welcome to stop by.  I reserve the right to delete any comments that aren’t civil/respectful.  As of writing this policy, I’ve never had to do that, which is one of the reasons why I love the blogosphere so much.

Contact

Questions?  Comments?  Any miscellaneous feedback can be directed to me via e-mail at grace (dot) troxel (at) gmail (dot) com.