Most of you know that I am probably the most disorganised person in Blogland. I think the lack of organisation skills goes hand in hand with being a procrastinator (as well as being easily distracted, because I'm also away with the fairies most of the time). Anyway, well over a month ago, I decided that I needed to have a regular spot for guests. Something promotional. Something that could highlight a person (or a website) who deserved a little Promo Love. Now, I'm not going to lie, my version of a 'regular spot' will most likely differ from others, in that I will
of course become sidetracked, forgetful, and fall foul of my procrastinating. But the good intention is there, and whether I post once a week, or once a month (which is far more likely, let's be honest here), 'Princess Promo' is now officially one of my post labels, *nods*
This first promotional post is special for a couple of reasons.
While searching for possible reviewers for my debut release, I came across Erin, who is just fabulous. She is fairly new to reviewing, and her website is also a recent debut. Erin is wonderful, and I'm not just saying that because she read my book and told me she 'adored' it. As soon as I saw her website, I knew that I needed to make her my first highlight in my promotional posting effort.
Her website is called
Paws and Print, and you should definitely go and check it out. First, isn't that a wonderful name for a website? Two of my favourite things in one title, and the alliteration is also cool (I love me some alliteration!). I may be wrong, but I'm going to hazard a guess that the 'Prints' is referencing the fact that Erin is a reviewer. And her review policy is AWESOME. As well as offering the usual read, review, and post reviews at Amazon and Goodreads (par for the course for any reviewer worth their salt), she also states quite clearly that she is an 'upbeat' reviewer. Let me show you what she says...
On Paws and Print, I will review books that I have purchased,
requests from authors and those I receive from tour companies as part of
a promotional tour. No matter the source, all the reviews include my
own opinions, and are not influenced by outside sources.
I post honest reviews, which means I will let you know the good along
with the bad. Keep in mind, I enjoy many kinds of books and I believe
that nearly everything has an audience (even if it's not me). I always
try to keep my reviews truthful, but upbeat. If I am reviewing something
I truly don't enjoy as part of a promotional tour, I may withhold a paw
print rating.
All my reviews are cross promoted on Facebook & Twitter. They are also reprinted on Amazon and Goodreads.
Ratings
I utilize the same 1 through 5 rating system used by Amazon and
Goodreads. Most often, you will find 3, 4 and 5 star reviews here, as I
do not like to post negative reviews.
3 Paw Prints--It's a good book, worth reading. I enjoyed this
book, but there is probably nothing that makes it stand out. It is not
the type of book I would be reading over and over (most likely).
4 Paw Prints--I really liked this book. It is something I am recommending and probably worth a second read.
5 Paw Prints--These are the special books, the ones I truly
love. These are the books you will likely find me talking about,
purchasing for friends and giving away to others.
Isn't that fab? One of the scariest aspects of seeking reviews is the fear that you will get flamed. Erin's policy takes away most of that fear (though not all, because for me, I will always be scared of reviews *snort*). Right away, I knew I wouldn't be dithering over requesting a review with this lady, and trust me, normally I dither for a long time before I fill out a request form.
But then I saw what her website was really about, and I immediately knew that whether this lady loved or hated my book, she deserved a little promo love. You see, the 'Paws' part of her title is referencing her wonderful intention behind the website.
I was going to explain in my own words, but again, I think I'll just copy over what Erin has on the page, because I really think it needs to be read exactly as she phrased it herself...
Shop Mission
The Paws and Print Shop is
going to be our avenue for supporting rescue pets. You will find a wide
variety of custom crochet items and ready to ship items. Each month,
15% of our sales will go to support local rescue charities in the form
of a monetary donation or by purchasing goods needed by the shelters.
While I support charities in the Philadelphia area, I know that pets all
over the country need our help. So, if you have a favorite charity in
need of a little love, please send me an email at
erinlindsey(dot)maurer(at)gmail(dot)com.
In addition to monthly donations, we will also feature items just for
your pets. Currently, those are our pet bandanas, but more items will be
added. For each item sold, a duplicate will be made and sent to help
rescue pets in need.
Now, tell me that's not fabulous. Really. I bet you can't. *nods wisely* Seriously, this just warms the cockles of my animal-loving heart. What an awesome idea for supporting the many animals in need of rescue, love, and support. Not only is Erin donating much needed dollars from her proceeds, but she is duplicating every order she receives and donating the spare to an animal in need.
It's just all around awesome. So please, spare a moment and pop along to Erin's wonderful website. And even if you don't buy anything, spread the word. This lady has started a wonderful project, and I think it deserves to be recognised.
Here endeth my first official promotional post. I hope it does what I wanted it to do. Spread the love, people, spread the love...
