Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

It's funny how a thread will die for nine months, only to suddenly resurface!

I loved one I read recently, but I loathed another. It's a mixed bag like other pieces of art.

Two suggestions for fantasy/sci fi lovers from authors I have come to really enjoy:


Fantasy:

Steampunk:

I read and enjoy both self-published and trad-published books.

Since I'm an indie writer I feel it's important to support other indies. I just finished a freebie novella, 3am by Nick Pirog which included an excerpt from Grey Matter. Both were so good, I bought Grey Matter. Some genres i don't normally read but I can do honest reviews and will for the author's Amazon page and Goodreads. Mystery and humor I enjoy reading and will buy if the writing is good. Other writers in the indie community have supported me and I try to pay it forward.

I do support indie authors too.

Religiously. Honestly, I first got into it because, well, they tend to be cheaper. Then I stuck with it. There are disappoints sure, but there's been some real gems too.

For lovers of the grandiose, political scheming, I suppose game of Thrones style fantasy, for example, I'd pitch The Hollow March and its whole series without batting an eye.

For lovers of the fun, adventuring fantasy, with plenty of humor, I'd go for The Emperor's Edge, hands down.

The Bombmakers, by GoodReads author Marcus Case, is an absolutely top drawer self-published thriller: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I gave up reading fiction thirty years ago, but since writing a thriller myself (it's the current book of the month for this group), I've taken it as a matter of principle to read and review at least one self-published book of fiction a month. Some have been better than others, but I think that there are plenty of well-reviewed self-published authors to pick from, and they can often be refreshingly original.

Read any of these Indies?

http://staffweb.hkbu.edu.hk/ppp/ppp/c...

Kind of takes the steam out of the whole "Indies are lesser writers/if you don't have a publisher you're not real" attitude.

I read Indie almost exclusively anymore. As an Indie author myself, I want to support others who are traveling the same path. And, like others here, I have rarely been disappointed by what I have read!

Im glad to hear there are a few other idie writers out there helping us out, lol i know personally that every bit helps.

I support self publishing authors, and have many that are go-to's for me. "Self-Published" does not mean poor quality! Actually, I've noticed crappier work from authors with publishers. Self pubs have fewer lose ends, and typos than the others.
One e-pub's reputation (that I'm aware of) is for pumping out 'series' so fast it looks like a 5 year old wrote it!
I highly respect the self published and will continue to support them!!

Or you could stop following it, since it seems to offend you so mightily.

Owww..I've started a new thread. You guys are welcomed to join with a recommended self published or indie title that you've enjoyed.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I will read any book that the description piques my interest. I don't even look to see how it was published. I just want a good story.

^^ Yep, what Brenda said. I go off description and the sample, if it grabs me I'll read it. There's some seriously brilliant self pub stuff out there.

I believe the thread does ask; Do You Read Self Published Books!
If authors have something to say about this, shouldn't their voices also be heard?
After all this site is aptly named, Goodreads!
Keep the thread alive!!!

Owww..I love your spirit Anna, but...

I must confess I avoided self-published books until I became a self-published author myself in May of this year. Now I read a lot of indie books (as well as traditionally published ones). While I have found some that needed a better proofing, I have found that most tell a good story and do a good job with pacing and character development. That's the hardest part of writing fiction. An editor or proofreader can be hired, or you can find a qualified friend to do it for you. As for whether they are as good as or better than traditionally published books, some are and some aren't. If the rest of you are like me, you've found some serious dogs among traditionally published books as well!

I applaud Amazon, Smashwords, and other free places that make it so easy for more of us to be creative. And I wonder at the vitriol sometimes directed our way. For decades, local musicians have entertained people in nightclubs and local artists have sold their wares privately and at fairs. I can't recall ever hearing such negativity directed toward them! How, pray tell, are self-published writers different?

Yes. And this thread might benefit from a review of the terms/definitions:
peak
peek
pique

Anna wrote: "I believe the thread does ask; Do You Read Self Published Books!
If authors have something to say about this, shouldn't their voices also be heard?..."

Well, sure... But perhaps one should take the time to read beyond a thread title?

Christine made a valid point--the thread *title* may 'ask' something but the OP clarifies as to intent of starting the thread--namely:

I'm trying to bring attention to quality self-published works. If you read a great indie, please recommend a title here:
(bold added for emphasis)

etc: delete extra words

Rayanne wrote: "Yes. And this thread might benefit from a review of the terms/definitions:
peak
peek
pique"

Indeed.

I read Indie books and I watch Indie movies; I drink coffee at an Indie, Mom and Pop...

I just picked up two recommendations from this thread that I'll probably review soon, so yes, now I do. :)

Laurel wrote: "I must confess I avoided self-published books until I became a self-published author myself in May of this year. Now I read a lot of indie books (as well as traditionally published ones). While I h..."

I agree with your assessment, Laurel. My experience with traditional agents and publishers suggests they were running scared from the e-book 'threat' and were less inclined to risk investing in unknown authors.

Three of the last traditionally published books I bought were so bad I couldn't force myself to get to page 100 in them. The reviews on one I checked after the fact were all terrible. Yet the publisher published more from the author, apparently because he had a great following outside of writing. Traditionally published books are no guarantee of a good read.

I found self-publishing to be daunting at first. Then I came to love having control of all aspects of it. No one tells me to change this character, or what my cover will look like. After serious research on the various aspects, I found I was most pleased with the results of my efforts. As all my reviews have been the best possible, apparently others agree.

IMHO, the self-publishing world has removed a great roadblock in the road to creativity and encouraged entrepreneurship. I think good book blurbs and reader reviews will identify the cream of the crop for readers. Now the only impediment between authors and readers is the still black hole of marketing.

Some great indie books I've read are.

Few Are Chosen the first book in a series of four, all of which were great.

Ravenfold

I'm sure there will be more, as I've loads on my kindle that I just haven't got round to reading as yet.

H.D. wrote: "I just picked up two recommendations from this thread that I'll probably review soon, so yes, now I do. :)"

Excellent! So this thread is serving its purpose for some :)

As a self-published author, this is great to hear.

I think in general, you can tell which indie works are likely to be good and which are likely to be not-so-much, just by reading the synopsis. If an indie author can't write a halfway decent paragraph describing their book, how can they possibly write a whole novel that's any good?

I am one of the very few Goodreads members who do not own an electronic book reader of any type - Kindle, Nook, or Tablet. This is by choice. Since most independent and self-published authors choose to publish their work only in an electronic format, I have yet to read any.

Currently, 101 hardcover and paperback books (32 non-fiction & 69 fiction) reside on the shelves of the bookcase in my den, along with 9 audio books (1 non-fiction & 8 fiction).

I only buy a book if I know that I will read it more than once or if it is one of a series; otherwise, I borrow books from the local public library. If I should come upon a traditional print book there, written by an indie or SPA, that catches my attention, I would not hesitate to read it. So far, none have.

David wrote: "I think in general, you can tell which indie works are likely to be good and which are likely to be not-so-much, just by reading the synopsis. If an indie author can't write a halfway decent paragr..."

Absolutely. The Look Inside sample pages are also valuable indicators.

Joanne wrote: "David wrote: "I think in general, you can tell which indie works are likely to be good and which are likely to be not-so-much, just by reading the synopsis. If an indie author can't write a halfway..."
David, while a writer can write a great story, they are also caught up in it. That makes it difficult to condense that story into a paragraph. I don't think the blurbs reflect the story quality. The blurb is to hook the reader. It's a marketing tool. I think you are more likely to get a better evaluation from reader reviews which will likely tell you what the books good and bad points are. Just my opinion.

C. wrote: "David, while a writer can write a great story, they are also caught up in it. That makes it difficult to condense that story into a paragraph. I don't think the blurbs reflect the story quality. The blurb is to hook the reader. It's a marketing tool. I think you are more likely to get a better evaluation from reader reviews which will likely tell you what the books good and bad points are...."

Agreed, unless the blurb contains grammatical or spelling errors. To get a real look at the writing, read the sample chapters, if available.

I don't risk reading reviews before reading the book because too many folk litter spoilers through em. The blurb may not perfectly reflect the merits of the story, but it can provide some indications of writing quality. If the blurb is full of inappropriate word choices, confusing sentence structure, bad grammar and spelling etc. I'd have little confidence in the book.

Jim wrote: "I am one of the very few Goodreads members who do not own an electronic book reader of any type - Kindle, Nook, or Tablet. This is by choice. Since most independent and self-published authors choos..."

To get a feel for indies you could try entering the Goodreads giveaway. I've won a few good indie books myself. It's a great way to get a feel for indie books without risk. There are a lot of indies with paperbacks.

Ken wrote: "C. wrote: "David, while a writer can write a great story, they are also caught up in it. That makes it difficult to condense that story into a paragraph. I don't think the blurbs reflect the story ..."

We agree on that, Ken

G.G. wrote: "Jim wrote: "I am one of the very few Goodreads members who do not own an electronic book reader of any type - Kindle, Nook, or Tablet. This is by choice. Since most independent and self-published a..."

G.G.

An excellent suggestion. I just may act upon it.
Thank you.

here are some good ones imo

Chains of Prophecy

Disappearance

Famine

I definitely read Indie authors and fully support them. I have found that many Indie authors are very communicative with their readers and truly appreciate reviews and feedback.

As a self-published author I appreciate all my readers. Both of my novels were professionally edited and Createspace was very helpful as well. I like the control I have over all aspects if my work.

Of my work. Sorry.

Na'ama wrote: "Reality is that most new authors are currently also self-published authors. It is not because they are not as good as other authors, but because publishing houses now quite rarely take on unknowns and prefer to stick with the big-figure, sure-bet, proven-to-sell authors. Their loss, I say. "

I agree with Na'ama that the big publishers are shooting themselves in the foot by not taking a chance on new authors. Eventually, the Stephen Kings, John Grishams, Nora Roberts' and Danielle Steeles are going to die off. Along with them, the big publishers for their lack of foresight. It's like big oil; eventually the raw material will be gone, yet the major players refuse to research alternatives to keep their businesses alive. Just a thought.
ADDED: To answer the question - YES. I read indies/SPAs. I find many of them as good to read as the biggies and I think some of the indies will be biggies one day without the big players.

So true.

Brenda wrote: "I will read any book that the description peeks my interest. I don't even look to see how it was published. I just want a good story."

I'm with Brenda: I read any book that piques my interest, regardless of the publishing platform. BUT...

I hadn't read many books by indie writers prior, but when I was debating -- after too long trying to crack the code of the legacy route -- whether or not to self-publish, I read Martin Crosbie's novel called My Temporary Life My Temporary Life. I wanted to see if a self-pubbed book was as good as any I'd read via traditional publishers and, lo and behold, I loved the book! Which convinced me the well-worn stigmas weren't all true, that not EVERYONE who couldn't/didn't get a traditional publishing deal didn't because they weren't good enough!

But since I published my novel in May and began joining various writers groups on Facebook or here as a way to introduce myself and promote my wrok, I have discovered, as others have, the "5 star circle" and "review swap" clubs, where writers are willing to give 4/5 star reviews, despite those ratings being undeserved, in return for similar consideration, muddying up the perceptions of indie work flooding the field.

Disappointingly, I just read one such indie book (loads of stars and positive reviews) and found it almost unreadable... and now have the unenviable task of being, perhaps, the only reader in this particular group who will NOT be giving it a 4 or 5 star, likely to ruffle some feelings, but unavoidable on the integrity front!

I read a blog by a very astute (and funny!) book blogger named Tara Sparling called "Why 5-Star Book Reviews are Utter Rubbish" [http://bit.ly/ZvPGnP] and while I took exception with some of what she had to see (you'll see my response in the comment section!), she really has a point. And I hate to admit it, but I'm now wary about indie books with reader reviews packed with only 4 and 5 stars... I've read too many and found them so wanting.

But another BUT... there ARE a lot of good indie writers out there, so how to you pull the wheat from the chaff, especially if you can't trust reviews? The quality of the book cover and the blurb. Word of mouth. Reading a writer's blog and getting a sense of them as a writer. Looking at not just the "stars" of their reviews, but the content (hyperbole is a dead giveaway!). And just taking a chance... I mean, ebooks are not expensive so even if a book is horrible, you haven't wasted too much! :)

I've covered this topic -- both the attitude of writers and the accompanying (and in some cases, deserved) condescension of readers toward the self-published market -- on my blog and at Indies Unlimited. I'll leave the links below if you want to grab a read.

But ultimately, we self-pubbers have the power to change these trends and raise the acceptance and attitudes about our industry. It will only happen if we hold ourselves to the highest standards and do not succumb to cultish attitudes like the "5 star club." Failing at either is a disservice to ourselves... and continuing fodder for those who reflexively dismiss self-published authors and their books.

OH, and to answer the initial prompt of this thread -- Do I read self published book? YES: I read Martin Crosbie's mentioned above and, most recently, one which I really enjoyed: Kathy Shuker's novel, Deep Water, Thin Ice:



Thanks and, of course, I invite you to try my self-pubbed titles below!

Lorraine



Here are those two pieces: Who Do We Have To _____ To Get a Little Respect Around Here? (http://bit.ly/1qW6E8S) and

The Persistence of Self-Publishing Stigmas and How To Transcend Them | Indies Unlimited (http://bit.ly/1wBEDnW)

Lorraine wrote: "I have discovered, as others have, the "5 star circle" and "review swap" clubs, where writers are willing to give 4/5 star reviews, despite those ratings being undeserved, in return for similar consideration, muddying up the perceptions of indie work flooding the field."

I read Indie Authors -- Now that that's out of the way --- I'm new to Goodreads so this bit of information elicited a heavy sigh. However, there will always be a cohorts out there trying to beat the system or trying to make themselves appear more than they are. Years ago, when the Internet was in it's infancy, there was a site, "ThemeStream", a pay per click. You got paid anytime a reader clicked to read your work. OMG the schemes that many developed to get those clicks, followers and positive reviews. And, OMG 50% of the site was littered with substandard writing from those who fancied themselves as "writers". Sadly, I see the same patterns in the self-publishing venues. But, I'm pragmatic and realistic. Human behavior is human behavior -- you can't control it or change what you don't like in others.

GT
www.gttrickle.com

Lorraine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I will read any book that the description peeks my interest. I don't even look to see how it was published. I just want a good story."

I'm with Brenda: I read any book that piques m..."

I have to say that I have read many books from indie authors and genuinely liked most of them. However, I am aware that certain writers do tend to promote their astonishing "5 star" reviewed work, yet when I read the book I was amazed at the apparent lack of editing that occurred. I am a huge fan of indie authors and fully support the work that all of you do. As a reader, I know that just because a book is not published by some large publishing company, it does not mean that the book is not incredible and worth reading and sharing with others.

Allow me to dig from my book to answer to this question. I don’t listen to compact discs. I play old tunes on vinyl. Perusing through thrift stores in search of a Sam Cooke, a Wendo Kolosoy, a Thelonious Monk, an Eduardo Sanchez de Fuentes, a Jimmie Rodgers, a Notorious B.I.G, a Mikhail Glinka, a Mariam Makeba, a Nana Mouskouri, a Fela Kuti, a Claude Debussy, or a Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev is as soothing as yoga. I treasure authentic Peruvian folklore music beats and Mongolian musical instruments more than a pop artist or a tarnished and unusual twisted spoon. For me, any form of expression that ceases to be an experience and becomes an art form loses its glowing divinity. It does matter if it is a self published book as long the author as the same approach than I; a book is an experience, not an artistic acrobatic exercise meant for viewing to remind you that it exists.