Friday 1 February 2008

My First Review

Seven months have passed since the e-release of The Space Between. It's been three months since the print release. Until yesterday, I hadn't received a single review, even though my publisher dutifully sent copies of my book to several review sites.

Don't get me wrong; it's a nice little book and my friends and family assured me that they couldn't put it down once they started reading it. I was certain they were all just being nice.

Promotion of this particular book is difficult for me since I'm in Canada and Amazon.ca doesn't seem to have it in stock any more. Chapters doesn't even have it on their database, and because it was listed incorrectly in the catalogues, it's difficult for local independent bookstores to order it. I buy a half dozen copies at a time and sell them myself, but it's not enough. I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances and I'm grateful to all the people who bought a copy so far.

I tried to concentrate on my WIPs in order to aim for that big New York publisher, but my heart wasn't in it. To keep my mind off my lack of production, I turned to dreaming about the upcoming edits for Bad Ice, anxious to get it off the ground. But one can only dream so much. The real editing still hasn't begun.

I was ready to accept The Space Between's descent into obscurity when I received an email informing me that The Long and Short of It did a review of my book. I had submitted it a few months ago on my own. It's my first real honest to goodness impartial review from someone I don't know.

With trepidation I visited the site, braced for a lukwarm review. I was pleasantly surprised by the result!

Here's an excerpt:

The Space Between is the debut novel of Sandra Cormier, and let me say she is a wonderful addition to romance. Her mature characters are refreshing and well developed and that they can find love later in life gives us hope for the future. And Sandra does a really great job making you feel as though you are right there in that island paradise. This book was a fun, fast paced read, with just enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend it to all readers who are looking for a sweet book with just a little bit of spice thrown in.

In spite of the average rating, she had nothing but nice things to say. The complete review is located here.

Also, the cover for The Space Between finished in the Top Ten on the Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll. Maybe the newfound attention will garner some sales.

Still kickin'.

Updated to add: Hey! I'm back in stock on Amazon.ca. Maybe they eavesdropped on my whining. Plus, the shipping is faster. Oh, happy days.

14 comments:

Liane Spicer said...

Wow, congrats, Chumplet. Wonderful news - the cover, and now this! I'm a long way yet from all that, but I can imagine how you must have quaked before reading the review!

Good job! I'm looking forward to reading the book - it's on my to-order list for Feb. (Got a day job now, can afford to buy books once more!)

Sandra Cormier said...

Thanks for your support, Liane! Soon you'll see your cover, and the upside of your situation is that you'll get lots of reviews.

I hope my island scenes are up to your standards!

Zara Penney said...

Imagine my surprise and delight when I received an email from the publisher and lo!

There was Chumplet and it was a lovely review.

Boast from the rooftops - Chumplet bird and fly

:-)

Chris Eldin said...

Congratulations Chumplet!!!
I do have your book (trying to duck head a little bit) but I haven't read it yet.
I have your book, Charles' book (one of the Talera books) and another friend's book that I'm planning to read over the summer.
My kids are old enough to take to the pool and I don't have to be with them in the water, so I have my diet coke and my book and relax....
:-)

SmartlikeStreetcar said...

Congratulations, Sandra! I hope it's the first few pebbles in an avalanche of good reviews and press.

Sandra Cormier said...

I understand how hard it is to find time to read when you have small children, Chris. At least you can be rest assured when you finally sit down to read it, it won't suck!

McKoala said...

What a frustrating time you've had. That's a lovely review and it sounds like your luck is changing!

BernardL said...

Good news, Sandra, don't let the downturns steer you away from your WIP. I have yet to read about any smooth publishing experiences, even from NYT's best selling authors who blog.

Sandra Cormier said...

McKoala and Bernard, you're both very sweet. I have great support from my publisher and I appreciate all that they do for me.

Not all my children (books) can pull straight A's but I love them all the same. They all have their own special qualities.

Bernita said...

Now that is just lovely.
What Bernard said.
They do say publishing is a slow business, don't they?

The Anti-Wife said...

Congratulations. That's a very nice review and good news that Amazon.ca is back on board.

Anissa said...

That's awesome! Congratulations! I'm off to see if it's available at Amazon US. Put that Prime membership to good use. ;)

Seriously, congrats!

Josephine Damian said...

Chumplet, don't under estimate the power of a pretty cover - you got to draw a person's eye to your book from way across the bookstore.

I've heard this from other writers - just wanting someone to do a review. There's a bunch of reviewers on myspace who put out open calls there for writers to send them books. That might be a source for you.

I've read a lot more online about "Ice" - so I think a lot more people will be familiar with it when it comes out.

Sandra Cormier said...

Thanks, Bernita & AW.

Anissa -- enjoy the book.

Josephine, you're right about the exposure of this book vs. Bad Ice. I jumped on the blog ride right after The Space Between was contracted, and I've learned a lot about self-promotion since then.

I only hope The Space Between is actually sitting on a bookstore shelf somewhere! Certainly not in Canada.