Top 5 things you need to know before you ask me to review your book

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for considering my as a potential reviewer for your book. Here are a few things you should know about me before you send that email -

1. I have a life outside this blog. While I would love to make this my sole profession, as of yet it doesn't pay the bills. This means I have a full-time job, as well as a family, that demands attention. In fact, I have TWO young children who demand a whole lot of it! I ONLY accept books on a "for review consideration" basis - this means that even if I accept your book, I cannot guarantee a review. It is always my intention to review each book I receive - however, sometimes life happens, and my plans have to be set aside to take care of reality.


2. I want to love your book. I really, really do. However, if I don't, I will be upfront about that in my review. While the tone of my reviews is generally positive, and I feel very strongly that all authors deserve the same level of respect I would wish for myself, I won't represent my feelings about a book as any different than they really are.

3. There are some books I just don't want to read. I don't enjoy the following content:
- extreme, graphic depictions of war or battle (they bore me, and then I start to skim, and once I've started to skim you've lost me)
- copious, gratuitous sexual content (again, I'll be skimming, and you don't want me to skim)
- graphic depictions of violence against women, children, or animals (these actions hurt me to my core, and it is rare I find a book I believe can justify their inclusion)
- self-help books (I've married into a family of mental health professionals. My self has all the help it needs, thanks.)



4. Have you heard I need more shelves? In addition to the book you want me to read, I have a significant number of my own books I have acquired because they sound fabulous. Accordingly, I have to limit the number of books for review I accept each month. If I have to say no to your request, it doesn't mean I don't think your book sounds great - it probably just means I've reached my limit for that month. I would love to hear from you again in the future, when I will probably have less on my plate.

Additionally, I have recently discovered a new love for the AUDIOBOOK format! I am happy to accept requests for audiobook reviews, and as I have a daily commute to work and a LOT of laundry to do, you can expect that I will review your work promptly.


5. I love discovering new authors! Some of my favorite books in the past couple of years have been from authors I'd never heard of before. I have had mixed results with self-published work, and do occasionally accept those books for review. However, I maintain the same review standards for ALL books I read, and will not lower my expectations for a book simply because it has been self-published. I do have a Kindle, so if your work is available in that format I am willing to consider it.






If you think I might be a good fit for your book, I'd love to have you contact me at elischulenburg(AT)gmail(dot)com. If you have questions not answered above, you are welcome to send an email to the above address. Thanks again for considering me as a potential reviewer for your book! I wish you all the best.