3 Star Rating Event - authors and publishers speak out

This is day two of the 3 star rating event (you can find day one post here) and we have authors Dani Harper and Sean Cummings and editors/publishers Amanda (Strange Chemistry), Patrick (Sea Lion Books) and Dominique (Musa Publishing).
They have some interesting things to say and give some insight to the other side of the reviewing coin .

Dani Harper
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I confess, that my initial reaction to a 3-star rating is not a happy one. My inner critic cackles in my brain, “There, you see? I told you that you can’t write worth a darn – they didn’t like it!” But after applying some emergency chocolate, I get in touch with my more sensible side. The side that checks out what a 3-star rating means to that particular blogger. It’s a perfectly good rating on many sites! It makes me recall some teachers I used to have in public school. Mrs. Joiner was generous with A’s. Mrs. Sydenham seldom EVER gave out A’s. It meant different things to each of them. So I consider the source first.

The second thing I consider is personal taste. We are all individuals. What one person raves about, the next person may completely hate. I have several friends who recommend books to me. Often I really like the book too. But sometimes I wonder what on earth my friend possibly saw in it. Different tastes. Bloggers have different tastes too.

The third thing I do when I get a 3-star rating is read the review very carefully. What is the reviewer saying and is it possible that they’re right? Could I have improved the pacing? Did I put in too much backstory? Maybe yes, maybe no. But I definitely think about what the reviewer is saying in case I can learn something that will help a future book be that much better. And I appreciate that the blogger took the time and made the effort to review my work -- it's a job I'm not sure I could do.

I think my only concern about a 3-star rating is what it means to a possible new reader. Do they think my story is sub-par because it’s not a 4 or a 5? Do they pay much attention to ratings at all? I don’t know the answer to that one. All I can do is try to improve my craft and make each book the best it can be.

Sean Cummings

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"I'm not overly concerned about three star reviews because the review process is entirely subjective - I've got 5 star reviews of my books and 1 star reviews. Big deal. That said, refusing to offer ARC's to bloggers who give out three star reviews is publishers trying to game the rating system, particularly if that review is on a book buying website like the one that starts with the letter A. I understand that a lot of this has to do with how a book places in comparison with other titles and it's probable there's a business reason for doing it, but it's dumb, dumb, dumb. The only people really talking about books these days are book bloggers - they're passionate about books and they're an integral part of book promotion. Publishers need to remember that bloggers do what they do because of that passion - they could easily stop - or worse, organize via social media to decry the policy... no wait, that's happening right now, isn't it?"

Poltergeeks (from Strange Chemistry) (coming Oct. 2, 2012)

Amanda at Strange Chemistry
editor
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Strange Chemistry is a global imprint dedicated to the best in modern young adult science fiction, fantasy and everything in between.
My name is Amanda and I am the editor of Strange Chemistry, the YA imprint of Angry Robot Books. Before taking on this job I used to review books on a personal blog. In my opinion, a 3 star review is letting a reader know that a book is straight down the line - it has good points, but isn't magificent. It has bad points, but isn't worth avoiding. I can see that some people would find a 3 star review rather negative, but for me this is where a novel starts out from when a reader turns the first page. The extra stars have to be earned by a certain quality of writing or plot; the novel can lose stars if it becomes derivative or lacks that writing quality. I can safely say that no blogger would be ostracised for giving a Strange Chemistry novel a 3 star review - in all honesty I will just be grateful that people are talking about the books and caring enough to review them!

Patrick at Sea Lion Books
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Sea Lion Books is a publishing house dedicated to bringing readers new stories by some of the biggest names in publishing and entertainment, while re-imagining some of their classic works in visual format.
“Personally, when a blogger rates one of our titles with a 3 star, to me it means they believe it’s a very good book, but it simply isn’t their cup of tea. There’s a high probability they will not want to read the second book of that series. As a publisher, I’ll always kindly offer the second book in the series to them in the hopes they might discover it was their cup of tea after all. In conclusion, a 3 is a good and respectable rating.”

Dominique at Musa Publishing
Director of Promotions

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At Musa Publishing the story comes first. First, foremost and always Musa Publishing is focused upon the satisfaction of the reader, the growth and success of the writer, and the quality of the product.

"It amazing how quickly a 3 star rating has received a bad rap. To me a 3 star means that the reviewer liked it, they enjoyed the story and felt like they didn't waste their time reading it. Perhaps the three star is because there were technical errors that distracted the reviewer or perhaps the story just didn't resonate with that one person. Every book can't be on the scale of Pride and Prejudice for every person. For that matter P and P for me is a 5 it's what I hope one day to achieve but many people don't love the book and would give it a three. Does that make my love of the book any less? No. Am I curious to read why it got a three? Heck ya. I tend to read the three reviews more then the others. And I tend to believe reviews more on places like Amazon where it isn't all 5 star reviews, because it tells me people who don't know the author left some reviews too.

Am I hoping to get the big 4 or 5 reviews of course I am, but I am happy when a three comes in. What I think a lot of people don't get is the huge chasm between a 2.5 and a 3. To me I find a 3 closer in review to a 5 then I do its neighbor the 2.5. In a three the reviewer is saying look I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to people who like the genre. That is a win in my book."

I would like to thank our guests for giving taking the time to give us their views. And thanks to Bitten By Paranormal Romance for organizing things. Be sure to check out what different authors and publishers said on the other blogs participating in this event.

Sheep Comic Review: Pariah Issue #4 by Aron Warner

Pariah Issue #4

By Aron Warner

The series follows the adventures of a group of ‘vitros’ – genetically enhanced children with “beyond-human intelligence” – who go on the run after being framed for the release of a deadly virus

This issue introduces us to Franklin Hyde. He is the mastermind behind the round up of Vitros by the government. We learn about his childhood and how he gained the resources to set up an island off the coast of Venezuela where the Vitros can live peacefully. At least that was the plan. There is a betrayal and things go terribly wrong.

We have now met all 4 of the main characters. The issues from here on out will be about how they survive their fate. There wasn’t a lot of action because we were learning about Franklin’s life, but…the ending made my jaw drop, I didn’t see this coming. I was quite tickled that it caught me by surprise. I am looking forward to the next issue and finding out what the kids are going to do.

Here are my reviews of issues #1, #2, #3

Pariah website

Sea Lion Books website- where you can purchase the comic

4 surprised Sheep

Comic Review: This Haunted World Chapter 1: Dark Matter

This Haunted World Chapter 1: Dark Matter

DIGITAL GRAPHIC NOVEL FROM SEA LION BOOKS

Created by: Mark Powers and Chris Lie

Written by: Mark Powers

Artwork: Caravan Studio

THIS HAUNTED WORLD will be available October 31, 2011 digitally (via Comixology, Iverse and Graphic.ly)

THIS HAUNTED WORLD, which will be published in digital format initially, sees a world is awash in conflict and suffering. Some believe the Biblical End Times have arrived; others believe a civilization too often driven by greed has simply begun the inevitable process of devouring itself.

Amid the fear and chaos walks a shadow. In the war-torn hills of Afghanistan, in the tragedy wracked hills of Hiroshima. He is called by many names in many places – and where he walks, he brings death.

Two men – one whose ivory tower has been shattered by scandal, another sprawled on life's rock bottom – unknowingly hold mankind's only hope for survival.

For a war unlike any other is about to be declared – one in which 10,000 years worth of sins and pain come back to haunt us…

When I saw the cover of this comic and read the description I knew it was my kind of story. There is a Shadowman (ghost) walking the earth and he is uniting the spirits of the dead. His goal is to seek vengeance for all the deaths caused by war and violence throughout history. The cool thing is it is being released as a digital graphic novel. So it will be easy to find and download. With the surge in iPads and other reading devices, we will be seeing more and more digital comics.

This issue introduces us to the main characters. We learn some background information on each and get an idea of how their paths will cross and what the Shadowman has planned for the world. The art work is expressive and the use of light and shadow gives a dark and ominous feel to it. I am intrigued and look forward to seeing where the story goes.

You can purchase this digital comic Oct 31st at Sea Lion Books.

4 Vengeful Sheep!

About the creators:

Mark Powers was an editor for over ten years at Marvel Comics before moving to Devil's Due, where he edited and later wrote G.I. JOE and created the sci-fi series DRAFTED. He's also written REST for Top Cow and is currently adapting THE DRESDEN FILES novels for Dynamite Entertainment.

Chris Lie has illustrated numerous comics, including DRAFTED, G.I. JOE: SIGMA 6 and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: EBERRON for Devil's Due, and LABYRINTH for Tokyopop. He also heads his own highly successful concept art and illustration house, Caravan Studio.

Aron Warners Pariah Issue #3 Review

Pariah Issue #3 by Aron Warner

Illustrations: Brett Weldele

Writer: Philip Gelatt

Robert Maudsley knows what makes us tick. He knows what people want, need, hate and love. He can use that knowledge to get us so do whatever he wants, no matter how dangerous, immoral or repugnant that might be. Maudsley has no moral compass. He has no compassion. But he’s very curious about how far he can push people and what he can get away with. Maudsley wants to rule the world. Maudsley wants to control us all. Maudsley is 15 years old.

This is the third installment of Aron Warner’s 12-issue comic about a group of super-intelligent teenagers that are being hunted by the government. The first 4 issues are character specific, giving us insight into the life of a Vitro and their fall from grace so to speak. In issue #1 we met Brent Marks, in #2 we met Lila Ellerman and issue #3 introduces us to Robert Maudsley who can influence people to do things. To him people are like pieces in a chess game; he sets something in motion, in this case a bank robbery, and then sits back and watches what happens. He now has plans on a much grander scale, but meets Franklin Hyde, a famous Vitro who has a proposition for Maudsley. Issue #4 will be Franklin’s story.

This issue isn’t as exciting as #2, we are shown Maudsley and his powers, but that is pretty much it. The Maudsley in the comic doesn’t look like the same on the cover, which was shame because the guy on the cover looks intimidating and the one inside isn’t. While this issue wasn't as exciting as the last one, I am still looking forward to seeing where this story is going.

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3 Sheep

SS (edited by BAK)

Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats-hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market in urban fantasy, paranormal, and young adult genres.

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Pariah Issue #2

Pariah by Aron Warner

illustrations: Brett Weldele

writer: Philip Gelatt

Why are the most elite black-op forces chasing a 16 year old girl across the country? Why can’t they find her? And why do they want to kill her? Because they think Lila Ellerman is a terrorist who released a deadly virus into the wild. But really, she’s just a girl with a crush on a guy named Brandon. Yes, she’s figured out the science of controlling anit-matter, but that doesn’t make her a criminal. Will she be able to protect her friends and keep them from being taken prisoner, or worse?

Recently I reviewed issue #1 of Aron Warner’s newest comic Pariah. I liked the concept of a group of genius teens called “Vitros” who are on the run from the government after being framed for creating and releasing a deadly virus into the world. Issue #1 introduced us to Brent and his capture by government forces. I enjoyed the minimalist art work and the muted colors, but the story hadn’t grabbed me. I felt it wouldn’t have been fair to make a judgment about the series as a whole based on this one issue. I am glad I didn’t!

Issue #2 introduces us to Lila. She is a Vitro that works for Marinus Labs, a corporation that hired as many Vitros as it could and created a kind of boarding school atmosphere for them to work in. We aren’t given much more information about this organization in this issue, but it is clear they might not have the world’s best interests in mind.

Lila and her friends end up barely escaping with their lives when the lab blows up, but they quickly discover they have been blamed. Now, not only are they fugitives, Lila has been pegged as the mastermind behind the lab explosion.

I love Lila’s character. She is Buffy-esque, and has become the reluctant leader of the genius fugitives while trying to get some quality making-out time with her (maybe) boyfriend Brandon. Things were going pretty well when a stranger shows up and tells her to go quietly when “they” come. Then all hell breaks loose.

I am definitely intrigued by this series and look forward to the next issue when we I think we meet the person behind the Virto’s betrayal.

Here is a little snippet from Lila:

“I never thought I could be intimidating. Turns out all it takes is the properly applied use of pyrotechnics. A dash of physical force, and a flair for the dramatic. A week ago, I’d never given a single thought on how to I might be able to make a grown man shit himself.”

Visit the Pariah website for more information about upcoming issues and news.

4 freakingly smart Sheep!

SS (edited by BAK)

Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats-hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market in urban fantasy, paranormal, and young adult genres.

Friend them on Facebook!

Y.A. Comic Book, might not be just for Young Adults...

Pariah

Brent Marks is not a freak. He is one of the Pariah, a group of teens who become extremely intelligent after being cured of a genetic disorder. Although in most ways a normal teen, Brent is considered dangerous and is tracked down by the government who see these kids as an enormous threat. Can he evade them? What do they have planned for Brent and the others?

Pariah is the brain child of Oscar-winning film producer Aron Warner. He came up with the idea after reading an article about in-vitro genetic manipulation. The main characters are teenagers called Vitros who have become super-intelligent as a result of genetic “cures”. Aron, along with illustrator Brett Weldele (The Surrogates) and script writer Philip Gelatt, have partnered with Sea Lion Books to create a new type of hero. There will be 12 issues in this series, with a graphic novel after each 4^th issue.

The art work caught my attention first because it isn't like most YA graphic novels. The colors used are subdued and it looks more like watercolor work which seems to fit the tone of the story.

At the beginning we meet a very melancholy Brent Marks. We get an opening narrative of Brent’s thoughts as he tries to convince both the reader and himself that he is not a freak. We follow Brent though his day where we learn he doesn’t fit in with the rest of the kids. No one in school understands or cares about his ideas and he is socially awkward when trying to talk to a girl. He refers to home as just a “shelter” because he doesn’t have a good relationship with his parents. Through his narrative we learn that he is a Vitro, a teenager with extraordinary intelligence because of his genetic cure. Expressing his intelligence exhilarates him, but it also scares him and he must hide it from society at large. Brent chose not to go live with the other Vitros because he wanted a normal life.

Unfortunately for him and all the other Vitros, a government facility is blown up releasing a deadly virus. The media and government blame it on the Vitros and a witch hunt follows. Brent ends up creating a device to keep some bullies from trying to hurt him, but it appears to have killed them. Brent decides it's safer to go on the run and find the others like him. He makes the mistake of going home to pack and gets captured by the government.

The ground work for the story is being set up in this first issue and therefore there isn’t a lot of action yet. I don’t feel I can make an accurate assessment of the comic based on the first issue. I will hold off judgment until I have read more.

Sheep in waiting...

SS (edited by BAK)