[Verla Kay Posts: 4,638 Status: Offline Invite Verla Kay to speak in your area WWW]

Has anyone ever heard of the upcoming young adult fantasy book, "The Family That Wasn't," by Gene Twaronite?

I've been offered a PDF copy of the Galley Proofs to review it, but I am reluctant to accept an attachment from someone I've never heard of before.

I didn't see Gene on this message board under his real name, and don't know anything about this book or about him.

Can anyone shed any light on this subject? If so, it would be greatly appreciated!

[SB]

Hi, Verla!  I did a Google search, which took me to Amazon.com, which says the book is published by iUniverse, which is a self-pubbing outfit ... which is the cat that killed the rat that ate the malt that lay in the house that Jack built.

Wait, I think I got a little off-track.  To recap: It's a book self-published by the author through iUniverse.  (Obviously I have no idea as to its quality.)  Hope that's helpful!

[Verla Kay Posts: 4,638 Status: Offline Invite Verla Kay to speak in your area WWW]

Oh, you are a lifesaver, SB. Now why didn't I think to do a Google search? Sometimes I think I live with my head stuck extremely far into a very deep, dark hole. I will decline the privilege of reviewing this amazingly wonderful book.

[Marissa Doyle Posts: 2,946 Status: Offline Charles Bewitched: out now! WWW]

Why was he asking a well-known historical picture book writer to review his YA fantasy?  

Research.  It's a beautiful thing.

[Rhonda]

LOLOLOL oh man.

[wolfie712 Posts: 236 Status: Offline Teacher, Writer, Up-All-Nighter WWW]

Research.  It's a beautiful thing.

LOL!  Yes, it is!

[dave r Posts: 103 Status: Offline I love kids' books! WWW]

Why? Because he found Verla's name online and saw she ran a website dedicated to writing for children. He has no other details about her, I'm sure.
You'd be surprised how many adult self published books (and calls from these authors) we get a week when we are clearly listed as a CHILDREN'S BOOKSTORE.

When I tell them so, they try to convince me that SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE: ROMANTIC FOODS AND APHRODISIACS FROM YOUR FRIDGE has crossover appeal. lol

I get DOZENS of emails and review copies sent to my home (and the store) from self published authors because of my review job (along with manuscript critique requests)-- because it's out there that I review children's books.

Hey, these are people who chose not to go the traditional publishing route, what makes anyone think they are going to go the traditional marketing route and research their target merchants?

keep writing and reading,
dave r

[Rhonda]

One time I got a request from a man asking to be the cover model on my books (even sent me links to his pics). Uh, I write teen fiction. Also, I don't control my covers, and even if I did why would I put a semi-nude adult man on my book cover?! *brain asplodes*

[wolfie712 Posts: 236 Status: Offline Teacher, Writer, Up-All-Nighter WWW]

One time I got a request from a man asking to be the cover model on my books (even sent me links to his pics). Uh, I write teen fiction. Also, I don't control my covers, and even if I did why would I put a semi-nude adult man on my book cover?! *brain asplodes*

Oh my gosh!!! 

[Verla Kay Posts: 4,638 Status: Offline Invite Verla Kay to speak in your area WWW]

One time I got a request from a man asking to be the cover model on my books (even sent me links to his pics). Uh, I write teen fiction. Also, I don't control my covers, and even if I did why would I put a semi-nude adult man on my book cover?! *brain asplodes*

Now that's funny, wolfie! How come I never get exciting offers like that? Must be 'cause you're so darned cute.

[Amanda Coppedge Posts: 417 Status: Offline WWW]

One time I got a request from a man asking to be the cover model on my books (even sent me links to his pics). Uh, I write teen fiction. Also, I don't control my covers, and even if I did why would I put a semi-nude adult man on my book cover?! *brain asplodes*

If there was a post of the day contest on Verla's, you would have won yesterday's competition! 

[Rhonda]

TEEHEE--thanks, guys. It was...interesting.

[Franzilla Posts: 997 Status: Offline Gah! WWW]

That is hilarious!!

[DianaM Posts: 971 Status: Offline Writer, rhymer, runner, punner. WWW]

Rhonda!! That's insane!