Honest Book Reviews

One of the most important ways readers find books is through honest book reviews. While working with my students on their summer reading goals, I admitted that while I always rate books on Goodreads when I finish them, I don't always write a review.

Why? Well, it usually comes down to two reasons.
1. I finished the book in the middle of the night and can barely keep my eyes open.
2. I'm not sure what to say.

My students made me promise that this summer I will do a better job. After all, I am hoping that the people who bought THE SWEET SPOT will take the time to give it an honest review.

Here are some websites that have advice and outlines for crafting good reviews:

The Writer's Handbook
Outline for Writing a Good Book Review
The Writing Center

Good places to add reviews for books you love are Goodreads, Amazon, and Library Thing.
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Do you have any advice for people posting reviews? Where do you like to post yours?

Thank you so much for coming to my virtual launch!

I can't believe this virtual launch party is over! Thank you so much to everyone who attended. I gave out all the big prizes but I still have book plates left. If you bought a paperback copy of the book and are not local, email me your address and I'll send you one. If you are local I am happy to sign the book for you anytime.

There were so many people who made this book possible and I can't possibly thank all of them here (read my acknowledgement pages please), but I need to send a special shout out to Karen Jacobson, art teacher extraordinaire, who illustrated the cover and the title page. Karen is retiring next week after 30 years of teaching. We will miss her.

Following Your Dreams When Others Are Mean - A TEDx talk by Justine Siegal

When I first decided to write The Sweet Spot, someone asked me whether it would even be relevant in today's world. By now they were sure that girls must be accepted, even if there hasn't been any girls playing in the major league.

I include this talk as part of the launch because I want to make sure that we don't forget that Sam's story may be fiction, but that there are real girls out there currently struggling for the right to play baseball. Even in 2015. And unfortunately I don't think that struggle is ending any time soon.

I also include this talk because a few weeks ago, Justine took time out of her busy schedule to read The Sweet Spot. I was so happy that she enjoyed it.

So what did you think?

Second winners!

Congratulations to Pamela Ross and Jeannie Intrieri. More winners will be chosen when the party ends at 10:30.

First Winner!

Congratulations Marci Boxer Castle Peru for being the winner of the first prize of the night. You have the choice of a Sweet Spot Baseball, a Sweet Spot Beach Ball, an uncorrected proof of the book, or a signed book plate!

Another winner will be announced at 9:30.

The Sweet Spot book trailer - by Mary Kate and Grant

Kicking Off the Virtual Launch Party for The Sweet Spot

Welcome to the Virtual Launch Party for THE SWEET SPOT!!!!

Hi everyone! Thank you for being here to celebrate the launch of THE SWEET SPOT! Tonight I will answer questions about the book, writing, and anything else you want to know. I will ask you questions too and I hope you will post answers either here on the blog or over at the Facebook event. I will be adding a new video to the blog on the hour and giving out prizes every half hour. Make sure to join the rafflecopter giveaway below to be eligible for prizes! So here we go!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Schedule for Virtual Book Launch

The Sweet Spot is launching in two days! Here's a schedule of the event:

Wednesday, June 3 - Interview on Not Even Joking

Tuesday, June 9 - Interview on Sporty Girl Books

Thursday, June 11
Midnight  - Sweet Spot goes on sale and Rafflecopter giveaway goes live. Earn points for prizes that will be given away during virtual launch.

7:30 pm  - Virtual Book Launch kicks off

8:00 pm - Debut of a book trailer created by third graders Mary Kate and Grant.

8:30 pm  - First prizes awarded

9:00 pm - Stop by to watch Stacy read a chapter of the book.

9:30 pm - Second prizes awarded

10:00 pm - Viewing of a powerful TEDx talk by Justine Siegal called, "Follow Your Dreams When Others Are Mean."

10:30 pm - Third prizes awarded

Throughout the night Stacy will be online answer questions about The Sweet Spot and the publishing process.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sold in Stores: Elm Street Books

Want to buy The Sweet Spot in an independent bookstore? Starting on Thursday it will be sold at Elm Street Books in New Canaan.

Why I love Elm Street: Elm Street Books is a small independent bookstore that hosts numerous author events throughout the year. It has a great children's book section and the layout is very warm and inviting. Elm Street likes to help local authors get started and is happy to take in books from local authors.

About the store: Elm Street Books was established in 2006. 

Elm Street Books

35 Elm St.
New Canaan, CT 06840
203-966-4545

Hours
Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:30
Sunday 12:00-5:00

Website: http://www.elmstreetbooks.com 

Join me for my virtual book launch!

Virtual Launch Party for 
The Sweet Spot
June 11, 2015

THE SWEET SPOT is releasing on Amazon next week!

Join me on here and on Facebook on Thursday, June 11th for a sporty good time celebrating the book’s release. 

Join the Party!

What is a book launch?

It's a way for readers to join me in celebrating the release of my book into the world. Many people refer the release of a book as a book birthday so I am throwing a party in the book's honor.

Why virtual?

A virtual book launch allows the me to connect with readers and friends anywhere in the world and since I have friends all over the country (and the world), I don't have to leave anyone out! And, to be honest, it's  a crazy time of year and between soccer practice and other scheduling issues, it was too hard to have an in person party on the night my book releases.

Will there be an in person party on a later date?

I hope so. Once school is over I will have the time to plan something. 

So why should I come to the party?

First, there will be prizes. Second, it will be a lot of fun. You can ask me questions about the book. I'll read you a chapter. We can post funny stories and pictures. And kids are more than welcome. The book was written for 7 - 12 year olds. I hope some of them will come too. 

What if I don't have a Facebook account? Can I still join in?

Absolutely. Just come to this blog during the hours of the party, 7:30 - 10:30 ET. I will be posting material on both this blog and the Facebook event group. I'll also be on twitter using my @SMozer account.

Do I have to buy the book to come?

Of course not. I would love you to be there to join in the fun whether you buy the book or not. I am working to make the book available in my local libraries. It will definitely be available from the Greenwich Library system and Perrot and it is already available in the Greenwich School Library system. There will be extra points towards prizes if you do purchase the book on June 11 or if you preorder or buy the Kindle version. 

What else can I do to help the book with the launch?

Tell your friends and invite them to the party. Add the book on Goodreads (you can do that now). And if you have read the book, please review it on Amazon on June 11, or as soon as you get a chance. Book reviews help readers find books. If you have a blog, I'd love to be interviewed or you can post the virtual launch link. I was already on Creative Minds and on Sporty Girl Books.

Hope to see you next week!