MSI Press Blog

  It is Tuesday. Time to tall turkey. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. Today's topic is about how to market books inexpensively. If you have big pockets, go for the television, radio, newspaper, and saturation ads. Buy time on radio and television shows. However, most authors do not have deep pockets. So, looking at inexpensive ways to get the word out is not only necessary but sometimes the only way to market a book. This post describes some sources and activities for inexpensive marketing. It is, of course, not complete. Do all these things, then seek out more opportunities, or start again with another virtual blog tour. Things to do (not necessarily in any kind of order) Word of mouth

The US Review of Books is offering a series of articles on how to improve writing skills. The columns are very practical and pragmatic, highly recommended for first-time authors. Take a look at one of the columns  HERE . For more posts about US Review of Books and USR reviews of MSI Press books, click HERE .

  photo by Splash Magazine Library Journal calls it, “The perfect pandemic read for those, “thrown into the dating world and trying to mesh real life with that depicted in the movies.” Read more of the review by Splash Magazine on the holiday suggestion list HERE . Also, read the interview with the author in Splash Magazine: "A Movie Lover's Search for Romance" Review--A Captivating Read HERE . Read more posts by and about Joanna Charnas and her books HERE . 

  It is Tuesday. Time to tall turkey. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. Today's topic is about reviews. How do you get reviews?  How should you interpret them? How should you handle bad reviews? So, let's take each question separately. How do you get reviews? There are professional reviewers. Some will review before the book is published -- they want a 3-4 month heads-up (i.e. book in hand, with a later release date). These are highly desirable. Examples are Library Journal , School Library Journal , Foreword Reviews (the free version), and Publishers Weekly . All of them accept submissions sent directly to them. (There are also otherLs; Google them.) You can put your book up on Net

  Just in...book review of God Speaks into Darkness  (J. Bennett Easterling) by US Review of Books: The twenty-three encouraging selections in this short volume each comprise a daily devotional that discusses the teachings of specific psalms related to the challenges people face in the COVD-19 pandemic. Those lives the coronavirus has not taken it has upended.. Read the rest of the review HERE . Check out other posts by and about Bennett and his other books HERE .

  The title says it all. Three recent Readers' Favorite reviews for Choice and Structure for Children with Autism by Colette McNeil awarded the book five stars. You can read the reviews HERE . Colette's previous book, Understanding the Challenge of "No" for Children with Autism , was reviewed earlier and also received 5 stars.

Read our book review clips. Excerpts from reviews all (well, as many as we can find) in one place; right here, with links., so you can read the whole review. From  Readers' Favorite ... definitely recommend this to all readers because it will help them set a healthy and positive daily routine and lifestyle From  Midwest Review of Books Profusely illustrated with step-by-step instructions, "108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas" is an ideal approach to a daily DIY yoga-based health care system... From Goodreads If you’re looking for a way to be healthier and kick start your journey into taking care of yourself, then this book is definitely for you! I highly recommend this piece to any and all busy mamas out there, My mind-shift started on page 3,,, Julie's warm and personal way of addressing the division felt between reality and self care was heartwarming. From  Amazon So thankful for this book!  I    bought two copies, one for each of my daughters-in-law. I

  Read our book review clips. Excerpts from reviews all (well, as many as we can find) in one place; right here, with links., so you can read the whole review. From Library Journal an encouraging read From US Review of Books ... accessible narrative is written from the heart, filled with sensible guidance from someone who understands how to strengthen and manage the mental aspects over the body’s limitations. From Amazon Easy to read, in short segments a great book Wise advice for any reader. Fun and inspiring read. From Splash Magazine tips anyone can use From NYC Tech Mommy You have no idea how much I needed to read Joanna’s words at this very moment. From Goodreads Will use this as a helping tool for when we have bad days. Thank you so much Joanna 🙂 For more posts about Joanna and her books, click HERE .                     

  Read our book review clips. Excerpts from reviews all (well, as many as we can find) in one place; right here, with links., so you can read the whole review. From Amazon : Read it!! Simply presented, yet hugely enlightening! Cannot wait for the next book! Kudos to Patricia Lorenz Interesting perspective on life from an excellent writer. Great life lessons... Part Memoir, Part Humor, Part Romantic Advice from a Lovely Woman Who's Been There Love and Laughter -- it's Heavenly! Loved It!! A MUST READ for all single women From Barnes & Noble : Patricia Lorenz Has Found The Secret To A Happy Marriage I have read many books on living single, dating (or not dating), as well as the man/woman dynamic; but this book puts it all into a realistic nutshell From Goodreads :  Lorenz unzips her soul and exposes her foibles during 50 years of men weaving their way in and out of her life, providing a heap of wit and wisdom to help you make life-changing decisions about love. US Review of B

  We just received a copy of an Instagram review of Joanna Charnas's book, A Movie Lover's Search for Romance: It’s been so nice to get my mind off things these past few days and just indulge in a lighthearted story — filled with humor, plot twists, and colorful characters ! In the end the need for love is universal and I enjoyed reading about Joanna’s own quest for love. For more information about this book, where to purchase it, and where to read more reviews, click HERE . For more posts about Joanna and her books, click HERE .   

  Just in this week -- a new (great) review on Amazon on One Simple Text .  five stars:  This book was a great read and definitely Liz’s story is an inspiration to me and I’m sure everyone else who reads it!! Joining an earlier 5-star review: MUST READ Check them out HERE . Read more posts about this book and its authors HERE .

In poking around the Interent, I came across a list of MSI Press books reviewed by Foreword Reviews. (Yes, we know about these reviews when they came out.) However, we were unaware that FR had recently put together this list. One of those books is How to Be a Good Mommy When You're Sick . Check out the others  HERE . For posts mentioniong Foreword Reviews, click HERE . Other Books reviewed  How to Live from Your Heart The Widower's Guide to a New life Creative Aging Lessons of Labor

A nice review of Courageous Parents by Dr. Haim Omer was posted recently by Readers Favorite . "These suggestions can be used by counselors, therapists, psychologists, parents, and educators when tackling issues between parents and children in a mature and peaceful way." To read the full review, click HERE .  The Readers' Favorite book critique rated Courageous Parents a 5 (top level) on all elements: appearance, plot, development, formatting, marketability, and overall opinion. Click HERE for the details. To read more posts by and about Haim and his book, click HERE .

First review of Damascus amid the War by Muna Imady has appeared -- on Library Thing ! "touching and poignant" "well worth the read" Read more about Muna Imady and her books HERE .

"an exceptional piece of literature" "enlightening and entertaining" "one of my favorite books" "immensely inspired" "meaningful" Read more reviews from Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18654889-the-rose-and-the-sword

Great 5-star review of He's a Porn Addict...Now What? (Overbay and Shea) on Goodreads. Excerpt: "...  the book makes space for all the difficult feelings a partner may be struggling with.  The authors aren't here to judge partner or addict; their goal is to help both find healing, and as such, I believe it makes an important contribution to the field. " Read the full review on Goodreads .

The Husains (father and son) have written a book, Road Map to Power , that has garnered a host of 5-star reviews on Goodreads (and elsewhere). Here are samples/excerpts from the reviews: Road Map to Powe r by Syed Arshad Husain and A. Darius Husain is a ground breaking self help book that touches on the history and pitfalls of human society. Road Map to Power is well-written and very readable. It follows a logical sequence with useful summing up sections at the end of each chapter, and includes references to many historical and significant people/events in order to explain various points. Excellent. Incredibly powerful and helpful. This book is a great source of information and inspiration.  Read all the reviews here; GOODREADS . Read more posts about the book HERE . Read more general information about the book HERE . Read more about the authors HERE . The perfect Christmas gift -- unique, personal, helpful!

Great review of He's a Porn Addict...Now What? (Overbay and Shea) on Mental Health @ Home. Excerpt: "this book goes a long way towards knocking down that silence and talking about a complex issue in a very human, non-judgmental way." Read the full review on the blog .

Julie M.Gentile's 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices For Busy Mamas is an uplifting and inspirational book that will give confidence to moms out there to become their own wellness leaders by prioritizing self-care so they can make positive changes in their families, friends, coworkers, and the world. The author's ultimate wellness path shared in this book will help to create an easy transition from caring for others around the clock for caring more for you. The 108 (a sacred number in yoga) writing prompts, meditations, yoga poses, breathing exercises, and other wellness practices will inspire readers to walk a path of self-love.  The book will help readers kick start their self-care journey and readers who practice will see wellness coming into their lives. The life-changing practices can be incorporated into daily life and the tips and tools are good to getting started  and keeping the wellness inspiration flowing. Practicing yoga gives the resources and motivation to t

Patricia Lorenz is one of those people who finds humor in every situation, no matter how dire--and she's lived through some pretty dire ones, essentially raising four children on her own on a freelance writer's salary. In this book, she takes on midlife dating as well as sharing her history. Part memoir, part humor, part romantic advice, this book offers something for almost every middle-aged man or woman (or those who love them). For her and her husband, those 57 steps are close, but also allow the space so many of us need at this life stage. Bravo! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. (Melanie Rigney,  Goodreads) Follow the book on our website: click here. Follow Patricia Lorenz on our website: click here . See interview with Patricia Lorenz on this blog: click here Read more blog posts about this book: click here . Book can be purchased at www.msipress.com/shop/ Use Coupon Code FF25 to get 25% discount for MSI P