Sunday, July 5, 2020

What We're Writing - Jenn on Promo!

Jenn McKinlay: I am presently at the start of that two-weeks prior to release day mad dash of have-I-slapped-news-of-my-upcoming-release-on-every- possible-social-media-forum-known-to-God-and-man? Is there any new way I can say "Buy my Book!" without saying buy my book? Um...how about a giveaway? A live chat? A bulletin board in downtown Phoenix? A Zoom visit with every bookstore that will have me? Does everyone know I have a book coming out? It's a romcom set in Ireland, France, and Italy - coming July 21st - just sayin'! Plus, look at the cool animation my publisher did of the cover. 




At this point, I feel like the neighborhood gardener with the bumper crop of zucchini. A perfectly nice person, to be sure, but suddenly they have zucchini coming out their ears and you can't walk by their house without them thrusting a bag of the dreaded stuff on you.  Right now, I am that person with the paper sack full of zucchini. People see me coming and they run. I get it. I don't take it personally. Really. (sob)

But still, promo is a part of the job. I think I've hit every avenue available to a writer for promotion (there's even a book club kit for the novel: click HERE), but if you have any suggestions or ideas, give me a holler! 


A starred review from Publisher's Weekly! Thrilling!

Paris is Always a Good Idea is my debut trade paperback women's fiction novel. Debut! It's like starting all over and being a newbie author again -- exhilarating and insanely stressful! Because 2020 hasn't been exhausting enough. I swear every day feels like a week, every week a month, every month a...well, you get the idea. Focus, Jenn! Talk about the book!

There is so much I want to say about this book. How I wrote it in the wake of great personal loss, how the stress of writing it almost killed me with a scorching case of shingles (not hyperbole, okay, maybe a little), and how it really started to shine with such delightful promise in the beginning of the year. Then, as you all know, the world ground to a halt and the fiction industry hit pause. So now we're in a very peculiar wait and see period, which for an author releasing their baby into the world is, frankly, excruciating. 

And so, I write my silly social media blurbs, trying to lure skittish readers like wild birds to the feeder: 

Have you ever looked up your exes? (Subtext, don't look up your exes, just read about my heroine looking up hers. Much more satisfying without the potential for embarrassment or upset).

Which country would you like to travel to Ireland, France, or Italy? (Less subtle subtext: No one can travel anywhere right now, so buy my book and you can fictionally tour all of Europe. Much cheaper).

Can a person ever really let go of the pain of their past? (Not even subtext, more like a slap upside the head of -- who cares? Buy my book! It's fun and it'll make you cry - a twofer!). 

All right, Reds, how about it? What's in your secret promo sauce? Where do you focus your energy? 

And, Readers, what gets you to buy a book from a debut author? Word of mouth? Reviews? A pretty cover? Can a writer grind you down by promoting so much you develop FOMO (fear of missing out) and you buy the book or does too much promo repel you? 

Asking for a friend. Okay, it's me, I'm asking for me. 

58 comments:

  1. I’m enjoying all the social media stuff, Jenn! I’ve already pre-ordered the book and I’m anxiously awaiting its arrival in my mailbox.

    I always buy books from authors I’ve read before and enjoy [translation: Jungle Red ladies] . . . .
    But when I’m wandering in the bookstore [oh, please, let me do that again] I tend to buy books mostly based on the story blurb and then, perhaps, the cover. If it’s from an author I haven’t read before, I may look inside and read a bit of the beginning of the book. Capture my interest, and I’ll buy your book . . . .

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    1. Thank you, Joan. I like your process. Also, I miss bookstores!!! (Sob). They’ve opened a few here and Hub and I have done dash in visits but no browsing. (Sobs again).

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  2. Congratulations, Jenn, on the upcoming release! I am a member of your FB groups so I do get to enjoy seeing and taking part in SOME of your social media stuff.

    Finding out about a debut mystery fiction author can be hit-and-miss. I may hear some hype or endorsement online from book bloggers that I follow such as Dru, Lesa and BOLO books. Of course, JRW often highlights an upcoming book, sometimes from a debut author. I read mystery magazines such as Deadly Pleasures, Mystery Readers Journal and Mystery Scene. I subscribe to author newsletters that sometimes highlight an upcoming book. For example, Leslie Budewitz writes culinary mysteries and gave an advance promo to debut culinary mystery writer Daisy Bateman in her spring newsletter. And sometimes I read a FB post from an author I follow that is giving a shout-out to a debut author's book.

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    1. Thanks, Grace! Those are some active groups. I can barely keep up! I love finding a debut author! Sometimes I get lucky and my publisher will as k me to endorse a new author - it’s like striking gold when they’re a fresh new voice!

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    2. Yes, there are so many ways to find debut authors that I forgot an important new one, co-led by Hank!

      First Chapter Fun every Tuesday and Thursday highlights a new book. I have found some new authors, including two debut authors based in Ontario (Katie Tallo and Drew Murray) thanks to Hank's co-host partner in crime, Hannah Mary McKinnon.

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  3. Congratulations, Jenn! I know what you mean about the promo - it can be exhausting, and we're not always sure what works and what doesn't. But this one is under your name, and you have SO many fans/followers. It'll be fine.

    Question, though, because it is a Jenn McKinlay book: for all those devoted cozy followers, does this women's fiction book stray from the cozy "clean" guidelines? That is, is there language or sex that will shock your fan base? Being a rom-com, I imagine there isn't much risk of violence in it. Just curious on your thought process as you were writing it and envisioning how to sell it. Thx!

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    1. Great question, Edith! I think my cozies are so well steeped in rom-com that it’s not much of a deviation even though there is some swearing and some steam. Hardcore mystery readers won’t cross over to women’s fiction but women’s fiction readers will double back and read the mysteries so that’s a plus.

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  4. The million dollar question, what makes someone buy a book. Could actually be worth a billion with a B.

    I've actually wondered myself what makes me choose one book over another. It can be a subtle thing, as small as an intriguing title, or as big as seeing the name/author/movie deal plastered everywhere. Word of mouth recommendations also help sway my decision.

    Other than cozies by known authors, I tend towards the type of books that come out in trade paperback format. Now how do publishers make that decision? However they choose, that seems to be a literary line in the sand for me. That's not to say I won't buy hardback books, because I do, so add that fact to the mystery.

    Your title, and cover, and the fact that I already know and enjoy your writing, Jenn, would definitely induce me to buy this book. Everything else is special sauce.

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    1. You’re right, Karen, it is a billion dollar question. Also, I have no idea how they determine the trade pbk size. It is a crazy business!

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  5. My book-buying habits have changed dramatically since I began to follow authors on Facebook about 3 years or so ago. I am now reading cozies, which I never did before, and more mysteries than I ever had previously. My Kindle is my accomplis these days and acquisition is my pandemic balm.

    Lots of books or authors have been recommended by friends and or reviews I've read in the paper. I have been trying to read as much of the JRW books that I can and also authors who are introduced to us here. I share your books with my book-loving friends and sometimes give them as gifts so that they can spread to other book-lovers.

    Jenn, I love the 2 series of yours which I've read and I have pre-ordered this book. I look forward to the release of Rhys's and Roberta's releases this summer as well. I wish you all of the best success during this crazy time.

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    1. Judy, I love the term “pandemic balm”. My kindle has also gotten a workout over the past four months. Thanks for the JRW support - August is a big month for us!

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  6. Regardless of the genre, I mostly buy books from authors that I have already read and loved.
    I already preordered your book Jenn.
    As I'm not on social medias, I'll usually find a new author for me at the public library. When I like what is written, I tend to want to read more from this author.
    I'm also sometimes interested in some of the books presented on this blog and on Bolo books blog.

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    1. Thank you, Danielle! Oh, man, do I miss my library. I miss going there to escape the frat house and get some work done and finding two or three new authors on my way out. (Sigh).

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  7. Like Danielle, I mostly experiment with new authors at the library. That said, I do so kind of a lot. Before coronavirus, I used to have a significant amount of driving time as part of my work, and since I like to listen as I drive, I would go through a voracious volume of audiobooks. Often, the driving force was to get a book NOW, so I would sort the library's audiobook database by "Available now" and then just pick based on a cover or title catching my eye and the plot summary sounding good. Honestly, I have run into a LOT of good books that way.

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    1. I’m an audio book nut! I used to love to go to the gym and hit the treadmill while listening. It’s given me a new appreciation for the importance of narration!

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  8. Congratulations, Jenn! I love the cover. I don't normally read any kind of romance, but the cute cover and your description make me want to read this book. I'm heading to Amazon now...

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  9. Jenn, you and Julia should take your show on the road--virtually for now! Talk about an author's voice coming through! And it's not snarky or mean-spirited--so you know whatever you get from Jenn is going to be fun to read. That said, I tend to skip books with the author/title plastered everywhere and blurbs telling me I 'must' read this. I 'must' read whatever I choose, so don't tread on me or something like that! A newbie author's book will grab my attention in a number of ways--the plot might be intriguing, the setting new/old/culturally different, the characters stand out, the cover might catch my eye. Sometimes, cover blurbs will get my attention if they're from authors I enjoy reading. And yes, the library is good for browsing new authors--download something to my kindle and if I like it, well, there goes this month's budget :-)

    This one seems like a winner on so many levels--and yes to Ireland, France, and Italy. Got my (armchair) tray table down and awaiting the drink and snack cart....

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    1. LOL, Flora. It’s the zucchini reference that got you, isn’t it? My entire childhood was spent delivering my parents’ bumper crop throughout the neighborhood - until my brother and I decided it was much easier to skip the rejection and float the squash down the river! If there are still zucchini growing on the banks of the Housatonic River, well, you’re welcome.

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  10. This cracked me up, Jenn - Boy can I relate. And I have no 'secret sauce' - just one word of advice: Flail. Because you never know which thing you randomly do pays off.
    As for me, it's working because I have just ordered your book!!

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    1. I love you, Hallie! See me flailing? I think it might be my gift!

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  11. Jenn,

    I don't think shamelessly self-promoting that you have a book coming out is all that bad a thing. Hell, I do it on a weekly basis when I have a new article in my Cassette Chronicles series posted and a new book is certainly far more important than what I'm doing. People are free to check out what you are talking about or completely ignore it. But you should definitely keep plugging away with the promotional scene.

    A lot of times a debut author's book will be sent to me for review purposes. Heck, just this morning I wrote a review of a debut book to submit to Mystery Scene. That's one way to get me to read an author I'd never read before OR it is their first book.

    I end up buying new authors or new-to-me authors from posts here on JRW or over at Wicked Authors. Oh, and sometimes BOLO Books too. And when I read reviews as well. The latest new-to-me author happened just this week with the first book in Cheryl Hollon's new series.

    I've used the library to check out a new author more often over the last year or so but with the library being closed right now, I would just buy the book if it was a paperback and put it on my want list if it was a hardcover (gotta pinch those pennies!)

    A cover might draw me to check out a book, but it is the back cover synopsis that would make me buy it or not.

    And if I was able to travel to one place, the answer is always Ireland.

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    1. Ireland for the win!!! I’m trying to convince my publisher to let me set a series over there - mystery or romcom, I don’t care. I just want to go do some research!
      On behalf of all writers, let me just say “Thank you!” Reviews help us so much and the time and energy you all put into them is much appreciated!

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  12. We’re all going to shout, wave, do silly dances for the book, Jenn. Word of mouth has so much power
    And where would I travel? Every other summer I’m in France or Italy at this time. Sigh

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    1. Thank you, Rhys! I’m usually in Canada and I am really missing our cottage on the bay this year. Ugh.

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    2. Jenn, the 4 Atlantic provinces have opened up a regional travel bubble since July 3. But the rest of us Canadians still cannot travel there for summer vacation, so I share your longing to go to NS (or PEI for me).

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  13. Awww Jenn, you are so beloved, and you will be so happy when your readers arrive in droves. I have pre-ordered! Of course! As for what works, golly, who knows. I continue to believe that a good book rises to the top. But a little drum beating can’t hurt. In a way, it has to do with the author. Someone who is already adored, like you, just allows others to join the celebration. It’s less a demand than an invitation… And I think that comes across. I have noticed a lot of buzz about your book, yay, and it just makes me want it all the more!

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    1. I love you, Hank! And I absolutely adore how you framed that - an invitation to celebrate. You’re so smart!

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  14. Jenn, I am always looking for new books by Debut authors. It helps if I can get an ARC from NetGalley. I got to read THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY by Natalie Jenner and I bought a copy. I wish you could do an online chat with Marie from Cozy Experiences over at Facebook because then we can type in comments. Some virtual book events are NOT accessible. A few do have captions like YouTube sometimes.

    I'm excited about your new book and yes, I get to travel to Ireland and France via your book.

    Diana

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    1. Thanks, Diana! I do like doing the live FB chats. Although when the comments come in fast and furious it is a challenge to keep up, plus, I have a talking problem and tend to go on too long. LOL.

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  15. If I see a lot of promo for a certain book it does get me interested in reading it, especially if it's an author or genre I already like. Sometimes a promo introduces me to a book I wouldn't have otherwise heard about because my library and bookstore have limited selections in such a small area. I say promote away!- the more I know about the book, the more likely I am to read it.
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I like you, Alicia! You make me feel less obnoxious - always a good thing!

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  16. You should contact the admin of the FB group Great Thoughts Great Readers and set up an event in that group. They're very active readers.

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  17. good luck! Already a waiting list for it in the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Library system.

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    1. Thank you!!! I love when libraries buy books because more people discover you!

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  18. Look into joining many of the great book and reading groups out there! You would get lots of notice that way but not sure how many you are already a part of! Blessedfllady62(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Will do, Lisa! It's so hard ot keep up with them all but definitely a fabulous resource!

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  19. I generally discover new authors through the library ( with the help of my librarian sister) or on Kindle/Nook. Facebook shows me a lot of posts for Amazon that I save and go read the blurb and reviews. If I love it I will buy a physical copy. Of course I will read anything you write, Jenn. I own all the Cupcake books and am gradually acquiring your other series. My mom is not into mystery but loved The Good Ones and The Christmas Keeper and I think she’ll love Paris too so I’ll be sharing it with her.

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  20. I love to go th Barnes and Noble and look for new authors and books. I have seen some free books in a basket from authors at the library. The author usually does a one night visit and talk with people about the book. Love your books and really want to read this one. Usersns8800@aol.com

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    1. Thank you, DOnna. Having libraries close during this time has been very difficult. I miss my library! :(

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  21. If you all will please indulge me, I'd like to reply to both yesterday's post by Julia and today's by Jenn. First, Julia, I loved the excerpt from At Midnight Comes the Cry. It sounds like there's a whole lot of trouble about to come down in Millers Kill, and people might be wishing they hadn't let Russ go. And Ethan is 7 months old, so he's going to be getting more into the storyline soon. And, I love a story set at Christmas. Also, I have to tell you that my family has watched Independence Day so many times that I've lost count. The joke has always been that if the TV is on, Dad is watching Independence Day.

    Jenn, it's easy to see just how special this book is to you, and I think you're going to be happy with its debut. It's got one of the best covers around and lots of great promotion going for it. I think you're doing just what needs to be done with your promoting, and then others are spreading that. I've shared some of it, and I plan to share more. I believe it is such a perfect book for all of us right now, a much needed respite from the woes of the world, and I think that it's going to be hugely successful. I've pre-ordered it and am so looking forward to it. Oh, I loved the cover animation. So clever.

    And, I've joined McKinlay's Mavens on FB, a great, fun group where news of Jenn's books is right at your fingertips. The giveaways are amazing, too. When I joined recently, I invited a lot of other people to join, too, and I am happy to say that many of them have. Keep doing what you're doing, Jenn, because you are a Rockstar.

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    1. SOB. Kathy, if you were anywhere near me right now, I'd bear hug you. Thank you for the kind words. Yes, my assistant, Christie, runs the MAvens and she is a real firecracker! Totally with you on Julia's excerpt, too. I can not wait!!!! I will keep nudging her to finish :)

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  22. I'm late to the Jenn Appreciation Party, because I was doing church/laundry/cleaning out car before trip/etc. Which of course, is a whole 'nother question: how do you promote one book everywhere on the internet AND write another book AND take care of the house (because even if you had a cleaner come in before, you're probably not doing that now) AND deal with the kids who have come home. etc., etc...

    I got some wise advice when I was flailing about launching HID FROM OUR EYES one month into quarantine while I was still feeling exhausted from my own five week bout of sickness (was it Covid-19? Who knows? I couldn't get tested!)One of the Reds right here said, and I paraphrase, "Do what you can, and let the rest of it go." Sort of like the run up to Christmas - there will always be more you can do. More wrapping, more baking, more plays and concerts and events, more, more, more. And at some point (usually about 3pm on December 24th for me) you just have to stop.

    Despite everything left undone, Christmas arrives every year, and it's always special and sweet and full of memories (the weird things that happen make the best memories.) And book birthdays are the same. They arrive, and people buy the book and read it and tell their friends and the book sells and everyone is happy. Is it exactly as you pictured? No, never. Is it still good? Absolutely.

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    1. Julia, you sound like a very wise woman yourself!

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    2. You are a very wise woman, Julia! I'm entering the "let it go" zone - actually, looking forward to it! Be safe on your trip.

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  23. I enjoy author video chats which highlight their new releases which is a great way to promote. I learn alot about the author and I want to buy their books.

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  24. How do I find new authors? Well, here for one. The book store is second and then word of mouth. As for you new debut, Jenn. I have seeing it all over Facebook and I started hearing about this book last year, here at JRW and have been anxiously awaiting it's release. My problem is I don't remember if I pre-ordered it or not. And as for the zucchini - my sister still won't touch the stuff, 40 years we had an overabundance of them. She refers to them as poison.

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    1. I love your sister. She's my people. I'll never willingly eat zucchini again. Thank you for letting me know the book info is out there. It's so hard to tell. Ugh.

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  25. If it is truly a debut writer, the cover might be what makes me pick it up to read the description but it is the description that will get me to buy it. Does it hit on a topic that I love? Is there an interesting element that I haven't found in other books? I'm in several on-line book clubs and I pay close attention to what others are posting. However, if it is an author that I already buy everything she writes (Jenn McKinlay) and she is just trying a new genre then I will automatically get it.

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  26. I automatically buy all the books by my favorite authors. I used to browse for new authors at the book store attracted by bright covers and interesting blurbs but now I get ideas for new authors from this blog and others. I write down the names and either order them or request them from the library. 5 library branches open now but now mine. SAD! Stay safe and well.

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  27. For me to buy a book from a debut author, I would have to read a fabulous review (or two) and/or hear from a friend. I may be more likely to order from my library. For your books though, Jenn, I actually will purchase. :-) Can't say I have a lot of others I'll buy now though. I'm looking forward to "Paris" and would like to get my book club to read. So often our books are "depressing". We started the group 22 years ago! About a dozen gals with varying tastes; and I have to admit my tastes have changed too. I used to read all kinds of thrillers and true crime. I now prefer more laughter! Thanks for the many laughs the past several years!! I've been able to share your books and Kate C's with a few of our members. Cheers.

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  28. I read reviews for new to me authors, or new book series by authors I love. I have read some authors where I love one series, and can't get into the other series. I also like reading what bloggers and other authors have to say about a book I am interested in buying. I like when the authors and bloggers are brutally honest, because if there is enough information one way or the other, that usually sways my decision. There has been times when even though a book or author got panned, if I really like the author, and or, their series, I will buy the book anyway.

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  29. Jenn, sorry to be so late today--I had a kinda-sorta Internet free weekend. Whew. But you know the book is pre-ordered and I can't wait. And even if I didn't know you and love you AND your books, I would be hooked on the Ireland/France/Italy and the adorable cover! We will all shout to the rooftops!

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  30. I love discovering new authors on Instagram! I've recently joined the #bookstagram community and they've been so welcoming and always have AMAZING content to share.

    I love fun covers, and yours is gorgeous.

    I'm a sucker for ARCs - but a great review will make me buy a book I've never heard of.

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