Independent Reviewers Do It by the Book: Crystal Adkins
Posted By Crystal Adkins on May 27, 2009
Crystal Adkins: Book Reviews by Crystal
Crystal Adkins is an independent reviewer and we’re delighted to have her on board 1st Turning Point. She posts her book reviews at Book Reviews by Crystal, and she also interviews authors at Interviewing Authors. You can read more about her on the Reviewers page.
JR: Thanks for agreeing to be a 1st Turning Point crew member, Crystal. Please tell us about your reading background, and how that led you to starting Book Reviews By Crystal.
CA: You know, as a kid I wasn’t a real big reader. It wasn’t until I got pregnant and began staying home that I started to really enjoy reading. My first book was Dark Gold by Christine Feehan, and then I was hooked. I read as many of her books as I could, then started reading all the paranormal vampire books that I could get my hands on. I’m a vampire lover since way back, so naturally these appealed to me.
From there a Myspace friend Cindy Callinsky, asked me to read her book and tell her my thoughts, after that first “review,” she suggested I start doing reviews on my own, and then said if later I wanted to work for a larger review site I’d have the experience. That day I set up a blog, and sent out a message on Myspace saying that I was a new reviewer and taking submissions. I think that day I got at least 30 requests! And the rest is history.
JR: Why did you decide to start your own review site rather than review for one of the larger sites?
CA: To tell the truth Jacquie, I wasn’t sure if reviewing would really be something I’d want to do. I don’t want to commit to someone or a company if I’m not a 100% sure that I won’t up and quit in a day or so. So, I tried it out on my own independently, and while I did review for a few companies, I still enjoy doing independent reviews. The one company that I’ve been reviewing for, for a while is Hachette Book Group (Forever, Grand Central) they send me the genres that most interest me, and I love seeing ARCs before most other readers. . . that is a major perk. 
JR: What is your favorite genre and subgenre? Or do you prefer a variety?
CA: I love paranormals, and historicals. The historicals that feature Scottish/Irish characters are my most favorite. And anything with romance and a happy ever after.
Variety is good, I do prefer that because it kinda gets you in a different mood depending on what you’re reading. I’ve reviewed horror and erotica which are not my most favorite, but it is always good to throw something different in the mix.
JR: Do you prefer the publisher to submit a book for review, or do you take books from authors as well?
CA: Either. I like working with the publishers as well as the authors. The publishers usually keep me in mind and send other books as they’re released or contact me about them. The authors usually come back a few times too, and that means I must be doin’ something right.
I enjoy conversing with the authors because they know why they got the score they did, and if I give the book less than 5 Hearts for ANY reason I make sure to tell them why. It could have been because of editorial errors, wrong word usage, or if the timeline doesn’t match up. . . and the list could go on.
JR: What is the proper protocol for an author to use when contacting you for a review? Should he or she contact you while you have the book and before the review is written? How about afterwards?
CA: The proper protocol is pretty easy. Email me at Crystaladkins722@gmail.com and put Book Review in the subject line. Tell me a little about yourself, and the book, and then politely ask if I will review it. Simple.
The author can contact me at any time. I usually speak with them before the review to give them my mailing info, as well as afterwards to tell them the review is posted on my blog, and on Amazon and bn.com if the book is available for purchase there.
JR: What should an author never do?
CA: NEVER get mad at the reviewer! You asked me for MY opinion on your book, I gave it to you, so you should never take out your frustrations on us. I have given a few 1’s in my review time, and a couple of 2’s and so forth. But I do remember one time that I gave an author a 4 … A 4! And she was not happy with that at all and kinda ripped me up one side and down the other. The ones that did get lower scores accepted them and my opinions and graciously accepted my reviews.
JR: Do you have plans to add other reviewers to your site?
CA: No, not at this time. I’m completely caught up with my list. Usually as soon as I get a book it’s less than a couple weeks turn around time.
JR: What advice do you have for authors?
CA: Ummm, do you think it wise I give them advice? LOL, let me see. . . keep doing what you’re doing. When you get a not so perfect review, ask the reviewer why/what you could have done to make the book better. And then next time around try to keep those suggestions in your mind.
JR: Anything you’d like to add?
CA: Jacquie, thank you and 1st Turning Point for having me here and as part of your crew. I look forward to seeing it blossom and help out authors, those that are experienced as well as those just starting out. If I can ever be of any help, or if you’re an author that would like a review, please feel free to take a look at my blog, and drop me an email. Thanks again Jacquie!
JR: Thank you, Crystal! Again, we’re honored that you’ve joined the 1st Turning Point crew and look forward to your contributions in the future.
Here’s Crystal’s contact information:
Email: Crystaladkins722@gmail.com
Facebook
Book Reviews By Crystal
Interviewing Authors
Hello everyone, I hope you enjoy the interview… I sure did
And we’ll hear more from Crystal in the future. Lucky for us!
*grins* I’m the lucky one to be a part of such an amazing group of people!
Congratulations, Crystal. I think that it’s wonderful. I’m glad that you found your thing. (O;