Submission & Review Guidelines

The aim of “Sir Read-A-Lot” is to promote high quality Historical Fiction and no discrimination or favour will be shown to works published by a mainstream publishing house or a self/assisted publishing entity. 

As such, I intend to review a maximum of four books and hold no more than two author interviews per month.  To produce a fair and unbiased review, I will follow the criteria laid down by the Historical Novel Society, where I am part of their Independent Review Team.  By using a consistent approach, I hope to achieve a fair and honest decision as to whether or not I feel I can recommend your book to my audience.

Ø  To be considered for review, the work must be classed as historical fiction, by the normal understanding of the term, i.e. be predominantly set at least fifty years ago (pre-1962).

Ø  First impressions are important. Therefore I will pass judgement on the cover picture, typeface, overall presentation of the product etc.

Ø  Sentence structure and reading experience – There should not be too many sentences, or too many points of view changes.  Minor errors with grammar/punctuation/continuity may be acceptable, but more important is the writer’s ability to convey the story.  There should be a good plot that holds the reader’s interest, there must be good characterisation and it should hold a reader’s attention all the way through to the end.  The story must be interesting and enjoyable.

Ø  If I find there are numerous and obvious errors or I am not enjoying the story within the first 50 pages, the book will be automatically rejected.   I will provide general reasons as to why I am declining the opportunity to review. 

Ø   I reserve the right to place a link on my website, directing my readers to Amazon where they can purchase their own copy of your book.  (That is assuming your work is sold via Amazon, of course).  I will NOT charge, nor expect, a fee for publishing a review.

Ø A book must achieve AT LEAST a 4 star rating to qualify for a published review on Sir Read-A-Lot (actually I use crosses rather than stars to keep the theme of my blog consistent).  If a book is only worthy of a 3 star rating I will review it on Goodreads & Amazon only.  If a book is less than 3 stars it is a reject and will not be reviewed by me at all.

Ø  Once your review/interview is published, I would expect you, the author/publisher, to promote and advertise any review or interview using any social media or traditional methods you employ.  I use Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads & Amazon, as well as a network of independent bloggers who “share” high quality content.  Furthermore if you would like to be interviewed & offer a copy of your book as a prize in a giveaway I am happy to accommodate you.

Ø  I will not return any books sent to me for review, unless a stamped, addressed envelope is included with the original package. 

Ø  Every review will be my own, honest opinion of the author’s work. 

Ø  Acceptable Genres – historical fiction, time-slip (provided the majority of the work takes place over 50 years ago), Young Adult (not Children’s).  I will review historical romance, although I am not too familiar with the genre.

Ø  Unacceptable Genres – erotica, non-fiction, children’s, poetry, short stories, modern thrillers, fantasy, gothic horror, anything with zombies or vampires.

Ø  I reserve the right to amend these guidelines at any time, and without notice.

To request a review, please contact me by email and provide me with a summary of your novel.

Stuart MacAllister

“Sir Read-A-Lot”

Contact Information

www.sir-readalot.blogspot.co.uk

www.facebook.com/sirreadalotUK

Twitter: SirReadalotUK