The author somehow hears about Amy's Bookshelf Reviews, and then fills out a form for a book review request. After that request, they get an email (which seems long, but it has been shortened) with important information, and instructions on what to do next. The "infamous" spreadsheet is sent with that email, along with a checklist. The spreadsheet should be filled out with as much information as possible, and then returned, along with the desired book format. Then, the author gets another email with information, and confirmation of receipt of the book, and what to expect as the next step. This email also tells the author, which bookshelf in Amy's Library that the book title will be placed on. The title is listed on the bookshelf with author first initial and last name next to the title.
Then the author waits for the book to be read and reviewed. Once the review is posted (widely, I may add), the author or representative gets an email, with information, a copy of the review, any special lists it may be listed on, and direct links to the reviews on Amazon, BookBub, Goodreads, Instagram, and Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. The post on Amy's Bookshelf Reviews is shared on Amy's Bookshelf Reviews Facebook, Writer Amy Shannon's Facebook page, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews Twitter account, and in LinkedIn. If the author or representative has an Instagram account, the review is posted there as well on Amy's Bookshelf Reviews Instagram account, with the book cover, and the accounts are tagged. Wherever the author has an account, they get tagged when posted on that site.
So, what happens between the time Amy's Bookshelf Reviews receives the spreadsheet and book, and the review is posted? (Not including the fact that the book is read, notes are taken, and at the end of the book, the review is written).
When Amy's Bookshelf Reviews gets the spreadsheet. It is opened. If it's not filled in, it goes back to the author. All the information provided in the spreadsheet is validated. If there are blanks for Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, or Kobo, those places are verified that it is not listed there. If it is, the links are copied into the spreadsheet. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews visits the authors' website, checks out the social media accounts, follows on social media, signs up for any newsletters, and goes to Amazon, to check the link, download the cover, if necessary, add the book to a personal wish list (unless the book is automatically published), and if it is not listed, looks for information about the publisher, if there is one, and even if it's "author owned."
The publisher's name is Googled, and any information that is found that is important, such as websites, social media, and author profiles, is collected and put in not only the author's information but also added to a resources list. Many times the publisher will send print books for me to read. After the author's review is posted, I also contact the publisher and introduce myself. I do this for any agent, publicist, or other representatives so I can make connections, and let them know they can send other authors to me for reviews or other services.
It is very rare (it used to happen a lot) that an author misrepresents themselves in order to get a review. I always verify the information given in the form, and if something is incorrect, I contact the author directly.
It seems like some think I ask a lot from the authors, but it helps me with the work that I do, so I can stay organized. I have a list of every single author that I've ever read and reviewed for before, both solicited and unsolicited.
Amy's Bookshelf Reviews does this work, and it seems like a lot (and that's why donations are appreciated), but so I can continue to support authors. I can make recommendations to resources (or as I call them, Legacy Friend).
There is more that I do, but some is my trade secrets. Also, any information, such as contact information (email or mailing addresses), real names versus pen names, are confidential. After I read the book, and it's digital, it gets deleted off my cloud drive. The print books are displayed on one of my many real bookshelves, and if it's signed, I love sharing it on Facebook and Amy's Bookshelf Reviews website.
It is an honor for me to read your work.
Thank you for all you do Amy!