I often harp on the value of reviews for authors, especially independent ones like myself. Reviews weigh heavily in Amazon’s search algorithms, allowing my books to be found more easily. Plus those reviews are read by potential readers when making a decision on a book. Often times they can be a deciding factor on whether to purchase or add to their Kindle Unlimited reading list. I would say for every 500 books I sell, I get one review. With this being even larger for my free short story, The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card. With it, it’s more in the line of 1000 to 1.

Which leads me to comment: What is a good review? To be honest any review is good. For me, I read every one of them, both good and bad. They can be as short as “I loved this book” to as long and detailed as you would care to make it. Those that are longer can include criticisms, which I read and take into account on future books. Feedback, no matter what kind, is a good thing. And I believe now on Amazon you can leave a star rating without writing out an entire review. Which is also true of Goodreads.

Though I certainly appreciate 5-Star Reviews, those given that are 4-Star are just as valuable. No book is perfect, so there is nothing wrong with a 4-Star review. Even a well-written 3-Star review isn’t all bad. But no matter I read them all and will comment on them to let the reader know I appreciate them taking the time to write and post them. If you enjoyed a book, or even if you didn’t, take a minute or two to post a review. Speaking for all authors, I can say without a doubt we appreciate it.

Check out the interview I did for the digital magazine Voyage Denver. I got to answer several interesting questions about being an Indie Author and the challenges I’ve faced. You can access it via this link.

In my last newsletter, I gave you a peek of the first chapter of my new book, The Divine Devils. This new book features former US Marshal Hunter Divine as he tries to stop the kidnapping of two teenagers, children of a past love of his. This month I’m sharing part 2 of Chapter 1 for you to preview. Access it via this link. If you haven’t read the first part, be sure to read it first via this link. I’d love to hear what you think of this new book, featuring a new set of characters. I plan on having more previews in future newsletters. And I have a brand new, cool logo I’ll also be sharing.

In March I have two more events I’ll be attending. The first will be at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora Colorado for their Spring Craft Fair on March 7th, running from 9AM-3PM. This is a well-attended event, one where I’ve sold a lot of books in the past. Besides myself, there will be many different crafters on hand to tempt you.

Then on March 21st from 9AM-5PM I’ll be at the Eastridge Recreational Center in Highlands Ranch Colorado for their Spring Craft Bazaar. This is another busy event, where I hope to see lots of faces to talk about books. Be sure to stop on by my table to say hello!

I’m planning many more events, with three in April and two in May. Each keeping my weekends busy this spring. You can find the complete list of future events in the lower right hand of this newsletter.

More Profilific Works free book giveaways this month, all including my short story The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card. Here is the list:

Adventure is out There includes 53 free ebooks. But hurry as this deal ends today (March 5th). Access by clicking this link.

Thrillers, Mysteries, and Crime includes 27 eBooks and runs until March 14th. Access by clicking this link.

Discover New Mystery Series! includes 55 free eBooks and runs until March 15th. Access by clicking this link.

Mysteries Your Mother Never Told… 1st Quarter 2020 includes 63 free eBooks and runs until March 31st. Access by clicking this link.

Discover New Mystery includes 45 free eBooks and runs until March 31st. Access by clicking this link.

I have a few more codes for a free audiobook of The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card on Audible. I have codes for the US and UK. If you’re interested email and tell me what you enjoy most about audiobooks. Or what you enjoy most about the Jarvis Mann PI series. And I’d love to hear if you’d be interested in more audiobooks in the series.

A reminder that anyone who signs up for my newsletter, I will send them a free eBook of the Jarvis Mann PI novel, Tracking Shadow. This was the first novel in the series with over 100 ratings and reviews on Amazon and Goodreads averaging 4.2 Stars. It’s a classic hardboiled PI case, with action, suspense and a touch of lust.

Here are a couple of those reviews:

Wow, what a story. It had twists and turns you didn’t expect. Love it! – AZCranky

This is a good story which has twists and surprise, and had me intrigued and hooked throughout. Looking forward to reading more from this author. – Wendy Livingstone

This book had many twists and turns that I didn’t expect. Exactly what I appreciate in a good suspense – Soph

If you signed up in the past and never received your free eBook, reach out and I’ll work on getting it to you immediately.

That will wrap up another newsletter for this month. If you have friends who love books, share the newsletter with them. And don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I always enjoy interacting with readers. If you’re part of a book club, I’d love to talk with you. If local to Colorado I can come in person. If out of state or across the world I can connect via Skype or Google Duo and chat. I might even be talked into giving your book club a few free eBooks to read and discuss at your future meetings.

Thanks again for reading this newsletter and my books. I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

R Weir