FAQs
How Do You Select the Books You Review?
Books come to my attention through my own research, recommendations from family and friends, assignments from editors, and pitches from publicists and authors. I select those that capture my interest and that I think will interest my readers.
What Types of Books Do You Review?
I typically review general, literary, and genre fiction and narrative nonfiction. I typically don’t review children’s books, middle-grade, YA, memoir, romance, horror, erotica, self-help, or academic books. I do not review audiobooks, indie, hybrid, or self-published books, or books written with AI.
Do You Receive Compensation for Reviews?
For newly released books, I usually receive an advance reader’s copy (ARC) from the publisher or author. (Most of my ARCs are provided through NetGalley.) ARCs are promotional materials with no monetary value.
For reprinted reviews, I typically received a modest payment from the first-rights publication, which is disclosed at the end of the review.
Conflicts of interest (e.g., I know the author) are disclosed at the end of the review, where applicable.
Do You Read All of the Books You Review?
Yes, I do read all of the books. If I started a book, but didn’t finish it, that will be disclosed in my post as “DNF” (Did Not Finish).
What Is Your Philosophy of Reviewing Books?
When I review a book, I try to tell a story about its strengths and weaknesses and feature the author’s voice through quotes. My objective is to help readers decide whether they want to read a particular book.
Do You Use AI to Research Books or Write or Edit Your Reviews?
No.
How Can I Support Mostly Books?
Become a free or paid subscriber.
Like, comment, and restack reviews.
Recommend “Mostly Books” on your Substack.
Share links to “Mostly Books” on social media.
Buy Me a Coffee: Drop a few dollars in the “Mostly Books” tip jar at https://buymeacoffee.com/marciegeffner
Can I Reprint Your Reviews on My Blog or Social Media?
You’re welcome to share headlines or short excerpts of my reviews on your blog, social media, or Substack. For other uses, please contact me for permission.
Will You Review My Book?
If your book is forthcoming in the U.S. from a major publisher or small press and it’s within the categories of books I typically review, please contact me through the Substack chat or the Contact Form on my website at MarcieGeffner.com. Please be prepared to provide a printed ARC, if requested.
I Have Another Question. Can I Contact You?
Subscribers can send me direct messages through the Substack chat. I can also be reached via the Contact Form on my website at MarcieGeffner.com.
Thank you for reading “Mostly Books”!