HAHA, I CANNOT, Portia!!! This is so intense, but also factually accurate and stern!!! Did they hire a yachtsman to review this book? I am cracking up.
only tangentially related, but it sounds like you may be in a position to appreciate our family favorite picture book about the desire to always be first—highly recommend! https://bookshop.org/p/books/me-first-helen-lester/499191
So helpful reading your perspective, Cassie! I find the state of criticism to be so frustrating from the freelancing side, too, how many magazines have cut their books coverage, etc.
Oh it’s awful! It’s like trying to find a weird angle you can fit into a space not meant for books (esp sad about Shondaland!). Sending you luck landing the big fish!
Indeed. New book (my 4th), just published by a glorious independent of some renown, amazing early blurbs, lead title, announced first print of 50k, and for the first time in my publishing history: no PW, despite the book being announced there. Did the publisher miss the deadline? Refuse to pay the fee? Not miss the deadline or refuse to pay the fee? I’m a former acquisition editor from the big 5 world and I spend a lot of time scratching my head.
They’ve been declining a lot of books recently (books that are getting starred other places AND star authors like yourself—including folks in the preview!), I wouldn’t put it past PW. But yes, so many questions.
Hey Cassie, does one have to have a PR person to figure out where/how to pitch those celeb book clubs? I feel like it’s a super long shot but I do have a year.
Love this level of transparency! Also, « Publishers Weekly was putting out reviews months after pub date, and my good dudes—where is the help in that? » had me laugh pretty hard.
The 2026 debut group was recently talking about the incredible snarkiness of Kirkus (which, as a librarian, I love), and someone shared this GEM: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kersten-hamilton/blue-boat/
HAHA, I CANNOT, Portia!!! This is so intense, but also factually accurate and stern!!! Did they hire a yachtsman to review this book? I am cracking up.
No matter what Kirkus eventually says (or doesn’t say!) about my book, I can at least hope they don’t end with “Sinks.” 💀
😂😂😂 I’m sure you’ll have something more flattering unless (like this review) they find the ultimate and specific-to-you hater
Portia, what is the 2026 debut group? My personal growth memoir is coming out in April 2026.
I have never felt so indignant on behalf of a cartoon boat.
"and so the fundamental storyline sours, at least for readers who know sailing."
I was relieved to see they were more generous re the author's 2024 picture book about a tugboat.
"the narrative is related in a breathtaking manner that will leave readers on the edge of their seats."
Thank you, Portia!
Hahaha it is flustering!!!
I loved this one! You always keep it informative, but with a splash of humor.
only tangentially related, but it sounds like you may be in a position to appreciate our family favorite picture book about the desire to always be first—highly recommend! https://bookshop.org/p/books/me-first-helen-lester/499191
Maggie oh my gosh—did you secretly know my youngest is OBSESSED with pigs! Totally ordering a copy of this, thank you!!!
it is SUCH a large part of our family lore, so I hope you all love it!
(and would you believe they are still using the excerpt from a starred trade review to sell it, many many years on?!)
So helpful reading your perspective, Cassie! I find the state of criticism to be so frustrating from the freelancing side, too, how many magazines have cut their books coverage, etc.
Oh it’s awful! It’s like trying to find a weird angle you can fit into a space not meant for books (esp sad about Shondaland!). Sending you luck landing the big fish!
Indeed. New book (my 4th), just published by a glorious independent of some renown, amazing early blurbs, lead title, announced first print of 50k, and for the first time in my publishing history: no PW, despite the book being announced there. Did the publisher miss the deadline? Refuse to pay the fee? Not miss the deadline or refuse to pay the fee? I’m a former acquisition editor from the big 5 world and I spend a lot of time scratching my head.
They’ve been declining a lot of books recently (books that are getting starred other places AND star authors like yourself—including folks in the preview!), I wouldn’t put it past PW. But yes, so many questions.
The pay-for-play thing is irksome.
Cassie, thank you for inadvertently verifying that I am not crazy for sending a Word/PDF to blurbers.
TOTALLY not crazy! I like when those come early. Sometimes I’ve had authors print them at Office Depot and snail mail!
Hey Cassie, does one have to have a PR person to figure out where/how to pitch those celeb book clubs? I feel like it’s a super long shot but I do have a year.
Kind of! Because they have to know the readers / team / producers. Your publisher might have those connections.
Yeah, no. TINY publisher. Thanks though!
But I did just send an email to ask.
You have to! Just in case!
Interesting to read how those celebrity book clubs actually work...thank you.
Love this level of transparency! Also, « Publishers Weekly was putting out reviews months after pub date, and my good dudes—where is the help in that? » had me laugh pretty hard.
haha, thanks Carole! I only realize reading back how much my language is dependent on being in a house of boys! my good little dudes!
Ok