TB: What would you recommend for a author starting out?
SB: Most social media places, like Twitter and Instagram run on tags. Look for
the tags, which relate to your specific niche and use the top ones. Twitter is
good for showing you the trending topics. But there are also other ways to find
these out. Googling trending topics is a great way to discover what’s going on in
your circles and beyond. Even if you’re into books, and the discussion trending it
not about books, you’re still socialising and getting your name out there just by
being part of the conversation. But if a trending topic is about books, well, you’re
already on the ball! Be there. Listen. Take part.
Of course, if you can go viral, well, that’s always a winner. Knowing how to go
viral, though, is a completely different matter and never guaranteed.
TB: What types of books do you review
SB: I review everything! I’m very lucky to be an Amazon Vine Reviewer, so I get
to review a lot of the new debut authors books provided by large publishing
houses. These also include authors from the top bestseller lists. However, I am
a huge fan and advocate of indie authors, too, and with this digital age I’m so
pleased to be able to be part of the self publishing community who not only have
my full support, but my admiration, too. Writing is not as easy as it looks, so
much goes on behind the scenes to produce the final copy you get to read, as
I’m sure you’re aware. Especially when you’re doing it all yourself, or with a very
small press.
TB: What types of products do you review
SB: Again, anything, but like books, I don’t specialise in one type, I do however,
choose only what I like the sound of, and don’t just take anything because it
comes my way. I used to, but I no longer have time for that. These days I have
to be more picky. I’ve received Bose entertainment centres, a phone, a
computer. I’ve recently reviewed a King Sized Mattress. Smaller things include
perfumes, Christmas decorations, dog and bird food. Obviously, I don’t eat the
latter myself to test those. It is a question I regularly get asked.