Novel Submissions
UPDATE: July 7th, 2014
Due to a general lack of creativity, and an astoundingly absurd number of releases, we won’t be fielding unsolicited zombie novels (please do not email me with a “my zombie story is different than all the others” bit, as you’ve already put yourself in extremely cliche ranks with that battered line) or ongoing series entries. The amount of zombie novels being submitted has become preposterous, and there are very, very few site contributors able to still enjoy them. As for series installments, they’ve become tricky. When you contact us in hopes that you or your client can get the fourth entry in your series covered, you’re essentially forcing us to look into previous installments (if we haven’t already) just so that we can have some idea of where we stand in an ongoing story. It’s a time devourer, and time is one of those things that very few of us own in abundance. We’re attempting to support as many talented authors as possible, series’ often make that very difficult.
NOW ONTO THE DETAILS
If you’re interested in having your novel reviewed, I’m interested in trying to provide you that service. I ask of you no money, just a copy of your work. If you’ve got an advance release, yet to hit the shelves only in digital format, you can send epub and mobi files directly to: darioargento81@live.com.
READ THIS, IT’S IMPORTANT:
If your book has been printed, don’t take the quick and easy way out and submit a digital copy. Show me that you’re hungry to get your work reviewed: those who invest the time and change to get a physical copy shipped out show me they possess a stronger desire to have their fiction covered.
A physical copy will always take priority over a digital copy (make no mistake, if you haven’t had your novel printed yet, I do indeed drop plenty of hours into Kindle reading, so you’re not out of contention for coverage, you may fall a bit farther down the pecking order though), especially if I note that your book has been printed, and you opted to send a digital version regardless. The packaging is important people: like it or not, book covers and designs can help or hinder sales, and I like to be able to take in the reading experience in its entirety.
If you’ve got a project that’s already seen print, please send a copy with a simple request for review letter included (helps me keep track of things), to:
HNR
529 Poppy Lane
Yuba City, CA 95993
AND FINALLY
It’s important that you understand that not every submitted work will be covered. Our number of contributors is always shifting, and we cannot possibly keep up with every last submission that comes our way. We’d love to be able to cover every last submission, but this is the real world, and that’s just not a possibility. So, understand that when you submit to HNR, you submit for a chance to have your novel reviewed. There are no guarantees that your piece will be covered. We try our best, but taking in over 500 submissions annually is something we’re not yet big enough to manage. Perhaps one of these days!
I look forward to discovering more treasures from more talented minds!
Horror Novel Reviews 
Mr. Molgaard;
I just gifted you “jumbie,” from smashwords, and I hope you’ll consider reviewing it. And more than that, I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks
Sebastian St. Anders
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I’ve got a few novels lined up for review first, but I will definitely give it a go my friend! Always look forward to new work from unfamiliar authors!
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Well, I’m shooting to be your new favorite author. Thanks for taking a look.
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Dear Mr. Molgaard – I’m sending you my novel ‘Helmort : The Story That Inspired ‘Dracula’…’ (in epub format) and hope that you will consider reviewing it.
By the way, I read your interview with Jonathan Maberry. I already own ‘Dead Man’s Song’ and ‘Bad Moon Rising’ but hadn’t read them yet because I wanted to start with ‘Ghost Road Blues’ (which I don’t have). Your article encouraged me to go ahead and order it. Thanks for the little push.
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I’ll check out the email! The title alone sounds interesting. And none of that “Mr. Molgaard” talk. I’m still in my 30’s, I can’t take on that kind of business until I’ve surpassed 40, at least. 🙂
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All right – Matt
I had a lot of fun writing it. If you’re a fan of the book ‘Dracula’, you will probably pick up some references more casual readers might miss but that should not affect your enjoyment of the story itself. (At least I hope you enjoy it.)
Thanks again.
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Helmort review should be up before too long! 🙂
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You HAD to tell me this??!?!! As a newbie writer, I’ve already convinced myself ‘Helmort’ is the worst book in the history of literature and knowing that my first review is on its way is enough to drive me to drink!!
(Oh, and that one typo (through/thought) is in the process of being fixed. Don’t know how we all missed it. (smile))
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Matt,
I’m mailing you an advanced print copy of my new novel The Devil’s Choir, published by Athanatos Publishing Group. Thought I’d mention it here. If you don’t get it, please let me know. It’ll go out in the post tomorrow.
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I’ll keep my eyes peeled Chris!
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Hi Matt –
I’ve mailed you a copy of The Man with the Blue Hat. It’s coming from Createspace so hope this will suffice as a cover letter. Enjoy your reviews very much.
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Hi Matt — Thank you very much for your willingness in novel reviews. I wanted to let you know I just sent a package to you with a paperback copy of my horror-mystery (but mostly horror), THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER (more info: http://www.curiosityquills.com/published-authors/mike-robinson/the-green-eyed-monster/ ). Thanks again and hope you enjoy!
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awesome!
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Hey Matt –
Do you only review advance copies, or will you consider something that’s already out?
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I’ll take a look at anything, advance, new or old.
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Matt,
I’ll get a copy of my book in the mail to in the next couple of days. I look forward to reading what you think of it, and thanks for taking the time to do reviews. The name of the book is The Damned Summer.
Thanks agan,
Scott
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Matt,
I sent you a copy of my novel a few weeks back. If you never got it, please let me know.
Thanks,
Scott
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what was the title of the book Scott? I’ve got a mountain of them here lol
EDIT: oh I see The Damned Summer. Let me take a longer look, I’m not certain if I’ve received it yet or not.
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Thanks for checking Matt. No rush, I just was worried you never got it. Thanks again!
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Mr. Molgaard,
I am a fan of your blog, and I enjoy reading your insightful reviews. I sent a copy of my novel, “Necropolis Now,” to you via mail. I understand that you have a very large backlog of incredible books to review; I wanted to make sure you did indeed receive the book in the mail.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to checking your blog for further updates.
Vincenzo Bilof
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I’ve got it out to one of my guys. We haven’t forgotten you, it’s just been INSANE. I’m realizing there is no catching up in this business. Just a fight to try and keep up as best as possible! Your books headed for GOOD hands!
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Matt,
I don’t mean to be a bother, I just wanted to check back with you and see if you ever located the copy of my novel I sent you: The Damned Summer.
Thanks
Scott
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Hey Scott – I do indeed have it (gorgeous cover art btw) – there are only 3 physicals ahead of it, so it won’t be too long before it gets covered here
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That’s great Matt, thanks for letting me know! I’ll let my cover guy know you like it.
Thanks again!
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Mr. Molgaard, I’ve sent you a gift copy of my book, “Amid the Recesses: A Short Story Collection of Fear” via smashwords.
Here’s the blurb: Breakthrough indie horror author J. A. Crook delivers an immensely terrifying anthology in his first worldwide e-Book release, Amid the Recesses: A Short Story Collection of Fear. In the haunting collection, Crook will make you dread being in darkness after the tale, “Black and White,” invite you to witness the very core of madness in the Lovecraftian “Memoirs of Jacob Bright, Ten Days Haunted,” and drag you mercilessly through an undead woman’s vengeance in the poetically vile, “The Widow, I”—along with twelve harrowing tales that weave into each other subtly to create a horror experience unlike any other. Violent twists and turns affect each maleficent tale, stitched together by one of the most imaginative horror authors of our time.
Do enjoy the book. If possible, of course, feel free to review it!
J.A. Crook, Author
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I’ll look into it!
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Hi Matt, how’s it going? Just wanted to see how your book load is doing right now? If you’re up for a couple more, I recently had a series published through Severed Press, and am looking to spread the word/promote through reviews.
The first book is called “The Longest Road” and the sequel is entitled “The Change”. I won’t bore you with a long summary, but I’ll include some links if you wanted to check them out.
Looking forward to hearing back from you!
Thanks,
A.S. Thompson
(this link should direct you to both books)
amazon.com/author/asthompson
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Hey Matt, I’d like to send you a print copy of Damaged Souls, my latest release from Samhain Publishing. It isn’t due out until September 2013.
Dave
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Hey Matt, I’d like to send you a print copy of Damaged Souls, my latest novel from Samhain Horror. It’s release date is September 2013.
Thanks,
Dave Bernstein
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I’ll keep an eye out brother!
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Hey Matt, Just wanted to see if you did receive Damaged Souls? I sent you a paperback copy, signed! Also, I’ve got a novella coming out from Samhain in January, called The Tree Man. Digital only.
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Matt,
I continue to read the reviews on this website and I’m always impressed by the honesty and integrity of the reviewers. This is one of the sites I subscribe to for which I read most of the posts that hit my email.
I’d like to send a bizarro/horror novel your way, but I’m unsure if any of your reviewers are interested. The book is called “Gravity Comics Massacre,” released by Bizarro Pulp Press. I intend to send a paperback your way… no zombies in this one, I promise…
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The word ‘Comics’ already has me. Send it my way brother, I’ll get to it. And you know what, integrity is a top priority for me. I’ve already had a few companies attempt to buy my opinion, and while I need that money, I can’t compromise what this site is all about. My honest goal is to help authors improve (if need be in their craft), and SELL BOOKS. I don’t intend on changing that. We’ll win as a site, and we’ll win for the right reasons.
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I’ve purchased books based on your reviews because I can still make a judgement regardless of the score. A good review allows the reader a chance to decide whether or not the book is for them. Keep doing what you’re doing so that the reviews have value for readers and writers!
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Hi Matt! I’ve just sent you an email re: my horror serial Rust. Based on your previous reviews, I think it might be in your wheelhouse… Then again, I’ve been wrong before. Thanks very much for this opportunity, and for running such an excellent site!
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Greetings Matt! I just mailed you a physical copy of our new book: The Friendly Horror and Other Weird Tales, plus sent you an email with some details of the book. Here are some of the details I emailed:
The Friendly Horror and Other Weird Tales
by Jessica Burke & Anthony Burdge
In this, Anthony & Jessica’s first collection of short stories, be prepared to explore the Everyday with a macabre, decidedly Lovecraftian twist, where anything is possible. The landscape of their collective imagination allows the mundane world to transcend into a place where kittens journey in time and space, and sometimes pick up hitchhikers… where humans aren’t the only ones who bring their children to work….where storms can become creatures with their own appetite… and where a simple ice cream cone takes on a nefarious edge. The titular piece, “The Friendly Horror” is a contemporary post-script to “Shadows over Innsmouth.”
“This charming book is a …delightful celebration of that delicious state of being called ‘Lovecraftian.’ …this duo can write, with excellent effect….”
— W.H. Pugmire
Author of Encounters with Enoch Coffin & Bohemians of Sesqua Valley
Included with the book is the official Press Release but can be view here:
http://comfychairzine.blogspot.com/2013/08/lovecraftian-horrors-haunt-staten-island_18.html
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Matt. I sent out a paperback copy of my book “Product” for you to read. It probably appeared to be a Russian nesting doll composed entirely of shipping material, but at the nougaty center- there was a Horror novel. I hope you received it, and that you enjoy the read. Thanks
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Matt – A little something different to review – only three minutes of your time to review not my novel…but the trailer for my novel 🙂 It’s here at You Tube. Thanks for any consideration you can give my request –
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Hi Matt
Just emailed you a copy of my first novel “The Original’s Return”. Now nervous given the honesty of your reviews!! It is only available digitally, so I couldn’t send you a physical copy. Maybe one day…
Thanks
Dave Watkins
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Matt, my friend, I hope you’re well.
I noticed you were distressed about the lack of literary horror poetry (I read one of your reviews), so I’ve sent you a paperback of The Horror Show. It’s a novel written in a series of free verse poems.
To be brief, the plot is basically about a narcoleptic, amnesiac poet who murdered his family a long time ago and then went missing. Now, he’s a government guinea pig, and his handlers want to see him kill again because they believe they can use his brain to cure insanity.
Enjoy!
P.S. The book is classified as “bizarro,” but that’s mostly because most people can’t read it (a bit on the weird side).
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Love the site – understand re ebook thing. My stuff was printed in the UK and has just been launched in the US for Kindle. I could send both, tho the US version is obviously americanised, and I know I can get my publishers to bung over to you sharpish. Website is: http://www.davidgatward.com, and the books are my Dead Trilogy (links here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dead-ebook/dp/B00GBEO8DE/, http://www.amazon.com/The-Dark-Dead-ebook/dp/B00GBEP9PA/, http://www.amazon.com/The-Damned-Dead-ebook/dp/B00GBFINS4/), so if you’re interested I can get them to you asap.
Best wishes,
Dave
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Dear Mr. Sir, I shall be sending you a hard copy of my Gothic horror novella The Demon of Montreal, published by Damnation Books. And I’m going to sign it because if you love it, then its best you have a signed copy. And if you don’t, then it only took me 5 seconds to ink it. One question though, do you have any particular time frame when it comes to reading submissions? Just curious. Thanks! Andy S.
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Hi I have three horror books in print as separate books and will have them in the post to you today they range from folklore about not so mythical creatures under the be called, Syeribus Creatures of the night a two novel series~~: Dolls possessed by Vampires titled The legend of Adocinda billed as scary and violent and last but not least not so dead zombies titled Road to Carnage graphic in parts thank you for the opportunity to be reviewed.
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Dear Mr. Molgaard,
Good day to you. I hope you are well. You are doing such a marvellous job and we would appreciate it if you could review one of our new titles. ‘The Afflicted,’ written by Andy Strutt was released December 18 2013 and has been enjoying great reviews. Please acknowledge receipt of this message and we would send a copy of the book to you.
Warm regards,
Christy Nelson,
Acquisition Editor,
Arrow Gate Publishing Ltd
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Message received! You’re welcome to get a copy sent our way. Just a heads up – we get so many submissions (over 450 in 2013 alone) that some things just won’t get covered. The team isn’t quite large enough to handle that sizeable a load, but we TRY to get as much covered as humanly possible. I send out countless pieces for coverage, as well as covering as much as I myself can manage.
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Thank you Matt. We’ll send you the copy with the hope that it would be reviewed. Thanks again for acknowledging my message.
Christy Nelson,
Arrow Gate Publishing.
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Hi Matt,
Back in August I mailed you an ebook copy of my horror novella Rust. I was wondering if that had found a reviewer, or whether it was one of the 450 that had to be put aside. I understand completely if it just didn’t grab the attention of any of your reviewers – as you’ve said, there’s just too much to cover!
Thank you,
Christopher Ruz
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Hello Matt, wanted to follow up and make sure you received The Demon of Montreal by A. Michael Schwarz, I sent it hard copy several months ago. Thanks!
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Hey Matt, I’m curious if you ever received my novella The Demon of Montreal, I sent it via USPS a couple of months ago.
Thanks!
Andy S (A. Michael Schwarz)
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Hi Matt,
I have a zombie novel coming out that I think you would enjoy reading. It’s entitled, The Dead – Colonies. It is the first of a series. The website (cover art is on the home page) for the novel is: http://www.thedead.us/
It has not been printed yet, so it would be sent to you in PDF. I’m in the midst of having the format changed, but it will take some time. However, I do have a great blurb from none other than Mr. John Russo.
Please let me know if you’d be interested in reviewing it.
Thanks~Rob.
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Hi Matt,
just sent (via Createspace) copy of Devil’s Seed. Very much looking forward to your comment.
Fatman Butter
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Sorry, meant to leave link.
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Hi Matt,
I just sent you the Kindle version of my new novel, Sadie the Sadist, X-tremely Black Humor/Horror. It’s not out yet in paperback.
Like many people, Sadie feels undervalued and frustrated. Employed by a supermarket, she plots to murder coworkers—or lure them into the employee bathroom for a quickie. Sick of being treated like a robot, she taps into a powerful (and deranged) alter-ego and transforms into Sadie the Sadist.
I hope you check it out!
Zané Sachs
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I’ve got it assigned!
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Thanks!
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Hello Mr. Molgaard, I sent you a copy of my Novel “Darkness Saga” via Create Space. I would be gratified if you would review it. It features elements of vampire mythology and Norse Saga Themes in regards to the Ragnarok in a modern setting.
Many thanks,
Benjamin R Long
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Matt,
I love this site and what you’re doing for the horror writing community!
I am sending you two of my novels, “NEVES” and “Name Not One Man” that are part of a horror trilogy and I would be honored if you would review them!
Thanks!
Carlos R Savournin
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Hi Matt,
I posted a copy of my novel Satan’s Fan Club. Hope it arrived safely. I really love this website.
All the very best,
Mark Kirkbride
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Hi Matt,
I’m posting a copy of my zombie horror novella, THE END for possible future review. It’ll be winging it’s way over the Atlantic at some point in the next few days.
I understand you’re crazy busy so no pressure, just wanted to let you know.
Love the site.
Adam M. Booth
Here’s a link to some info about the book….
http://www.thefirstmanscrapbook.com/theend
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Hi Matt,
I was just wondering if you received my upcoming novel, The Dead – Colonies Book One for review that I sent? Also, did you want the PDF version instead of the ones I sent you? There are a couple of high profile blurbs for my novel on my book’s website at:
http://www.thedead.us
Thank you in advance, and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Regards,
Rob.
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Hi Matt
I sent you a digital proof copy of The Original’s Return a few months ago, and I now have some physical books. Should I send you the physical book or will that lose me my place in your queue? More than happy to send you a copy from the UK..!
Dave
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Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really know what you
are speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =).
We may have a hyperlink alternate arrangement between us
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Just gifted you a copy of my debut novel, Reinheit, on Kindle. I hope that is okay. I’d love to send you a paperback, but at this point I’m just starting out. I hope to start using create space with future novels.
Here is a link to my Amazon page for the book if you want to check out the cover and synopsis:
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I have released my 2014 paperback horror novel on Amazon and also in kindle form and I’m looking for someone to write a review of it. “Francis Thompson and the Ripper Paradox,”
It’s about an actual homeless poet who turns out to be the devil.
This novel is the first that introduces the English Catholic poet Francis Thompson (1859-1907) as a ripper suspect. Written by an expert on Thompson and the Ripper case, the novel draws on copious factual material gathered from around the world research to explain how his rise began as the perpetrator of the cluster of 5 terrible murders of 1888 in London’s East End. This novel tells that Thompson sought to raise the dead and then stay alive after his own passing by hiding behind history and in our minds. The book is based on non-fiction works, including old press reports, police documents, letters, biographies, uncut-volumes, and historical artefacts and documents. It has been resourced from personal access to mostly archival material from places like London’s Guildhall Library, London’s National Gallery, The British Library, The Kew National Archives, (Dear Boss Letter) the New York Public Library, The Victorian State Library, Boston College’s Burns Library’s (Thompson’s private notebooks for years, including 1888, and other unpublished documents) I’ve examined the murder sites and have lectured on these murders including as a delegate at the 2005 International Jack the Ripper conference held in Brighton.
More Info.
My website:
http://www.richard-a-patterson.com/
My novel’s Facebook group. “Francis Thompson and the Ripper Paradox Book Group,” with previews of the novel & illustrations:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/502480266521400/
A Short film for my novel:
The paperback that sells for $16.66:
https://www.createspace.com/5089196
The ebook that sells for $0.99:
My blog:
http://richardapatterson17.blogspot.com.au/
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Hi mat, I just released a horror novel “The Coldness On Shawl Road”. Id love to hear a review on it. I’m going to attempt to mail you out a copy next week. Its on paperback, so I hope you keep an eye out for it.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 9, 2014
“Billy Jones was just the average teenage newspaper delivery boy until things changed drastically there in Mansfield Ohio!”
“An unsuspecting Coldness drifted in from above, malicious creatures defy the life they once knew! Will the tiny isolated town find its way back to humanity? The rapture is now!”
“When possessed ice cream trucks run the town, and residents turn into mindless serial killers, the world will be at war against its self!”
you can buy this novel for $2.99 at Amazon.com “The Coldness On Shawl Road” as an Ebook
buy it on paperback for The Coldness On Shawl Road – TheBookPatch $12.99
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I have sent a long a physical copy of my novel, “Master of the Hunt”. I appreciate your time and hope you enjoy the story. The book can be found here — http://www.amazon.com/Master-Hunt-Nickel-Crow/dp/1494817896/ref=la_B006JBSFGK_1_1 – – Take care…
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Hi Matt,
My novella, Cradle of the Dead, has been released by Bloodbound Books, and if at all possible I’d like to submit it for possible review. It’s available in both print and digital versions, though I understand from a number of people that have ordered the hard copy on Amazon that there is a minimum 2-3 week delay before they’ll receive it.
So my query is twofold: Would a novella fall within the parameters of what you’d be prepared to review (it clocks in at around 30,000 words), and if so, would you accept a digital copy in view of the current delay with the print edition? If it’s of any interest to you, further details, including the cover, can be found on my blog: http://wp.me/p3J2rz-bT
Thanks for your time.
Roger Jackson
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Hi, I have just published a book ‘Forbidden in Jade’. It is not a horror book. It is a book about samurai and ninja. However, many of the facts written in the book are true and gory: the yakuza ritual of cutting off the little finger, cutting the stomach (seppuku), knuckle fighting, inside a sociopath’s mind and the occult rituals of the ninja. Is this the type of book you like to review? If it is, I will send you a copy of the book. If you aren’t sure, you can check Amazon Kindle to read the first chapters for free.
Thanks very much.
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