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Jane Yearout's email > ashfoard1@gmail.com
OVERALL.
5 STARS (average review).
4.6 STARS (average rating).
These are combined averages for both books - based on all reviews and all ratings posted by individual readers worldwide on Amazon + Apple + Barnes & Noble + Kobo + 8 specialty sellers + all major reader review sites.
PAY TO PLAY.
Sadly, many authors and publishers pay companies and people to post ratings/reviews. I believe paid reviews and ratings are deceptive - and wrong on many levels. Light sellers and low quality books with hundreds of positive ratings are sometimes obvious, and often not. I will never pay for reviews and ratings. If you like my books, please consider posting a nice rating (and review) - with the store where you purchased my book - and on Amazon, if you have an account. Recommending my books to other readers, book clubs and libraries is also greatly appreciated!
MORE ABOUT REVIEWS & RATINGS.
After a rating is posted, readers may add comments. Ratings with comments then become reviews, and such reviews provide far more insight than simple ratings. Thanks to my readers, 100% of those who have posted reviews (ratings with comments) for my books gave them 5 stars. Also, about 70% of those who have posted RATINGS ONLY (with Apple, B&N, Kobo, Amazon) gave them 5 stars. Considering that Along the Red Dirt Road was released in 2020 and Three Roads Out was released in 2022, that's quite a run. I'm deeply grateful!
BEFORE READING ANY BOOK - AND POSTING A RATING.
Know something about the book before you read it! Most authors provide plenty of insight on their websites and in their book descriptions on such seller websites as Amazon, Apple, B&N, Kobo, and Smashwords. While readers should expect these websites to cast a favorable light on the books they sell, readers should never accept gross misrepresentations. On the other hand, if the website says a book is gory and you dislike gore, is it fair to read the book and blame the author?
MY RESPONSIBILITY.
I believe authors must do a better job at creating proper expectations before readers purchase books. Afterall, no book is 'right' for every reader, and impulse purchases can be disastrous! In fact, impulse purchases and binge reading are leading causes of disappointed readers, negative reviews, and low ratings. Although my books enjoy broad audiences and good reviews, I go to great lengths to set proper expectations - and work hard to get my books to readers who are most likely to enjoy them.
LESSONS LEARNED.
READERS AT MY BOOK CLUB & LIBRARY EVENTS.
I love their questions, their opinions, and their insight! I love how discussions (especially about subplots) often get quite lively. Thanks to readers at these events, I'm also learning who is reading my books. I've learned that my books are extremely popular with baby boomer women, and with socially conscious women and men of all ages. I know my books are being shared with far more men and younger readers (as gifts or loaners) than I originally expected. Thanks to these readers, I know my books hold special appeal with those who read historical fiction and women's fiction. I'm also beginning to realize that a substantial share of my most enthusiastic fans also read in genres that I never would have imagined.
POSTING RATINGS & REVIEWS.
The support that you, my readers, give to my work is appreciated more than you will ever know!
Peace, love, and good reading,
Jane Yearout, author
SNIPPETS FROM SOME REVIEWS
Great combination of history and mystery - KC (5 stars/Amazon)
Loved this book. Read prologue and epilogue - CY (5 stars/Goodreads)
Captivating. Recommended to friends - Socklady (5 stars/Apple)
Well written. Really nice relief for now - RFBK (5 stars/Amazon)
A great read - Katie (5 stars/Amazon)
Great cast of characters - Gigo (5 stars/Goodreads)
Evocative - CF (5 stars/Amazon)
Well worth the read - PP (5 stars/Amazon)
Beautiful story - Judyism (5 stars/Barnes and Noble)
Characters are strong, sensitive and colorful - Nora (5 stars/Goodreads)
Excellent read - AC (5 stars/Amazon)
Magical quality with 'play it forward' treatment to freedom - Paul (5 stars/Goodreads)
Tale of friendship and truth needed today - KB (5 stars/Kobo)
Excellent - SD (5 stars/Amazon)
Compelling historical read - JG (5 stars/Amazon)
A very fine read indeed - Michael (5 stars/Goodreads)
Hope to see a sequel - Nora (5 stars/Amazon)
Fascinating story line - FR (5 stars/Amazon)
Would recommend to anybody, male or female above age of 13 - KB (5 stars/Goodreads
Well told story with subtle overtones - JP (5 stars/Amazon)
Wonderfully captivating historical fiction - JG (5 stars/Amazon)
Haven't read a book that made me laugh, cry and smile with satisfaction like this one did in a long time. - Rhonda (5 stars/Goodreads)
A LONG AND TOUCHING
READER REVIEW ~
My search for an uplifting read during our troubled times happened for me while traveling this Red Dirt Road. Books about this era might inundate us with cussing, foul and racial language and actions, sexual activities, and gore. In my mind, this book is refreshingly absent of those aspects of life that I’d rather not “see” now. There are some very sad parts in the book, but the language is quiet and reflective. I am not a history buff, but the historical story was as interesting to me as rest of the book. (And, I rediscovered my own grandmother’s cameos, too.) Why did this book feel so good to me? The main characters are so loving, caring, and considerate - to each other and to those they meet and befriend. This is a thoughtful read and was full of the kindness I’ve been desperately searching for these days. Also, I was delightfully surprised not to correctly anticipate (or guess) many of the book’s mysteries. There is a wonderful sense of discovery and curiosity by the characters - and I shared their journeys with my own questions. A bright young teen girl is intuitively and innocently kind, respectful, and inquisitive. Incredible parents who taught her by example and trusted her and guided her with goodness. An adorable terrier romping throughout. A boy with a stutter and a nervous condition who becomes a wonderful friend. A fascinating old woman who has her own secrets and shares all she knows about them with her inspirited young friend. There are mysteries with some sadness and some interesting turns of surprise. I spent part of the day after finishing the book, listening to the Music Playlist. A little bit of foot stompin’ and reflection for me, a century (plus) later! Another gift from this author. I cried feeling all the kindness enveloped within the main characters. I got chills a couple of times. I felt a sigh of relief - YES, people are GOOD! I needed to feel that now and I wanted to “pass that forward.” Just a few of several quotes I liked, without giving away content: “Be friendly to everyone. People will respond in kind.” “When we can lighten someone’s burden, when we can help someone who can never repay us, then we must do so, daughter.” An alliteration in response to her dad’s alliteration: “Daddy, did you decide during the delectable dinner we just devoured that a delicious and delightful dinner at the diner will be dazzlingly decadent?” “And without truth, this poor earth is no more than one big stinking mess of wild apple butter!” Thanks for this book. Good for young adults and for some of us, not so young!
Jane Yearout's email > ashfoard1@gmail.com
OVERALL.
5 STARS (average review).
4.6 STARS (average rating).
These are combined averages for both books - based on all reviews and all ratings posted by individual readers worldwide on Amazon + Apple + Barnes & Noble + Kobo + 8 specialty sellers + all major reader review sites.
PAY TO PLAY.
Sadly, many authors and publishers pay companies and people to post ratings/reviews. I believe paid reviews and ratings are deceptive - and wrong on many levels. Light sellers and low quality books with hundreds of positive ratings are sometimes obvious, and often not. I will never pay for reviews and ratings. If you like my books, please consider posting a nice rating (and review) - with the store where you purchased my book - and on Amazon, if you have an account. Recommending my books to other readers, book clubs and libraries is also greatly appreciated!
MORE ABOUT REVIEWS & RATINGS.
After a rating is posted, readers may add comments. Ratings with comments then become reviews, and such reviews provide far more insight than simple ratings. Thanks to my readers, 100% of those who have posted reviews (ratings with comments) for my books gave them 5 stars. Also, about 70% of those who have posted RATINGS ONLY (with Apple, B&N, Kobo, Amazon) gave them 5 stars. Considering that Along the Red Dirt Road was released in 2020 and Three Roads Out was released in 2022, that's quite a run. I'm deeply grateful!
BEFORE READING ANY BOOK - AND POSTING A RATING.
Know something about the book before you read it! Most authors provide plenty of insight on their websites and in their book descriptions on such seller websites as Amazon, Apple, B&N, Kobo, and Smashwords. While readers should expect these websites to cast a favorable light on the books they sell, readers should never accept gross misrepresentations. On the other hand, if the website says a book is gory and you dislike gore, is it fair to read the book and blame the author?
- FIVE AND FOUR STAR RATINGS: In the world of reader ratings, fives are not just for 'masterpieces'. Typically, five stars says I really liked it and four stars says I liked it. Personally, I've found that books I really like (5 stars) usually have flaws. I'm a 'seventy something' year old reader, author, and former language arts teacher who lives to encourage reading and writing. I typically award 5 stars to books I like - and save my opinions (and compliments) for the comments. If the book is essentially good, my comments are always geared to making the book more enjoyable to others. I rarely comment on an author's writing style (tastes vary), but never let sloppy research, poor grammar, or misinformation slide. By adding comments, readers may provide others with their own impressions.
- THREE, TWO, ONE STAR RATINGS: In the world of reader ratings, three stars is not a good rating, and should be reserved for books you actually read and clearly did not 'like'. Unfortunately, there are 1000s of real stinkers that truly qualify for one or two stars. Most of my encounters with 'bad' books fall into the top seller/must read category. If any book I read seems dishonest or societally harmful, and/or generally earns low ratings from others, I'm ready to add my own low rating (with comments). With books not in the top seller category, I understand that a single low rating can completely wreck the standing of a book, and years of work by an author, so I'm hesitant to post a sub par rating on anything that is generally enjoyed by others. I've also noted that many books I dislike are beyond the scope my favorite genres. Is it fair for me to insert my own genre bias into a rating, or push others away from a read they are likely to enjoy, or punish a legitimate author with a three, two, or one - or even a four? I don't think so.
- ABUSE: Book ratings and reviews are always vulnerable to mischief. Mischief makers and authors/publishers who 'pay to play' tend to focus more on ratings than reviews. Sites that don't require posters to identify or prove they have purchased the book to be rated/reviewed are the easiest targets. I am one of many ethical writers who is pushing sellers to utilize AI and other technologies to prevent these abuses.
MY RESPONSIBILITY.
I believe authors must do a better job at creating proper expectations before readers purchase books. Afterall, no book is 'right' for every reader, and impulse purchases can be disastrous! In fact, impulse purchases and binge reading are leading causes of disappointed readers, negative reviews, and low ratings. Although my books enjoy broad audiences and good reviews, I go to great lengths to set proper expectations - and work hard to get my books to readers who are most likely to enjoy them.
- My teensy advertising budget is directed to Facebook audiences that are most likely to enjoy my books, and away from those likely to have other preferences.
- To discourage impulse purchases, I link my ads & posts directly to this website (and occasionally to my Facebook page) - never to a store or purchasing page.
- Material on this website and my Facebook page is geared to inform prospective readers about the content of my books, the genre, the general audience, and my writing style.
- I offer a special version of my author talk to book clubs and libraries for readers who have NOT read my book(s). This provides a unique opportunity for readers to decide if my book(s) are right for them.
LESSONS LEARNED.
- Those who have read Along the Red Dirt Road know it has a prologue, an epilogue, and a relatively slow pace in the first chapters. As an author, I feel all three were essential to provide readers with a proper understanding of the characters, and to deliver a powerful beginning and ending to the book. While all three elements have earned this book special praise from many readers, some (mostly men) skipped the prologue and epilogue, and grew impatient with the slow start. Most (including men) gave my book a 5 star rating, but a few did not.
- Three Roads Out moves more briskly from the start and does not have a prologue or epilogue. This was not a marketing decision but a literary one - as this book is a sequel, and Along the Red Dirt Road had already set the stage and developed most of the main characters.
- My books are not romance novels. Romance novels outsell all other genres, and I highly respect those readers and many of the authors. In doing author talks with book clubs and libraries, I encounter numerous romance novel fans who also love my books. Ironically, most of my lower book ratings are posted by romance novel fans who also identify as impulse buyers and binge readers. My books take several years to write and do not include steam, sex, or traditional romance. My book descriptions do a decent job of establishing reader expectations, and I'm always seeking to improve this effort. If you are romance novel fan, please read my book descriptions before you buy. If the description sounds appealing, I think you'll really like Along the Red Dirt Road and Three Roads Out.
- Literary style: My degree in language arts and study of creative writing came with no guarantees. Literary style is so subjective that I tend to tune it out from my reading and writing. I'm a storyteller first and never want style to become a major focus of my readers. Occasionally, I may toss in some 'artful' language, knowing that 'artful' to me or to some of my readers may not be artful to others. There are more opinions about literary style than I can comprehend. The essence of my style is simple, authentic language.
READERS AT MY BOOK CLUB & LIBRARY EVENTS.
I love their questions, their opinions, and their insight! I love how discussions (especially about subplots) often get quite lively. Thanks to readers at these events, I'm also learning who is reading my books. I've learned that my books are extremely popular with baby boomer women, and with socially conscious women and men of all ages. I know my books are being shared with far more men and younger readers (as gifts or loaners) than I originally expected. Thanks to these readers, I know my books hold special appeal with those who read historical fiction and women's fiction. I'm also beginning to realize that a substantial share of my most enthusiastic fans also read in genres that I never would have imagined.
POSTING RATINGS & REVIEWS.
- If you like my books, please consider posting a nice rating on the site where purchased - and on Amazon and Goodreads. As mentioned, if you take an extra moment and add comments to your rating, it becomes a review. Good reviews go long way in helping others enjoy the read - while providing a boost to literature that may have touched you in some good way. Recommendations to other readers, libraries, and book clubs are also greatly appreciated!
- Amazon rating and reviews: Lots of good ratings help books get better placement and make searches easier for potential readers.
- Readers who acquire my books as a gift, as a loaner (from a friend or library), or from sources other than Amazon may be able to post an Amazon rating and review - if they are an Amazon customer.
The support that you, my readers, give to my work is appreciated more than you will ever know!
Peace, love, and good reading,
Jane Yearout, author
SNIPPETS FROM SOME REVIEWS
Great combination of history and mystery - KC (5 stars/Amazon)
Loved this book. Read prologue and epilogue - CY (5 stars/Goodreads)
Captivating. Recommended to friends - Socklady (5 stars/Apple)
Well written. Really nice relief for now - RFBK (5 stars/Amazon)
A great read - Katie (5 stars/Amazon)
Great cast of characters - Gigo (5 stars/Goodreads)
Evocative - CF (5 stars/Amazon)
Well worth the read - PP (5 stars/Amazon)
Beautiful story - Judyism (5 stars/Barnes and Noble)
Characters are strong, sensitive and colorful - Nora (5 stars/Goodreads)
Excellent read - AC (5 stars/Amazon)
Magical quality with 'play it forward' treatment to freedom - Paul (5 stars/Goodreads)
Tale of friendship and truth needed today - KB (5 stars/Kobo)
Excellent - SD (5 stars/Amazon)
Compelling historical read - JG (5 stars/Amazon)
A very fine read indeed - Michael (5 stars/Goodreads)
Hope to see a sequel - Nora (5 stars/Amazon)
Fascinating story line - FR (5 stars/Amazon)
Would recommend to anybody, male or female above age of 13 - KB (5 stars/Goodreads
Well told story with subtle overtones - JP (5 stars/Amazon)
Wonderfully captivating historical fiction - JG (5 stars/Amazon)
Haven't read a book that made me laugh, cry and smile with satisfaction like this one did in a long time. - Rhonda (5 stars/Goodreads)
A LONG AND TOUCHING
READER REVIEW ~
My search for an uplifting read during our troubled times happened for me while traveling this Red Dirt Road. Books about this era might inundate us with cussing, foul and racial language and actions, sexual activities, and gore. In my mind, this book is refreshingly absent of those aspects of life that I’d rather not “see” now. There are some very sad parts in the book, but the language is quiet and reflective. I am not a history buff, but the historical story was as interesting to me as rest of the book. (And, I rediscovered my own grandmother’s cameos, too.) Why did this book feel so good to me? The main characters are so loving, caring, and considerate - to each other and to those they meet and befriend. This is a thoughtful read and was full of the kindness I’ve been desperately searching for these days. Also, I was delightfully surprised not to correctly anticipate (or guess) many of the book’s mysteries. There is a wonderful sense of discovery and curiosity by the characters - and I shared their journeys with my own questions. A bright young teen girl is intuitively and innocently kind, respectful, and inquisitive. Incredible parents who taught her by example and trusted her and guided her with goodness. An adorable terrier romping throughout. A boy with a stutter and a nervous condition who becomes a wonderful friend. A fascinating old woman who has her own secrets and shares all she knows about them with her inspirited young friend. There are mysteries with some sadness and some interesting turns of surprise. I spent part of the day after finishing the book, listening to the Music Playlist. A little bit of foot stompin’ and reflection for me, a century (plus) later! Another gift from this author. I cried feeling all the kindness enveloped within the main characters. I got chills a couple of times. I felt a sigh of relief - YES, people are GOOD! I needed to feel that now and I wanted to “pass that forward.” Just a few of several quotes I liked, without giving away content: “Be friendly to everyone. People will respond in kind.” “When we can lighten someone’s burden, when we can help someone who can never repay us, then we must do so, daughter.” An alliteration in response to her dad’s alliteration: “Daddy, did you decide during the delectable dinner we just devoured that a delicious and delightful dinner at the diner will be dazzlingly decadent?” “And without truth, this poor earth is no more than one big stinking mess of wild apple butter!” Thanks for this book. Good for young adults and for some of us, not so young!
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