Originally posted on ALK3R: Merging two of the ultimate pastimes books and puzzles the Codex Silenda has to be physically solved in order to read it. And no, these aren’t simple word games and math problems, but rather deviously complicated mechanical puzzles crafted from laser-cut wood that are embedded within each part of this…

via This Incredible Wooden Book Is a Series of Puzzles That Have to Be Solved to Continue Reading — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

A while back, I wrote a blog called Be the Gatekeepers. This time I wanted to share where gatekeepers (readers) can start looking of indie books or self published books among the masses.

It’s overwhelming, all the authors out their with talent and the skills to create books that are up to par with traditionally published novels. Teams of creative minds working together to help each other. If you think I’m wrong, you haven’t even looked or tried to search. You’ve just developed a biased idea and should read the previous blog I wrote Be the Gatekeepers.

Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of sub par books, but those are easy to spot.

A funny meme, but sadly people do this. People, not authors who have invested in their work. These books are easy to weed out. Still not convinced. Here are a few tips.

1. Covers are usually amateur with a few exceptions.
   1. This tumbler site gives a few nice examples or not so nice. *winks* http://lousybookcovers.tumblr.com
2. Proofreading or editing is non-existent
   1. If a person didn’t invest in their cover they most likely didn’t invest in their copy.
3.  They didn’t have a book tour or reviews by bloggers during their book launch. Again lack of this is a red flag that someone hasn’t invested in their work or isn’t taking their career seriously. Although don’t judge just one this. Look from some type of advertising even small stuff.

It’s not indie authors that cause the problems. It’s when people publish work without investing in themselves. So if the book doesn’t look like it’s been invested in, skip it and keep searching for one that does.

Now for the fun part. Where can you find indie books that have been invested in? An indie book that could possibly sit right beside your favorite book in the book store if said book were discovered. A book you’ve never heard of, but you would love. A book that makes you feel and takes you on a ride. One you’re so happy you searched a bit to find it a gem just for you.

How to find indie books that could become your new favorite novel!

1. Twitter: Indie authors used twitter and they engage with their readers. Their books haven’t been discovered by the masses so you can talk to your favorite author pretty easy. They have more time to engage with their fans.
   1. Tips for finding indie books on twitter that will make you realize there are more books in this world waiting to be found than you ever dreamed.
      1. hashtags
         1. #indiebooksbeseen – Search the hashtag and follow the movement. These authors have joined together to help each other. They’ve all invested in their work. you’re going to have to do some digging because the group covers all genres. Try #ya or #na or #horror or whatever you like to weed out stories you many not read.
         2. #bookboost – Retweets indie authors and remember anyone can use it so you may have to weed out authors who haven’t invested in their work.
         3. #indiepub is another one. If you search #indie and #books you will find lots of accounts supporting indie authors. This maybe harder because you could have to weed through too many books. Try to add tags in the genre you want.
         4. #amwriting – Lots of published authors use this hashtag to talk about books they are working on.
2. 2. Booklife 
   1. Book life is a division of Publishers Weekly. Many indie authors have paid to be part of this program and even featured in publisher’s weekly and at book fairs. The sad part is it’s still hard for them to get noticed or picked up.
   2. You can find THE LAST ORDER on Booklife.
3. Vetted Book Reviews
   1. Are the reviews good or bad? It doesn’t matter, for the most part. I’ve read books I loved that people hated. But, I guess if it has all bad reviews that would be a red flag. Not even best-selling authors escape bad reviews or trolls. Just watch for red flags and read a sample. Most books have at least a chapter up for free or for preview.
   2. Check out the book and see how new is it and go from there by reviews. Reviews are very hard to get. If I had reviews from 10 percent of people who’ve bought a copy of THE LAST ORDER I would be well over my review goals for the first year. Few review doesn’t always mean bad. Indie books struggle to be seen and getting reviews is part of the struggle.
   3. Goodreads is also a good place to see reviews or ratings. You can also search for indie titles within list. Click here for an example
4. Book Bloggers or Blog Tours
   1. Some Bloggers are seeking out indie books to help you the reader find more books that you will love. Check this blogger.
5. YA Author Rendezvous-A great place for Young Adult reads. This group has joined together to invest in their own work and each others.

This should get you started, but before I go I want to leave you with some of my favorite indie reads or missed gems this past year and TBR reads I haven’t gotten to.

Check out more about his Industry Darling. This one has flown under the radar and it seems people ether love it or hate it. It’s worth the wild ride. It’s an entreating emotional read.

Not exactly an indie book, but smaller presses can be considered indie. I would have to say Hemlock Veils hasn’t gotten the recognition it desires. Check out this romantic novel and decide for your self.

These are the Moments is on my TBR list. Add it to yours.

Honestly, I planned on listing many more books, but it takes me longer than most to do a blog post because of my dyslexia. Follow me on twitter and feel free to ask for recommendations by tweeting. That would be another great why to find more books that may become your next favorite.

Tomorrow The Last Order will have been out for two weeks. A couple of editorial reviews have came in from Reader’s Choice and the book was awarded a 5 star Readers’ Favorite seal. Here are some excerpts from the reviews.

“The fighting scenes are exciting and fast, getting readers’ adrenaline pumping early in the book. As the lead character, Lana has the qualities and flaws that make her easily relatable. Accompanied by a man named Silas to fulfill her mission, she meets a group of gypsy women, and readers will love this eclectic group of characters. Reforming them into knights of The Last Order, Lana has to make sure that her group survives their ordeals.

Caldwell successfully delivers a YA novel that is action-packed and substantial in terms of characterization. The story lives up to its thrilling premise. As an avid chess player, I love how the concept of the game is imprinted in the storytelling.” – Lit Amri for Readers’ Favorite

“The Last Order by Angela Caldwell is one of those stories which has a strong female character in the lead and it keeps readers riveted until the very end…An original plot with some strong characters that will keep readers glued to the book.” – Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

Amazon ebook – Amazon paperback – Barnes and Noble ebook

Kobo – smashwords – itunes

FEB 17th is your last chance to enter the giveaway!

A handcrafted leather bracelets or a pair of bracers could be yours.

Handcrafted Leather Bracers

To qualify for the random raffle buy The Last Order by February 17th and email a copy of your receipt to thelastordergiveaways@gmail.com.

The Book Launch Giveaway runs until February 17th. Your receipt must be dated on or before February 17th, 2015 to be eligible.

You will be entered to win the top prize a pair of bracers (arm-guards) with The Last Order’s symbol. And I’m also giving away custom leather bracelets with the crown on them.

A random drawing will be held on Feb 20th to select the winners.

5 stars review by: Angela M. Caldwell
I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC. I remembered when Courtney was pitching this book during twitter pitch parties. She caught my attention a long time ago. The day I picked up the ARC I devoured it. I hid in my room reading and reading. If you want a satisfying light romantic read, this book is for you. The content is clean so teens can enjoy Tess in Boots too. I love all the characters, but you’re going to have to grab a copy yourself to find out why. Watch out though, you may find yourself fangirling over a certain young gentleman.

Blurb:
Tess Dougherty plans every aspect of her life right down to the last detail. But she doesn’t plan on running her boyfriend off by bringing up the topic of marriage before he’s ready. And she doesn’t plan to lose her job on the day she’s set to receive a huge promotion. So when her perfect world unravels, Tess makes a new plan: disappear.

Tess packs her bags and leaves her city apartment for a remote vineyard in North Carolina. At first, she’s put off by the slow pace of small-town life in the South. She’s especially irritated by Thatcher, the vineyard’s smart-mouth, dimple-faced farmhand. But she soon begins to appreciate the area’s charm, and Thatcher’s charm, too. She even swaps her trademark heels for a pair of cowboy boots. As Tess spends more time getting to know Thatcher, she finds herself loosening her grip on her old life little by little. Unfortunately, things on the vineyard aren’t as simple as they seem. There’s a secret here, and when the truth comes to light, Tess is forced to reconsider every plan she’s ever made.

Release Date:
December 2, 2014

Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22779717-tess-in-boots
Anaiah Press: http://www.anaiahpress.com/Tess.html

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NDBW6ZK
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tess-in-boots-courtney-rice-gager/1120200617?ean=2940046115178
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tess-in-boots/id911135042?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/468762

Excerpt:

I heard the sound of tires on the wet road, and looked up in time to see another truck slowing down to avoid crashing into the cow. The truck pulled around the cow and stopped alongside where I stood on the side of the road. The driver rolled the window down, and when I saw his face, I wanted to cry.
Thatcher.
It was not my day.
“You all right?”
I crossed my arms. “I’m fine!”
“Guess your GPS didn’t tell you to go around the cow, did it, Heels?”
I turned away from him and pulled my phone out of my pocket.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m calling for roadside assistance.”
“Good luck. Cell phones don’t work on this stretch of road.”
I turned around and glared at him. “What?”
“I said cell phones don’t work on this stretch of road.”
“I heard you. That’s insane.”
“Go ahead and try. Maybe you have some fancy magical cell phone.”
I rolled my eyes and turned away again, attempting to place a call. He was right. Nothing.
“Get in the truck, Heels.”
I didn’t budge.
“Come on, now. Get in.”
I turned around to see him hop out of the truck, walk around to the passenger side, and open the door.
There was no way I was getting in his truck.
“You gonna make me stay out in the rain all night?” he asked.
I put my hands on my hips.
“You know,” he said, “it ain’t right for a cow to stand in the road like that. You ever heard of Mad Cow Disease?”
I looked at the cow, then back at Thatcher, then back at the cow.
Was he kidding? I couldn’t tell. What choice did I have anyway? I was soaking wet, freezing, and miles from the vineyard.
I balled my hands into fists and took several strides toward the truck. “Fine. But I’m only coming with you because you look like an idiot standing out here in the pouring rain.” I got in the truck, and he shut the door behind me.
“Well, so do you, Heels.”

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/QNneLcbh0tM

Courtney Rice Gager graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in creative writing. Courtney is also the author of The Buggy List. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.

Website: http://www.courtneyricegager.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CourtneyRGager
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/courtneyrgager
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/courtney_rice_gager
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CourtneyRiceGager
Google+: http://www.plus.google.com/+CourtneyRiceGagerWrites
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/courtneyricegager

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