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| By nuraghies at Magnific |
Q1 wrapped up on March 31, 2026 with good results and lessons.
For a comeback, I'm happy with the outcomes! I started late December - added those to Q1 - and since then, learned a lot about various third parties, author outlooks and opinions, and where I stood in murky waters.
I'm sure the quarters and years to come will be even better. Below are breakdowns of how December 2025 - March 2026 went 😊
Q1 statistics
- 12 Review Copies
- 6 Advanced Review Copies
- 1 DNF
- 1 Deferred to Q2
- 2 Blocked authors
Of 19 books, I'm pleased with myself of only DNF-ing 1 book. A 95% finish rate isn't a bad way to start the quarter.
Infrastructure highlights
- Established Blogger as my primary writing hub.
- Established review policies.
- Established request form for net new authors who want me to read for them.
- Established BookSirens as my preferred third party site.
- Best user experience so far.
- Contemplating Instagram and Threads as primary social medial mechanisms.
- Contemplating additional review locations of BookBub and Barns & Nobles.
On a side note, my partner got me an iPad for Christmas and I finally got around to opening it up. My goodness does it elevate the reading experience. I'm super happy with it, more so that it makes reading that much faster.
Nothing like the combination of dark mode and suitable font to meet deadlines.
Blocked authors
I won't name them. When it comes to reviews, I use the full range allowed to me, inclusive of my refined thoughts on the narrative and craft. Naturally, some take issue with it.
For those who messaged me with intention to dispute my review - 1 professionally, 1 passive-aggressively - both received the outcome: Blocked.
It's not to say that if blocked authors were apologetic for their messages, I won't forgive.
Revisiting A.I. stance
I learned how wild people are in the creative space. Some have legitimate reasons for disliking A.I. and not supporting those who do. Others are clearly dealing with personal issues, and anti-A.I. has become the platform in airing these feelings out, especially onto others without evidence.
I'll reiterate my stance on A.I. here:
I don't want to review A.I. generated works. For now, A.I. assistance is alright. I can appreciate there's many reasons why someone uses the tech as an assistant.
As a reviewer, I finished two books, one about A.I. and sales, and another that discusses their use of A.I. assistance for organizing flow. The latter is an autobiography on trauma-recovery. These instances worked out as for the first, it was obvious what I walked into and I allowed my curiosity to lead. The second, it wasn't hidden in the narrative but outright spoken about how judgement wouldn't dictate if the author disclosed ChatGPT use.
My ambitions for Q2
BookSirens upgraded my account so I can take on more ARCs through there. I'm a sucker for cover arts and biased towards ones with complimentary visuals (inclusive of text) and unique concepts.
I'm also starting to take on narratives I normally wouldn't. It's exciting. Here's hoping for a more well-rounded Q2. For my supporters, thank you very much!