There's little point in pointless point-scoring

...but why not do it anyway?

For all those who wondered what it was like to wait several months and then receive something crushingly disappointing, I present to you...

A review from a proper literary professional!

It's about Timestand - my most successful children's book. Loved by literally many children and definitely plenty of adults too, even if you discount some of them as needy authors hoping for reciprocation. (I don't discount them like that. Too much cynicism is unhealthy).

It's probably not fair to name the publishing house or the editor so I won't. I've also removed one sentence which would identify them. However, I will comment on the review...

**** REVIEW BEGINS ****

I had a chance to look at this and wasn’t quite overwhelmed by what was here. I think the premise is really cute, but I have to admit, the synopsis really confused me, and I was disappointed that Tim’s dad played such a big roll (sic). I would have wanted Tim to really have another kid sidekick. I also didn’t understand quite understand (sic) Henry’s role.

I must say, though, my biggest concern came from the sample pages – I just didn’t feel like there was a strong voice there. Tim’s character wasn’t pulling me along and I didn’t feel like I knew him at all, which struck me as worrisome.

*** REVIEW ENDS ***

And this is what I think of that review

Firstly, I accept that the synopsis may well not be perfect but that is hardly a reason to reject a book - either it's worth reading or it isn't and the potential purchaser would never even see my attempt to reduce my whole book to a page.

Secondly, the main character does have a sidekick - in fact he has two - and they are both mentioned and named and described in the synopsis. Hmm - are you sure you actually read the synopsis which you're criticising?

Thirdly, why didn't you understand Henry's role? He's a fairly classic unhelpful shapeshifter type character whose motivation is left hanging in order to increase dramatic tension. It all comes out by the end and is reasonably spelt out in the synopsis.

Fourthly, the year 7 class which read the book LIKED the fact that the father had a role in the story. He's not a major character but he is there and, unlike Harry Potter, he's not dead. Do fathers have to be dead in YA fiction? Really? (And by the way, it's "role", not "roll".)

Fifthly, there is no come-back to a vague criticism about whether the voice was strong enough, nor is it possible to 'fix' this 'problem'. Does this mean that my whole writing style is no good and that I should find another career? If so, why not tell me that straight?

In conclusion - I know, it's petulant and childish to have a go at someone who bothered to provide more than a form letter and yet... Are these the people judging our work? No wonder all we seem to get are vampires and footballers' memoirs. I never said my book was a work of art or the best work of YA fiction ever written - but I have no difficulty saying it's no worse than a lot of drivel that's out there. With the backing of a publishing house (i.e. advertising), I reckon it would sell enough to at least pay for the advertising.

And it would make an excellent Christmas present too.

Yes, why not make up your own mind about it?

Order from the author - get it signed, free shipping (UK only) and price-matched with Amazon. Or get the e-book if you'd rather (but I won't be able to sign it).