#SPFBO 6 Introductory Post
3 June 2020 
300 books 10 Judges 1 winner
The 1st of June marked the start of the sixth Self Published Fantasy Blog Off. The brainchild of Mark Lawrence this is a competition for self published authors, it’s mission statement :
‘The SPFBO exists to shine a light on self-published fantasy. It exists to find excellent books that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. It exists to help readers select, from the enormous range of options, books that have a better chance of entertaining them than a random choice, thereby increasing reader faith in finding a quality self-published read.’
For further information check out Mark Lawrence’s post here. To check out this year’s entries, judges and allocations check here. (My allocated books are cut and paste below for ease of info).
Now, a quick introduction.
I usually aim to read at least 30% (or 100 pages) of all the books I’ve been allocated, often more than 30% depending on how I’m getting along with the book in question. I will review all the books that I complete, the other books I will provide mini reviews for. I usually aim to choose between 4 or 5 semi finalists over the course of the first five months and then choose my finalist. My batch of books will be randomly split into five groups with six books in each and I aim to read one batch per month (more if I get ahead of schedule – although, this doesn’t usually happen).
In terms of my reading I have a very wide range of ‘likes’ and very few ‘dislikes’ and I will give every book a fair shot. This blog is a hobby as is reading and so I tend to focus on the positives of the books I review rather than the negatives.
I think the best advice I can give to all the authors taking part is to enjoy the competition, make friends, become part of the community, enjoy yourself as much as possible and take part in any events being offered. There can be only one winner but that doesn’t mean that everyone can’t take something good away from the competition.
There is also the cover competition, each blog chooses 3 covers from their selection of books and these are then voted on by both the judges and the public. Go ahead and take a look at all the lovely covers and make sure to vote on your favourites – the link is here.
Finally, as with previous years, I would like to extend an invitation to all the authors taking part to visit my blog. This year I was hoping to include some excerpts from as many of the books in the competition as possible. If you’d like to throw your book into the ring and choose an excerpt for me to post then please don’t be shy, get in touch in the comments and let me know, let’s get some tasty teasers out there. I’m also going to be focusing on some of the covers and also some of the books that really stand out to me. Also, for those authors who have books in audio – even if you’re not in my group, I’d love to hear from you and listen to your book.
That’s it for now. Feel free to reach out and leave a comment.
Thanks
Lynn 😀
The other judges:
Fantasy-Faction; Fantasy Book Critic; Booknest; Kitty G; Weatherwax Report; The Fantasy Hive; Rockstarlit Book Asylum; The Critiquing Chemist; The Fantasy Inn
My three cover contestants:
Follow the competition on Twitter using #SPFBO or join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/122875124938545/
Books and travelling with Lynn 
I’d like to leave an excerpt from my book, “A Hero’s Downfall.” Stephen Brightflame is the main protagonist of the story and is a perfectionist in everything he does as he tries to become a knight. Early in the book, he’s speaking to the Supreme Commander of the Royal Knights whose words unwittingly foreshadow what’s to come for Steve’s character.
“Failure and loss can bring us to our lowest of lows and it’s there where we find out who we are and what we’re made of.”
Hi Tony
That’s great – do you want to drop me an email with your chosen excerpt? lynnsbooks64@gmail.com
Lynn 😀
It’s a great initiative! I’ll be looking forward to your reviews, Lynn 🙂
Thanks 😀
I’m excited for a new competition! And I already recognize a few of the books 😁
I’m excited too.
Lynn 😀
Looking forward to following along!
Thanks 😀
This should be very interesting and I appreciate your efforts for us.
Thanks for doing this. I look forward to your reviews and commentary.
Thanks. I’m looking forward to making my way through this year’s entries. It’s always exciting to start the search for a finalist.
Good luck
Lynn 😀
Cool! I’m certainly happy to find an excerpt if you need one 🙂
Hi, I would love an excerpt – drop me an email with something you think would work at lynnsbooks64@gmail.com.
Lynn 😀
Can do, thank you!
Hi! I’m excited to follow the updates. I’m in your group, but I also have my book in audio. If you want it in that format, let me know; I can get you a code!
Thanks for leaving a comment – I’d love a copy in audio but NP if it’s not possible.
Lynn 😀
[…] The 1st of June marked the start of the sixth Self Published Fantasy Blog Off (details here.) My Introductory post is here. […]
And so it starts again… Looking forward to following your journey, Lynn:). And the cover for The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon is exceptional!
It’s a lovely cover but then this author always has some stunning covers.
Lynn 😀
Hi Lynn, I’d love to do an excerpt for The Child of Silence, if you’re still looking for them? Joe
Hi Joe, I would love an excerpt. Drop me an email on lynnsbooks64@gmail.com
Thanks
Lynn 😀
Hi Joe – I don’t think I responded to this comment – so sorry, yes please, I’d love an excerpt. Drop me an email on lynnsbooks64@gmail.com.
Thanks
lynn 😀
Hi Lynn, not to worry, I saw your reply! I emailed an excerpt to you on Friday. Did it make it through?
I’m super late seeing this, but I would love to provide an excerpt for Calico Thunder Rides Again. An audiobook is currently in production and I can definitely get you that version of the book as soon as it’s available. Thank you so much for nominating the cover for the cover contest. That was such an honor and I really appreciate it. Happy reading!
That’s great news – drop me an email – lynnsbooks64@gmail.com. And, yes, that’s a great cover, I love it.
Lynn 😀
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