Jane Stanley | Updates

The Real Roo Is Seven: The Little Dog Who Inspired a Whole World

Jane Stanley — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

From a chubby, food-loving puppy to my best friend, constant companion and very own four-legged muse.

Tomorrow, on 8 August, Roo will be seven years old.

It hardly seems possible. The tiny, dark brown bundle of curls I first met in September 2019 has grown into the much lighter—and frequently rather scruffy—cockapoo who now lies at my feet while I write and illustrate her adventures.

Roo may be the star of my books, but before there was The World of Roo, there was simply a little puppy who completely changed my world.

The chubby one

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Free Kids e-Book Day !

Jane Stanley — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Save the date for the next event on August 5th! Visit www.amydoslich.com/free-kids-e-book-day to get your FREE kids books!

This event will be too good to miss. There are over 200 kids books available to download for free! All age groups. You can download one or as many as you like!

If you participate in the event, we hope you enjoy the books, and please consider leaving the authors reviews as you read their books.

A couple of quick notes:

You don't have to have a kindle to download the books! You can download them as long as you have a smart phone/tablet. Just download the free kindle app.
If the ebook is showing as unavailable, it could be because you are not in your Amazon store that you are registered. Change the store, and it should be available.
Also make sure you are using the Amazon browser - do not use the Amazon app (it won't work)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualifying purchases. All of the links below are affiliate links. If you happen to buy anything on Amazon through this link, it won't cost you any extra, and I will get a small amount! Thank you for your support! :D

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Why Independent Children’s Books Deserve a Place on Every Bookshelf

Jane Stanley — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

On 5 August, families will be able to discover an enormous selection of children’s ebooks completely free, thanks to a special event bringing together nearly 200 independent authors.

Free Kids Ebook Day is a wonderful opportunity to fill your digital bookshelves with new stories, meet unfamiliar characters and perhaps discover a few new favourite authors along the way.

A world of stories waiting to be discovered

When most of us look for a new children’s book, it is easy to be drawn towards the familiar titles displayed prominently in shops or recommended by large publishers. Yet beyond those well-known names is a vast and wonderfully varied world of independently published books.

Independent authors create stories about all sorts of characters, families, experiences and adventures. Some books are funny, some reassuring, some educational and some simply whisk children away into an entirely different world.

Because independent authors are free to follow their own ideas, they can also explore subjects that might not otherwise find their way onto the shelves. That means more unusual stories, different perspectives and characters created for children who may not often see themselves—or their experiences—represented in books.

The work behind an independent book

People are sometimes surprised by just how much work goes into producing an independent children’s book.

Writing the story is only the beginning. There are characters to develop, words to refine, illustrations to create, pages to design and countless tiny details to check before the book is ready to meet its readers.

For author-illustrators like me, it can mean many hours spent trying to capture exactly the right expression on a character’s face—or redrawing a pair of paws until they finally look the way they should!

Independent authors also take responsibility for preparing their books for publication and helping readers find them. There is rarely a large team working quietly behind the scenes. Every review, recommendation, social-media share and new reader therefore makes a genuine difference.

A chance to try something new

Free Kids Ebook Day removes one of the biggest barriers to trying an unfamiliar author: the cost.

Families can browse the participating titles, choose the books that appeal to them and download them without having to take a financial chance on somebody new. With so many books included, there should be something for different ages, interests and reading abilities.

Many of the participating ebooks will be free on 5 August, with some authors also making their books available from 4 August. It is worth checking the individual listing and confirming that the price shows as free before downloading.

You may find a bedtime story that becomes part of the family routine, a funny character your child wants to meet again or an adventure that encourages a reluctant reader to try one more chapter.

Supporting independent authors

Downloading a free book may not feel like a form of support, but it absolutely can be.

If your family enjoys one of the books, leaving an honest review helps other readers find it. Following the author, visiting their website or simply recommending the story to another parent can also be enormously valuable.

Best of all, if a child loves the book, they may go on to explore the author’s other stories. That is how small independent books begin to find their place in the world—one reader and one recommendation at a time.

Join Free Kids Ebook Day

Free Kids Ebook Day takes place on 5 August, with nearly 200 independent children’s authors taking part.

Visit:

www.amydoslich.com/free-kids-e-book-day

You can also use the QR code in the image to open the event page on a phone or tablet.

Have a browse, choose some new adventures and give an independent children’s book a chance. You never know what treasure might be waiting among those colourful covers.

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Behind the Illustrations: Roo’s Little Book of Nonsense Rhymes

Jane Stanley — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A very silly little book, created for a very special new arrival.

There is a new book beginning to take shape on my drawing table—and this one is especially close to my heart.

Roo’s Little Book of Nonsense Rhymes is inspired by the funny little names I call Roo. Like many much-loved pets, she very rarely answers only to her proper name. Over the years, she has collected an increasingly ridiculous assortment of nicknames, usually invented on the spot and often based on whatever she happens to be doing at the time.

What pet owner doesn’t do this?

Somehow, those silly names began turning into rhymes. Before long, I had the beginnings of a playful new picture book filled with cuddles, sausages, bubbles, cheesy toes and plenty of other nonsense—all starring Roo, of course.

The book is intended for very young children, so the rhymes are short, lively and fun to say aloud. I want it to be the sort of book that encourages children to join in, anticipate favourite words and laugh at Roo’s increasingly silly adventures.

A book for someone special

There is another, much more important reason for creating this particular book.

My great-niece is due to be born in October, and I wanted to make something especially for her. Her soon-to-be-big-sister, Olivia, has Bedtime for Roo dedicated to her, so it felt only right that this new little member of our family should have a Roo book of her own.

She may be far too tiny to appreciate it at first, but I love the thought of the book being read to her as she grows—and perhaps one day understanding that it was being written and illustrated while we were all waiting to meet her.

That makes every page feel just a little more special.

Bringing the nonsense to life

At the moment, I am busy working on the illustrations. Each rhyme gives me the chance to show a different side of Roo: sleepy, scruffy, angelic, mischievous—or completely overcome by the prospect of food.

The illustration accompanying this post belongs to one of the sausage-themed rhymes. Roo is sitting very proudly with one sausage in her mouth and several more draped around her neck. It is thoroughly undignified, completely ridiculous and therefore rather appropriate.

Although the idea is exaggerated for comic effect, it captures something very recognisable about the real Roo. Food is taken extremely seriously in our house, particularly if there is even the slightest possibility of a sausage being involved.

One of the pleasures of illustrating this book is finding the right expression for each scene. Roo still needs to look like Roo, but every picture also has to communicate the joke instantly to a young child. A tilt of the head, a hopeful look or an especially satisfied smile can tell as much of the story as the words.

I am using a loose ink-and-watercolour style, with minimal backgrounds so that Roo and the joke remain the focus of each page. The simplicity is deceptive: sometimes the silliest-looking pictures take the most thought.

A little book filled with love

This may be a book of nonsense, but beneath all the silliness is something very real. The ridiculous pet names we invent are often just another way of saying, “You are loved.”

That is really what this book is about: the affectionate language families create, the joy animals bring into our lives and the wonderful nonsense that comes from loving somebody completely.

I still have plenty of illustrating to do before October, along with all the decisions about layouts, lettering and which of Roo’s many nicknames will make the final cut.

For now, though, Roo appears delighted with the project—particularly the sausage research.

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It's finally here!!! Roo and the Secret of Barnacle Bay.

Jane Stanley — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This one is close to my heart, and my darling Roo sat by my side throughout hours of writing, illustrating, and many, many hours of editing!

It's a wonderful story about Roo's adventures in Barnacle Bay. New Friends, new smells, and a mystery that only Roo can solve! Focusing on values and friendship, this book is a chapter book suitable for KS2.

I can't wait for you to see it! It's getting so much positive feedback already...

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World Book Day - Free Kindle copy of Roo and the Great Garden Quest !

Jane Stanley — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

FREE for 48 hours only ✨

A funny illustrated chapter book for ages 5–8.

Perfect for World Book Day.

Download here ⬇️

https://amzn.eu/d/06YxLEhE

https://a.co/d/03EdG9uB

Roo and the Great Garden Quest: Roo's Big Adventures

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Roo and the Great Garden Quest !

Jane Stanley — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I'm so excited to say that my latest book is nearly ready for my special ARC team! I can't wait to get their feedback on this - it really is a labour of love.

If you'd like to join the ARC team then please go to threads/instagram (jane_stanley_childrens_author) and send me a message.

Lots of Love from Jane and Roo. XXXX

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Roo and the Great Garden Quest - Coming soon !

Jane Stanley — Sat, 2 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I'm so excited to announce that my latest book in the Roo's Garden series will soon be available! It's an illustrated chapter book (approx 130 pages), all about an adventure with lots of Roo's garden friends. I'm so in love with all the characters and I really hope that everyone falls in love with them too. Keep watching this space for more information, or sign up for my newsletter and I'll email you direct. Lots of Love Jane & Roo.

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The Amazon Royalty Drop: A Blow to Independent Children’s Authors

Jane Stanley — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A Heartbreaking Change for Independent Authors

On June 10, 2025, Amazon is implementing a major change that feels like a gut-punch to independent authors like me. In an unprecedented move, they are reducing the royalty rate for paperback books priced under $9.99 (or £7.99 in the UK) from 60% down to 50% medium.com. This might sound like just a number, but for those of us who pour our hearts into creating children’s picture books, it has very real consequences. Suddenly, the modest income we earn per book will shrink – or even vanish completely if we don’t raise our prices. Amazon itself warns that if a book’s price falls below the new minimum threshold, it could result in “zero royalties due per sale” kdp.amazon.com. In simple terms: we now have to set the price of our books at at least £7.99 (or $9.99) just to make any royalty at all kdp.amazon.com kdp.amazon.com.

When I first saw this announcement, my heart sank. I know many fellow indie authors who stared at their screens in disbelief, doing the math on what this means. We’ve always accepted that self-publishing means slim profit margins – we don’t do it to get rich, we do it because we love storytelling. But this change feels different; it feels like a harsh reminder that to Amazon, our lovingly crafted stories for children are part of a numbers game. Amazon claims these lower-priced books “represent a unique challenge given increasing operational costs” medium.com – essentially blaming rising print and production costs. Yes, printing books has gotten more expensive over time, but this one-size-fits-all royalty drop is hitting the little guys the hardest.

32 Pages, Countless Hours of Creativity

Most children’s picture books are short – usually around 32 pages long penguin.co.uk. That’s an industry standard that has held for decades, because 32 pages is just enough to tell a magical story without losing a young child’s attention. Don’t let the length fool you, though: those 32 pages often represent months or even years of effort. Writing a captivating story, crafting characters that leap off the page, and illustrating each scene with bright, engaging artwork – all of this takes enormous time, love, and creativity. Every page in a picture book is painted with passion and purpose. From the whimsical cover to the “The End” page, independent authors and illustrators put a piece of their soul into these books.

Yet, under Amazon’s new policy, the value of those 32 pages is being reduced to mere pennies unless we hike up the price. Let me put this in perspective: before, many of us priced our paperback picture books around £6.99 or £7.50 in the UK (about $8–$9 in the US) – a price we felt was fair and accessible for parents. At that price, we might earn perhaps £1-2 per sale in royalties. Now, if we kept that same price, our royalty could literally drop to £0. Nothing. Amazon’s own examples show that a paperback listed at $8 could yield $0 in royalty after this change kdp.amazon.com. Essentially, if we don’t raise our list price to at least the new minimum (£7.99/$9.99), we are forced to sell our books for free (as far as our earnings are concerned).

Can you imagine? You spend countless late nights perfecting a story that makes children giggle or dream or feel loved, you invest in an illustrator (or painstakingly draw the pictures yourself), you agonise over every rhyme and every colour… and then you’re told that unless you charge a higher price, your work earns you nothing. It’s disheartening. It’s also an agonising dilemma: do we raise our prices and risk fewer families being able to afford our books, or keep prices low and practically give away our labour for free?

When Books Become Less Affordable for Families

What hurts most is knowing that this royalty drop will make children’s books more expensive for the families who need them. If independent authors like me have to price every picture book at £7.99 / $9.99 or above, that puts many of our books out of reach for budget-conscious parents. Not every family can shell out ten dollars per book, especially when their child tears through stories or begs for a new bedtime book each week. For many, £7.99 is a significant chunk of the weekly grocery budget. Raising our prices might recoup some of the lost royalty for us, but it means some children will get fewer books.

This comes at a time when encouraging kids to read is more important than ever. We’re competing with screens, with flashy digital distractions, and sadly, children are reading for pleasure less than they used to. A recent report described a “shocking and dispiriting” decline in kids reading for fun – only about one in three children today says they enjoy reading in their free time, the lowest level recorded theguardian.com. As an author, Auntie and Great Auntie, that statistic breaks my heart. Reading is so fundamental to a child’s imagination, empathy, and education. I firmly believe that every child who finds a book they love is a child who takes a step toward a brighter future. Stories shape us; I still remember the picture books that shaped me, decades later.

Yet how can we foster that love of reading if books become luxury items? If parents have to think twice before buying a book because it costs nearly $10, many will simply buy fewer books. That means fewer stories at bedtime, fewer rainy afternoon reads, fewer gifts of books for birthdays or holidays. For families with multiple kids, the cost adds up fast. Libraries will always be a wonderful resource (and I hope more people use them!), but let’s face it – nothing quite compares to a child owning and cherishing their own copy of a favourite book. Making books less affordable is a step in the wrong direction when we should be doing everything possible to get kids hooked on reading.

I've seen firsthand how children’s faces light up when they connect with a story. I’ve had parents tell me sheepishly that they want to buy my book but have to wait until payday. That’s at the old price. How many will simply walk away if the price jumps? Independent authors don’t have the marketing might of big publishers; we rely on word-of-mouth and on being accessible and relatable to our readers. Pricing ourselves out of the market is terrifying. We worry not just about our livelihood, but about losing readers – losing the chance to touch a young mind or heart because the cost was too high.

Drowning in a Sea of “Low-Content” Books

To add insult to injury, this change doesn’t seem to distinguish between lovingly crafted storybooks and what Amazon calls “low-content” books. If you’re not familiar with the term, Amazon defines a low-content book as one with “minimal or no content on the interior pages”, typically repetitive pages meant to be filled in by the user – think blank notebooks, journals, planners, diaries, etc kindlepreneur.com. Over the past few years, there’s been a flood of these low-content books on the market. In fact, there are likely hundreds of thousands of low-content books on Amazon now, pumped out by people hoping to “make loads of money for little effort” quora.com.

Now, I don’t begrudge anyone trying to earn an income, but this surge of low-content publishing has created a glut. Search for something like “cute journal” on Amazon and you’ll wade through countless cheaply produced notebooks with different cover designs. Amazon’s new royalty policy is presumably a reaction to this glut – these ultra-low-priced, low-content books might have been eating into Amazon’s profits or clogging the system. “Increasing operational costs”, as Amazon put it, is likely a reference to the expenses of printing and shipping so many of these low-priced items medium.com. I do understand that Amazon is a business that needs to cover its costs.

However, the one-size-fits-all approach of this royalty drop is painfully unfair. It lumps true creators together with mass content generators. It doesn’t take into account the immeasurable value that a real storybook brings to a child’s life versus a blank notebook. We independent children’s authors are not churning out dozens of near-identical products just to turn a quick profit. We are crafting unique narratives – bedtime adventures, lessons about friendship, journeys through imagination – which can become core memories in a child’s mind. A notebook has its use, certainly, but it will never inspire a child the way a story can.

Amazon’s change essentially says: “If it’s under 32 pages, under $9.99, well it’s all the same – 50% royalty.” But it’s not the same. From a creative standpoint, it’s devastating to feel that our labors of love are treated no differently than a low-effort lined journal. The time, love, and creativity we pour into producing original children’s stories far exceeds the effort in designing a generic notebook. That imbalance isn’t reflected in how we’re being compensated anymore. Previously, the 60% royalty at least acknowledged that authors deserve a fair share even on lower-priced books. Now, it’s as if Amazon is telling us our work is worth a smaller slice of the pie, unless we make the pie more expensive. It’s demoralising.

I’ve spoken with other indie picture book authors in writing groups and online forums, and the sentiment is the same: frustration and fear. Frustration that our creative contributions seem undervalued, and fear for what this means going forward. Will this discourage new authors from entering the field? Possibly – if a new writer realizes they must price their debut picture book at $10 when they hoped to make it $7, they might think twice about publishing at all. And what about diversity of voices? Independent publishing has been a wonderful way to bring diverse, niche, or underrepresented stories to readers. If the hurdles (and costs) for indie authors keep rising, many important voices could be silenced or never heard in the first place.

How You Can Help

Despite these challenges, we haven’t lost our passion for creating stories. Now, more than ever, independent authors need the support of readers to keep going. If you love children’s books and the magical journeys they offer, you can make a real difference in keeping this creative ecosystem alive. Here are a few simple ways to help:

Buy books from independent authors: Whenever you’re able, consider purchasing a picture book from a self-published or small-press author. Each sale means the world to us – it’s not just about the royalty (which, as you know, is now smaller), but about reaching another child with our story.
Spread the word: Share your favourite indie children’s books with friends, family, and your community. If a particular storybook made your little one smile or taught them a good lesson, tell other parents about it. Recommend indie titles to teachers or librarians. Word-of-mouth is powerful for authors who don’t have big marketing teams behind them.
Leave a review or rating: Taking a minute to leave a positive review on Amazon or Goodreads can greatly boost an author’s visibility. Reviews are one of the key ways books get noticed by new readers. Even a one-liner about how much your child loved the book can help. Plus, reading your kind words fuels our passion and morale.

Finally, I want to thank every reader and parent who has ever picked up an independent author’s book. Your support isn’t just a drop in the bucket – it’s the lifeline that allows us to continue doing what we love. In a world where algorithms and policies might make it harder for our stories to be seen, you have the power to help them shine. By buying, sharing, and reviewing books you love, you ensure that these heartfelt 32-page treasures can keep reaching the young readers who need them. Together, let’s keep the love of reading alive, one story at a time.

Thank you for supporting independent authors – your choice truly makes a difference.

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The Return of the Timeless Children’s Book

Jane Stanley — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In a world overflowing with noise—bright plastic covers, flashing buttons, books that beep or sing at the press of a page—it’s easy to forget the quiet magic of a truly timeless children’s story. But lately, something beautiful has been happening. More and more parents, carers, and teachers are turning away from the loud and the disposable, and rediscovering the gentle power of books that last.

Not just physically, though many are choosing well-bound, collectable editions that will stand the test of time. But emotionally. Spiritually, even. Stories that settle in the heart. Characters that become old friends. Illustrations you can fall into. Books that are meant to be kept, not cast aside.

It’s in this quiet resurgence that Roo’s Garden has found its roots.

A Gentle Rebellion

The Roo’s Garden series is deliberately slow. Gentle. Whimsical. And quietly wise. These are stories designed to be read at bedtime, in a sun-dappled reading nook, or during those quiet in-between moments when a child is ready to listen—and ready to learn.

Each tale follows a different animal through the seasons of the garden: a hedgehog preparing for winter, a magpie learning to share, a rabbit meeting her new baby brother. There are no villains, no glitter explosions, no high-speed chases. Just the natural rhythm of growth, challenge, kindness, and change.

And that’s precisely what makes them powerful.

Stories That Stay With You

When we slow down, we notice more. When a story gives space to wonder, children step into it with their full imagination. And when characters face challenges that mirror real emotional experiences—jealousy, fear, pride, loneliness—children are given a gentle map to navigate their own feelings.

These aren’t stories that shout. They don’t need to. They speak softly, and they stay.

Each book in the Roo’s Garden collection is beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written, with layered meaning that grows with your child. Read at three, they’re soothing and warm. Read again at six, they may raise new questions. Read at ten, they bring back the comfort of home.

A Better Kind of Collectable

It’s no surprise that books like these are being collected again—not just for the stories, but for what they represent. They aren’t seasonal throwaways or passing trends. They’re books to line a child’s shelf, to revisit often, to hand down. The sort you remember into adulthood. The kind you quote without even realising. The ones that smell a little like bedtime and feel a little like love.

In a fast-paced world, there’s something quietly radical about choosing stories that last.

Why It Matters

Children don’t just need to be entertained. They need to feel understood. They need characters who make mistakes, who try again, who grow slowly. They need stories that show kindness, resilience, and the beauty of small things. And they need books that don’t treat them like short attention spans in search of sparkle, but like whole people with big questions and open hearts.

The Roo’s Garden books were made with that in mind.

They aren’t loud. But they last.

And in that quiet, lasting way, they speak volumes.

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Roo's Garden - Volume 2

Jane Stanley — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ROO’S GARDEN – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION (VOLUMES 1 & 2)
Gentle stories. Memorable characters. Timeless lessons.
Welcome to Roo’s Garden – a beautifully illustrated series of gentle, humorous stories that children will treasure for years to come.
Each tale is quietly clever, helping young readers explore important life lessons—like kindness, courage, responsibility, and friendship—in a way that feels natural and light-hearted. With intertwined characters and charming seasonal settings, these stories celebrate nature, community, and the everyday magic of the garden.
Highly regarded by parents, teachers, and children alike, Roo’s Garden books are warm, thoughtful, and soothing—perfect for bedtime or quiet time. With their timeless appeal and collectable design, these are the books children return to again and again, remembering both the stories and the illustrations long after the final page.
Whether you’re meeting a brave little mouse or a grumpy toad with old-fashioned ways, the animals of Roo’s Garden will quickly feel like old friends.
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VOLUME ONE
Hugo Hazelwood – Can Hugo the hedgehog find a safe new home before Bonfire Night arrives? A cosy autumn tale of teamwork, bravery, and preparation.
Otto Oakwood - What happens when a young owl who knows everything gets truly lost for the first time? A wintry story about wisdom, humility, and finding your way.
Milo Mettlewick – Can one tiny mouse find his own special talent among so many siblings?
A springtime adventure full of courage, curiosity, and sibling chaos.
Felix Fleetfoot – Will this mischievous young fox learn that helping others can be even more fun than playing tricks? A lively summer tale of curiosity, kindness, and growing up just a little.
Ruben Redfeather – Is having the brightest red feathers more important than being kind for this little Robin? A snowy tale of pride, perspective, and friendship.
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VOLUME TWO
Rosie Rowan – What happens when a new baby brother hops into Rosie’s perfect world?
A gentle springtime story about jealousy, sharing, and the love that grows with family.
Milly Meadowcroft – Can Milly the magpie let go of her treasures and discover the joy of sharing? A sunny tale of sparkle, sharing, and second chances.
Saffy Sycamore – What if you’re a fun-loving squirrel who’s played all season and forgotten to prepare for winter? A colourful autumn story about friendship, responsibility, and pulling together when it matters.

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The Review Dilemma: Why Is It So Hard to Get Book Feedback?

Jane Stanley — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As an indie author, one of the most challenging parts of publishing isn’t writing, illustrating, formatting, or even marketing—it’s getting reviews. Despite pouring your heart into your book, navigating the world of algorithms and visibility often comes down to something as simple as a star rating or a few kind words from a reader. And yet, getting people to leave those reviews can feel like an uphill battle.

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are often suggested as a great way to generate early buzz and build momentum for a book launch. So, like many authors, I set up a sign-up list, shared it in my newsletters and groups, and waited with hope as readers downloaded their free copies. But here’s the tough truth—only a small percentage of those who sign up for ARCs ever actually download the book. Fewer still read it. And fewer again leave a review. Why do people take the time to sign up, only to ghost the process entirely?

The reasons vary—life gets busy, inboxes overflow, or maybe the book just slips down their priority list. I get it. But it’s a sobering realisation that even free books aren’t enough of an incentive without a deeper connection or commitment. It’s taught me to become a better book citizen myself: I now make an effort to leave reviews for books I enjoy, knowing firsthand how valuable they are.

So how do we change the culture around this? How do we gently remind readers that reviews are more than just nice—they’re vital? I believe it starts with honesty and education. Many readers simply don’t know how much reviews matter. They don’t realise that their ten-word review could help an author be seen by a new reader, make their book visible in search results, or even lead to future opportunities. So let’s keep talking about it. Let’s be open with our readers—not in a guilt-tripping way, but in a heartfelt, "this really helps me" kind of way.

If you’re a reader and you love books, please know that your review doesn’t need to be long, poetic, or clever. It just needs to be real. And for authors out there struggling to get those reviews: you're not alone. Keep going, keep asking, and above all, keep creating.

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‘More are published than could ever succeed’: are there too many books? - Story by Richard Godwin

Jane Stanley — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

An interesting article here :

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/more-are-published-than-could-ever-succeed-are-there-too-many-books/ar-AA1BoG18?ocid=socialshare&pc=ASTS&cvid=58d48196ebe24db3aeb7670cafc915a7&ei=15

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Roo's Garden - New Covers now finalised and ready to Pre-order!

Jane Stanley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I love the final covers for Roo's Garden - they capture the seasonality of the books far better. Already working on the next collection!

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Ruben Redfeather - A tale from Roo's Garden

Jane Stanley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ruben Redfeather – A proud little robin learns that true worth is more than feathers and flair!

Ruben is the proudest robin in the garden, convinced his bright red breast makes him the best. But when he meets a scruffy little robin with the most beautiful song, he starts to wonder—could there be more to being special than just looking the part?

Ruben Redfeather is part of the Roo’s Garden series—gentle, seasonal stories that celebrate wildlife, friendship, family, and the magic of the great outdoors, with important lessons learned along the way.

Perfect for bedtime reading and little explorers who love the wonders of the garden and the great outdoors!

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Otto Oakwood - A tale from Roo's Garden

Jane Stanley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Otto Oakwood – He thought he knew it all… until one snowy night proved him wrong!

Otto is the wisest owl in the garden—or so he thinks! But when a nighttime adventure goes wrong, he finds himself lost and in need of help. With the guidance of new friends, Otto discovers that true wisdom comes from listening, learning, and knowing when to ask for help.

Otto Oakwood is part of the Roo’s Garden series—gentle, seasonal stories that celebrate wildlife, friendship, family, and the magic of the great outdoors, with important lessons learned along the way.

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Milo Mettlewick - A tale from Roo's Garden

Jane Stanley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Milo Mettlewick—Small in size, big in courage. Can he discover the strength that sets him apart?

Spring has arrived, bringing new beginnings to the garden. But for Milo Mettlewick, the smallest wood mouse in his big family, it feels like everyone has a special talent except him. When danger strikes, Milo’s quick thinking and bravery might be the only thing to keep them all safe. Could courage be his greatest gift after all?

Milo Mettlewick is part of the Roo’s Garden series—gentle, seasonal stories that celebrate wildlife, friendship, family, and the magic of the great outdoors, with important lessons learned along the way.

Perfect for bedtime reading and little explorers who love the wonders of the garden and the great outdoors!

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Felix Fleetfoot- A tale from Roo's Garden

Jane Stanley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Felix Fleetfoot—A playful fox with a mischievous streak. Can he learn that kindness is the greatest trick of all?

Felix Fleetfoot loves a good prank—sometimes a little too much! The cheeky young fox enjoys outsmarting his garden friends, but when he stumbles upon someone in real trouble, he faces a choice: play a trick or lend a helping paw? As Felix learns that kindness can be more rewarding than mischief, he discovers what it truly means to be part of the garden family.

Felix Fleetfoot is part of the Roo’s Garden series—gentle, seasonal stories that celebrate wildlife, friendship, family, and the magic of the great outdoors, with important lessons learned along the way.

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Hugo Hazelwood - A tale from Roo's Garden.

Jane Stanley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hugo Hazelwood – A little hedgehog, a big bonfire… and a race to find the perfect winter home!

As autumn leaves fall, Hugo and his family prepare for winter. But when a bonfire threatens their home, they must search for a safe new nest before the cold sets in. Will they find the perfect place in time?

A heartwarming tale of patience, persistence, and the wonders of nature, Hugo Hazelwood is part of the Roo’s Garden series—gentle seasonal stories that celebrate wildlife, friendship, and the magic of the great outdoors.

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Exciting News: Roo's Garden is Here! PRE-ORDER NOW!

Jane Stanley — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’m thrilled to announce that Roo’s Garden is officially on its way! This brand-new series is filled with heartwarming stories, lovable animal characters, and the magic of nature—all set in the enchanting world of Roo’s Garden.

Each book in the series introduces a different garden creature, sharing their unique adventures, lessons, and friendships. From the brave little hedgehog in Hugo Hazelwood to the wise young owl in Otto Oakwood, every tale is designed to inspire young readers with stories of courage, kindness, and the wonders of the natural world.

And the best part? You can pre-order now and be among the first to step into Roo’s Garden! Whether you’re looking for the perfect bedtime story, a gift for a young nature lover, or a beautifully illustrated book to add to your collection, this series is sure to delight.

🌿 Why You’ll Love Roo’s Garden:

✔️ Gentle, engaging storytelling for young readers

✔️ Beautifully illustrated pages full of warmth and charm

✔️ A celebration of nature, friendship, and discovery

📖 Pre-order your copy today and be part of the adventure!

Roo's Garden (5 book series) Kindle edition

Thank you for your support—I can’t wait for you to explore Roo’s Garden! 🌸🐾

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