Support for Indie Authors discussion

I need some help getting reviews on Goodreads and on Amazon.

How does everyone get their book reviewed?

Thanks!

I put up giveaways at Library Thing and Booklikes. Also, I request reviews and provide a link in the back matter of all my books.

Here's a listing of book bloggers, one of many that I use in my search for reviews. Be sure to make sure you read their preferences, book bloggers can get mean if you don't follow their policy for submissions. http://www.tweetyourbooks.com/#!free-...

You could also pay to have it put up on NetGalley. There are groups like Broad Universe that lease out spaces for nonmembers.

Wendi wrote: "There's a pretty active thread on Books Go Social's Facebook page where authors post their books. You need to get one or two and review them from the thread, and other people will get yours if it i..."

Thank you!I just sent out a bunch of emails to bloggers as well. I would like to exchange favors with other authors, it sounds like a great idea!

I should probably consider any place people are posting here. My attempts on GR and Book Blogs have been well..bad. lol

Well, I have had many promises from readers who got free books and, unfortunately, it just seems easy to forget. I have a couple of decent reviews though. Better than zero.

Susan wrote: "Saradia wrote: "Yasmine wrote: "Saradia wrote: "There are reviewers who review books in exchange of a free copy. You'll find such reviewers in many Goodreads groups (like GoodReads Reviewers' Group..."

I've replied to your email :)

I've been trying many of the bloggers on Tweetyourbooks.com, but so far have only gotten one response (and it was a no; wrong genre). I'm guessing these people are constantly flooded with requests, so it could possibly take as long as querying an agent or a publisher. And as much as we hate hearing it again and again, we must "be patient."

I got some results from going to Amazon, look at other books in your genre, and click on the reviewers. Check out what they review. Also, if they have a email address posted, or website, then you have some information for contact. Pay attention to if they are receiving solicitations for reviews, and what they prefer. Some like only a printed book, others and eBook, and some a PDF. I try to stick with the reviewers who have a high ranking. (High ranking =low number, hopefully top 10,000--because the lower the number, the more weight their opinion counts)

Most reviewers won't answer. Some will answer and promise to review, and won't. Don't pester them if they don't. Some will say they will review, but decide this is not their kind of book, and tell you what they didn't like, but not post a review.

In any case, "mining" a review this way is time consuming, hard work. I've gotten at least 1/3 or my reviews this way. Keep a spreadsheet of who you have contacted, and who has responded, and who you have sent a free book to. It helps to make sure you don't send a second email to a reviewer.

Morris

Morris wrote: "Most reviewers won't answer. Some will answer and promise to review, and won't. Don't pester them if they don't. Some will say they will review, but decide this is not their kind of book, and tell you what they didn't like, but not post a review.
"

Excellent way of putting it Morris.

My advice for that will be patience, because I talk from my experience and sometimes is not laziness or even lack of interest but we reviewers sometimes are flooded with books.

I usually try to help everyone and that's exactly what get me into trouble later jajaja XD

but sometimes I say like I will not add more books maybe I should beginning to say no and then when the time comes is just like damn I want to help and usually I can't say no but usually I do tell authors that the queue is long and if they don't mind waiting.

Maybe I need a little more of courage and try to do all the books I have before trying to help more people XP
Time will say

Something else to keep in mind and it has been said often: Reviews do not increase sales. More often, sales increase reviews.

There are several members of this group who are selling books like hotcakes. All are hitting the top of their genre and in the top 1-5% of all books on Amazon. None of them have a significant number of reviews and the one thing you might notice is that the reviews they have are verified purchases.

Seeking out reviews may provide us with some validation and you might be able to use quotes from said review in promotional materials, but do keep perspective. Earlier today, I saw on Facebook someone making the claim: "It's a fact, reviews sell books." Be wary of 'facts' without any proof.

I think so many of us long to accumulate good reviews to hopefully sway those on-the-fence people that don't get sucked in by the cover or the blurb.

Christina wrote: "Something else to keep in mind and it has been said often: Reviews do not increase sales. More often, sales increase reviews.

There are several members of this group who are selling books like ho..."

Thanks for that info Christina...... makes me feel better - you are wise beyond your years :)

Christina wrote: "Something else to keep in mind and it has been said often: Reviews do not increase sales. More often, sales increase reviews.

There are several members of this group who are selling books like ho..."

I think I shared that fact graphic, mostly to encourage my reader friends (the whole 2 of them) to leave reviews!
And I'll be posting subjective thoughts about the validity of that statement after Everyine Dies releases.

Read everything you can find on "how to get reviews for your book." Subscribe to blogs about the topic. Keep trying new things.

We wait for them to come in naturally.

For those who believe reviews are critical to sales, consider this:

I saw a book on today that has one 5 star review, no 4 star reviews, and one 3 star review. All the rest are 1 star or 2 star: 43% are 1 star (they are pretty brutal, too). The average rating is 2 stars. The book has been out just over a month.

The overall sales rank of this book is currently ~3,500. So this book has sold well over 1000 copies since it's release.

Owen wrote: "We wait for them to come in naturally."

^Learn from this man.

Agree with Christina.

Owen wrote: "We wait for them to come in naturally.

For those who believe reviews are critical to sales, consider this:

I saw a book on today that has one 5 star review, no 4 star reviews, and one 3 star rev..."

Yep, the best seller is still word of mouth. Get people talking about your book, and people will buy it.

there are a number of book review services that can be utilized. Caution: these const money, buy you are not paying for reviews; you are paying for a review service which tells many, many book reviewers about your book. Reviewers then either contact you for a copy or the service provides copies to whoever asks for one.
Three review services I've used in the past include: NetGally (part of Smith publicity; expensive). Bostich Communications (moderately expensive) and Kindle review service (inexpensive, relatively). It guarantees 5 reviews for you book for $40.

Wendi wrote: "There's a pretty active thread on Books Go Social's Facebook page where authors post their books. You need to get one or two and review them from the thread, and other people will get yours if it i..."

Thanks for this information, Wendi. I, of course, would like more reviews for my book, but I am also interested in meeting and reading other indie authors. You are right, it's great to help each other out, we all want and need the same things.

Hank wrote: "there are a number of book review services that can be utilized. Caution: these const money, buy you are not paying for reviews; you are paying for a review service which tells many, many book rev..."

NetGalley isn't that expensive if you get with a group that leases space. Non-members of Broad Universe pay $45 for a month and members only pay $25.

I got two of my reviews through professional review companies as I wanted to get at least two honest professional reviews. I went through The US Review Of Books and IndieReader. They both were fabulous and helped me see where both my strengths and weaknesses were. You just can’t except them to give you a positive review.

Otherwise, I did giveaways through Facebook, Goodreads (it might not be available now), and Kindle Count Downs Deals. I got the most downloads during a Free promo advertising with Freebooksy.

Good luck! Don’t give up and don’t let bad reviews get to you! Not everyone will like our work. There will always be people who love and hate it!

Leah wrote: "Good luck! Don’t give up and don’t let bad reviews get to you!"

Better yet, remind yourself there's no such thing as a bad review and that reviews are not meant for the writer, anyway.

Dwayne, when I say “bad” I’m referring to people who only review to ridicule a book, and not to take it personally. We all get them. But you may be right—they say even negative reviews can help sales! But that’s just something I’ve heard said. Cheers!

Seriously, I've bought the Fifty Shades Series mostly because of the bad reviews. I wanted to see if it was possible to be as 'bad' as described. My neighbor had recommended them to me but I wasn't going to get them until I read the bad reviews :P

Haha! That’s awesome!

Leah wrote: "Dwayne, when I say “bad” I’m referring to people who only review to ridicule a book, and not to take it personally. We all get them."

Yep. No one has written a book that is loved by all readers. Some will love your books, some will hate them. You are correct, we can't take it personally. Readers often times are reacting to their expectations of the book or to what they brought into the book, not what we've actually written. I still believe a review, even one that ridicules, is nothing more than an opinion and the reader has a right to have that opinion. Hence, I don't see reviews and good or bad. They're just opinions.

Dwayne, I agree. I couldn’t have said that better. The feelings people bring into the book they’re reading are usually their own and not caused by what we’ve written. I get what you’re saying. I really meant “negative,” not bad, but I think the OP will get what I’m saying. You described my point to the T.

Dwayne wrote: "Leah wrote: "Dwayne, when I say “bad” I’m referring to people who only review to ridicule a book, and not to take it personally. We all get them."

Yep. No one has written a book that is loved by a..."
I believe a review should be carefully thought out. The reviewer has a responsibility to other readers to make a sound and reasoned judgement. I believe a review must be based on the facts, not some silly whim of an immature reader. It is simple enough to see if the writing in a story is well structured and flows well. You can tell if there is actually a plot or just something cobbled together, relying on flowery pros to keep the reader turning pages. What about the characters? If you love or hate them because of their actions in the story, the author has probably achieved his/her objective. If you see they are thin and uninspiring, the writer has failed.
It isn't that difficult to construct a review of value, even if you find the book was not what you expected. I have read books that were brilliant, but not something I would go for again.

I can actually agree with both John and Dwayne. If someone is reviewing your book even to ridicule it, they’ve at least read it (we hope!) and have a right to an opinion. But it’s always more appreciated when someone analyzes your actual writing with some sophistication and knowledge of the craft of writing, a review that will actually help your writing. I’ve had some ridiculous reviews that were all ridicule, while I’ve also had some negative reviews that were constrictive and really helped me. They pointed out both strengths and weaknesses with at least some intellectuality haha. One of my best critical reviews was from this 17-year-old high school student. I cringed, of course, but she really went for the it and ripped into the story and characters better than a professional reviewer would. Most of her opinions were right on, while some were naive in my opinion, but I loved how much thought this young lady put into it. She made me want to rewrite my whole book! Or die or something haha! But it was a great review.

Leah wrote: "I can actually agree with both John and Dwayne. If someone is reviewing your book even to ridicule it, they’ve at least read it (we hope!) and have a right to an opinion. But it’s always more appre..."

I agree. I actually write my reviews with the author in mind. I have a quick summary of my opinion that is spoiler free for the general reader, but then (I give a spoiler warning) I move into the the part that is meant for the author. I point out what was good, what was bad, and what didn't matter to me but some readers may not like (e.g. present tense, head hopping, profanity). When I read, I want the story to follow the rules of the universe built. I understand that my interpretation of the rules may be off. However, if the plot of the book is that money is sentient and killing people in their sleep, then when people discover this it should come as a surprise. (If this is a real book, let me know because I would have to read it).

To go back to the topic of this forum, I believe the best way to get reviews is to ask for them. Some people will agree, but never follow through. Others will write quick responses. Regardless, you will slowly get more reviews that will inspire more readers to give it a chance. I once saw a reader post that he only reads books with at least 500 reviews because the first 200 are friends and family. That number is probably high, but it points out that the overall number is more important to many than the star average.

I agree Phillip. I also write reviews for the author, but I admit I have a hard time giving under 3-4 stars for all the work they put into it. I know that’s dishonest, but I’m a softy.

And I think it’s true the more Reviews a book has the more sales it will get. Although, only a few of my 29 reviews on Amazon were from friends, and none were from family, and some of my friends gave me honest critical 3 star reviews. I’m not one of those authors who try to get 5 star reviews from friends and family and find accomplishment in that. It boosts the confidence and esteem, but they aren’t real. I’ve decided to take an honest toad with my debut. The majority of my reviews are from strangers. They are the ones that feel like more of an accomplishment. Even the critical ones. I’ve actually enjoyed many of my negative reviews. Some of them were hilarious! We have to have a thick skin as authors. I’m not sure I believe the 200 reviews are from family and friends deal. But what do I know?

Road** not toad haha

I think it's sometimes hard to review an author fairly unless you've established what they have set out to achieve.

Whilst certain books may have not been to my taste, there is quite often a message behind the book that deserves acknowledgement.

I'd love to have the time to review more books but time is always a factor.

I have been working on getting reviews for my own book as well, but precision targeting is neccesary as some reviewers do not like to read erotica. I appreciate that sometimes people can set out with the very best intentions to write a review and then life gets in the way.

I write erotica and feel reviews in this area are real hard to come by for a new author. Have sent out a few free copies and not one review yet. Plus I see people who do review other erotica books, but they are looking for a deep romantic plot with maybe one sex scene. That might not be why most people really read erotica. So even if you do get a review there's a big change it will be a bad one. Add to that having trouble finding promotion for THAT kind of book, it's a wonder we have erotica at all...

I think it’s difficult getting reviews for all new authors. When I did one of my free promos, I got over 5000 downloads, and maybe 10 reviews.

It is quute difficult to get reviews. If a book is on sale at Amazon or one of the other book stores, i do review it. I will state things as my opinion if i say i couldn't connect with the charaters. If there is a major flaw, I'll say it like i see it. Liks others have said, it is hard to give below a 3 on most books. I did do that on one with multipke issues including poor character development, editing, and an overused story line which was tired and not changed.

If we read a new or free book, we all need to make the effort to review it in an honest way. I've found some great new authors with freebies (Mike Gomes and Brstt Arquette are two) who I have bought more of their books to read at full price.

My view on reviews, and I write quite a few of them, is that the review is for the potential reader, with perhaps a little help for the author. It is NOT a place for another author to vent his/her feelings on how a book should be written. Only too many authors reviewing another's book can't seem to say something along the lines, "I write my books more like this . . . and this one misses the boat."

I think the reviewer should ask, what was the author trying to to do, did they achieve it, who is the target audience, and then, did they make a good job of it, with a clear plot, surprises, were the characters "fit for purpose", and was the writing as a whole clear? It is hard fora new author to get reviews, and reviews of the type, the author should have written something different don't help. Review what is there, not what you might have put there had you been doing it.

Why can’t we LIKE comments on here like Facebook? I would like to LIKE the last two comments lol. 😉

Hey Leah
I appreciate the folks comments on a topic dear to an author's heart.
What caught my attention is this thread laid dormant for 2 years and BAM 20 comments in 2-days.
This revival proves that the effort authors put into getting reviews is a critical factor in selling their books.
Thanks for all your comments.

Thanks Frank! Right back at you! And I agree.

Ian wrote: "My view on reviews, and I write quite a few of them, is that the review is for the potential reader, with perhaps a little help for the author. It is NOT a place for another author to vent his/her ..."

I agree with you, Ian I review a book from a reader's perspective. With my love or reading, I read almost anything. But when I say "I couldn't get through a book because of...you know it's serious. (in one, if I had read about one more smirk, I swear I would have lost it). Like I said before, I've found some wonderful indie authors through freebies and 99 cent specials. If they are good, I'll pay regular price for more of their books, like the Falau Files (I have all which are out) and Operation Hail Storm (I'm getting the next book as soon as I can) If a writer makes it so I don't want to put the book down, and want it to last, they get a good review as they did a good job. That's why I read. If I can't finish, I'll say why along with what I liked and didn't like about it. I expect the same from any reader. If you didn't like it, tell me why? (Like too much swearing, boring unlikable characters, etc ) If you did, why? (like great plot, good characters, was rooting for...) Even a one liner like: Loved it. Looking for the next book. works. Or hated it, not my type of book also works. It doesn't have to be indepth and that is what I tell those I give ARC copies to.

This thread is getting a bit out of hand and way off topic. The original question is “I need some help getting reviews on Goodreads and on Amazon. How does everyone get their book reviewed?”

Readers have this much responsibility to us: 0. Readers are not obligated to buy our books. We need to be grateful for every book we sell. Readers have no obligation to read our books. We need to be grateful when they do. Readers do not owe us a review. They have no responsibility to us, to other readers, or to anyone. If one chooses to write a review, they have the freedom to review your book in whatever manner they feel best. What may be “flowery pros [sic]” or a “thin and uninspiring character” to one reader, may be solid writing to another.

Learning how to be a better writer from reading your reviews seems bass ackwards to me. Readers are not there to be your teachers.

Quoting from our Code of Conduct: #5 - Reviews happen. We aren't here to discuss them or swap them.

Discussions about drive-by ratings and negative reviews are discouraged. Do not discuss what you feel are your reader’s “responsibilities” to you. We understand that negative reviews can be hurtful and upsetting, but this is not the place to vent about them.

For those who have stayed on topic, thank you.

Dwayne, your point is valid, but I believe the reason the thread has got offtrack is that nobody knows. Either you pay for them, which I don't see as valid, you rely on luck, you give away thousands and hope, or you try something else. One of the options is the daisy chain review system on Goodreads, but since you perforce get other authors, you run the risk of getting the sort of review I alluded to because if you write in a niche the chances are the only reason the other person is reading your book is because they want a review themselves, and there is a very good chance they will not be the sort of reader you are aiming for.

The short answer is, it is difficult, nobody knows, especially if you are off in a less than popular niche so you have to concede it is all tough luck.

Right on Ian. You’re right. It’s pretty clear we don’t really know. The best we can do, in my opinion, is not expect Reviews, appreciate readers for reading our book, as I’ve mentioned, and be kind. Being unkind doesn’t help authors get reviews, so it’s best to be kind in public social media venues.

I thought brainstorming together was helpful to everyone. Thank you to everyone commenting.

Thank you to everyone commenting*

Running frequent free promotions on my book has resulted in most of its reviews.