Husam Al lahham's Blog
December 10, 2025
Reviewers Rewarding Scheme (RRS)
Dear Readers, Reviewers and interested Authors,
I'm suggesting a "Reward Scheme" for reading, honestly reviewing and rating newly listed Books (both fiction and non-fiction). This scheme would reward readers who dedicate their time and expertise. If this suggestion does not align with GR terms (Goodreads Terms), let me know and I’ll remove this blog.
Personally, in recognition and appreciation for the reviewers' role, I'm proposing a couple schemes for readers to choose from in order to share half of what I receive from Amazon with those who honestly review and rate my debut novel Human Seeds which is available for free on Kindle Unlimited (KU). More details can be found in the "Reward Scheme" paragraph. Accordingly, each reviewer will receive between $12 and $40 (hopefully in compliance with IRS rules regarding "de minimis benefits" for U.S. reviewers), while the amount could be doubled for the top three honest reviews or fair critiques that receive the most likes.
The Power of a Review.
The example that comes to my mind is a true story that happened almost a couple of centuries ago yet it remains relevant now. Many might easily guess the novel title and its author’s name. This example involves a journalist’s negative review (which was far from a constructive criticism) that not only targeted the novel but also attacked the author personally. The journalist advised him never to write again and urged those around to allow him no access to writing ink and pen. Decades after the death of the novelist, his novel turned to be an epic.
Another more recent and well-known example involves the future owner of a publishing house who followed his young daughter’s instinct regardless of his own contrary opinion and the rejections from many other publishers. You’ve heard it before! Well, no need to continue.
In summary, all the efforts an author placed may require a final touch from a well experienced, knowledgeable and fair readers, which leads us to the next point.
Why this scheme!
After joining GR, I noticed that authors from different backgrounds and various novel genres are facing the situation where their newly listed books (whether debut novels or part of a series) are barely given a chance. This includes authors offering ARCs, listing books on Kindle Unlimited, or following other promotional methods. While a few authors have achieved a decent number of reviews, many are still waiting for their luck.
Honestly, it was not clear why these approaches failed to meet minimum expectations. However, I’m sure that readers would be looking for the highly recommended, reviewed and ranked books, not to mention the Best Sellers, as their first choice.
To achieve a win-win situation, I would prefer to reach genuinely interested readers rather than using a paid service offered by many websites that send the novel to participants who may not be interested or available at the time. I envision a scenario where the book is promoted to the right readers, who are rewarded for their honest reviews, while also providing an opportunity for those who cannot receive an ARC but they still can contribute with a valuable review.
The Rewarding Schemes
Both options are divided into tiers:
Option 1 (One-Time Reward)
1. Tier 1: I'll share 50% of first 400$ received (i.e. 20$ each & 200$ in total) with first 10 reviewers. [That will be transferred before receiving the payment from Amazon.]
2. Tier 2: I'll share 40% of first received 1500$ (15$ each & 600$ in total) with next 40 reviewers. [That will be transferred back-to-back].
3. Tier 3: I'll share 30% of first received 4,000$ (12$ each & 1,200$ in total) with next 100 reviewers. [back-to-back].
4. Tier 4: (upon reaching Tier 3, I will update this tier).
The overall shared amount is 2,000$ for all 3 Tiers (50% of the 4,000$ to be received from Amazon).
Option 2 (Frequent Rewards)
1. Tier 1: First 100$ I'll share 75% (75$) with first 10 reviewers.
2. Tier 2: Next 500$ I'll share 70% (350$) with first 50 reviewers (including the first 10 as well) [That will be transferred along with Tier-1 before receiving payment from Amazon.]
3. Tier 3: Next 1,300$ I'll share 50% (650$) with first 100 reviewers (including first 50 as well). [back-to-back].
4. Tier 4: Next 2,000$ I'll share 45% (900$) with first 150 reviewers (including first 100 as well). [back-to-back].
5. Tier 5: (upon reaching Tier 4, I will update this tier).
Hopefully, earlier readers can decide which option may prevail, as the first option would indicate limited success or no success, while the second option means further success or continued success with additional frequent payments.
After posting your review and rating the novel, please send me an email with the following information:
- Review and Rating reference (e.g. nickname on GR) to identify your tier.
- Selected scheme option.
- Answers to the reading-verification questions. (these should not be disclosed in the review)
- Preferred methods of payment, different options are appreciated.
I’ll then reply to your email to ask for the details of the selected payment method.
Rules to be eligible for the Reward:
- One review per reader.
- No family members or friends.
- Review that discloses the answers to reading-verification will be downgraded.
Reading Verification Questions
Do not included the answers in the review.
1. What email was created for Salam by his colleagues?
2. Who was the first candidate assigned to carry out the mission given to Salam?
3. Who were the invaders?
4. What symbols were on the capsules?
I welcome any suggestions and advice to refine or improve this proposal. Please respect the copyright of this post, as well as the scheme and proposal in general.
I'm suggesting a "Reward Scheme" for reading, honestly reviewing and rating newly listed Books (both fiction and non-fiction). This scheme would reward readers who dedicate their time and expertise. If this suggestion does not align with GR terms (Goodreads Terms), let me know and I’ll remove this blog.
Personally, in recognition and appreciation for the reviewers' role, I'm proposing a couple schemes for readers to choose from in order to share half of what I receive from Amazon with those who honestly review and rate my debut novel Human Seeds which is available for free on Kindle Unlimited (KU). More details can be found in the "Reward Scheme" paragraph. Accordingly, each reviewer will receive between $12 and $40 (hopefully in compliance with IRS rules regarding "de minimis benefits" for U.S. reviewers), while the amount could be doubled for the top three honest reviews or fair critiques that receive the most likes.
The Power of a Review.
The example that comes to my mind is a true story that happened almost a couple of centuries ago yet it remains relevant now. Many might easily guess the novel title and its author’s name. This example involves a journalist’s negative review (which was far from a constructive criticism) that not only targeted the novel but also attacked the author personally. The journalist advised him never to write again and urged those around to allow him no access to writing ink and pen. Decades after the death of the novelist, his novel turned to be an epic.
Another more recent and well-known example involves the future owner of a publishing house who followed his young daughter’s instinct regardless of his own contrary opinion and the rejections from many other publishers. You’ve heard it before! Well, no need to continue.
In summary, all the efforts an author placed may require a final touch from a well experienced, knowledgeable and fair readers, which leads us to the next point.
Why this scheme!
After joining GR, I noticed that authors from different backgrounds and various novel genres are facing the situation where their newly listed books (whether debut novels or part of a series) are barely given a chance. This includes authors offering ARCs, listing books on Kindle Unlimited, or following other promotional methods. While a few authors have achieved a decent number of reviews, many are still waiting for their luck.
Honestly, it was not clear why these approaches failed to meet minimum expectations. However, I’m sure that readers would be looking for the highly recommended, reviewed and ranked books, not to mention the Best Sellers, as their first choice.
To achieve a win-win situation, I would prefer to reach genuinely interested readers rather than using a paid service offered by many websites that send the novel to participants who may not be interested or available at the time. I envision a scenario where the book is promoted to the right readers, who are rewarded for their honest reviews, while also providing an opportunity for those who cannot receive an ARC but they still can contribute with a valuable review.
The Rewarding Schemes
Both options are divided into tiers:
Option 1 (One-Time Reward)
1. Tier 1: I'll share 50% of first 400$ received (i.e. 20$ each & 200$ in total) with first 10 reviewers. [That will be transferred before receiving the payment from Amazon.]
2. Tier 2: I'll share 40% of first received 1500$ (15$ each & 600$ in total) with next 40 reviewers. [That will be transferred back-to-back].
3. Tier 3: I'll share 30% of first received 4,000$ (12$ each & 1,200$ in total) with next 100 reviewers. [back-to-back].
4. Tier 4: (upon reaching Tier 3, I will update this tier).
The overall shared amount is 2,000$ for all 3 Tiers (50% of the 4,000$ to be received from Amazon).
Option 2 (Frequent Rewards)
1. Tier 1: First 100$ I'll share 75% (75$) with first 10 reviewers.
2. Tier 2: Next 500$ I'll share 70% (350$) with first 50 reviewers (including the first 10 as well) [That will be transferred along with Tier-1 before receiving payment from Amazon.]
3. Tier 3: Next 1,300$ I'll share 50% (650$) with first 100 reviewers (including first 50 as well). [back-to-back].
4. Tier 4: Next 2,000$ I'll share 45% (900$) with first 150 reviewers (including first 100 as well). [back-to-back].
5. Tier 5: (upon reaching Tier 4, I will update this tier).
Hopefully, earlier readers can decide which option may prevail, as the first option would indicate limited success or no success, while the second option means further success or continued success with additional frequent payments.
After posting your review and rating the novel, please send me an email with the following information:
- Review and Rating reference (e.g. nickname on GR) to identify your tier.
- Selected scheme option.
- Answers to the reading-verification questions. (these should not be disclosed in the review)
- Preferred methods of payment, different options are appreciated.
I’ll then reply to your email to ask for the details of the selected payment method.
Rules to be eligible for the Reward:
- One review per reader.
- No family members or friends.
- Review that discloses the answers to reading-verification will be downgraded.
Reading Verification Questions
Do not included the answers in the review.
1. What email was created for Salam by his colleagues?
2. Who was the first candidate assigned to carry out the mission given to Salam?
3. Who were the invaders?
4. What symbols were on the capsules?
I welcome any suggestions and advice to refine or improve this proposal. Please respect the copyright of this post, as well as the scheme and proposal in general.
