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Book Review Banzai
Indie author and book review expert Jason B. Ladd reveals the secret to scoring book reviews on Amazon as an unknown author.
Using a strategic mix of automation and personalization, Book Review Banzai is helping authors get the reviews they so desperately need in today's crowded publishing market-place.
This high integrity system is a laser-focused approach that teaches authors not only how to effectively get book reviews on Amazon, but how to get them in quantities that matter.
Using a combination of free web tools and effective marketing tactics, this 5-step technique saves authors time and frustration by walking them through a process that begins with a Google Search and ends with an Amazon ebook page full of reviews.
If you’re publishing a book on Amazon, you must learn how to market your book. Specifically, you must learn how to get book reviews on Amazon.
If you’re serious about getting your published work into the hands of reviewers and readers, if you want to finally book that BookBub slot, if you’re ready to unlock your book’s full potential, then you need this concise, competent guide on how to get book reviews on Amazon!
Using a strategic mix of automation and personalization, Book Review Banzai is helping authors get the reviews they so desperately need in today's crowded publishing market-place.
This high integrity system is a laser-focused approach that teaches authors not only how to effectively get book reviews on Amazon, but how to get them in quantities that matter.
Using a combination of free web tools and effective marketing tactics, this 5-step technique saves authors time and frustration by walking them through a process that begins with a Google Search and ends with an Amazon ebook page full of reviews.
If you’re publishing a book on Amazon, you must learn how to market your book. Specifically, you must learn how to get book reviews on Amazon.
If you’re serious about getting your published work into the hands of reviewers and readers, if you want to finally book that BookBub slot, if you’re ready to unlock your book’s full potential, then you need this concise, competent guide on how to get book reviews on Amazon!
- GenresWriting
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
42 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 21, 2017
This book contains several things I already tried when I was first starting out. It doesn't go into great detail on the process as it's a short read and it makes several assumptions without actually clarifying how to overcome very common obstacles with what it suggestions.
There's information about tools to collect data and emails on book reviewers and how to approach them, but it seems to make the assumption that most book blogs are accepting manuscripts for review. When I published my first book, I looked up book blogger lists first. Almost universally, the list either stated they were not accepting anything new at the time or said so directly on their blog. It also makes the assumption that every blogger also posts to Amazon, which is also not the case
I attempted again today, after reading the book, so find book bloggers accepting submissions. The author states in the manuscript that after following this plan, he sent over 1000 emails to bloggers in 1 week. I've been going through a list of reviewers in my genre for 4 hours now and have managed to collect a total of 3 emails of bloggers who are both accepting manuscripts and post to Amazon. If their page says they are not accepting submissions, I'm not about to bother them and ask that they make an exception for me.
Approaching a blogger to review you can be hit or miss and you never want to approach someone to review something in a genre they have no interest in. They might not have any interest in your particular book and that's totally okay because they do this for the love of reading. But this book never addresses the problem that most bloggers are already overrun with submissions to start with and aren't taking new books or if there is a wealth of bloggers that he knows about and is only going to reveal in the workshop he pitches in the book.
If you only have 1 book and only intend to write one book like the author stated that he does, then perhaps finding available book bloggers can be a full time job for you. If you work full time AND you've got a few WIP you're trying to finish, your time is going to be better spent becoming a better writer and hunting down reviews maybe on your lunch break
There's information about tools to collect data and emails on book reviewers and how to approach them, but it seems to make the assumption that most book blogs are accepting manuscripts for review. When I published my first book, I looked up book blogger lists first. Almost universally, the list either stated they were not accepting anything new at the time or said so directly on their blog. It also makes the assumption that every blogger also posts to Amazon, which is also not the case
I attempted again today, after reading the book, so find book bloggers accepting submissions. The author states in the manuscript that after following this plan, he sent over 1000 emails to bloggers in 1 week. I've been going through a list of reviewers in my genre for 4 hours now and have managed to collect a total of 3 emails of bloggers who are both accepting manuscripts and post to Amazon. If their page says they are not accepting submissions, I'm not about to bother them and ask that they make an exception for me.
Approaching a blogger to review you can be hit or miss and you never want to approach someone to review something in a genre they have no interest in. They might not have any interest in your particular book and that's totally okay because they do this for the love of reading. But this book never addresses the problem that most bloggers are already overrun with submissions to start with and aren't taking new books or if there is a wealth of bloggers that he knows about and is only going to reveal in the workshop he pitches in the book.
If you only have 1 book and only intend to write one book like the author stated that he does, then perhaps finding available book bloggers can be a full time job for you. If you work full time AND you've got a few WIP you're trying to finish, your time is going to be better spent becoming a better writer and hunting down reviews maybe on your lunch break
July 4, 2017
It was interesting reading this book. I have been reviewing books for over a dozen years now. I have written reviews for 7 publications, and almost 1500 book reviews on my own site or on Amazon. I have been approached by numerous authors and publishers about reading books and then reviewing them. This book gave me a lot of insight into the indie author, or author trying to gain some traction. I have also had the privilege of working with a few new authors. I believe they would benefit from this book.
Jason writes from a place of personal experience. Launching his first book, and then learning how to do it better and relaunching it. He learned what it took to get on book promotions and how to gain traction as a new author. He lays out very clean plans of what will work and how to work the system. He also is very adamant about sticking to the rules of the different marketing and sales organizations that publishers will use.
It will be a good tool for new authors or authors wishing to extend their influence.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Jason B. Ladd.
Jason writes from a place of personal experience. Launching his first book, and then learning how to do it better and relaunching it. He learned what it took to get on book promotions and how to gain traction as a new author. He lays out very clean plans of what will work and how to work the system. He also is very adamant about sticking to the rules of the different marketing and sales organizations that publishers will use.
It will be a good tool for new authors or authors wishing to extend their influence.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Jason B. Ladd.
July 10, 2017
Well, the scheme must work because I received an email about this book when it was free and am now posting a review!
As an independent author, I know how difficult it is to find readers to review my work, and that is one of the reasons I am a reviewer, too; especially for other independent authors who need the support.
This book is packed with a vast amount of information, which is relevant and inspiring. The style of writing is fast-paced and easy to follow with touches of humour.
I am definitely going to try some of these ideas, although, maybe the more technical stuff will take me a while to understand. Using Excel is a great idea to note down lists of book bloggers and to include personal info.
Let's hope it works for me, as I am about to launch my twenty-sixth book and would love to have recognition at last. Fingers crossed (after I typed all those emails) ;)
Oh yes, I only found one typo...you instead of your - those dratted gremlins!
Recommended tool for authors struggling to find reviews for their hard work.
As an independent author, I know how difficult it is to find readers to review my work, and that is one of the reasons I am a reviewer, too; especially for other independent authors who need the support.
This book is packed with a vast amount of information, which is relevant and inspiring. The style of writing is fast-paced and easy to follow with touches of humour.
I am definitely going to try some of these ideas, although, maybe the more technical stuff will take me a while to understand. Using Excel is a great idea to note down lists of book bloggers and to include personal info.
Let's hope it works for me, as I am about to launch my twenty-sixth book and would love to have recognition at last. Fingers crossed (after I typed all those emails) ;)
Oh yes, I only found one typo...you instead of your - those dratted gremlins!
Recommended tool for authors struggling to find reviews for their hard work.
July 6, 2017
This book has some good ideas, which may motivate authors & writers to put the hard work in to try and increase their books' reach gaining more honest and authentic reviews. It certainly doesn't alienate readers, and will attract many, many authors.
Ultimately based on a spreadsheet method, it does focus authors' minds to what is needed when contacting bloggers and giving away free ecopies of books in exchange for a review.
However I found it to be lacking in detail really. The author tries to explain the more technical elements of the 'Banzai' method, but ultimately fails in really explaining itself thoroughly. I feel this is deliberate as at the end of the book it tries to persuade you to sign up to the author's evideos and online course.
Ultimately based on a spreadsheet method, it does focus authors' minds to what is needed when contacting bloggers and giving away free ecopies of books in exchange for a review.
However I found it to be lacking in detail really. The author tries to explain the more technical elements of the 'Banzai' method, but ultimately fails in really explaining itself thoroughly. I feel this is deliberate as at the end of the book it tries to persuade you to sign up to the author's evideos and online course.
July 8, 2017
More infomercial than I expected
While the author gives some possibly useful information about slogging through the internet in search of reviewers, the book reads like a transcript from a webinar. He gives a few hints and promises more in the course he offers. I thought this would be actual material, not a 55-page pitch.
While the author gives some possibly useful information about slogging through the internet in search of reviewers, the book reads like a transcript from a webinar. He gives a few hints and promises more in the course he offers. I thought this would be actual material, not a 55-page pitch.
July 27, 2017
"Book Review Banzai: The Unknown Author's Ultimate Guide to Getting Amazon Reviews" has substantial flaws that lead to indie authors suffering disadvantages in the long run.
I really liked that author Jason Ladd stressed that "the book" better be good.
"...If your book is no good, don’t banzai! Go back and start the seventh re-write. Or hire an editor, ..."
Author Jason Ladd also stresses to look for "matching" book blogger/reviewers but his argument
"... You both went to UNC-Chapel Hill. You’re both veterans. You’ve both lived in your parents’ basement while you were trying to figure things out..."
holds NO water. In fact, it demonstrates that Jason Ladd himself knows very little about review requests. The University Chapel of Hill has a yearly enrollment of approximately 30,000 students. If ONLY 1% of the graduates write a book that's 300 books. How many of the other students have time to read 300 or even only 30 books from people who attended the same college?
In reality, people read books because (1) they like to read the particular genre, (2) they like the author, or (3) they need to learn the knowledge.
Jason Ladd proceeds to explain how he extracts or collects names and email addresses of book reviewers and asks them for reviews. Most readers who know something about the topic will notice that Jason Ladd mentions Amazon's top reviewers only ONCE in his entire book,
"... You heard about targeting Top Reviewers, but you also knew they were the busiest..."
Targeting?
Asking for a book review should not be a "military operation." Many top-reviewers including me resent getting the feeling to be "hunted," after all this about reading books not keeping scores.
Truth is: Amazon's top reviewers know Amazon's rules best because Amazon will revoke their review privileges if they don't follow the guidelines. So while Jason Ladd may have thought that the top reviewers he contacted were busy, they may have passed on his efforts.
For starters, no, regardless of what Jason Ladd claims, subscribing a person you have never met to any kind of mail program (Mailchimp etc...) is against the anti-SPAM laws.
It's also a dangerous idea because every email program offers a "Report SPAM"-button. I myself have clicked it many a times.
Setting that aside - here is the real damage.
Throughout the book one can feel that Jason Ladd seems to think he is outwitting Amazon.
The real damage Ladd's banzai and similar concepts cause it that they prompt Amazon to strike back. Amazon is not going to allow others to decide how their Amazon's platform is going to be used.
Because other people had recommended similar methods to contact Amazon top reviewers, Amazon disconnected the top reviewers' email addresses (which may be the reason why Ladd is not mentioning them. He may already know that Amazon reacts adversely to these kinds of efforts.)
*
Even more impactful than that: Amazon made non verified reviews from readers who received a free review copy NOT VISIBLE BY DEFAULT.
And, with this one strike Amazon made all banzai or similar efforts less impactful.
For instance, the author's other book has 38 verified reviews and 130 non verified reviews.
That's 24% verified reviews vs. 76% non verified reviews.
That's a "red flag."
These numbers illustrate why Amazon did not tolerate banzai and similar methods.
In fact, this and similar methods actually hurt indie authors in the long run. There may be an author whose book has only 15 reviews, with 2 of them being non verified reviews from top reviewers. Maybe one of these top reviewers wrote a beautiful, lengthy 6 to 7 paragraph review.
Well, THX to banzai and similar efforts these two reviews are also not visible by default even though this author did not go "banzai - over board."
So, when author Ladd writes, "...In Japan, banzai means “for the next 10,000 years.”..." - that's nice but Amazon just showed that they won't keep the non verified reviews visible for only the next decade.
Authors are better served to get a few starter reviews and really promote their book.
2 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
I really liked that author Jason Ladd stressed that "the book" better be good.
"...If your book is no good, don’t banzai! Go back and start the seventh re-write. Or hire an editor, ..."
Author Jason Ladd also stresses to look for "matching" book blogger/reviewers but his argument
"... You both went to UNC-Chapel Hill. You’re both veterans. You’ve both lived in your parents’ basement while you were trying to figure things out..."
holds NO water. In fact, it demonstrates that Jason Ladd himself knows very little about review requests. The University Chapel of Hill has a yearly enrollment of approximately 30,000 students. If ONLY 1% of the graduates write a book that's 300 books. How many of the other students have time to read 300 or even only 30 books from people who attended the same college?
In reality, people read books because (1) they like to read the particular genre, (2) they like the author, or (3) they need to learn the knowledge.
Jason Ladd proceeds to explain how he extracts or collects names and email addresses of book reviewers and asks them for reviews. Most readers who know something about the topic will notice that Jason Ladd mentions Amazon's top reviewers only ONCE in his entire book,
"... You heard about targeting Top Reviewers, but you also knew they were the busiest..."
Targeting?
Asking for a book review should not be a "military operation." Many top-reviewers including me resent getting the feeling to be "hunted," after all this about reading books not keeping scores.
Truth is: Amazon's top reviewers know Amazon's rules best because Amazon will revoke their review privileges if they don't follow the guidelines. So while Jason Ladd may have thought that the top reviewers he contacted were busy, they may have passed on his efforts.
For starters, no, regardless of what Jason Ladd claims, subscribing a person you have never met to any kind of mail program (Mailchimp etc...) is against the anti-SPAM laws.
It's also a dangerous idea because every email program offers a "Report SPAM"-button. I myself have clicked it many a times.
Setting that aside - here is the real damage.
Throughout the book one can feel that Jason Ladd seems to think he is outwitting Amazon.
The real damage Ladd's banzai and similar concepts cause it that they prompt Amazon to strike back. Amazon is not going to allow others to decide how their Amazon's platform is going to be used.
Because other people had recommended similar methods to contact Amazon top reviewers, Amazon disconnected the top reviewers' email addresses (which may be the reason why Ladd is not mentioning them. He may already know that Amazon reacts adversely to these kinds of efforts.)
*
Even more impactful than that: Amazon made non verified reviews from readers who received a free review copy NOT VISIBLE BY DEFAULT.
And, with this one strike Amazon made all banzai or similar efforts less impactful.
For instance, the author's other book has 38 verified reviews and 130 non verified reviews.
That's 24% verified reviews vs. 76% non verified reviews.
That's a "red flag."
These numbers illustrate why Amazon did not tolerate banzai and similar methods.
In fact, this and similar methods actually hurt indie authors in the long run. There may be an author whose book has only 15 reviews, with 2 of them being non verified reviews from top reviewers. Maybe one of these top reviewers wrote a beautiful, lengthy 6 to 7 paragraph review.
Well, THX to banzai and similar efforts these two reviews are also not visible by default even though this author did not go "banzai - over board."
So, when author Ladd writes, "...In Japan, banzai means “for the next 10,000 years.”..." - that's nice but Amazon just showed that they won't keep the non verified reviews visible for only the next decade.
Authors are better served to get a few starter reviews and really promote their book.
2 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
September 18, 2017
Personable but empty
I think I just bought a 30 page advertisement for an e-course. Dammit I respectfully request specific instructions on how to use web scraper and/or crawler so tantalizingly and vaguely described.
I think I just bought a 30 page advertisement for an e-course. Dammit I respectfully request specific instructions on how to use web scraper and/or crawler so tantalizingly and vaguely described.
July 8, 2017
I'm sure the system works, but it feels really involved and technical.
February 23, 2023
Gives you great ideas
This book will show you a technique on how to get a lot of book reviews. This is something that I will use.
This book will show you a technique on how to get a lot of book reviews. This is something that I will use.
July 17, 2017
Book Review Banzai contains some fresh ideas on finding the right people to review your book and using the internet to make your searching efficient. A short book with a solid game plan, including the instructions needed to execute it. I'll be giving these approaches a try.
July 10, 2017
Best review advice
Been reading hundreds of articles online, but this approach is the most effective route. Credible since I was contacted for a review using this method.
Been reading hundreds of articles online, but this approach is the most effective route. Credible since I was contacted for a review using this method.
July 17, 2017
As an indie author, how do you get your book into the hands of as many people as possible? With book reviews. This book will show you how to use a laser-focused, in-depth technique to accomplish that one aspect of your book promotion: getting those coveted reviews. And you don’t have to be a first-time author to use the technique; it will work for any author who wants to increase their number of reviews.
Although written with humor and levity, the author is very sincere and gives examples from his personal experience. Aside from his priceless advice on how to garner reviews for your book, he also gives us a lesson on how to write a book: with no editing errors, hyperlinked chapters, footnotes, a review request at the end, e-course signup link, email signup link, links to other books by the author, and testimonials. Flawless!
Be warned, this system is not an easy fix; you will need to put in some effort. But, tell you what ... it worked on me. I replied to Jason's review request email in less than five hours!
Don't forget to check out the e-course! As the author states, "I want to make it even easier. I want to show you exactly how to do it all click by click. That’s what I’ve done in the Book Review Banzai e-course. The e-course is loaded with content and bonuses designed to make your banzai as easy and successful as possible. Instructional videos. Swipe copy. Email templates. Resource guides. Checklists. It’s all included in the e-course."
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (17 July): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
Although written with humor and levity, the author is very sincere and gives examples from his personal experience. Aside from his priceless advice on how to garner reviews for your book, he also gives us a lesson on how to write a book: with no editing errors, hyperlinked chapters, footnotes, a review request at the end, e-course signup link, email signup link, links to other books by the author, and testimonials. Flawless!
Be warned, this system is not an easy fix; you will need to put in some effort. But, tell you what ... it worked on me. I replied to Jason's review request email in less than five hours!
Don't forget to check out the e-course! As the author states, "I want to make it even easier. I want to show you exactly how to do it all click by click. That’s what I’ve done in the Book Review Banzai e-course. The e-course is loaded with content and bonuses designed to make your banzai as easy and successful as possible. Instructional videos. Swipe copy. Email templates. Resource guides. Checklists. It’s all included in the e-course."
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (17 July): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
July 6, 2017
In the early days of ebook self-publishing, the field was still small and it was easy (well, easier) to get noticed by readers. That's changed. Everyone knows someone who's self-publishing now. It's hard for the unknown author to raise their hand above the masses and get noticed. Book Review Banzai is written for the unknown author under the widely proven belief that reviews = sales.
Ladd's method is a spreadsheet tactic of looking for book review bloggers, getting their contact information, and compiling an automated email request for reviews. It's a simple concept, but the automation and internet stuff may go over the heads of certain people. And even if you are able to grasp the step-by-step process, you may not be comfortable with all of it. I'm not sure I am.
But as with all how-to lessons, it's probably best to take what you can comfortably use and discard the rest. I'll try incorporating some of Ladd's lessons in my own search for book reviews. His ideas for book launches are particularly worth taking note of.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from the author requesting an honest review*
Ladd's method is a spreadsheet tactic of looking for book review bloggers, getting their contact information, and compiling an automated email request for reviews. It's a simple concept, but the automation and internet stuff may go over the heads of certain people. And even if you are able to grasp the step-by-step process, you may not be comfortable with all of it. I'm not sure I am.
But as with all how-to lessons, it's probably best to take what you can comfortably use and discard the rest. I'll try incorporating some of Ladd's lessons in my own search for book reviews. His ideas for book launches are particularly worth taking note of.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from the author requesting an honest review*
July 5, 2017
I have read and heard to death that as a writer I need a platform. Platform! Platform! Platform! But not a hint to help.
Until now. I read Mr. Ladd's brief book in one sitting and in that hour I was provided with a concrete, step by step strategy to launch my book by accumulating book reviews.
He explains how to send cold e mails effectively so strangers won't spam you and how to keep records on spreadsheets. He also talks about when and how to provide your book on Kindle for free, who to provide your book free for (people who agree to review your book) and several other valid pointers that he has proven true by his own success.
Through it all he infuses his writing with a warm, engaging humor that made his small book both effective and fun to read.
If you are looking for a resource to help promote your book(s), then buy this book.
This is my honest review in exchange for a free copy.
Until now. I read Mr. Ladd's brief book in one sitting and in that hour I was provided with a concrete, step by step strategy to launch my book by accumulating book reviews.
He explains how to send cold e mails effectively so strangers won't spam you and how to keep records on spreadsheets. He also talks about when and how to provide your book on Kindle for free, who to provide your book free for (people who agree to review your book) and several other valid pointers that he has proven true by his own success.
Through it all he infuses his writing with a warm, engaging humor that made his small book both effective and fun to read.
If you are looking for a resource to help promote your book(s), then buy this book.
This is my honest review in exchange for a free copy.
December 20, 2017
Good basics. Honest. And a tool to sell the author’s course.
Same-old basics if you’ve already done your research, plus a healthy dose of truth. Well written. Conversational. Likeable author. And a Marine! I was still waiting for the meat when the book ended and I realized you had to buy the course to get the benefit.
The author gives the how-to outline in the book. But the course is $497 based on a quick search. There’s a free trial, but I didn’t stick around for the particulars. Several of my books are best-sellers and I’ve done a lot of the homework and spent a chunk of change learning the ropes. The author is honest - it’s work. And you need a great book before spending this kind of money on marketing. And many huge-selling books don’t have tons of reviews.
If you’re new to the author scene - read the book. Just don’t expect to roll out the suggestions with the book alone.
Same-old basics if you’ve already done your research, plus a healthy dose of truth. Well written. Conversational. Likeable author. And a Marine! I was still waiting for the meat when the book ended and I realized you had to buy the course to get the benefit.
The author gives the how-to outline in the book. But the course is $497 based on a quick search. There’s a free trial, but I didn’t stick around for the particulars. Several of my books are best-sellers and I’ve done a lot of the homework and spent a chunk of change learning the ropes. The author is honest - it’s work. And you need a great book before spending this kind of money on marketing. And many huge-selling books don’t have tons of reviews.
If you’re new to the author scene - read the book. Just don’t expect to roll out the suggestions with the book alone.
July 17, 2017
Book reviews are:
1.) Extremely important for authors.
2.) Very hard to get.
If you're an author looking for a quick-and-easy scheme to get more reviews, this isn't it. This is a strategic, laser-focused, but also partly automated approach that is going to scare away some people who aren't willing to dig in and get their hands dirty.
Yes, it involves spreadsheets. Yes, you have to do some homework.
But think about it this way: if you do the work and make the effort and your competition doesn't, you just upped your game.
So for those authors who think this might be too much work, please don't read this book. That will give us authors who are willing to make that extra effort more space to find honest reviews from people out there who truly would like to review our books.
Great job, Jason!
1.) Extremely important for authors.
2.) Very hard to get.
If you're an author looking for a quick-and-easy scheme to get more reviews, this isn't it. This is a strategic, laser-focused, but also partly automated approach that is going to scare away some people who aren't willing to dig in and get their hands dirty.
Yes, it involves spreadsheets. Yes, you have to do some homework.
But think about it this way: if you do the work and make the effort and your competition doesn't, you just upped your game.
So for those authors who think this might be too much work, please don't read this book. That will give us authors who are willing to make that extra effort more space to find honest reviews from people out there who truly would like to review our books.
Great job, Jason!
July 9, 2017
Nothing terribly new or revolutionary here and there is not enough detail on the points mentioned. The author is basically giving this away in order to sell his video product.
April 22, 2018
Imagine going to Amazon Video and buying a video, only to discover that what you've actually bought is a one-hour infomercial for a fancy set of knives the producers are hawking. Well, that's about the same feeling you will get if you buy Book Review Banzai, Jason Ladd's new book, and discover, after wading through page after page of the author telling you how great his method of getting book reviews is, that, in order to get any really useful information about that method, you have to enroll in his online course and pay $100 and up for that information.
Ladd is the author of two self-published books on Amazon, Book Review Banzai and an earlier inspirational book. His marketing experiences with the earlier book led him to develop a structured system for getting more book reviews on Amazon. As Ladd describes it, his initial attempt to launch his first book resulted in almost no reviews and poor resulting sales, while, after applying the techniques he developed, he was far more successful with a relaunch of that earlier book.
As Ladd and most others who offer advice on publishing on Amazon note, getting a number of quality book reviews is quite helpful in generating sales. Readers are reluctant to buy a book from an unknown author, and good, positive reviews, especially the more detailed ones, help give readers a comfort feel that encourages them to take a chance on that author. But, as Ladd and many others found out, left to their own devices, the average reader, even one who really enjoys a book, rarely leaves a review, so for the fledgling author merely to wait for reviews to come in is rarely a successful strategy.
Based on its blurb, Book Review Banzai is a “concise, competent guide on how to get book reviews on Amazon.” I don’t know if Ladd’s system works, although he has over 100 reviews for each of these two books. I would note that I obtained Book Review Banzai when he offered it for free on Amazon as a promotion, a technique that’s not part of his Banzai system. But it did lead to about half of the reviews for Book Review Banzai to date, which were posted within about a week of the date on which I received the book for free.
Regardless of whether Ladd’s system works, what readers actually get in “Book Review Banzai,” as opposed to what they may or may not receive in his online course, is not a concise, competent guide on getting reviews. Instead, it’s mostly a lengthy description by Ladd of why good reviews are necessary, followed by an even lengthier sales pitch for his technique. At one point, he even borrows Jeff Foxworthy’s well-known routine (and gives Foxworthy a shoutout), by providing a two-page long list of ways in which “you might be a Book Review Banzaier.”
When Ladd isn’t telling people how great his technique is, he provides a five-step process writers can follow to get more reviews. I won’t repeat it here, but these steps are fairly basic and very general, as he describes them. The devil is in the details, and here is where “Book Review Banzai” is lacking. The technique is essentially an organized method of searching for potential reviewers, organizing lists of them in spreadsheets and then sending the right e-mails to those potential reviewers. However, in order to use Ladd’s method, someone would already need to be fairly familiar with data prospecting and the types of software available for this purpose or be willing and able to learn the ins and outs of that software themselves. Ladd mentions names of some web extraction and bulk e-mailing programs (which, again, I won’t repeat) but very little about how to use them. Similarly, he stresses the need to find the listings of “good” potential reviewers so that their information can be transferred to a spreadsheet but never really tells readers where those good reviewers can be found. As far as what to say to those would-be reviewers in a review-seeking e-mail, he’s pretty vague about that as well.
At the end of Book Review Banzai, Ladd makes his final pitch. “I’ve told you everything you need to do. But I want to make it even easier. I want to show you exactly how to do it all click by click.” Readers are then directed to his website where he outlines his various courses.” If, by “told,” Ladd means that he’s given readers a barebones outline of what to do, then his statement is correct. But most people simply won’t be able to implement his system just by reading Book Review Banzai; they will need to do extensive further research (or already have some detailed knowledge).
Frankly, I think that most people who pay the fairly hefty amount that Ladd is now charging for Book Review Banzai (which, with filler, clocks in at about 50 pages filled with short paragraphs and lots of chapter subtitles) expect more than a barebones outline tied to a sales pitch. They have a right to expect Ladd to “show them exactly how to do it click by click” and not have to pay an extra $100 or more for the privilege. There are a lot of books on Amazon that give readers a fairly comprehensive look at the entire subject of marketing a book, including getting reviews, and which cost less than the rather meager amount of really helpful information that Ladd provides. Normally, I would give a book like Book Review Banzai a two-star review because there is some helpful information in it, albeit not enough to justify its price. But I can’t give any type of recommendation to a work that deliberately withholds most of the information readers really need to use this system simply to induce people into buying a very expensive online course.
Merged review:
Imagine going to Amazon Video and buying a video, only to discover that what you've actually bought is a one-hour infomercial for a fancy set of knives the producers are hawking. Well, that's about the same feeling you will get if you buy Book Review Banzai, Jason Ladd's new book, and discover, after wading through page after page of the author telling you how great his method of getting book reviews is, that, in order to get any really useful information about that method, you have to enroll in his online course and pay $100 and up for that information.
Ladd is the author of two self-published books on Amazon, Book Review Banzai and an earlier inspirational book. His marketing experiences with the earlier book led him to develop a structured system for getting more book reviews on Amazon. As Ladd describes it, his initial attempt to launch his first book resulted in almost no reviews and poor resulting sales, while, after applying the techniques he developed, he was far more successful with a relaunch of that earlier book.
As Ladd and most others who offer advice on publishing on Amazon note, getting a number of quality book reviews is quite helpful in generating sales. Readers are reluctant to buy a book from an unknown author, and good, positive reviews, especially the more detailed ones, help give readers a comfort feel that encourages them to take a chance on that author. But, as Ladd and many others found out, left to their own devices, the average reader, even one who really enjoys a book, rarely leaves a review, so for the fledgling author merely to wait for reviews to come in is rarely a successful strategy.
Based on its blurb, Book Review Banzai is a “concise, competent guide on how to get book reviews on Amazon.” I don’t know if Ladd’s system works, although he has over 100 reviews for each of these two books. I would note that I obtained Book Review Banzai when he offered it for free on Amazon as a promotion, a technique that’s not part of his Banzai system. But it did lead to about half of the reviews for Book Review Banzai to date, which were posted within about a week of the date on which I received the book for free.
Regardless of whether Ladd’s system works, what readers actually get in “Book Review Banzai,” as opposed to what they may or may not receive in his online course, is not a concise, competent guide on getting reviews. Instead, it’s mostly a lengthy description by Ladd of why good reviews are necessary, followed by an even lengthier sales pitch for his technique. At one point, he even borrows Jeff Foxworthy’s well-known routine (and gives Foxworthy a shoutout), by providing a two-page long list of ways in which “you might be a Book Review Banzaier.”
When Ladd isn’t telling people how great his technique is, he provides a five-step process writers can follow to get more reviews. I won’t repeat it here, but these steps are fairly basic and very general, as he describes them. The devil is in the details, and here is where “Book Review Banzai” is lacking. The technique is essentially an organized method of searching for potential reviewers, organizing lists of them in spreadsheets and then sending the right e-mails to those potential reviewers. However, in order to use Ladd’s method, someone would already need to be fairly familiar with data prospecting and the types of software available for this purpose or be willing and able to learn the ins and outs of that software themselves. Ladd mentions names of some web extraction and bulk e-mailing programs (which, again, I won’t repeat) but very little about how to use them. Similarly, he stresses the need to find the listings of “good” potential reviewers so that their information can be transferred to a spreadsheet but never really tells readers where those good reviewers can be found. As far as what to say to those would-be reviewers in a review-seeking e-mail, he’s pretty vague about that as well.
At the end of Book Review Banzai, Ladd makes his final pitch. “I’ve told you everything you need to do. But I want to make it even easier. I want to show you exactly how to do it all click by click.” Readers are then directed to his website where he outlines his various courses.” If, by “told,” Ladd means that he’s given readers a barebones outline of what to do, then his statement is correct. But most people simply won’t be able to implement his system just by reading Book Review Banzai; they will need to do extensive further research (or already have some detailed knowledge).
Frankly, I think that most people who pay the fairly hefty amount that Ladd is now charging for Book Review Banzai (which, with filler, clocks in at about 50 pages filled with short paragraphs and lots of chapter subtitles) expect more than a barebones outline tied to a sales pitch. They have a right to expect Ladd to “show them exactly how to do it click by click” and not have to pay an extra $100 or more for the privilege. There are a lot of books on Amazon that give readers a fairly comprehensive look at the entire subject of marketing a book, including getting reviews, and which cost less than the rather meager amount of really helpful information that Ladd provides. Normally, I would give a book like Book Review Banzai a two-star review because there is some helpful information in it, albeit not enough to justify its price. But I can’t give any type of recommendation to a work that deliberately withholds most of the information readers really need to use this system simply to induce people into buying a very expensive online course.
Ladd is the author of two self-published books on Amazon, Book Review Banzai and an earlier inspirational book. His marketing experiences with the earlier book led him to develop a structured system for getting more book reviews on Amazon. As Ladd describes it, his initial attempt to launch his first book resulted in almost no reviews and poor resulting sales, while, after applying the techniques he developed, he was far more successful with a relaunch of that earlier book.
As Ladd and most others who offer advice on publishing on Amazon note, getting a number of quality book reviews is quite helpful in generating sales. Readers are reluctant to buy a book from an unknown author, and good, positive reviews, especially the more detailed ones, help give readers a comfort feel that encourages them to take a chance on that author. But, as Ladd and many others found out, left to their own devices, the average reader, even one who really enjoys a book, rarely leaves a review, so for the fledgling author merely to wait for reviews to come in is rarely a successful strategy.
Based on its blurb, Book Review Banzai is a “concise, competent guide on how to get book reviews on Amazon.” I don’t know if Ladd’s system works, although he has over 100 reviews for each of these two books. I would note that I obtained Book Review Banzai when he offered it for free on Amazon as a promotion, a technique that’s not part of his Banzai system. But it did lead to about half of the reviews for Book Review Banzai to date, which were posted within about a week of the date on which I received the book for free.
Regardless of whether Ladd’s system works, what readers actually get in “Book Review Banzai,” as opposed to what they may or may not receive in his online course, is not a concise, competent guide on getting reviews. Instead, it’s mostly a lengthy description by Ladd of why good reviews are necessary, followed by an even lengthier sales pitch for his technique. At one point, he even borrows Jeff Foxworthy’s well-known routine (and gives Foxworthy a shoutout), by providing a two-page long list of ways in which “you might be a Book Review Banzaier.”
When Ladd isn’t telling people how great his technique is, he provides a five-step process writers can follow to get more reviews. I won’t repeat it here, but these steps are fairly basic and very general, as he describes them. The devil is in the details, and here is where “Book Review Banzai” is lacking. The technique is essentially an organized method of searching for potential reviewers, organizing lists of them in spreadsheets and then sending the right e-mails to those potential reviewers. However, in order to use Ladd’s method, someone would already need to be fairly familiar with data prospecting and the types of software available for this purpose or be willing and able to learn the ins and outs of that software themselves. Ladd mentions names of some web extraction and bulk e-mailing programs (which, again, I won’t repeat) but very little about how to use them. Similarly, he stresses the need to find the listings of “good” potential reviewers so that their information can be transferred to a spreadsheet but never really tells readers where those good reviewers can be found. As far as what to say to those would-be reviewers in a review-seeking e-mail, he’s pretty vague about that as well.
At the end of Book Review Banzai, Ladd makes his final pitch. “I’ve told you everything you need to do. But I want to make it even easier. I want to show you exactly how to do it all click by click.” Readers are then directed to his website where he outlines his various courses.” If, by “told,” Ladd means that he’s given readers a barebones outline of what to do, then his statement is correct. But most people simply won’t be able to implement his system just by reading Book Review Banzai; they will need to do extensive further research (or already have some detailed knowledge).
Frankly, I think that most people who pay the fairly hefty amount that Ladd is now charging for Book Review Banzai (which, with filler, clocks in at about 50 pages filled with short paragraphs and lots of chapter subtitles) expect more than a barebones outline tied to a sales pitch. They have a right to expect Ladd to “show them exactly how to do it click by click” and not have to pay an extra $100 or more for the privilege. There are a lot of books on Amazon that give readers a fairly comprehensive look at the entire subject of marketing a book, including getting reviews, and which cost less than the rather meager amount of really helpful information that Ladd provides. Normally, I would give a book like Book Review Banzai a two-star review because there is some helpful information in it, albeit not enough to justify its price. But I can’t give any type of recommendation to a work that deliberately withholds most of the information readers really need to use this system simply to induce people into buying a very expensive online course.
Merged review:
Imagine going to Amazon Video and buying a video, only to discover that what you've actually bought is a one-hour infomercial for a fancy set of knives the producers are hawking. Well, that's about the same feeling you will get if you buy Book Review Banzai, Jason Ladd's new book, and discover, after wading through page after page of the author telling you how great his method of getting book reviews is, that, in order to get any really useful information about that method, you have to enroll in his online course and pay $100 and up for that information.
Ladd is the author of two self-published books on Amazon, Book Review Banzai and an earlier inspirational book. His marketing experiences with the earlier book led him to develop a structured system for getting more book reviews on Amazon. As Ladd describes it, his initial attempt to launch his first book resulted in almost no reviews and poor resulting sales, while, after applying the techniques he developed, he was far more successful with a relaunch of that earlier book.
As Ladd and most others who offer advice on publishing on Amazon note, getting a number of quality book reviews is quite helpful in generating sales. Readers are reluctant to buy a book from an unknown author, and good, positive reviews, especially the more detailed ones, help give readers a comfort feel that encourages them to take a chance on that author. But, as Ladd and many others found out, left to their own devices, the average reader, even one who really enjoys a book, rarely leaves a review, so for the fledgling author merely to wait for reviews to come in is rarely a successful strategy.
Based on its blurb, Book Review Banzai is a “concise, competent guide on how to get book reviews on Amazon.” I don’t know if Ladd’s system works, although he has over 100 reviews for each of these two books. I would note that I obtained Book Review Banzai when he offered it for free on Amazon as a promotion, a technique that’s not part of his Banzai system. But it did lead to about half of the reviews for Book Review Banzai to date, which were posted within about a week of the date on which I received the book for free.
Regardless of whether Ladd’s system works, what readers actually get in “Book Review Banzai,” as opposed to what they may or may not receive in his online course, is not a concise, competent guide on getting reviews. Instead, it’s mostly a lengthy description by Ladd of why good reviews are necessary, followed by an even lengthier sales pitch for his technique. At one point, he even borrows Jeff Foxworthy’s well-known routine (and gives Foxworthy a shoutout), by providing a two-page long list of ways in which “you might be a Book Review Banzaier.”
When Ladd isn’t telling people how great his technique is, he provides a five-step process writers can follow to get more reviews. I won’t repeat it here, but these steps are fairly basic and very general, as he describes them. The devil is in the details, and here is where “Book Review Banzai” is lacking. The technique is essentially an organized method of searching for potential reviewers, organizing lists of them in spreadsheets and then sending the right e-mails to those potential reviewers. However, in order to use Ladd’s method, someone would already need to be fairly familiar with data prospecting and the types of software available for this purpose or be willing and able to learn the ins and outs of that software themselves. Ladd mentions names of some web extraction and bulk e-mailing programs (which, again, I won’t repeat) but very little about how to use them. Similarly, he stresses the need to find the listings of “good” potential reviewers so that their information can be transferred to a spreadsheet but never really tells readers where those good reviewers can be found. As far as what to say to those would-be reviewers in a review-seeking e-mail, he’s pretty vague about that as well.
At the end of Book Review Banzai, Ladd makes his final pitch. “I’ve told you everything you need to do. But I want to make it even easier. I want to show you exactly how to do it all click by click.” Readers are then directed to his website where he outlines his various courses.” If, by “told,” Ladd means that he’s given readers a barebones outline of what to do, then his statement is correct. But most people simply won’t be able to implement his system just by reading Book Review Banzai; they will need to do extensive further research (or already have some detailed knowledge).
Frankly, I think that most people who pay the fairly hefty amount that Ladd is now charging for Book Review Banzai (which, with filler, clocks in at about 50 pages filled with short paragraphs and lots of chapter subtitles) expect more than a barebones outline tied to a sales pitch. They have a right to expect Ladd to “show them exactly how to do it click by click” and not have to pay an extra $100 or more for the privilege. There are a lot of books on Amazon that give readers a fairly comprehensive look at the entire subject of marketing a book, including getting reviews, and which cost less than the rather meager amount of really helpful information that Ladd provides. Normally, I would give a book like Book Review Banzai a two-star review because there is some helpful information in it, albeit not enough to justify its price. But I can’t give any type of recommendation to a work that deliberately withholds most of the information readers really need to use this system simply to induce people into buying a very expensive online course.
July 7, 2017
I 'bought' this book for two reasons: (1) it was free and (2) it was about book reviews. For the past couple of years, I have gotten in the habit of reviewing everything I read. I'm retired, and I love to read, so I figured "why not?" I thought it would be get a perspective on reviewing from a writer's point of view. What I wanted proved not to be the case.
"In Japan, banzai means “for the next 10,000 years.” It also has a connotation of charging ahead. Isn’t that the kind of long-term outlook you should have when doing something big like starting a business or launching a book? Reviews are a critical part of a book launch, and when you learn how hard it is to get them, you cannot retreat. You must banzai!" When I read this, I thought of the author scratching his head and thinking that 10,000 years is a very long time to worry about when all I need is a few reviews to get my book read.
BOOK REVIEW BANZAI: The Unknown Author's Ultimate Guide to Getting Amazon Reviews is an infomercial, directed at indie authors, for soliciting reviews from a thousand or more book bloggers in such a way that the
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act of 2003 would not apply. Before reading this, I was unaware of the name of the act, and that SPAM is actually an acronym, so kudos to the Congressional aides that came up with it. They are geeks after my own heart.
So just what does this infomercial offer? A chance to sign up for an online course that is not yet available (http://www.jasonbladd.com/brbecourse/). According to the countdown clock at the top of the page, right now, as I write this, there are 10 days, 16 hours, 48 minutes and 17 seconds to wait for the course to begin. Along with the countdown clock, there is a video (1 minute and 23 seconds) where the author gives a fast introduction to the course. When I say fast… think fast-talking in its various connotations.
Jason Ladd tries to give the impression that his pretty technical method of getting people to review books is really no big deal, but as a retired A+ Certified PC Technician, I can tell you what he proposes is not to be taken lightly. An author would have to dedicate time and effort into using this method, time and effort that might just be better spent writing the next great novel.
"In Japan, banzai means “for the next 10,000 years.” It also has a connotation of charging ahead. Isn’t that the kind of long-term outlook you should have when doing something big like starting a business or launching a book? Reviews are a critical part of a book launch, and when you learn how hard it is to get them, you cannot retreat. You must banzai!" When I read this, I thought of the author scratching his head and thinking that 10,000 years is a very long time to worry about when all I need is a few reviews to get my book read.
BOOK REVIEW BANZAI: The Unknown Author's Ultimate Guide to Getting Amazon Reviews is an infomercial, directed at indie authors, for soliciting reviews from a thousand or more book bloggers in such a way that the
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act of 2003 would not apply. Before reading this, I was unaware of the name of the act, and that SPAM is actually an acronym, so kudos to the Congressional aides that came up with it. They are geeks after my own heart.
So just what does this infomercial offer? A chance to sign up for an online course that is not yet available (http://www.jasonbladd.com/brbecourse/). According to the countdown clock at the top of the page, right now, as I write this, there are 10 days, 16 hours, 48 minutes and 17 seconds to wait for the course to begin. Along with the countdown clock, there is a video (1 minute and 23 seconds) where the author gives a fast introduction to the course. When I say fast… think fast-talking in its various connotations.
Jason Ladd tries to give the impression that his pretty technical method of getting people to review books is really no big deal, but as a retired A+ Certified PC Technician, I can tell you what he proposes is not to be taken lightly. An author would have to dedicate time and effort into using this method, time and effort that might just be better spent writing the next great novel.
September 30, 2017
This will be a very mixed review, and it will become apparent why quickly.
Book Review Banzai introduced me to a way to contact many book reviewers as quickly as possible. I've started using it and it seems like a system that will likely work well. Even when readers tell me how much they love my books, it's tough getting reviews, so this information is invaluable.
However, I do have a few complaints. (You probably guessed that due to the three star review.) First, the method described would be tough for someone who's not already computer savvy. I've worked with many of the concepts in the book before, so I was able to figure out how to use the recommended tools, but I'm afraid that many authors will find the information tricky without assistance.
Emailing potential reviewers is part of this system. That's great. But, second, the book should have included one or two sample letter templates. I had no problem writing my own, but perhaps Jason Ladd has some suggestions that he could have shared.
Yes, the book is sparse and just 55 pages long. The essential information is there, but without much guidance. It becomes quickly apparent that Mr. Ladd was light on the information so that he could get people to sign up for his service helping writers learn this system. If that's what he wants to do, that's fine, but the book should have cost $0.99, not $4.49.
All that said, if you are a computer savvy author, I recommend this book, despite the price. The information will be helpful to you. If you're not very computer savvy, I suggest getting help from a friend who is.
One last thing. There are several free online tools recommended in the book. One is called Gmass, and it interfaces with Gmail. If you want to send many emails with it, you'll want to get a subscription to the service. I opted for the $12.95/month service. It's not expensive, but it's no longer free. That's not the author's fault. They started charging after he wrote the book.
Book Review Banzai introduced me to a way to contact many book reviewers as quickly as possible. I've started using it and it seems like a system that will likely work well. Even when readers tell me how much they love my books, it's tough getting reviews, so this information is invaluable.
However, I do have a few complaints. (You probably guessed that due to the three star review.) First, the method described would be tough for someone who's not already computer savvy. I've worked with many of the concepts in the book before, so I was able to figure out how to use the recommended tools, but I'm afraid that many authors will find the information tricky without assistance.
Emailing potential reviewers is part of this system. That's great. But, second, the book should have included one or two sample letter templates. I had no problem writing my own, but perhaps Jason Ladd has some suggestions that he could have shared.
Yes, the book is sparse and just 55 pages long. The essential information is there, but without much guidance. It becomes quickly apparent that Mr. Ladd was light on the information so that he could get people to sign up for his service helping writers learn this system. If that's what he wants to do, that's fine, but the book should have cost $0.99, not $4.49.
All that said, if you are a computer savvy author, I recommend this book, despite the price. The information will be helpful to you. If you're not very computer savvy, I suggest getting help from a friend who is.
One last thing. There are several free online tools recommended in the book. One is called Gmass, and it interfaces with Gmail. If you want to send many emails with it, you'll want to get a subscription to the service. I opted for the $12.95/month service. It's not expensive, but it's no longer free. That's not the author's fault. They started charging after he wrote the book.
September 12, 2018
This book was a really good overview of how to get more reviews - I read it in one sitting and appreciated the sense of humour of the author.
However, there are two aspects of the book that have made me a little frustrated. One, the information in the book is largely outdated - many of the sites that were free are no longer free (or have a free option with minimal access - meaning a lot of what was available when this book was released isn't anymore), and/or the sites have changed in what they do. For example, presently 80legs does not have an option to download in csv format.
Second, I felt that the real guts of the process of getting Amazon reviews was left out of the book. There were many times when "what to do" was outlined, but not "how to do". I'm relatively computer literate, so I can work most things out (although it has been frustrating), but for someone who is not computer literate it would be a nightmare. There is mention of an e-course that the author runs, and I thought that would be useful to get additional information. However, the e-course doesn't seem to be available anymore, but only a registration to get information on the next webinar that the author will run. That was disappointing as well.
I appreciate that information and what is available on the web changes quickly, but given this book was released in 2017 I am surprised by the inconsistencies between the book and what is available presently.
Perhaps the author could consider doing a blog where he updates the information? That would be really great. And also perhaps bring the e-course back as an automated program where people such as me can complete it in their own time.
I did give this book 3 stars as it does outline a good method of getting reviews - it's just the back up to that method that is not quite there.
However, there are two aspects of the book that have made me a little frustrated. One, the information in the book is largely outdated - many of the sites that were free are no longer free (or have a free option with minimal access - meaning a lot of what was available when this book was released isn't anymore), and/or the sites have changed in what they do. For example, presently 80legs does not have an option to download in csv format.
Second, I felt that the real guts of the process of getting Amazon reviews was left out of the book. There were many times when "what to do" was outlined, but not "how to do". I'm relatively computer literate, so I can work most things out (although it has been frustrating), but for someone who is not computer literate it would be a nightmare. There is mention of an e-course that the author runs, and I thought that would be useful to get additional information. However, the e-course doesn't seem to be available anymore, but only a registration to get information on the next webinar that the author will run. That was disappointing as well.
I appreciate that information and what is available on the web changes quickly, but given this book was released in 2017 I am surprised by the inconsistencies between the book and what is available presently.
Perhaps the author could consider doing a blog where he updates the information? That would be really great. And also perhaps bring the e-course back as an automated program where people such as me can complete it in their own time.
I did give this book 3 stars as it does outline a good method of getting reviews - it's just the back up to that method that is not quite there.
October 28, 2018
I suppose this is good advice that's still within Amazon's TOS... And I suppose the author has managed to clear his conscience by telling himself it isn't spammy... But it still felt a bit spammy to me, I suppose.
The long and the short of how to get reviews per this book's instructions is to go crawling through a bunch of websites grabbing emails of book review bloggers. Then set up to mass email them all with an offer about your book. Oh, but we'll make it less spammy by going through all their websites and finding a detail to mention so they know we actually looked! But don't take too long! We have THOUSANDS of these to go through, after all.
Call me old fashioned, but... Couldn't I just find these reviews, look over their website quickly, and then write up a quick one minute email about my book that's actually personal? Couldn't I possibly have better results if I know they might actually be interested? Not to mention... I want reviews that look like average reviews. If you do this method, you could very well end up with a bunch of reviews that all have big letters at the top saying **I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR**. Personally, when I see books like that, I wonder if anyone has actually even bought the book, or if the only people willing to read it are the people who get it for free.
Interesting technique and ideas. I just think I'll be using it in waaaay more moderation than this.
The long and the short of how to get reviews per this book's instructions is to go crawling through a bunch of websites grabbing emails of book review bloggers. Then set up to mass email them all with an offer about your book. Oh, but we'll make it less spammy by going through all their websites and finding a detail to mention so they know we actually looked! But don't take too long! We have THOUSANDS of these to go through, after all.
Call me old fashioned, but... Couldn't I just find these reviews, look over their website quickly, and then write up a quick one minute email about my book that's actually personal? Couldn't I possibly have better results if I know they might actually be interested? Not to mention... I want reviews that look like average reviews. If you do this method, you could very well end up with a bunch of reviews that all have big letters at the top saying **I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR**. Personally, when I see books like that, I wonder if anyone has actually even bought the book, or if the only people willing to read it are the people who get it for free.
Interesting technique and ideas. I just think I'll be using it in waaaay more moderation than this.
September 13, 2017
Book Review Banzai: The Unknown Author's Ultimate Guide to Getting Amazon Reviews
Useful information about how authors should approach book bloggers to get their books read and reviewed online.
As a reviewer I'm happy when an author solicits their book for me to read. Hate when they just assume I will read it because they sent it to me. I read a ton, over 700 books this year, some are child, cookbooks, gardening, real 400 page books, wide variety of subjects.
I want to know a bit about the book then I'll decide if I want to read it and post reviews to about 15 different social media sites. Don't push it down my throat, ask me first. Always like a more personal letter, about something we have in common, even weather or geographical location.
The author knows what a blogger is and what an author is and how to match them together.
Useful information about how authors should approach book bloggers to get their books read and reviewed online.
As a reviewer I'm happy when an author solicits their book for me to read. Hate when they just assume I will read it because they sent it to me. I read a ton, over 700 books this year, some are child, cookbooks, gardening, real 400 page books, wide variety of subjects.
I want to know a bit about the book then I'll decide if I want to read it and post reviews to about 15 different social media sites. Don't push it down my throat, ask me first. Always like a more personal letter, about something we have in common, even weather or geographical location.
The author knows what a blogger is and what an author is and how to match them together.
November 17, 2018
Overall, I found the book helpful. But as many indicated, it's rather brief and somewhat of an infomercial for the author's online courses. Which, by the way, are overpriced for most indie author's budgets. The basic entry level option is not outrageous at $97, but it should include the templates provided in the more expensive $247 package.
A general refresher on email marketing and learning about GMass (though it's now a paid service at $12.95 a month with all features) were the main take aways from my reading of the book. I just wish it had offered greater content before needing to purchase a course.
A general refresher on email marketing and learning about GMass (though it's now a paid service at $12.95 a month with all features) were the main take aways from my reading of the book. I just wish it had offered greater content before needing to purchase a course.
July 6, 2017
The Most Comprehensive System for Getting Book Reviews
Writing a book review for a book about getting book reviews seems strange, but Book Review Banzai deserves a good review and should be in the arsenal of every author. Using simple digital tools, it guides authors through the process of identifying prospects, contacting them, and following up to maximize the number of reviews. While it can't guarantee positive reviews (you still have to write a good book), generating more reviews will drive more sales which increases your impact.
Writing a book review for a book about getting book reviews seems strange, but Book Review Banzai deserves a good review and should be in the arsenal of every author. Using simple digital tools, it guides authors through the process of identifying prospects, contacting them, and following up to maximize the number of reviews. While it can't guarantee positive reviews (you still have to write a good book), generating more reviews will drive more sales which increases your impact.
July 8, 2017
This is a gem for anyone who writes books.
There are a lot of "help" books for authors on the market but most are vague and not much help. This guide by Jason Ladd provides lots of specific details on exactly what to do to get more reviews, and and it's keyed to the first time author it will be helpful to those with books out already. Make no mistake, there's work involved, but that's what it takes to get results and Ladd guides you through the process. Easily worth the money!
(I received a free/reduced price copy of this book with no obligation to post a review.)
There are a lot of "help" books for authors on the market but most are vague and not much help. This guide by Jason Ladd provides lots of specific details on exactly what to do to get more reviews, and and it's keyed to the first time author it will be helpful to those with books out already. Make no mistake, there's work involved, but that's what it takes to get results and Ladd guides you through the process. Easily worth the money!
(I received a free/reduced price copy of this book with no obligation to post a review.)
July 7, 2017
Trusted Information
What's the saying? Once a Marine, always a Marine? Sure, this book is a little technical but it does make good sense and is very thorough. It is also written with a little humor. I like that in an author.
If you're looking to learn more about the publishing industry, this book is for you.
What's the saying? Once a Marine, always a Marine? Sure, this book is a little technical but it does make good sense and is very thorough. It is also written with a little humor. I like that in an author.
If you're looking to learn more about the publishing industry, this book is for you.
July 23, 2017
The main benefit of the book is its advice on building a mailing list of prospective book reviewers without spamming or violating Amazon's terms and conditions. It does contain a pitch for their programs and courses that can provide the bulk of assistance. Still, this book provides you tips to get started.
March 9, 2018
A little more sizzle than steak.
While there is a strategy laid out in this book it’s not something you hadn’t already thought of.
Ask book reviewers to review your book and keep track of your requests using excel.
I like some of the writing and the book is a fine read if not informercial repetitive.
If you are looking to garner reviews this might be worth a read.
While there is a strategy laid out in this book it’s not something you hadn’t already thought of.
Ask book reviewers to review your book and keep track of your requests using excel.
I like some of the writing and the book is a fine read if not informercial repetitive.
If you are looking to garner reviews this might be worth a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
Good stuff
I used many of these techniques without having a name for it, and thought I was super duper smart, but the technique of mass sending/integration really set this book apart (without being spammy and with adding personal touches) and is a great idea...
I used many of these techniques without having a name for it, and thought I was super duper smart, but the technique of mass sending/integration really set this book apart (without being spammy and with adding personal touches) and is a great idea...
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