Miracles live in books. discussion

I spend my time writing my next book. That is the best chance at success. I focus on building community around my non-fiction work. Specially on Facebook. I have my public page and group on Facebook. I help people spiritually and psychologically to better themselves and their lives, so I connect with them emotionally. Building trust is what makes me stand out from the crowd <3

I just wrote my first book titled "I always loved you. Creatures of eternal love." And every author out there talks about the importance of reviews. But this does not seem that crucial to me. Reviews do not worry me. I am patient that sales will bring these reviews.

I am wondering if you could share if book reviews are in your mind all the time, or if you just keep moving and working faithfully. Someone told me that book sales attract book reviews, and not the other way around. But I see many authors just begging and giving money to get these reviews. Is this something important then...?? What is your personal experience with this...??

https://www.amazon.com/Asa-Rodriguez/...

Hi, Asa.

Well, for me there are two distinct sides to the book business. Writing the book and marketing the book. I've written my book and it's published. Now, I'm learning marketing. Reviews are on my mind. It started during my Kindle free promotion. The objective is to intrigue new readers. When launching a kindle free promo one has to get that book in front of readers so they know it's available for download. The most efficient way to do that is to go to free and paid marketing organizations on line. These organizations send out newsletters with the free book listings for that week, some reach out through Facebook groups, some post on other social media sites to followers. Some have thousands of followers and some have hundreds of thousands of followers. Some are very expensive and some are free. Many of these online organizations that promote that free promo have standards. They want a certain amount of positive reviews and a standard of four stars or higher. Those that are known for having the widest reach and success bringing in readers have these standards. They are known for promoting quality books and it's that reputation that makes readers trust the books they show and want them. One of these marketing sites is Bookbub. And getting a feature with companies of this caliber increase sales by circulating to buyers of quality work, A Bookbub feature can bring thousands of downloads. Like 6,000. Those readers get the book, potentially share that book and circulate word of mouth. That creates buzz that can increase sales.

Now, like I said, you have to have a certain amount of reviews with high quality to qualify. This is why reviews matter. Amazon is one of the biggest platforms for selling books and the company that gives an author promotion opportunities like five days of free promo and the kindle countdown, posting sale prices on a countdown meter. Now, an author gets to choose between the two promotions. Every three months you are given another opportunity to run the promos. Every time you run these promos you have the opportunity to increase those reviews. If the reviews are good and plentiful you can eventually get a feature with reputable companies like Bookbub.

Following blogs and vlogs of successful writers, like J.F. Penn, you will hear them direct new authors to get a Bookbub feature if possible because it works. For a writer of self-help or spiritual books like yourself there are many things you can do. Hold lectures, do guest speaking. That may start in your spiritual circle or house of meditation or worship. That isn't an option for a writer of sci-fi adventure such as myself without some success if even then. Some people may be chasing reviews just to make themselves feel better. Who doesn't want to have someone say something nice about their book? But reviews can help with marketing through sites that can bring large audiences. Large audiences mean more profit. Large profits, even moderate profits, can support the production of the books in the publishing process. Editors, cover designers and so forth. So, anyone who says they don't care about reviews either doesn't care if they make money to cover costs that generate a quality product for an indy author or they have people who cover those costs for them because they are traditionally published. Or publishing is just a pet project for fun. I want to see if there is an audience and sell books.

If an intimate experience with a book and an intimate experience is what an author is seeking that's great. For an author with a book like yours you may become a great guru for followers who want to ask you questions on a website and commune with you for wisdom, even be party to retreats for practicing your methods or contemplations. When Yogananda Paramahansa wrote The Life of a Yogi he was already establishing yoga and the church of self realization in the states. His book helped him further his reach but there was an audience already. The book was for a movement.

While my work is deeply influenced by spiritual philosophies it's entertainment. Hopeful spiritual entertainment about the human condition but entertainment. And it's a business. This is why reviews matter. I committed myself to generate a work I truly felt was positive for humanity. Only reaching people does that dialogue begin. And entertain people. Recovering my costs helps me to keep that dialogue moving forward. It helps me deliver another chapter in the series. Getting reviews is a part of knocking on the door. The author who does not knock at the door clearly may never be received. Thank you for this opportunity to talk. I hope you and other group members here may consider reading my novel. I do provide free copies for reviewers. Stay safe and healthy.

Evah & the Unscrupulous Thwargg
Longoria Wolfe

Longoria wrote: "Hi, Asa.

Well, for me there are two distinct sides to the book business. Writing the book and marketing the book. I've written my book and it's published. Now, I'm learning marketing. Reviews are ..."

That is really enlightening. Thanks very much for taking the time to write that.

As a beginner is hard. But I carry confidence. And, like you said, reviews are necessary. Who doesn't like book reviews of one's own work...??

So I'm just going to keep making connections, patiently, and with faith. I'll work hard. It's tough, but persistence is key. Keep knocking on doors. Thanks!

Longoria wrote: "Hi, Asa.

Well, for me there are two distinct sides to the book business. Writing the book and marketing the book. I've written my book and it's published. Now, I'm learning marketing. Reviews are ..."

Oh, today someone that I don't even know sent me this email: "I am a 23 year old student of English literature. Right now I am on a break from college so I am accepting book review requests. I read all genres. If you want to get your book reviews please contact me."

I don't know what this is. Is this to actually help me...?? To ask for money?? Should I email back?? What do you think??

Asa wrote: "Longoria wrote: "Hi, Asa.

Well, for me there are two distinct sides to the book business. Writing the book and marketing the book. I've written my book and it's published. Now, I'm learning market..."

I've received the same emails through my website, twice. She offers to review on Amazon, Goodreads and other sites. If you donate she will place you at the top of her tbr list. Paying for an Amazon review is strictly against regulations. Because of this I do not offer to pay in any way. I have offered her a book for the free reviews she offers but I didn't hear back. That could be because she is really only looking for the money or because my book is of no interest. But either way I have chosen not to offer my book any further. The risk that someone with a reputation of taking money for reviews could just lead amazon adjudicators to assume you paid and that could lead to losing an amazon account even if they weren't paid.

It seems to me there are some perilous currents we don't want to get drawn into. Watch out for opportunities that look attractively helpful. They're headhunters.

Longoria wrote: "Asa wrote: "Longoria wrote: "Hi, Asa.

Well, for me there are two distinct sides to the book business. Writing the book and marketing the book. I've written my book and it's published. Now, I'm lea..."

Yes. I don't trust and I will not deal with this. Thanks for your words. I shall stick to my marketing and connections!