Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I just watched a video on Amazon Book Reviews recorded by the Kindlepreneur website.

The presentation spells out the fact that we can PAY for reviews given by Kirkus and other professionals, including professional bloggers.

I have always been led to believe we could "NOT" pay for reviews. This is "not" the case. Listen and watch this video carefully and be prepared to take notes. It's not very long, but it's very thorough.

It is IMPORTANT we get this right because many writers are losing out by following the instructions of others. Many people have been blogging about this in recent years and they've gotten it wrong. And I, among many, am a receiver of that wrong information.

I'm sensitive about this subject right now because I've spent the last 48 hours combing through book review prospects and eliminating each and every one that requests money, thinking that though I could afford one or two of them I couldn't take advantage of them because of Amazon rules.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/RD_ZvwBGYAo?si=wtZFs...

Share your thoughts.

Donna

Donna wrote: "I just watched a video on Amazon Book Reviews recorded by the Kindlepreneur website.

The presentation spells out the fact that we can PAY for reviews given by Kirkus and other professionals, incl..."

Donna, the bigger point about this subject is that, wether you can or cannot pay for getting a review of your book and then publish it on Amazon, readers attach little to no credibility to reviews obtained by either paying for them or through exchange of services/favors. What readers want to see and trust are spontaneous reviews not requested by the author. The best and most effective way to attract readers/buyers is by producing books that are interesting, good and imaginative stories by themselves. Write a good book and then let time and word of mouth do its work but don't expect miracles or big results in weeks or months. Becoming known and popular as an author is the business of years...but you can't force the readers to like your books if they don't appeal to them (this is not meant personally but applies to all authors). I have been publishing ebooks online for over twelve years and the first results took at least a year before my books caught the attention of a growing number of readers. Also, don't forget that most readers never post reviews or even ratings, for a number of reasons which vary widely.

I get it. But we are still spreading misinformation and people aren't looking into the rules. No, Amazon won't take the reviews. But many are like me who thought we "can't" pay for them, and shouldn't pay for them. There's a big difference. What I will do with a paid review, I'm not sure. But I feel better that I have the option.

Fortunately for me, all the book reviewers I chose I did "not" pay for.

Donna

READ THIS!

https://oldmatemedia.com/guides/amazo...

I hope this helps someone.

Donna

Michel wrote: "Donna wrote: "I just watched a video on Amazon Book Reviews recorded by the Kindlepreneur website.

The presentation spells out the fact that we can PAY for reviews given by Kirkus and other profe..."

On the other hand, you can't just publish your books and hope someone will find them. That doesn't happen (or rarely does). No, I wouldn't pay for reviews, but there's nothing wrong with offering ARC copies in the hope that a few readers might leave a review.

April wrote: "Michel wrote: "Donna wrote: "I just watched a video on Amazon Book Reviews recorded by the Kindlepreneur website.

The presentation spells out the fact that we can PAY for reviews given by Kirkus ..."

Yep! Keeping things moving is the name of the game.

Donna

Michel wrote: "Donna wrote: "...What I will do with a paid review, I'm not sure..."

One use of a paid review is to post a brief quote from it along with an appropriate attribution on your book's Amazon page in the Editorial Reviews section. Amazon allows this and most professional review sites anticipate this action on the part of the author commissioning the review. Review sites usually permit use of brief, attributed quotes in various book marketing materials and campaigns too. Such reviews are yet another marketing tool though the effectivity of such is up for debate (along with pretty much anything related to marketing).

Thanks, Michael. I mentioned this in my comments above.

After sleeping on all this, it is clear to me everyone is "paying." You pay $50 on Amazon if you're not an avid shopper there. You pay reviewers a subscription fee. You pay "as a swap," though it's against the rules, for a review.

It goes on and on and on.

Bottom Line. No matter how we disguise it, everyone is breaking the rule, including those who set the rules and adamantly oppose it.

I sincerely get what they are driving at, but when you really think about it, it comes down to ethics, doesn't it?

That's my rambling for the day. I'm not allowed another.


Donna

Donna wrote: "I just watched a video on Amazon Book Reviews recorded by the Kindlepreneur website.

The presentation spells out the fact that we can PAY for reviews given by Kirkus and other professionals, incl..."

I've always found this to be a conflicting loophole. No, you shouldn't pay to have people review your books but it's okay to pay Kirkus hundreds to have people read and review your book? To me it's the same thing it's just Kirkus is the middle man making a ton of money off of authors and essentially being hypocritical to the whole no paying for reivews idea.

Yup, I totally agree! As well as all of these "Book Awards" where you have to pay to enter your book! It's a scam to rip off the author that just wants to see their books read and if an award is given it shouldn't be because the author paid to enter it into a contest. Where are the legitimate book reviews and contests?

Richard wrote: "Yup, I totally agree! As well as all of these "Book Awards" where you have to pay to enter your book! It's a scam to rip off the author that just wants to see their books read and if an award is gi..."

Yes! I've seen two of these recently where it all sounds amazing, almost too good to be true, because it is. Finally, after you've read all the fine things it intends you get to the bottom and see an entry fee of $150...

Yes, it's a shame that so many scammers are out there!