Creative Reviews discussion

Paul posted a link to someone else's blog over on the "How to attract more Sales" thread but I felt the linked blog article was jam-packed full of enough information it deserved a "spotlight" of its own :)

Check out what Gemini Adams had to say about how to get reviews here, on her blog:

http://finishyourbook.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/book-promotion-how-to-get-book-reviews-after-publication/

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks

Marjorie wrote: "Paul posted a link to someone else's blog over on the "How to attract more Sales" thread but I felt the linked blog article was jam-packed full of enough information it deserved a "spotlight" of it..."
This is precisely the information I've been looking for. Thank you Marjorie and Paul for this really helpful post.

I agree. Very informative and helpful. I checked out a couple of these places and wrote them asking if they do in fact review and if interested to get back to me. This is better than anything I have come across before or have tried so again very informative and helpful.

Justin wrote: "I agree. Very informative and helpful. I checked out a couple of these places and wrote them asking if they do in fact review and if interested to get back to me. This is better than anything I hav..."

And I already went through some of the Top Reviewers list, Justin. Many of them do actually list an email address and say what they want to read. It's amazing I never even knew that list existed!! Great article. I really felt it needed to be highlighted (thanks again to Paul for posting it in the first place!)

Marjorie wrote: "Justin wrote: "I agree. Very informative and helpful. I checked out a couple of these places and wrote them asking if they do in fact review and if interested to get back to me. This is better than..."

Both Paul and Marjorie deserve pats on the back!

This has been an extremely helpful posting. Nothing is more discouraging to an author than to mail out a requested copy of their book to a reviewer and no review ever appears.

I wish I could take credit for it but Paul found the link and Gemini Adams wrote the article. I'm just glad no one feels like it was a waste of space to have duplicated the link on its own thread. I almost didn't see the link in the other thread 'cause it was "buried."

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks

These articles are very helpful! Thanks a lot.

Can anybody suggest a method other than going through the many Amazon Top Reviewer profiles to find out who on the list specializes in a particular genre? Maybe I'm being too hasty? The reviewer posts I read are really funny and the profiles interesting.

@Elle, I don't think there's a shortcut and TBH I don't think you should look for one. Before you contact a total stranger and solicit them to read and review your book out of the blue, it's probably a good idea to deliberately "choose" them. After all, they don't know you. You should probably try to figure out where they fit into the bigger scheme of things.

Also I don't think all that many book reviewers mind telling you, "Sorry, not interested in that genre." I have to tell you that several people I've contacted (not from the Amazon list, generally) who decidedly announce they "never read science fiction" HAVE read and reviewd (and even liked) my book. It never hurts to contact someone. You should have a reason for pitching to each and every person, though and listing your genre on their profile shouldn't be the ONLY reason.

Marjorie wrote: "@Elle, I don't think there's a shortcut and TBH I don't think you should look for one. Before you contact a total stranger and solicit them to read and review your book out of the blue, it's probably a good idea to deliberately "choose" them. "
Yes, I totally agree with what you wrote: I was just thinking it would be nice to at least be in the right ballpark. But then again, if you write a persuasive message about why you want that person to review your work despite the fact that they don't list xxxgenre, you both might be pleasantly surprised with the end result.

Elle, EXACTLY!! That's been my experience so far. Just remember, all they can say is "no" and it's okay for people to say "no thanks." Salesmen throughout history have talked about "getting to 'yes'" and what they mean is how many "no's" you have to go through to get to one "yes" - a lot! Treat each "no" as a step closer to a review :) Statistically you HAVE to get some "no" answers. If all you're getting is "yes" then you're due for several "no's" and getting them all clumped together can be hard on the author's soul. Don't take it personally, just say thank you for considering it (never burn a bridge you might need later) and ask the next person.

-Friday

Marjorie wrote: "Just remember, all they can say is "no" and it's okay for people to say "no thanks." Salesmen throughout history have talked about "getting to 'yes...Treat each "no" as a step closer to a review :)"
I love that idea of putting a positive spin on "no." It frees up the negative energy for something far far better.
BTW, I'm now exploring the Goodreads list of top book reviewers. Very interesting!

Elle, it's the only way we Authors have survived the 1000-rejection rule in publishing since 1900. That is, you must get 1000 rejections before anyone even READS your book let alone offers to publish it.

Halleluyah to Indie Publishing!!!! Get to "yes" today :)

Marjorie wrote: "Elle, it's the only way we Authors have survived the 1000-rejection rule in publishing since 1900. That is, you must get 1000 rejections before anyone even READS your book let alone offers to publi..."

Well, I'm just going to carry on toward the glorious "yes" fortified with a more positive attitude now. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!!

Elle wrote: "Marjorie wrote: "Elle, it's the only way we Authors have survived the 1000-rejection rule in publishing since 1900. That is, you must get 1000 rejections before anyone even READS your book let alon..."

Absolutely! And don't forget, saying "thank you for considering it!" leaves a positive impression so you start closer to "yes" next time you approach that person. Going off in a huff at the "no" does just the opposite.

It's such a weight lifted when you find the emotional switch inside yourself to let go of "needing" everyone to read your book. It's not an easy switch to find. I think the little bugger needs to come with a map ;-)

Marjorie wrote: "It's such a weight lifted when you find the emotional switch inside yourself to let go of "needing" everyone to read your book. It's not an easy switch to find..." ;-)

Your observation really speaks to me. Thanks, Marjorie.

Elle wrote: "Marjorie wrote: "It's such a weight lifted when you find the emotional switch inside yourself to let go of "needing" everyone to read your book. It's not an easy switch to find..." ;-)

Your obser..."

WARNING, the switch does NOT stay turned OFF. You sometimes have to switch off the need again and again. It's one of those risks of being an artiste. We love our art and need to share it.

Marjorie wrote: WARNING, the switch does NOT stay turned OFF. You sometimes have to switch off the need again and again. . .We love our art and need to share it.

I'm glad you added that!

Melissa wrote: "You can also find a book that is like yours and click on the their reviews. I was able to find alot of my reviews that way and I know my type of book is their type of book. "

What a great suggestion, Melissa! Thanks!

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks

Melissa wrote: "I must say that you have to set aside some time to find the right reviewer for your type of book. I wind up finding two. You can also find a book that is like yours and click on the their reviews. ..."

That is a wonderful suggestion. I'm glad you posted it!

I blogged last week on "Reviews: Is Four Stars the New Five Stars?" inspired by a discussion in this group on whether you could trust five star reviews.

http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2012/0...

Click on the blog title bar for my more recent post on Overcoming Writer’s Block, especially diving into that intimidating first chapter or paragraph.

I blogged last week on "Reviews: Is Four Stars the New Five Stars?" inspired by a discussion in this group on whether you could trust five star reviews.

http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2012/0...

Click on the blog title bar for my more recent post on Overcoming Writer’s Block, especially diving into that intimidating first chapter or paragraph.

Chris wrote: "I blogged last week on "Reviews: Is Four Stars the New Five Stars?" inspired by a discussion in this group on whether you could trust five star reviews.

http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2012/05/reviews-is-four-stars-new-five-stars.html"

Thanks for the link to your blog post, Chris. I happen to really like the 4-star reviews I have right now and even the ones where the reviewer said "If you want this, you won't get it here." because yes, that tells readers what to expect. The #2 worst thing I could have is for readers to think they're getting "A" and then end up with option "B" and feel betrayed. The #1 worst thing IMO is for a reader to have no reaction/opinion - to be indifferent is worse IMO than to be disappointed or displeased. I'd rather a reader hate my book--and say WHY--then say it was a "take it or leave it book" and give it 3 or 4 stars to be "nice."

Your note posted twice here - I *hate* when Goodreads does that and it does it often.

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks

Chris wrote: "I blogged last week on "Reviews: Is Four Stars the New Five Stars?" inspired by a discussion in this group on whether you could trust five star reviews.

http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2012/0......"

I read your Four Stars/Five Stars blog and really enjoyed it. I have a Goodreads blog that feeds into an Amazon author blog: I'm thinking of posting some URLs on my blog that lead to interesting sites (including places to get reviewed) and just want to know whether you'd have an objection to my posting your blogspot URL.

Elle wrote: "and just want to know whether you'd have an objection to my posting your blogspot URL. "

Not at all, please share!

Write like a Pro! blog: http://chriseboch.blogspot.com

I typically post about the craft of writing on Fridays, and often have Wednesday posts that are either commentary on the publishing business or guests talking about their publishing journeys.

Chris wrote: "Elle wrote: "and just want to know whether you'd have an objection to my posting your blogspot URL. "

Not at all, please share!

Write like a Pro! blog: http://chriseboch.blogspot.com

I typical..."

Will use that information and let you know when I've posted the Goodreads/Amazon blog. Tks!

Marjorie wrote: Thanks for the link to your blog post, Chris. I happen to really like the 4-star reviews I have right now and even the ones where the reviewer said "If you want this, you won't get it here." because yes, that tells readers what to expect.

Marjorie, I just saved your starred reviews post commenting on Chris's blog to a Word Doc so I can look at it every now and then. I like all of what you said.Am keeping Chris's blog too.

I recently got a two star rating with a mixed review, I wasn't too happy at first at all because I felt it was a shot toward my writing personally and not my book directly..I since am less thinking this to be the case but the way it all went about after was sour and the woman bashed me on her blog..but oh well only one person.

Elle wrote: "Marjorie wrote: Thanks for the link to your blog post, Chris. I happen to really like the 4-star reviews I have right now and even the ones where the reviewer said "If you want this, you won't get ..."

Wow, thank you Elle. I'm flattered I moved you with my comment. I seem to be running into a lot of people lately (mostly on Twitter) that say they find it so refreshing to encounter me and my authenticity as though being open and honest about one's feelings on a subject somehow is a rare thing. It's funny because 20 or 30 years ago, when I did the exact same thing, I was told I had no sense of decorum! LOL!! Ahh, how times have changed.

Oh Twitter, wherefore were thou 20 years ago?

-Friday
@phoenicianbook

Justin wrote: "I recently got a two star rating with a mixed review, I wasn't too happy at first at all because I felt it was a shot toward my writing personally and not my book directly..I since am less thinking..."

Justin, it's super super hard NOT to engage anyone in public and especially on a reviews thread but you really have to do it. Say thank you, mean it, or find a way to phrase it so you CAN mean it and then stop talking. Just leave it at "thank you" when someone complains about your book, your writing voice or your choices as an Author. Also, I don't think you need to delete this message, but don't mention her again in public. Don't reference her blog or anything about her. To do so invites additional conversation about how you're "defaming" her character. Just don't gossip. Since you're the only one here, you're talking about her behind her back and that makes it gossip.


Look, I always remind myself of something one of my older sisters said to me when I was a pre-teen (she was in high school and of us 6 kids, she was the one and only "popular" kid in the family. If she and I didn't look like twins separated by 6 years, I'd think she was adopted! I figured if the "popular girl" said it, it must work!)

She said, You know, not everyone in the world has to like you. As long as YOU like you, let them like whatever they want."

I had never even considered the idea that anyone could choose to NOT like me and that would still mean I was okay. I figured if someone didn't like me, it was because there was something wrong with me. I know this is a classic self-image issue especially pervasive among Americans but it remains a revelation to me today that I do NOT have to please every last person on Earth (haha), just myself.

And when it comes to your writing, it's not really about "the book." We all know it's YOU on that page, at least it is if you write anything remotely original! ;-)

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks

Marjorie wrote: "Justin wrote: "I recently got a two star rating with a mixed review, I wasn't too happy at first at all because I felt it was a shot toward my writing personally and not my book directly..I since a..."

Good points Marjorie and your right. I was just letting it known on what recently happened with me. In future events if anyone is negative I will absolutely just do what you said, unless of course they are being fowl and downright mean to which I will kindly report them :) but hopefully nothing like that will happen.

Justin wrote: "I was just letting it known on what recently happened with me. In future events if anyone is negative I will absolutely just do what you said, unless of course they are being fowl and downright mean to which I will kindly report them"

Just don't report them to "us" or on any threads in any groups. It's amazing how petty, spiteful and vengeful people can be when they feel slighted or otherwise "cheated" or as though you're not behaving the way they want you to behave. The fact that you are an Author means you're a public figure and you have to answer for your behavior--unlike you, the person, who only has to answer to your own conscience. Take heart that the petty, spiteful and vengeful who try to sabotage you will definitely pay their price.

Karma is a b**ch...in stiletto high heels ;-)

Marjorie wrote: "it remains a revelation to me today that I do NOT have to please every last person on Earth (haha), just myself."

I'd go so far as to say that if you are pleasing everyone, you are doing something wrong -- or at least you are not voicing any opinions or personality. Look at the wide range of political and religious views out there. Is there really a way to please everyone unless you lie to everybody? And then you'll probably get caught and offend people anyway. (You could keep your mouth shut all the time, or avoid people, but that wouldn't please those who want to know you better.)

Some of the mixed reviews on my Kris Bock books say that the reader wishes there wasn't so much romance. Sorry, it's romantic suspense -- there's going to be some romance. I'm sure some romance readers would think there wasn't *enough* romance among all the action. But I don't blame the reader for wishing they had read a different kind of book. I'm glad their reviews will help other readers make a sound judgment.

It's funny you say this, Chris. I just noted on another thread that it's really a "damned if you do, damned if you don't situation for every author, all the time.

It kind of sucks but you know, we're in business. An Indie Author is a small business. If you think you're not, you're probably not doing sales and marketing and other necessary business activities required to make your book sell and sell well. As a business owner, our readers really ARE our customers and we really need to remember, The customer's always right--even when they're dead wrong!

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks

Chris and Marjorie, your conversation is really fabulous. It is so helpful. Thank you both.

Indeed..Karma is a B***h.

I recommend The Kindle Book Review. They are a top 500 Amazon Reviewer and have a team that you can choose from to review your book. I chose Anthony Wessel because he also runs DigitalBookToday.com and the daily list of The Best Free Kindle Books. Luckily he liked both of my books and wants to read the third one. The best thing about The Kindle Book Review for a newbie indie is that they don't post bad reviews. If the reviewer you choose doesn't like it, they won't post a review.

I have also received great reviews from free KDP Select promos of my first book. The latest came in on Wed:

May 23, 2012
By
Purusha Nsadi "phyrephoxed" (Christ Church Barbados) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Voyage of the Dead - Book One Sovereign Spirit Saga (Kindle Edition)

So I was faffing around on Twitter scoping for new authors and books to read when I came across a tweet that pointed me in the direction of this book and since it mentioned that it was free I figured I'd check it out. After all, if its free and it sucks then no harm, no foul, eh?

Well, if you want a damn good apocalyptic/zombie/survival read, Mr. Forsyth has started the engines on an amped-up, turbo-charged thrill ride with Voyage of the Dead. I haven't blown through a book like that since Hugh Howey's Wool Saga, and I purchased the second book, Flotilla of the Dead, as well and read both overnight. Its got zombies, survivors, guns, a swordswoman, and enough gore and action to satisfy any zombie apocalypse fan.

I like that Mr. Forsyth presents logical, plausible solutions for the fixes his characters get into and that he is obviously building this story with a goal in mind. You can feel the outlines of where he is headed with this story and I for one am quite chuffed to be along for the ride. It promises to be a blast!"

So... Freebies and tweets do help ;)
Of course I am always pleased to get reviews from other authors and I have featured several of their reviews in my product description too.
Voyage of the Dead
Flotilla of the Dead

I really enjoyed this blog post on negative reviews. Very funny, and it makes an excellent point.

http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/2012/05...

Thank you for this, Chris. It was heartwarming and smile-worthy...and I hate the magic and hogwarts and shizz so I totally get the point (haha)

Actually, it's very well-timed for me because my book just started being read by a group (http://bit.ly/SFHF-CondResp) and I'm definitely going to have to tread lightly. I must say, though, one of the 4 moderators is doing such an excellent job of coaching me in how an author should behave, I haven't had a single urge to reply to anything yet! Well, the jokes. I gotta reply to the jokes :)

-Friday
@phoenicianbooks