Tag Archive | book reviews

NetGalley Book Review Program: A Case Study

I thought this was an interesting and helpful post about the NetGalley Review Program. If you’ve ever considered using NetGalley, this is a post worth reading. I’ve heard many people say “Never pay for reviews.” I’m not sure “never” is always accurate but before you pay for a review from anyone, do your homework to try and find out if it’s worth the money you will be spending.

There are many companies out there willing to take advantage of the struggle authors have with getting their name and books out there. That’s why there are so many different things (and people or companies offering those things) out there telling you their thing is THE thing you need to do, or one of the most important things to do.

I do agree that increasing the number of reviews you have is one of the first things you need to do as an author, but do you need to pay for those reviews. Maybe or maybe not.

See what David Kudler did with his book.

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Most publishers (large and small) struggle with making their titles visible. In the trackless jungle that is the modern book-buying world (the Amazon?), getting your book reviewed is an essential part

Source: NetGalley Book Review Program: A Case Study – The Book Designer

PW Select Book Listing: Another tremendous waste of money | Michel Sauret – Award-Winning Army Journalist | Independent Author

Sep15

“One of my goals on this blog is to share my self-publishing mistakes so you don’t repeat them yourself. I’ve already discussed the importance of spending your money wisely with my artic…”

Great opening paragraph to a good post by Michel Sauret (no I didn’t spell his first name incorrectly – what parent does that to a kid!) about Publishers Weekly paid reviews. Check it out (and his Kirkus article)! I’d think long and hard before I spent money on a review for all the reasons Michel says in his Kirkus posts. I’d rather spend my money on facebooks ads or on travel to actual bookstore, libraries, book events… I think my marketing dollars are better spent getting more Average-Joe/Jane reviews. I haven’t cracked the library barrier (other than person to person), but I’m not sure getting a paid review from say Kirkus or Blue Ink will get me looked at anyway. Obviously PW Select is not the way to go, either!

You can get a free review from Library Journal and Foreward Review (a new co. in the review business) if you plan ahead – get them the galley or book 2-3 months ahead of your publishing date. I wish I could make myself do this, but I have not been able to hold onto a finished book for that long. I’ll have to try it sometime, but it’s a lot to ask when a review from one of these places might not even get noticed. It is a risk you take.

Library Journal will also review already published books, but it would only be if one of their online magazine folds wants to read it and post a review. I sent my Agnes Kelly MG mystery adventure (Intrigue in Istanbul) to one such reviewer and never heard back. It cost me the printing cost of the book and shipping, so I wasn’t out much. If you go to their site and read their submission policy, you’ll be directed to how this works.

Michel said it cost $50 for a Midwest Book Review. Midwest Book Review didn’t used to charge for reviews. That’s new to me. I’ve had a few of my books reviewed by them (before they charged for it) and I’m not sure how much the reviews helped, though $50 is not too much to charge, in my book.

I’d love to hear other author’s insights or experiences. How do you get your reviews?

Source: PW Select Book Listing: Another tremendous waste of money | Michel Sauret – Award-Winning Army Journalist | Independent Author

Here are all the New Amazon Book Review Policies

Aug10

I don’t know if this post has the right information (can’t always believe everything you read 😉 ). But if it is, it is a bit disturbing.

Source: (Michael Kozlowski of Good E Reader) Here are all the New Amazon Book Review Policies

Why I have stopped reviewing books from Celebrity Authors

May30

I wouldn’t go so far as to not review a celebrity author’s book if I take the time to read it, but I definitely go out of my way to read indie authors and review their books on multiple sites, (if I like it). If the book needs help, I contact the author and suggest such – even though that might not make me popular. If my book needed help, I’d want people to tell me. It doesn’t help anyone if I just lambaste them for poor writing or editing online. Do indie authors listen to my suggestions – I’m guessing not many, but if enough people them them their book needs help, then maybe they will listen. All indie authors benefit when our group as a whole puts better work out there. Yes, it’s competition, but it also helps our reputation as a whole, and that helps everyone!

Gisela’s Straightforward Blog: Why I have stopped reviewing books from Celebrity Authors.

How to Get a Truckload of Reviews on Amazon

Oct15

Penny has some very good ideas for getting reviews for your books. I would also recommend any book you give or sell should have a colored slip of paper asking for a review. Another idea is book giveaways or discounts for people willing to give you an honest review. And don’t forget to do book reviews yourself. If you expect to get them, you need to expect to give them!

How to Get a Truckload of Reviews on Amazon.

Why Should Authors Post Reviews for Others?

Jun24

Besides the obvious reason of doing reviews if you expect other to do reviews for you, Sandy Appleyard shares some other good (marketing reasons) to post reviews online.