Carolyn Answers Your Letters on her Sharing with Writers Blog

On Authors Hiring Help to Get Reviews 

Carolyn's How To Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically

From an Author's Email to Me with Her Permission                                                        with names omitted to protect some mentioned entities: 

 Hiya, Carolyn:

What's your take on [this service that helps authors like me] get reviews?  I've been getting emails from [a prominent and trusted writer and author's advocate] who seems to [have a good reputation within the publishing industry]. I also see various publishing packages and promotion stuff for Amazon reviewers/raising listing numbers across the web. They claim to have a number of Amazon reviewers they send an author's manuscript to for a fee and claim this service raises books to top places in the Amazon ranking.

They don't mention if the manuscript has to be current/new book on the site. (I'm thinking of using one of those service one of my clients whose book was published July 2022. This client and I have been platform building, but it's a weird world with his inability to travel or speak even locally interrupted by health issues.

Thanks much for any insights you can offer us on these possibilities!

Cheers and love all I see from and about you, always!

And yes, will be sending you stuff on LinkedIn as you have so often kindly suggested. It's just been odd and very packed schedule lately, in part because we're working on Book two of three in my memoir series.

Cheers and here's to a good weekend!

Best,

Anonymous

Answer from Me with My Correspondents Permission                                                        with names omitted to protect some mentioned entities: 

MY DISCLAIMER HERE: I am no expert on the service you mention but you alluded to some information based on your own research.

#1: Are we sure your trusted resource isn't being paid to endorse it?  It is common within the industry. I won't do it for services, but I also know she is a trusted personality and getting paid doesn't necessarily mean that her endorsement is fake in any way.

#2: You mentioned Amazon's reviews. Their logarithms are extremely good at picking up on any review that is suspect in any way and it seems that many are suspect because the reviewer is in the same industry or known by the publisher or author. (I know because reviews for books like my  "The Frugal Editor" get rejected for that very reason (unless they know the ropes and give it four stars rather than five or use a disclaimer!). My argument with that is, who would read a book like mine unless they are part of the publishing industry? And that objection could be true of most any genre and/or published by by the author or a respected publisher.  Along that line, if you are pursuing reviews based on getting Amazon reviews, I agree with the concept of doing what is possible to keep them professional but in some instances Amazon's logarithms just aren't that smart. You and your client will benefit from the section in my "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically"  that is rather like a case study on Amazon's reviews (along with about everything else you need to know if you are working on getting reviews for a book--no matter when it was released. My book is still in its first edition--self-published. It is FAT! But the Index can help you find exactly what you are working on in the moment. 

#3. Any  service you use is immediately suspect on the grounds that you can probably do it yourself.  Like find reviewers.  One way is to simply search Amazon to find reviewers in the same genre as the book you're marketing in the moment. I found a great one I keep in contact with for her reviews and her newsletter. Her name is Jacquelyn Lynn. Look for the links that Amazon often gives on for their reviewers including their Vine reviewers. Click and read the profile that Amazon may have available for them on Amazon itself and elsewhere.  I guarantee that what you find will be more targeted for possibilities than what others do for you.  You know your book better better than anyone else and will be better able to judge suitability from the possible reviewer's own website or using Amazon's profile for authors and other Amazon contributors.  So....do you really want to spend your book marketing budget on getting help with this when the process for doing it yourself is reasonably simple? 

#4. Keep in mind that these writers aids that work from lists (like Amazon, Amazon-owned Goodreads and other review journals) are notorious for getting possible reviewers that request books but never review them. That amounts to even more wasted money.  My book will discuss more on why this happens. Sometimes (rarely) it's because they honestly believe that they can't give the book a fair review, but they generally don't have enough professionalism to let the author know that's their reason--tactfully or otherwise! Professionals, of course, know that authors and publishers actually learn a lot from critical comments in their reviews--or in a rejection/refusal to post the review!

By the way, have you seen several of my #FrugalBookPromoTips (my registered hashtag) about Amazon's new pages available for books in a series if the books are sold as e-books on Amazon? I notice your work-in-progress is a series of XXXX.  Here's the URL for my #HowtoDoItFrugally Series of books for writers, but I also just finished working with Amazon on the poetry series I coauthored with Aussie Magdalena Ball: https://tiny.url/FrugalSeries 

Many hugs.  

PS: I'm always looking for reviews. Amazon's logarithms gets a nudge when your book has a ton of them.  I get different stories from different sources but apparently somewhere above fifty. Seventy-five is also frequently mentioned. So, if you're paying for a service and don't manage to hit those magical numbers, you will have wasted not only what you paid for the service, but also what the review copies cost to print and ship. They also only work well if the author uses the link to Amazon's buy page for their book in their marketing. "Books available everywhere" kind of notification just doesn't cut it.

More hugs,

PPS: You did get the message that I am not disqualifying [this service].  Just be sure you want to spend your money on this aspect of your marketing and that your budget will accommodate it.  I think really good contests are a better way to set your books apart from the pack, but only if you market your win everywhere!   

 

Very best, 

CAROLYN HOWARD-JOHNSON

The HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books for Writers

Including Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers, 2nd Edition
E-book, paper, or hard cover available on Amazon at tinyurl.com/FrugalSeries
Published by Modern History Press 

My Website  

My Sharing with Writers Blog

The New Book Review: A Writer's Digest Best 101 Websites Pick

Submission Guidelines for Your Reviews

Twitter: @FrugalBookPromo

Facebook

Follow my Amazon Profile

E-mail: hojonews@aol.com

PS: Learn more about my fiction and poetry.

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Writers & Publishers Network Offers a Credible Review-Getting Service

Reviews are just so hard for new authors to get. This is a service I have used with results. It comes to you from a credible writers' organization in California (formerly SPAWN)  and their secret is a list of professional reviewers from Cision (formerly the tomes by Barkers kept in libraries used by professional publicists worldwide). 

Room for two more books Open to non-members View this email in your browser

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 (formerly SPAWN - the Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network) Is your book coming out this fall or winter or was released since March 2020? Get advance reviews for winter releases!

Get your book in front of 2,400+ legitimate book reviewers, Amazon reviewers, and book bloggers Solve the mystery of getting a book in front of legitimate reviewers. SPAWN has the answers to these questions: Where do I find reviewers and book bloggers? How do I get in front of Amazon Key Reviewers? What do I present to them? Do I send a print book or ebook? Feature your book in this service from W&PN (formerly SPAWN),  open to members and nonmembers.   Sign up now and be part of New Releases from... Deadline for next issue is September 25, 2020   Book must have been released since March or will be released this fall or winter for advance reviews. View the June issue SIGN UP NOW! Praise for New Releases from... "I never expected to receive such an amazing and heartfelt review, and I appreciate it so much." ~ Chuck Redman, author of A Cottonwood Stand "WOW! We already received three book order from reviewers in less than 24 hours. Thanks, so much." ~ Bob Osland, Surepoint Publishing "I just want to give you a big thanks. I don't know what I was expecting, but am thrilled about sending my book out for possible reviews...I truly am grateful." –Sorel Kaire "In January  2019, at age  79, I published my first  novel, a memoir called I Slept In Hitler's Bed. I had no idea if it was marketable. I signed up for SPAWNS New Releases, and received 3 remarkable reviews, the last from Midwest Book Reviews, a 30-year-old organization that reviews for Educational Institutions and Libraries. SPAWN has placed my book out into the universe, and the feedback just as important to me, since it has confirmed that I am a writer." - Jay Balter "As much as I am a do-it-yourself kind of marketer, one author can only do so much! SPAWN's outreach to reviewers got results--one of the best pay-for-help services I ever used!" ~ Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically

Copyright © 2020 W&PN formerly the Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network, All rights reserved.  Member  Our mailing address is:  W&PN formerly the Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network 1129 Maricopa Hwy Suite 142 Member Ojai, CA 93023

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-wining author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered by Modern History Press in its third edition. The third in Carolyn's #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews). Learn more on her Amazon profile page (http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile). Just republished in its second edition by Modern History Press, Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/Last-MinuteEditsII) is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First-Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) helps writers who want to be traditionally published. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series.

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)

SPAWN Is Busy Helping Authors Get Reviews

Open to non-members Room for 4 more books View this email in your browser

DEADLINE July 20, 2019

Get your book in front of 2,400+ legitimate book reviewers, Amazon reviewers, and book bloggers Solve the mystery of getting a book in front of legitimate reviewers. SPAWN has the answers to these questions: Where do I find these people? What do I present to them? Do I send a print book or ebook? Feature your book in this service from SPAWN,  open to members and nonmembers. Sign up now and be part of New Releases from... Deadline for next issue is September 30, 2019 Book must have been released during the last six months or will be released before October 2019. View the August issue Praise for New Releases from...SPAWN "I never expected to receive such an amazing and heartfelt review, and I appreciate it so much." ~ Chuck Redman, author of A Cottonwood Stand "In January  2019, at age  79, I published my first  novel, a memoir called I Slept In Hitler's Bed. I had no idea if it was marketable. I signed up for SPAWNS New Releases, and received 3 remarkable reviews, the last from Midwest Book Reviews, a 30-year-old organization that reviews for Educational Institutions and Libraries. SPAWN has placed my book out into the universe, and the feedback just as important to me, since it has confirmed that I am a writer." - Jay Balter "As much as I am a do-it-yourself kind of marketer, one author can only do so much! SPAWN's outreach to reviewers got results--one of the best pay-for-help services I ever used!" ~ Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically  "WOW! We already received three book order from reviewers in less than 24 hours. Thanks, so much." ~ Bob Osland, Surepoint Publishing DO YOU HAVE A BOOK PLANNED FOR WINTER RELEASE? Editors had a positive response to New Releases from SPAWN. One thing several wanted were unreleased books, those coming out in the Winter. Plan your marketing for reviews at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Reserve your space now! Launched in March 2017, the newsletter goes out every quarter to over 2,400 book reviewers, Amazon reviewers, and book bloggers. The reviewer list is pulled from Cision, the premiere online media database company that updates its media lists daily and includes top publications, online and broadcast resources like NPR, daily and weekly newspapers that publish book reviews, and a host of freelancers and bloggers who review books. Each participating author submits up to 75-word description of the book that starts with a catchy log line such as appears in the New York Times Book Review or online at Kirkus Reviews. Log lines are the concise one-sentence description of the book usually at the top of the review. We want these descriptions to sound professional and grab reviewers. Quick set and a grabber to get them to request the book. View the last issue for examples. Along with the description, an image of the book cover and a link for reviewers to request a book. Fee and how to participate in the New Releases from... newsletter      Option One:  $225 for one book description and cover. SPAWN members only $150 - non-members including membership The New Releases from… newsletter goes out four times a year. The next edition is October 2019. This service is open for all books published within the last year. Deadline for participation in the next issue is September 30, 2019.

More about the Blogger

Purchase at discount at
https://wwww.modernhistorypress.com/frugal

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-wining author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter now offered by Modern History Press, at a discount to visitors to this blog. The discount code in in the right column of the page. Her latest is in the series is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page.

Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published.
The Frugal Editor, now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series.

Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, she helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)

My Take on New Amazon Review Policy

Amazon is trying—once again—to keep reviewers honest (meaning to keep them more credible, more trustworthy) and (possibly) to boost book sales on Amazon. But let’s give them credit for the more altruistic goal, huh?

In the note I received directly from them they say,

“Shoppers consistently tell us that they value reviews from other shoppers who they know have purchased the product on Amazon. As a result, we are introducing a policy change around customer reviews. Customers can now only submit a limited number of non-Amazon Verified Purchase reviews each week. The count is calculated each week from Sunday at 12:00am UTC through Saturday 11:59pm UTC. Your ability to submit Amazon Verified Purchase reviews will not be impacted. This policy also does not apply to Vine reviews or reviews on digital and physical books, music, and video.”

This is how readers can identify an Amazon Verified Purchase review: 

•  There will be an Amazon Verified Purchase badge near the review. They hope that helps assure readers that the review represents a “typical customer experience with that product.” It may, but there is no guarantee of that. On the other hand, it may make it easier for readers to identify authors with an agenda who try to undermine their competition with bad reviews. Yes, this cn happen.

•They also say “ Reviews that are not marked “Amazon Verified Purchase” are valuable as well, but we either can’t confirm that the product was purchased at Amazon or the customer did not pay a price available to most Amazon shoppers."

For more details, please see our Amazon’s guidelines  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201929730.

So, you see, as an author who reviews, it is highly unlikely that you will review that many products or books within a short period of time. As an author who wants to get as many reviews as possible, it his highly unlikely that the readers you ask to review your book will have exceeded that maximum either!

And, if you want to increase the number of reviews on your amazon buy page (and you should!), my new How To Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically: The ins and outs of using free reviews to build and sustain a writing career will help you with that process. I promise you it will! You’ll find all kinds of ways to make your reviews work harder for you, too. 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page, http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile. Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and The Great First Impression Book Proposal, another booklet, helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. In addition to this blog, she helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart,and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)