Posts
{This gorgeous cover courtesy of the genius of Leonora Roy}
"As for reviews, I inherently distrust solicited reviews. Most thinking people do."
I quoted this to my co-worker, Nicholas Savant, whose mind is a "No B.S." Zone, who said,
"I'm a thinking person, and I don't think so."
"I think he means that soliciting for reviews is crass and dishonest."
Nick sighed,
"You've told me that a thousand ebooks a week are published, and that if you're self-published,
most of the marketing and PR footwork falls to the author.
How do people even know you have a book out there
without people talking about it?"
I nodded,
"I think the same way. I see nothing wrong
in giving your book away free
to a person in return for an honest review."
He said,
"I like horror movies. When I'm in the mood for one, I go to Amazon to check out
what comes up when I type in horror movies.
If I see a movie with 10 reviews or more,
I think about checking it out.
I'm sure the same thing applies to books."
He made a face.
"Selling books is a business.
Asking for honest reviews to get your book noticed
just seems the realistic thing to do."
He smiled drily. "I think I see a contest coming on."
I nodded. "Yes, indeed you do. I'm going to post TWO to run concurrently.
One:
I will send a copy FREE to each person who promises to review THREE SPIRIT KNIGHT honestly.
After I get 12 reviews, I will have a name generator select a person to receive a FREE AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPH OF JOHNNY DEPP.
{If you also post a second review on Goodreads, you will
receive a second entry.}
Two:
At the same time, I will enter the name of each person to write a post about THREE SPIRIT KNIGHT
or these contests into a second contest.
When I get 12 reviews, I will have the name
generator select a person
to receive a FREE AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPH OF JOSH GROBAN.
Nick laughed, "As Captain Jack would say:
'Mate, there be nothin' wrong in being crass, if you win!"
***
For those of you who might want sources to review your book,
here are a few:
- http://bookvisions.blogspot.co.uk/
- http://www.bookpleasures.com
- http://worldliterarycafe.com/forum/169
- http://www.nantambu.blogspot.ca/
- http://www.bookbrowse.com
- http://haveyouheardbookreview.blogspot.ca/p/to-be-read-pile.html
- http://readingthepast.blogspot.com
- https://www.facebook.com/BookReviewsByLynn
- http://bookreviewersclub.com/request-a-review/
- http://www.hipsterbookclub.com
- http://mercury205.wordpress.com/
- http://geekeryandbooks.com/policies/
- http://blogcritics.org/books
- http://www.bookblitzer.com/home.aspx
- http://writermirandastork.wordpress.com/interviewreview-guidelines/
- http://www.blacklilackitty.com/contact.html
- http://www.libraryjournal.com
Great list!
ReplyDeleteI have your book, just a few books befioe it before I can read and review.
Thanks, Alex:
ReplyDeleteAlice promises she will never make finger sandwiches of your hands!
:-)
I have your e-book, Roland, I bought it in December. What's the time span? Weeks or month, open-ended?
ReplyDeleteI'll see what I can do. How do we let you know when, etc?
D.G.:
ReplyDeleteThe time span is how long it takes for me to get 12 reviews. If enough people ask me to stretch it out longer, I will.
Just mention in one of your comments here or in an email to me that you posted a review or written a post about THREE SPIRIT KNIGHT and IN goes your name!
If enough people enter by writing reviews, I might add an autographed photo of Ian Somerhalder from VAMPIRE DIARIES.
What a great list! I'll be back to refer to it in the future. Lovely Valentine video.
ReplyDeleteYes, there aren't that many options for getting your self-pubbed book out there!
I like what you do and the encouragements are out of this world... bribery is the best kind of love... i still need to build my avengers collection ;) biggest wink I can send... that is a wonderful cover, at first glace... I thought she was real...
ReplyDeleteI think solicited reviews are fair game, especially when, as you've done, you requested they be honest. I wish I had time to read, but I just can't say when that will be at this time, so I probably shouldn't commit. Definitely hope you get your reviews, though!
ReplyDeleteRoland,
ReplyDeleteLast week I bought and downloaded three of your books which I plan on reading and reviewing, of course.
If you need this one ASAP, I'll be glad to put it on top of my list and get 'er done.
Let me know.
Thank you for the list, too. The other day I asked someone about reviewers. Ask and ye shall receive.
You're great!
Shred and tweeted this one.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Denise:
ReplyDeleteI try to be imaginative about self-marketing, yet non-intrusive. I see you still have your READING AT DAWN site. I still love your review there of THE BEAR WITH TWO SHADOWS.
Jeremy:
Didn't Leonora Roy do a great cover image of Cassandra the Cursed? I have an 8 X 10 autographed photo of Scarlet should you win the draw.
Hart:
It will take some time for 12 reviews to be written, so you have a bit of time. But you are a busy lady I know! Like you, I believe if you request the reviews to be honest and do not require the reviewer to buy the book, there is nothing wrong with requesting a review.
Shelly:
Yes, and thank you so much for buying three of my books! I'm sending you THE THREE SPIRIT KNIGHT to give you a chance to win Mr. Depp's auto. A post on Victor Standish and my contests will put your name in for the Josh Groban autograph.
I'm happy you liked my list and that it came when you needed it.
Wow, what a list. I'm quite certain it'll come in handy for all those needing reviews! Loved the video about the history of Valentine's Day. Never knew all those facts. Happy Valentine's Day to you. :)
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age, we HAVE to solicit reviews so I say good for you! In fact, I just spent my morning soliciting for reviews on Goodreads (in the appropriate groups and places for it, of course ;). Happy Valentine's Day my friend, I'm wishing you many good reviews!
ReplyDeleteThis is very good encouragement. It's gotta be tough nowadays, so incentive like this is a fab idea. Thanks for all the links.
ReplyDeleteI shall tweet. ;)
Lovely song! We have no Valentines day over here, but I remember it fondly from my days in the states. BTW, thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI have promised you a review already, I just have to fit reading into my busy routine. You are still number one and I have your book on my kindle, sitting on my bedside, wish I was not always so tired by the time I hit the covers.
Candy:
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to you, too. Yesterday was grueling so I am very late replying to my friends here. :-(
Heather:
Thanks. Self-promoting is essential if we wish our writing to be more than a hobby. Have a great weekend! :-)
PK:
Thanks for tweeting this. We have to be innovative to succeed in self-pubbing.
Siv:
I thought Valentine's Day was worldwide. Wow. Love needs a PR man in Europe! :-)
I know all too well about going to bed exhausted. Victor is still in limbo because of my weariness these days!