What do you think comes first?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

The chicken or the egg?

More purchases or more reader reviews?

And I’m not talking about purchasing reviews – those are BAD, forbidden, illegal, and just plain wrong.

No, I’m asking if you think reader reviews are so important that you give away copies to get reviews, hoping the reviews will be good. There is always a chance some readers won’t like your style.

Without reader reviews, no interest is generated.

A bit of a dilemma right?

questions

So what is a writer to do?

Kari Stevenson wrote over at BookFuel.com just why Book Reviews Are Important

She said, “Simply put, if I can’t find a review for a book there is a 99% chance I will not purchase it.” Click on the above link and read why she says as a librarian good reviews are a must have. 

First and foremost begin early!

As I mentioned in my last post I failed to market my book before it was published. I didn’t seek reviews before publication. Seek out professional organizations and authors in your genre that might be willing to read your book. But, begin at least 2 months before the launch date. Don’t make my mistakes.

 So how to get a review?

  1. Ask your friends to buy and read your book.
  2. Ask them to give an honest review.
  3. Pray, hope, rub your lucky charm for a good review.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3.

Yes, it’s a lot of work. I know, believe me. But I’ve not landed an agent to do the work for me, nor have I the money to hire a marketing agency so I’m plodding along.

Anyone have any good ideas out there for obtaining more reader reviews please share them! We would all love to know your secret.

Additional Reading Tips for Finding Reviewers

Make a list and check it twice.

How to Get Reviews For Your Book (Without Begging, Bribing or Resorting to Subterfuge) by

Tim Grahl give you a form email to help.

HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR BOOK WITH AT LEAST 25+ AMAZON REVIEWS by Tim Grahl

What to say in a book review.

How To Get More Amazon Book Reviews By Jonathan Gunson

Amazon Reviewer Guidelines

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

22 thoughts on “What do you think comes first?”

  1. Because I am commenting by phone I can’t easily paste hyperlinks of sites that list reviewers and links to find them. But if you go to a blog post I did on Web resources for writers and scroll down to “Reviews of your book,” you will find help. Here’s the link: views.eaglepeakpress.com/2015/12/10/web-resources for-self-publishing-authors-part-2/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John, after a little sleuthing I located your post. Awesome info! Thanks for sharing. If you don’t mind I’d like to reblog for my readers. I bet they’d love it as much as I did.

      Like

  5. I’m going to do the same as you. I’m planning to self-publish my first book (a novelette, actually) next March and as soon as I have the text ready (with an editor at the moment) I’ll start asking friends whether they’d be willing to read the ARC and offer a review or a stop in the blog tour.
    First time I do any such like, so I’ve no idea whether and how it will work out. But this is the best thing I can think of at the moment 🙂

    Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad you enjoyed the post. Ask and keep asking. I’m beginning to think it’s sort of like party invitations. Invite 50 and knowing only about 35 will respond. So aim high. Good luck. If you’ll let me know when it’s ready I’ll read and give you and honest review.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes, it is a great resource. And I was so fortunate to receive a 5 star glowing review from them. Now if I could get a few more. Writing was the easy part, marketing is the difficult part. Sigh….

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I have not had many reviews. I am kind of leery of asking anyone to review my book, because it seems like such an imposition. I really need to make more of an effort, I guess I am just not a good marketer. Thanks for the tips!!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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