Goodreads Reviewers' Group discussion

So with my current ARC, Requiem For A Genocide, I decided to join a number of ARC sites to promote the book and seek reviews. I'm one month in and here's the list of sites I've joined, what I paid to join (US funds), and the corresponding number of ARCs claimed followed by actual reviews posted.

NETGALLEY $849.00 20 1
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 1 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 2 0
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 0 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 0 0

Not exactly sterling numbers. To be fair, Reedsy doesn't disclose who has taken an ARC. I also posted at Reddit ARC readers and a number of groups at Goodreads.

It's still early (one month) and my campaign is four months long as my release date is December 1st, so it will be interesting to see whether the numbers improve over each month.

Hi, Michael.
That's disappointing, considering what you've paid. Still. I guess it's early days yet.

I paid Reedsy $50 for a pro review just before my book was published. You will get it. Mine took a few weeks to appear. It wasn't a great review—the only one so far with less than four stars. He just didn't get it.

I'm a bit of a skinflint, so I don't pay for reviews as a rule. Most of mine have come from Goodreads or from a book tour I did.

I'll be happy to do a swap with you, if you like. You can view reviews I've done here on GR to see my style. I'm always honest with reviews but I won't post if I can't give three stars at least.

I can't post to Amazon though, as I've not spent enough there to qualify. In any case, swaps on Amazon aren't a good idea, as they'll usually pick them up and remove them.
Regards. Thomas.

Hi, Michael.
That's disappointing, considering what you've paid. Still. I guess it's early days yet.

I paid Reedsy $50 for a pro review just before my book was published. You will get it. Mine took a few weeks to appear. It wasn't a great review—the only one so far with less than four stars. He just didn't get it.

I'm a bit of a skinflint, so I don't pay for reviews as a rule. Most of mine have come from Goodreads or from a book tour I did.

I'll be happy to do a swap with you, if you like. You can view reviews I've done here on GR to see my style. I'm always honest with reviews but I won't post if I can't give three stars at least.

I can't post to Amazon though, as I've not spent enough there to qualify. In any case, swaps on Amazon aren't a good idea, as they'll usually pick them up and remove them.
Regards. Thomas.

Hi Thomas,

Thanks for the support. Interestingly, in the couple of days since I posted, I've had a couple of the sites report new ARC readers so maybe it still is a little bit early.

Thanks for the swap review but I'll have to pass. My goal is 50 Amazon reviews as that's the magic number for their marketing algorithms.

I wish you the best with your novel.

Michael

Michael wrote: "Hi Thomas,

Thanks for the support. Interestingly, in the couple of days since I posted, I've had a couple of the sites report new ARC readers so maybe it still is a little bit early.

Thanks for t..."
Cheers, Michael.
Please let me know if you notice any change after reaching the ‘magic 50’
Most marketing ‘experts’ say that Amazon doesn't take reviews into consideration when ranking a book. I've always suspected that they would, however. It makes sense, especially if they are good reviews.

I was told once that 50 reviews, combined with an average rating of 4 stars or better can put your book in their advertising loop. Let's hope whoever told me that is right.

People from netgalley usually end up posting their reviews as it adds to their reader credibility. I imagine at least half of them or more will post their reviews.
I wish you the best of luck.

So here's an update on my search for ARC reviews. As a reminder--the site, followed by the number of ARCs taken, followed by the number of posted reviews. The one big change was at Prolific Works which went from 0 copies taken to 30. I've had some reviews come through but I cannot pinpoint how they got my book, so until they specify, I'll not attribute the reviews to any particular site.

NETGALLEY $849.00 24 2
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 1 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 3 0
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 30 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 0 0

This is rather disheartening. I have found that personal approach works quite well and I found my reviewers through blogs.

Here's a list of bloggers you can also send a review request to:
https://indiestoday.com/reviewers-list/

Victoria wrote: "This is rather disheartening. I have found that personal approach works quite well and I found my reviewers through blogs.

Here's a list of bloggers you can also send a review request to:
https://..."

Hi Victoria,

Thanks for the list. I've already hit up all the bloggers. Although the second list in my blog is gone, the others are active - https://michaeldrakich.com/2014/08/06...

Time for an update on my search for ARC readers and early reviews.

NETGALLEY $849.00 68 3
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 1 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 3 0
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 33 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 1 0

As you'll note, there was a significant jump in the NetGalley number. Part of what I paid for was to be promoted in their weekly newsletter when the genre promoted was science fiction and fantasy. I also paid to be the highlighted book for one week which was an extra $100 above what I paid to join.

On a side note, Victoria suggested I hit up bloggers, something I had already done. I have a list of 19 bloggers who agreed to review my book. So far, none have posted a review. I have also been notified that Sci Fi Magazine has agreed to review my book in their November 9th issue.

The search goes on.

Michael wrote: "Time for an update on my search for ARC readers and early reviews.

NETGALLEY $849.00 68 3
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 1 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 3 0
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/mo..."

Hi Michael!

If you're interested, I would love to review your book. You can check my website and my Instagram handle where I am most active:

Website - www.reviewmybooks.co.in
Instagram - @bookmarkedbyshreya

Further, you can also read my Goodreads reviews which should give you a good idea of what and how I post. The best way to connect with me is via mail - [email protected] . I look forward to hearing from you.

All the very best! :)

Best,
Shreya Vijay

Time for another update on my search for ARC readers and early reviews.

NETGALLEY $849.00 90 4
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 1 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 3 0
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 33 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 1 0

It's interesting to note how Prolific Works had a huge jump in a two-week span and nothing in the few weeks. Because |I'm not asking for the reviews until December 1st, and it is impossible to post at Amazon because the book is still in pre-release but there is still Goodreads and although I am at 19 reviews with an average rating of 4.63, none have identified as having come from Prolific Works. Although, to be fair, none have identified where they got the book but I do know where about half came from.

At two months in, The sites BOOKSPROUT, STORY ORIGIN, BOOK FUNNEL, and REEDSY DISCOVERY have been total disappointments. The jury is still out on Prolific Works.

I usually have good luck at Booksirens, Michael. Have you tried there? Very low cost.

Which package did you take?

Package? You post your book there, they approve (or disapprove). If approved, you pay $10/book, choose how many to gift (I choose 10-20) and then, you pay $2/reader who chooses to read it.

Okay, that's the promote package. I'll give it a go.

Time for a fresh update

NETGALLEY $849.00 97 8
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 2 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 3 0
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 33 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 1 0
and added Oct 7, BOOKSIRENS $10 to join, $2 per review 1 0

The only real change is in NetGalley which has seen an increase in both readers and reviews, which, delightfully, are now coming in mostly 5 star. The current Goodreads rating at 23 reviews is 4.65 stars. I'm feeling confident on achieving my goal of fifty reviews or more by release date and am hopeful my average will stay above 4 out of 5.

Considering there is less than a month and a half until my release date of December 1st and how most of these sites have been active for me since August 1st (two and a half months) I'm now holding little hope on any measure of success from all the sites save NetGalley.

Thanks for the update. Just to clarify, you've been on Net Galley since August 1st and have received 8 reviews so far? I've just signed up for one month of Net Galley for my new release and this doesn't bode well if it takes three months to really see reviews roll in.

Hi Sophie

Understand, I have set a release date of December 1st which detail is posted with my book on NetGalley. Those who have clicked on it to review know they don't need to post a review until then. NetGalley boasts a high rate of reviews from those who download the book. I'm hoping for 50%. Let's see how that plays out.

Got it. You may very well end up with over fifty reviews if they do have a high review rate. I can't wait to see how it turns out for you. Keep us posted. This is great information.

Time for a fresh update. Here's the list of sites I've joined, what I paid to join (US funds), and the corresponding number of ARCs claimed followed by actual reviews posted.

NETGALLEY $849.00 102 9
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 2 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 3 1
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 33 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 1 0
BOOKSIRENS $10 to join, $2 per review 1 0

One month to go until the release date and I'm getting disappointed in all of them. My target of 50 reviews seems out of my reach. Currently, here on Goodreads, I have 25 reviews, with an average rating of 4.60. You'd think with such a high rating more people would be willing to take a chance and read it. Eleven people have added it or are reading it. I can only hope my earlier surmise, that people are waiting until the release date to post their reviews, is correct. here's keeping my fingers crossed.

Michael wrote: "Time for a fresh update. Here's the list of sites I've joined, what I paid to join (US funds), and the corresponding number of ARCs claimed followed by actual reviews posted.

NETGALLEY $849.00 102..."

Keep your fingers crossed. I'm sure they'll start to come through after release. I'd be pretty p***ed if NetGalley didn't come up with the goods, considering the cost. Story Origin seems OK so far, hey?
We're all following with bated breath.

Michael wrote: "Time for a fresh update. Here's the list of sites I've joined, what I paid to join (US funds), and the corresponding number of ARCs claimed followed by actual reviews posted..."

Have you tried the group promos on StoryOrigin? On your dashboard there, you can search for them by category (reviews, giveaway, etc). I sign up for one every couple of months & usually get a review or 2 from them.

There's also a free program on Voracious Readers Only if you've never used them before. They give your book to 20 readers with a request for a review. I got 9 out of my first 20 on Book 1 of my series, and I just signed my new release up for their Evergreen program, where the fee is based on the number of requests you get per month, with $20 being the max. The requesters also sign up for your newsletter so you can keep in touch with most of them. (Some, of course, will unsubscribe as soon as you send the first email.) I've had 6 requests in 3 days -- waiting to see if my previous result % holds.

Hi Gifford

I have tried several group promos on StoryOrigin without success. Will investigate Voracious Readers now.

Michael wrote: "Hi Gifford

I have tried several group promos on StoryOrigin without success. Will investigate Voracious Readers now."

Voracious Readers requires a huge lead time before book goes into their system. They booked me for January 15th, 2 1/2 months from now.

That is quite a wait. I'm guessing their waiting list for your genre is especially long.

Time for another update. Well, without a doubt, getting any new ARC readers is unlikely as all sites have ground to a complete halt. I'm stuck at 26 reviews, one more since my last report, with an average rating of 4.58 stars. With 18 days left until my release date, I am no longer hopeful of achieving my goal of 50 reviews. There is still the possibility a lot of people are waiting for it to go live on Amazon so they can post but my experience from previously published novels is almost everyone who posts on Amazon posts on Goodreads as well. In fact, you get many on Goodreads who never post on Amazon.

Michael wrote: "Time for another update. Well, without a doubt, getting any new ARC readers is unlikely as all sites have ground to a complete halt. I'm stuck at 26 reviews, one more since my last report, with an ..."
I've found that we're more likely to get a GR review than an Amazon one. I think the reason is that GR doesn't have any restriction on who can post reviews, whereas Azn insists that a reviewer must have spent at least $50 there in the past year.

let me know where to fine your book, I will be happy to read and provide a review.

Melissa Knapper wrote: "let me know where to fine your book, I will be happy to read and provide a review."

Message me your email address and what format you prefer and I will send it

Victoria wrote: "This is rather disheartening. I have found that personal approach works quite well and I found my reviewers through blogs.

Here's a list of bloggers you can also send a review request to:
https://..."

Thanks Victoria.

Michael wrote: "So with my current ARC, Requiem For A Genocide, I decided to join a number of ARC sites to promote the book and seek reviews. I'm one month in and here's the list of sites I've joined, what I paid ..."

Thanks for sharing Michael. This was useful. Good luck for your book launch!

Approaching my deadline. December 1st is 5 days away. Reviews are stuck at 27, the average rating is 4.56 stars. Here are the latest numbers.

NETGALLEY $849.00 103 11
BOOKSPROUT $10.00/month 2 0
STORY ORIGIN $10.00/month 4 2
BOOK FUNNEL $100.00 0 0
PROLIFIC WORKS $20.00/month 33 0
REEDSY DISCOVERY $50.00 1 0
BOOKSIRENS $10 to join, $2 per review 2 2

I've made the hardcover version go live today so people can post their reviews there. They will show up on the ebook version as well. I'm in the process of sending out notices to everyone, hoping more will submit.

Tomorrow is release day. In the meantime, here is my take on Reedsy Discovery. When joining up, one of the promises made was one quality review by their expert team of reviewers. I was allowed to pick which one I wanted to review my book. I picked one who specialized in science fiction. After a couple of months, I was informed that person could not do it and it was being assigned to someone else. I got that review today. 2 stars. Now I understand everyone has an opinion and I can't expect 5 stars from everyone. To say I was disappointed would not be lying either. As of now, I have 28 reviews with an average rating of 4.57 stars and no 1's or 2's. This review is my lowest. But that's not the crux of the issue. What is, is the quality of the review. A one-sentence panning of the book. Where's the quality review I was promised? You can't expose much in one sentence of 16 words. Pitiful. I have since had them remove me from their site. When it comes to Reedsy Discovery I can only claim my opinion which is they are a TOTAL FAIL.

Today is release day. It's early, so no point in tabulating results at this time. In the meantime, here is my take on Book Funnel. In the four months that my book was up on their site, and remember, theirs is a monthly fee, I had zero takers for my book. When it comes to Book Funnel, my opinion os they are a TOTAL FAIL.

Michael wrote: "Tomorrow is release day. In the meantime, here is my take on Reedsy Discovery. When joining up, one of the promises made was one quality review by their expert team of reviewers. I was allowed to p..."
Well, at least you were initially given the chance to nominate a reviewer of choice. I didn't get that option. The person who reviewed my book on Reedsy totally missed the point of the story.
He thought that because it featured several younger characters it was "written for the young". It is a family saga, set over a 25-year timeframe, and therefore there will naturally be new additions to the cast as the tale progresses. The main character is in his late twenties at the start and early fifties at the end.
He did give me three stars, so I guess I shouldn't bitch too much. Like you, the Reedsy review was the lowest rating I've got so far. All others have been four or five. If I were you, I'd be demanding a refund if the review was as short as you suggest.

Three days since I went live. What's changed? Practically nothing. I emailed each and every individual who downloaded my book on all of the ARC sites. We're talking roughly 130 emails. I asked them all to submit their reviews on Amazon now, please. I'm at 7 reviews there, average rating 4.8 stars. A lot of these people downloaded the book months ago. Posted with the book was my request for reviews on December 1st. I guess my expectations were way too high. One person was kind enough to email back and said he hadn't read it yet. The other 122? Crickets. I guess I just have to sit back and wait. Sigh.

It's been over a month since my book went live and me sending review requests to all those who downloaded my book. Total reviews on Amazon (where I requested) at this time?

11. Not exactly the number I was hoping for.

When contacting Netgalley they were not exactly responsive when I queried as to what my expectations should be. They claim they don't track results. Considering how much they charge you would think they would.

Of course, it is always possible more reviews will trickle in but at this time the final analysis is I wasted my money.

At the least, my review average is 4.7 on Amazon, all 5 or 4 star reviews. and several by Vine Voices.

So now on to my next campaign. Contests. I've decided to enter my book into as many high-rated contests for self-published authors as I can find. The budget for this campaign rivals what I spent on the review campaign.

Wish me luck.

Good Luck!
Update the group on which contests seem to be the best for you and other authors.
I know I'd be interested in the results.
I know Readers Favorites is a good one.

Hi Dana

Here's the list. My apologies, I don't have the prices, but I can tell you most were in the $100 range.

eLit Book Awards
Foreword Reviews Book Of The Year Awards
Global eBook Awards
Independent Press Award
IndieReader Discovery Awards (this one was expensive - Kirkus reviews)
International Book Awards
National Indie Excellence Book Awards
Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Readers Favorite Contest
Readers Choice Awards by TCK Publishing
The Eric Hoffer Award
The International Rubery Book Award
USA "Best Books" Awards
The WISHING SHELF Independent Book Awards [UK]

There are others but not yet open for submissions.

Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for your information and updates about the ARC sites you used. It will be for sure very useful for new authors.
I got a few honest reviews from Sandra's Book Club. The submission is for free: https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/...
Greetings,
Ferran

Here's an update on the contest results. So far, only three have concluded their awards.

In the Independent Press Award, I received a silver rating for Distinguished Favorite

https://www.independentpressaward.com...

In the Reader Views Literary Awards Program, I received a first-place Gold Medal finish in my category of science fiction!

https://www.readerviews.com/2021-awar...

There are still a dozen contests to hear from. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.

This is such an amazing thread, thank you Michael! And well done on your awards, that's awesome! It really helps to see what others are doing on this journey of self-publishing :)

Michael wrote: "So with my current ARC, Requiem For A Genocide, I decided to join a number of ARC sites to promote the book and seek reviews. I'm one month in and here's the list of sites I've joined, what I paid ..."

Hi Michael, just a question as a reader of ARCs from sites like Netgalley. Do you, as an author, prefer reviews are left early on goodreads and netgalley (Noting you can't post to amazon until publish date) or is close to the publish date fine? I often find myself with lots of ARCs to read and prioritise them by date of publishing...I have 4 undread from Netgalley at the moment with publish dates of July/Sept/Dec so I was leaving them to read closer to the release date. But is it better for the author if I read it closer to when I get the book?

As an author, when it comes to Amazon, I want the reviews to show when the book goes live on Amazon. What authors do is publish the print copy a few days early which allows reviewers to post their reviews and they will transfer over to the ebook when it goes live. As to Goodreads, the sooner the better because other reviewers read those reviews and if they are good ones will judge their reviews accordingly. It's wrong, I know, but it's what they do. So if they see early reviews in the 3-4 range, they review 3-4. If they see reviews in the 4-5 range then so do they. So to be clear, good reviews early, not so good, wait.

Michael wrote: "As an author, when it comes to Amazon, I want the reviews to show when the book goes live on Amazon. What authors do is publish the print copy a few days early which allows reviewers to post their ..."

Great thanks. That's great to know - I always try to do the best for the authors who have so generously given me a book to read and review.