THE Group for Authors! discussion

Okay, hi, so I recently noticed I've gotten 2 questions in my inbox regarding me offering review copies and an interview, which also include emails. I have absolutely no intention of responding, nor checking out the email that was provided. But just to be sure, these are scam/troll/spam messages, correct?

For the most part, yes. You can't really trust blanket searches for free reads this way. I suppose there's a chance one might work out but I've not found a way to figure out who's the most honest in them.

Alright, thank you! :)

HI ladies
I have had a similar experience. My book was traditionally published in 2016, and sold lots of copies and had 59 Amazon reviews, but recently the publisher died and the small press eventually closed so all the authors, were left with no books available, including me! Horrible! Rather than start all over, I republished it myself (no easy task) and Amazon only transferred a few of the original reviews (not all as they stated they would) so I posted my book on the group "Making Connections" to try and get more reviews. I received 4 requests but when I emailed them to remind them nicely to post reviews, I received zero responses. I wonder if it's a scam or potential virus?? And then I got inundated with emails from people offering their book promotion services. Have either of you had any luck with this? Sounds "fishy!" Thanks! :)

Anyone who writes to me offering "book promotion services," particularly those telling me how many reviews they can get for me, or how many reviewers they have gets reported as spam. Not just deleted as spam. "Making connections" sounds like another way for people to get free books, since any "promise" to review is completely unenforceable.

While your experience with your publisher is unfortunate, and I have no experience with which to compare, I suggest you just move on and continue writing and publishing. And ignoring the book-for-a-review offers.

Just my USD .02.

Eric

Coming late to this conversation...

I never respond to request for review copies. And I never ask for reviews. (I'm probably unusual)

One of my publishers told me he estimated you get one GR review for every 200 readers. I have no idea how accurate this is but I kinda believe it and don't want to distort the numbers by asking for or in any way facilitating reviews.

Probably naive, I know...

I don't think you are naive, Adrian.

I think I have only once approached someone for a review and I've felt bad about it ever since.

About 10 years ago there was a good UK website with a daily newsletter for readers. They decided to offer reviews to trusted readers. I sent two pdfs and never heard another word. That experience has governed my actions ever since as has reading about other people's experiences.

I delete about 2 emails every day offering reviews for a free copy. I don't bother to waste precious time reading/considering them.

1 in 200 could be right. I used to hear that it was 1 in 100, but now readers, often also busy people, just give a rating. Good reviews are to be treasured and I am very grateful for those who take the time to put into words their feelings.