Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic ideas of the book? Do you accept the review and publish it anyway knowing that it does not even come close to describing your book? Or do you swallow the loss of several hundred dollars and chalk it up to a learning experience?

What nags at me is why this happened. My book examines some very deep tenets of humanity and current events that are new and thought provoking. Could this be a form of censorship? An attempt to quash my ideas before they see the light of day?

This experience is really troubling me. I am not sure how to proceed.

Anne wrote: "Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic ideas of the book? Do you accept the review and publish it anyway ..."

Anne, unfortunately, the first error was "paying" for a review. Every notable and respectable publishing site will frown on "paid" reviews. And many will specifically state they will not accept or recognize them. I've been warned too many times, "DON'T PAY FOR REVIEWS."

I have experienced in recent days that many of the sites offering reviews don't do anything, in the end, but take your money. Many of them well known.

Case in point: Last week I paid $80 to a site to promote my book and they would "remind" readers to post a review. Here's the problem: if you don't receive any documentation of the postings or the reviews or those who are interested in your book, how will you know of your book's performance?

That's the very question I posed to the site after the promotion was over. In short, they refunded my money.

Why would they do that?

Because they would not offer me evidence of how well the book performed.

If you have, indeed, paid for this review, request your money back, stating that you have no evidence of your book's performance, no evidence of how many people your book reached. If they are not willing to do this, it means your book didn't do well, and probably, if it did rather poorly, they have no desire for you to know that. They'd rather return your money.

Again, don't pay for reviews.

Also, be warned that A.I. might be playing a part in all this. If they are using A.I. to review your book, which is highly possible, that could be the reason why you are getting a review that does "not" touch on the important aspects of your book.

Here's a solution--

Befriend people on this site. Request a read of your book. And let things flow from there. Target people who read in your genre. The fastest way I know to weed out those who might be interested is to participate in a Giveaway. The people who sign up for your Giveaway will more than likely read more in your genre. Once you find out who entered the Giveaway, befriend them and build for yourself a team of readers.

The cheapest Goodreads Giveaway is $99 versus the original price of $119. That's only for this month.

No, I don't work for Goodreads. I'm an author just like you. Just sharing what I've experienced.

I hope this helped.

Donna
https://rb.gy/b7fwne

Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic ideas of the book? Do you accept the review and publi..."

Thank you so much for your insight. I thought I had bypassed the problem by going with a supposedly well known reviewer listed in the 'top ten' of professional reviewer. I guess that is not even safe these days. I have not given the permission to publish the review. Should I just eat the cost and not publish?

Anne wrote: "Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic ideas of the book? Do you accept the re..."

First, don't eat the cost. Write them. Request your money be returned. List why. Some of the reasons I've listed for you in the previous message. But mainly, you are requesting a refund because the book review appears automated and if any person had really read the book there is no way they would have omitted mentioning the important elements of the book. For that reason, among others, I request a refund. In addition, could you please "not" publish the review? Outsiders will also think this review is automated. That will leave a bad impression on me.

Then, wait to hear from them and see what they will say.

Third, don't be in a hurry for book reviews. Our need for them makes us vulnerable and we will mistakenly make decisions not in our favor. We've all been trapped in this pitfall. You're not the first, and you won't be the last.

Give serious consideration to Goodreads Giveaways for $99. Another good source for book reviews and book promotions is BookBub.com. But, even with them, you must be careful.

I hold everyone suspect when I do not get a return on my money.

I've been at this phase of publishing for three months now. I'm keeping documentation so I can warn others.

Let me know if you have additional questions.

Donna
https://rb.gy/b7fwne

Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic ideas of the book? Do you ..."

Thank you so much. You've given me some really valuable and honest advice. I have contacted them and so far they are standing by their review even though they have seemingly violated their own policy with respect to the quality of the review. The customer agreement says flatly no refunds will be given. The only right I have is to not have the review published. And this was supposed to be a reputable big name reviewer! Lesson learned.

First mistake: paying for reviews. Never, ever.

Boy, I have definitely heard this advice numerous times. Lesson learned! Thank you!

Anne wrote: "Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic ideas of the..."

Anne, consider passing their name to others. Not in a public forum, but in private emails. People need to be warned to stay away from such thieves! Because that's exactly what they are, thieves!

Donna
https://rb.gy/b7fwne

Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Donna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hello, I have a serious question. What if you pay for a review from a prominent organization and it omits any mention of the basic..."

Also good advice. I cannot do so publicly because of the agreement I signed, but privately, I will pass this on. Thanks again!

At least a paid reviewer has to acknowledge that the writer is aiming to sell and promote the book. There is a business transaction and an understanding between the author and the reviewer to make sure the main points are brought forward in a positive light. They don’t have to elaborate or tell untruths but they at least acknowledge that you are aiming to get it read.

Similarly, a free review will not guarantee honesty, be helpful or useful even though it’s free. I have met many people who pass their books on to be reviewed by friends only to receive disappointing outcomes or established writers pass their work on to be reviewed by people with the acknowledgement that they want a positive review. A dismissive and damaging review, I feel can wait until you are rich or established enough to take these knocks. But when you are starting out you don’t need anything too negative or heavy.

I know I am adding to what you have already heard, but you NEVER PAY FOR ANYTHING WHEN YOU ARE A NEW WRITER. NEVER! And that's not just for a review, but also when looking for a publisher or an agent. NEVER PAY THEM! The only thing you might pay for is good editing, but look into it first and ask whose books they have edited in the past. Contact that writer and ask them if they were satisfied. DO NOT PAY AN AGENT TO SHOP YOURBOOK. NEVER PAY A PUBLISHER TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK AND THEN PAY FOR YOUR OWN COPIES AND HAVE TO DISTRIBUTE YOUR OWN COPIES! If your story is good enough, an agent will willingly shop it for you. HER PAY IS HER COMMISSION. And she gets that from the SALE OF YOUR BOOKS! Never pay a publisher because again, if the story is good enough, they will BUY it from you for an advance and royalties. I have been writing 41 years with 76 books inprint, so I know what I'm talking about. And GET AN AGENT! I have had one through my whole career, and she is the reason I have great sales, even of my backlist, which she got reissued for me through various publishers and Amazon. I am still earning royalties from my very first series, SAVAGE DESTINY, published 41 years ago! Rosanne Bittner

Rosanne wrote: "I know I am adding to what you have already heard, but you NEVER PAY FOR ANYTHING WHEN YOU ARE A NEW WRITER. NEVER! And that's not just for a review, but also when looking for a publisher or an age..."

Thank you for this advice and sharing your experiences. Congratulations on a fantastic career. I am learning a lot from this post!

Thank you Roseanne, that’s useful advice to keep in mind.
I love the sound of your Western books. I must read one. Happy National Book Day. 📖💕

Hello Anne,
I’m sorry you had an unfortunate experience.
Sending hugs and blessings your way.
Stay strong and I wish you all the best,
Sam

SAM214UK wrote: "Hello Anne,
I’m sorry you had an unfortunate experience.
Sending hugs and blessings your way.
Stay strong and I wish you all the best,
Sam"

Thank you so much!

I joined this group this morning and this is the first conversation I've read. Already worth the time! I am a new author self-publishing a Montana murder mystery series. Thank you!

....how do I sign up for the book giveaway?

Kit wrote: "....how do I sign up for the book giveaway?"

Hello, and welcome. You can sign up to do a book giveaway on Goodreads. Here is the link to the info:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

I found it :)

Thanks!

Kit wrote: "I joined this group this morning and this is the first conversation I've read. Already worth the time! I am a new author self-publishing a Montana murder mystery series. Thank you!"

Kit, if you need an ARC reader or book review, ask any of us.

Donna B. Comeaux
https://rb.gy/b7fwne

Thank you so much! My designer/formatter/chief advisor/etc. told me I need reviews. I have found some cost effective reveiw sites that have good reps (I think), but did pay for one expensive one....no review yet.

Is it okay for me to list the books here? I've been reading the rules and don't want to step on any toes....yes, I'm a dork :)