UK Amazon Kindle Forum discussion

How hard is it to get Amazon to release an email to everyone who has purchased a book to state there is a revised edition available? (Rhetorical question)

Apparently my word that a new version isn't good enough to satisfy them. They have demanded I explain what has changed between the version, and only then will they decide if it warrants an email, or whether they will put a small link in Manage my Kindle.

I think this is shocking liberty taken by Amazon, who quite frankly are getting too big for their boots. Apple push updates, as do other providers.

If a mistake is found that could impact on sales, surely Amazon should allow me to spread that fix to everyone.

Incidentally, my fix is a glossary of names, I have rejigged one scene as it bugged me a little, and an autocorrected word. (These don't impact the story, well the autocorrected word does, but I feel it's important that the reader gets the very best copy).

I'll keep you up to date with the outcome.

Harrison

It is odd. I hardly ever get updates now.

I'd heard that they'd broken the update system, so had to email them and request that they email purchasers.

Then I get an email demanding why. Cheek.

I had an email off them last week. Can't remember which book it was...

Nick Spalding made a short story into a whole collection and amazon hasn't sent an email out.

I have only ever had 1 email about an update in over a year...

Well, I've emailed my response and told them how condescending their email was, and that I was the owner and author of said material, and if I deemed the fixes to be critical to the enjoyment of the book, then they should accept that.

They have annoyed me no end. They get 70% of my revenue stream for listing it on a database. The author does all the hard work.

How hard is it to press a button that emails customers that an update is available?

You might try calling Author Central and chatting with them. In the U.S., at least, they're pretty good at explaining the relevant issues involved and if there is a solution they can help you target your request to the right department. In the end, you might not get satisfaction but at least you might have an explanation.

I'd imagine Amazon has an interest in minimizing emails to customers so as not to dilute the power of their targeted marketing emails. I'll be interested in the outcome, though. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice Steven...I will certainly do that if I get no joy...

I've had my kindle for 18 months and never had an update notification. I always ask when I know there's one out. They are very good and quick at sending them but rubbish at doing it at the author's bidding!

Have to be honest. Wouldn't want an email for every book update. I mean it'd get annoying after a while. If I read a book and I see it has an update, I'll download the new one but I don't want to be told. I'm with Amazon on this, sorry.

I don't want emails constantly, either. I'd much prefer the books to be perfect before being uploaded then there's no need for updates.

Well Amazon should accept updates from authors with no questions but I guess they don't have to let the readers know each time that happens. Shouldn't be asking authors to justify why they have made changes.

Well this is one update only and the only way I can notify is with a blanket email. Amazon will add a link in Manage my Kindle if needed. My main gripe is they should accept my update is to better the customer experience and accept my word.

Of course things should be uploaded perfect. But sadly we live in an imperfect world, and despite everything a couple of things were missed, and a third was a request.

Amazon for some reason will not allow download of latest version without some special link. I find it odd that only new customers get the latest revision.

I suppose the real question is why would anyone who has already read your book be bothered to read it again because it has been amended. I wouldn't to be honest.

Funny you should say that. Quoted from a reader I had a conversation with: "the 2nd book is taking too long, I need to know what had happened to Marrok and Coinin. Seriously though 2nd time through, just as good as the first time, and will probably read it again before the 2nd one comes out. I am really looking forward to the 2nd one, and hopefully many more. Keep up the good work :)"

And

"ooh a revised edition. I am going to have to re-read it now"

There are people out there that do...

I often re-read books Simon. (Not JUST those by Cornelius Harker!)

I very rarely do. Too many great books out there that I've not read for the first time.

I read those in the day and in the evening Patti. I want comfort reading in bed - something I KNOW I'm really going to enjoy. You don't want to end the day cross and dissatisfied.

There are also a lot of people who have downloaded books and havent got round to reading them yet! I'd be grateful to know of updates for books in my tbr list

Apparently you can opt in/out of notifications. So the impact isn't going to be too bad.

My whole concern is making sure the end user gets the best experience possible.

Well I never knew that. Maybe I should opt in. How do you do it?

I've never 'opted in' yet have had many emails, Ignite.

I assume you're opted in until you opt out, then.

Opt in, opt out, shake it all about.

I must have opted out at some point cause I know that you have received updates for books that I have too, Patti and I never received the update for them.

So THATS what its all about!

No, you didn't turn around and you most certainly DID NOT do the hokey kokey.

I can do it now if you want....

Well alright then

Ok, hokey cokeying like mad over here....

I miss doing the hokey kokey...

19 posts left

17 now....

Should really get this thread back on topic about Amazon updates

Yep - sorry about the thread creep Harrison. We'll go away now...

Lol I don't mind. It may be two weeks before Amazon decide in their wisdom that I'm worthy to have updates notified.

So you'll join in the hokey cokey in the meantime?

At least the thread is being bumped and kept active :o)

One comment to go Jud!

So I updated my prices on Amazon well over 24 hours ago, and now the Bookshelf is stuck on publishing, so I am unable to upload the revision. It goes from bad to worse.

Bookshelf finally published...due to a technical error I'm advised. It would be nice if Amazon took the time to inform clients of any issues.