Thanks, Peter. I know exactly what you’re saying. I’m with you — I’m not comfortable doing it either for so many reasons — but I think it’s a very personal decision. In my case, it’s about “authenticity,” but I’ve noticed that others see it as a marketing tactic that’s perfectly acceptable.

It’s good to hear from you!

Sandy

I am against paying for reviews, even to those “reviewers” who do not guaranty a positive review. They must realize that supplying favorable reviews is in their own economic interest, as their “business” would dry up if authors came to realize that they were paying for what might turn out to be neutral or unfavorable reviews. Such reviewers would be as unpopular with their clients as stock market analysts would be with the companies they cover if they issued a lot of “sell” recommendations.

As an author, I would not like to offer my potential readers tainted information, anymore than, as a reader, I would want to be basing my book-buying decisions on tainted information.

I apologize for being so long-winded.

Thanks,
Peter

I agree, Virgie. See my comment to Al below.

Sandy

Also, just getting reviews is not enough. You still need to keep doing what you can to get the word out to people that the book is available. Use everything you can think of including whatever social media sites you use (FB,Google,etc.), friends, family and anyone else that will help.

Thanks, Virgie. It’s hard for ANY authors to know who to trust.

Also, true media reviewers don’t charge and are influential, so remember to send review copies to those that make the most sense, including trade publications when appropriate.

Sandy

From the research I have done, I have found that some (but not all) reviewers do charge. Not necessarily a lot, but none of the one’s I have check out have said they will give a positive review. In fact, they have said they will give a review period. If they think the book is good, the review will be good; if they think the book is not so good, they will say so. I think it is very hard for new authors to know who they can trust and who they can’t. You just have to do your research and pick people that do NOT guarantee a good review.

Virgie, what do you think of that option?

Sandy

Al, that’s one reason why I push authors to think past reviews when promoting their books. Most of us aren’t going to get reviews, good or bad, w/out paying for them. Whether you want to pay is a matter of personal choice. What works for you might not work for me and vice versa.

Sandy