I’m SO excited to announce that last weekend I signed a publicity agreement with Creative Edge.
For years, I’ve been doing everything myself: writing, formatting, publishing, and marketing. As the number of books grow, the work increases exponentially. I now have four books published in the Hollystone Mysteries series, book one of a new romance series in revision, and a brand new Lighthouse mystery half finished.
I feel like Mickey Mikkelson is the missing piece I’ve been needing. Just knowing he’s out there working for me gives me a renewed sense of energy. Magic is afoot on this St. Patrick’s Day. I feel blessed and excited because I have no idea what’s coming next.
But if you keep an eye on social media, you’ll find out!
I’d rather be writing books, but if I don’t wade into the promo stream, how will I ever send my babies out into the world? Like any new endeavour, the path is uncertain and fraught with hazards. There is enough information—good and bad—to make your mind spin. So, sometimes we make mistakes.
Recently, I wrote that people who don’t buy my book from Amazon can’t leave a review. I was so convinced of this statement; I offered my first book free for five days so readers who’d previously purchased a print copy at a reading or local bookstore could purchase it for $0.00 and it would show as a verified purchase.
Now I’m reading that’s NOT TRUE! You don’t have to buy my book from Amazon to leave a review. As I’m sorting this out (in my own confused mind) I thought I’d share my discoveries with you. As much as I hate being wrong (don’t we all?) I think it’s important to correct misinformation. I mean, it was misinformation that got me here in the first place.
Who can submit an Amazon review?
Bottom Line: Anyone who’s made any $50 purchase from Amazon can leave a review. Amazon is a huge distributor, so they make their own rules and sometimes tweak them. I tested this theory just to be sure.
I bought Wren Handman’s urban fantasy novel, In Restless Dreams, from her at an author reading in February. When I tried to submit to Amazon.com (US) I didn’t make the cut—I haven’t purchased anything from the US—but I was able to leave a review on Amazon.ca (Canada) because of those supplements I ordered back in March.
What does this mean?
If you picked up a print or digital copy of any of my books sometime, anytime, in the last few years, (even at the library) and read it, you can leave a review (as long as you bought something else from Amazon.) Now that I know this, I’m going to cut/paste some of my Goodreads reviews to Amazon. It only takes a minute and every review helps an author.
What does “Amazon Verified” mean?
Simply that the customer who wrote the review actually purchased the item at Amazon. Some customers like to see this badge before they buy so it gives more credibility to a product or book review. People used to rig reviews by creating thousands of fake names and accounts, so now Amazon is more careful, which I like. Ethical and honest is good.
What if you don’t use Amazon Kindle?
As of July 2020, I’ll still be on Amazon, but I’m taking all my books wide. So, you’ll be able to find them on Kobo, Apple IBooks, and other distributors. You can post reviews in any of several places. I’ll outline some below.
Why are reviews so important ?
Reviews aren’t just important to an author, they’re important to a reader. Do you read reviews? I do. A good reviewer doesn’t just say I liked it or I didn’t. They reveal enough about the story to allow you to make an informed decision. For example, although I write urban fantasy, I usually read and watch murder mysteries, psychological thrillers, and action adventures—which is why there’s a “twist of murder” in my books. I like eccentric complicated characters who live big in the here and now . . . unless I’m delving into history. So that’s what I look for in a review.
How do reviews help an author? First, they help potential customers decide if they want to read this book from the millions available. Many books I compete with have hundreds and thousands of reviews. Seriously. I’m still trying to figure out how to make that happen. I think I should create a coven and get a magic wand!
Book Promoters
Most of the book promoters I want to approach have strict eligibility requirements. For example, Adrenaline sends out thousands of weekly newsletters highlighting free and discounted mystery & crime e-books, but to be considered you need a minimum of 10 reviews and ratings (stars). I recommend you sign up for Adrenaline if you like mystery and crime. I’ve discovered and downloaded a few e-books lately that look fantastic.
Today, I should have just enough reviews—THANK YOU EVERYONE!—to submit to Adrenaline for a July promotion.
Another e-book promoter is The Fussy Librarian. Join for free, and choose your genres and email frequency. I’m running a promo for To Charm a Killer with them on July 7.
Goodreads is fairly well known. I track books I’ve read and want to read there. I also post reviews. Goodreads keeps Listopia—lists of books where readers vote for their favourite books.
My books were just listed and you can vote for them! You’ll find the lists on each book page. Please vote and follow me on Goodreads!
Bookbub is another site that can really drive author and book ratings, and you can sign up to receive emails from them that feature free and discounted books. You need heaps of reviews to become one of their featured authors—it’s like winning a lottery—but I know someone who did it this year, so it’s possible.
You can leave reviews for books you’ve read on Bookbub without making any purchase whatsoever! Here’s my Bookbub page.
This is just a smattering of the marketing know-how I’m learning as I roll along as an Indie Author and Publisher. You can see why I’d rather be writing or walking my dog in the woods!
Thank you SO much if you’ve already posted reviews for my books! You have no idea how much I appreciate your support.
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