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Tag Archives: book reviews
Amazon cuts social-networking features for authors, customers
Amazon killed its “Friends” networking feature that had enabled authors and readers to forward messages through the online retailer.
It’s the latest in several recent steps Amazon has taken restricting communication among authors and customers. (Update: please see the first comment below this post; Amazon has blocked new authors from its Connect blogging feature.)
Until recently, Amazon’s [...]
Amateur book reviews: Smart crowds or dumb mobs?
National Public Radio carried a story today about online book reviews. It was relatively complimentary about the “democratization” of book reviews thanks to Amazon. I tend to agree, the more opinions that people are able to filter through before making a buying decision, the more likely they are to buy.
It’s certainly true that online reviews [...]
An interesting quandry for Amazon Vine reviewers
If you really hate a book, should you review it? That’s the dilemma facing some participants of the Amazon Vine reviewing program.
The program offers free advance reading copies in exchange for a review posted on Amazon’s site. My friend Christine, a top reviewer at Amazon, is one-fifth of the way through a book she requested, [...]
Q&A: Should I print Advance Review Copies of my book?
QUESTION: I want to submit Advance Review Copies (ARCs) of an upcoming book to the review journals such as Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Soon I’ll have copies of the finished book, but I don’t have any copies marked “ARC.”
I’ve gotten quotes for printing ARCs, and the cost seems astronomical. Is this really necessary? One [...]
Q&A: How can I promote my book with a press release?
QUESTION: I’d like to alert the media to my book using a press release, but am unsure who should write it. I may be an expert on my book’s subject, but not on writing press releases.
I’ve heard that you get one chance to make an impression with the media, and if the press release is [...]
Amazon permits video book reviews
It had to happen sooner or later: Amazon is allowing customers to upload video book reviews. So far I’ve been able to find three video reviews for toys and gadgets (apparently all submitted by Amazon employees) but none for books.
It will be interesting to see how closely Amazon polices copyright violations, which have been rampant [...]
Q&A: Where can I have advance reading copies of my book printed?
QUESTION: I know it’s important to send advance copies of my book to the media and book reviewers. But when I printed the first offset run of 1000 finished books, I received just one galley, which I had to return to the printer.
If I send finished books to reviewers, I’m afraid they won’t read [...]
Q&A: When should I send my book to Amazon reviewers?
QUESTION: I’m soliciting Amazon customer reviews for my novel. When offering a review copy, how far in advance should I approach potential reviewers? Is four months before publication too soon? Should I send a finished copy or an advance readers edition?
ANSWER: For Amazon reviewers, wait until just a week or so before your [...]
More tidbits on Amazon Vine and prepublication reviews
Have you gotten your invitation to Amazon Vine yet? Many of Amazon’s Top Reviewers have volunteered to review advance copies of books after receiving this e-mail:
Dear XXXXX:
As one of our most valued customer reviewers, we would like to offer you a special invitation to join an exciting new Amazon.com program called Amazon Vine. As a [...]
Amazon: Don’t let Kindle fans trash your book reviews – Techcrunch