tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post6946705909006618465..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Asking For Amazon Reviews: How Far is Too Far?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43259435087844249402021-09-09T14:04:00.678-04:002021-09-09T14:04:00.678-04:00I agree with you. You deliver the informative info...I agree with you. You deliver the informative information related to amazon reviews. I like your article. Besides, If you are worried related to junk removal services then I suggest you to hire <a href="https://north-bay-junk-removal.com/junk-removal-services-in-santa-rosa-ca/" rel="nofollow">Junk Removal Services In Santa Rosa CA</a> for best services.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12508907637478074338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77766962756800258662021-08-30T13:41:05.910-04:002021-08-30T13:41:05.910-04:00Amazon becomes an No#1 Ecommerce website in the wo...Amazon becomes an No#1 Ecommerce website in the world. Which provide a lot project for earning and investing online and get profit through online.<br /><a href="https://a4paintingplus.com/siding-installation-services-in-sacramento-ca/" rel="nofollow">Siding Installation Services in Sacramento CA</a>Jone Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14350828535907978067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1707861493832485302021-08-03T10:59:11.396-04:002021-08-03T10:59:11.396-04:00thanks for share this amazing post, i really like ...thanks for share this amazing post, i really like this post, This time to take advantage of <a href="https://ecohomesd.com/commercial-property-inspection-in-san-diego/" rel="nofollow">Commercial Property Inspection in San Diego</a> visit for more details.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12508907637478074338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62075577613569667192013-09-12T08:50:14.589-04:002013-09-12T08:50:14.589-04:00Hi Jody, yes, reviews are very important to author...Hi Jody, yes, reviews are very important to authors. <br /><br />Thanks for your suggestions:)<br /><br />Best wishes to you,<br />Gabrielleden reisendesjelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13365360392694235559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13942567508834884272013-09-10T22:40:14.887-04:002013-09-10T22:40:14.887-04:00Hi Gabrielle,
I think that we can suggest that pe...Hi Gabrielle,<br /><br />I think that we can suggest that people leave reviews if they're comfortable doing so. Often I don't think the average reader realizes the importance of reviews to authors. So you could generally say something like, "If you have the inclination, please feel free to leave a review. But also there's no obligation." Or something like that. I usually point people to some of my blog posts that suggest ways readers can help their favorite authors. And writing reviews is just one way among many. And then I feel it's my responsibility to make sure my readers know how much I appreciate their work in helping promote me!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5706873061248257252013-09-10T07:02:58.611-04:002013-09-10T07:02:58.611-04:00Hi Jody, I was really glad to discover your blog, ...Hi Jody, I was really glad to discover your blog, and this article just now. I plan to publish my first book in October, and have been trying to learn the best ways of marketing the book. I've read about authors asking for Amazon reviews…..it's been suggested as a good strategy by many. <br /><br />So far, I've asked three people I know online, but I haven't felt comfortable about it. When I've asked for a review, I've only had in mind an honest review. I certainly haven't asked for a five-star review, or offered to pay. Honesty is important to me, but I see that I'm also naive. There's a lot of information out there about how to market a book, but there's a lot of hype. It's often a fight for money. <br /><br />I want my book to sell, but in a good way, which is why I was really glad to discover your article. I've decided to not follow other people so much, but to market my book in my own way…..to let the reviews come on their own, to let the book sell itself. <br /><br />Thank you Jody!<br /><br />All the best with your books!<br /><br />Warm wishes,<br />Gabrielle<br />Gabrielle Berganhttp://www.gabriellebergan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-61669787708881365752011-10-08T20:41:27.066-04:002011-10-08T20:41:27.066-04:00Hi Julie!
Thanks for your input! It sounds like y...Hi Julie!<br /><br />Thanks for your input! It sounds like you have a good system figured out! I wish you all the best with your book's release!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20141203784229965602011-10-07T23:36:07.324-04:002011-10-07T23:36:07.324-04:00Hi Jody,
You've certainly given me something...Hi Jody, <br /><br />You've certainly given me something to think about. I'm about to launch my first ebook, and have always intended to ask for 10 volunteers who'd like a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review... or not. Of the copies I give away, I assume some will write reviews and some won't, and that's fine. I would never dream of asking for a 5 star review, I only want an honest one. To me this is simply book promotion. It's about word of mouth, and people not coming to an amazon page empty of reviews. Ideally, I would like a few there when the book launches, or shortly thereafter. After that, they can dribble in as they will. Personally, I like reading Amazon reviews, mostly because they give me a better idea of the book’s content, especially if I’m on the fence about buying a book. The number of stars a review has means less to me than what the review says. <br /><br />Asking for bloggers to review the book actually seems more mercenary to me (and yet it seems to be considered quite acceptable), because you want their reviews to drive traffic to a book’s sales page, whereas asking someone who already wants to read the book for a review if they like it, so that people who come to my book’s sales page (however they got there) can have a little more information to help them make a decision to buy or not, seems different to me. I do agree, however, that buying reviews or having a contest with a 5 star review as your entry is way over the top. Whatever people’s opinions are about this, thank you for starting such an interesting and important discussion. <br /><br />Julie Isaac<br />http://blog.writingspirit.comJulie Isaachttp://blog.writingspirit.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74176473762406897902011-09-12T19:49:53.758-04:002011-09-12T19:49:53.758-04:00I actually do read the reviews on Amazon but not j...I actually do read the reviews on Amazon but not just the good ones - I also read the 1- and 2-star reviews. If I find people consistently saying the same negative things about a book or product, then I will take their reviews into consideration before purchasing the iten.Lauren F. Boydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03934796581125939821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21210569986616173022011-09-09T10:17:09.804-04:002011-09-09T10:17:09.804-04:00I'm adding my voice to those who don't tru...I'm adding my voice to those who don't trust Amazon reviews. I will add a product review (if prompted by an email from Amazon) but don't generally post book reviews on there. I put my reviews on Goodreads and LibraryThing, but even there I feel that there's a chance of stacking by the author's friends.<br /><br />There are 381 books on my TBR list right now (I KNOW) and they are all from recommendations from Goodreads friends I trust, or from trusted newsletter/review sources. I buy on Amazon but never on the strength of their reviews.<br /><br />Your policy is correct. Authors who solicit reviews just annoy me.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338002014574933192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31432557084366793592011-09-09T05:58:19.293-04:002011-09-09T05:58:19.293-04:00Thanks for swinging by, everyone, and adding to th...Thanks for swinging by, everyone, and adding to the discussion, I've appreciated getting to hear some of the varying perspectives. I think ultimately each of us will need to do what is comfortable for us! But at the same time try to maintain a level of integrity.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90436273674701095072011-09-08T23:35:09.592-04:002011-09-08T23:35:09.592-04:00I agree with not soliciting. People should want to...I agree with not soliciting. People should want to read your book, but not based off of a bunch of fake reviews. Like everything nowadays, if there's a quick buck to be made, it will be made. Good for you for not stepping into all of that!Mary Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09429769115085903305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54598008583760450022011-09-08T23:32:21.707-04:002011-09-08T23:32:21.707-04:00I like your policy. I think your honesty will ser...I like your policy. I think your honesty will serve you well.<br /><br />I was asked to review a book once, which I didn't mind the request since it was one I wanted to read anyway. I was a bit surprised that the author requested that I only post an Amazon review if I thought it was a 4 or 5 star, otherwise, pass on reviewing it.JannaTWriteshttp://www.jannatwrites.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37454081941579609052011-09-08T23:05:18.369-04:002011-09-08T23:05:18.369-04:00I don't see anything wrong with asking for an ...I don't see anything wrong with asking for an honest review on Amazon in exchange for a copy of the book. I would ask that if I sent a copy they would be so kind to leave an honest review. And I truly expect it to be honest because that's the only way I can hone my craft and make the next book better. There are books by authors I admire and I have given them a 1 star review before even though I've given their other books 5 stars or perhaps 4. I think if it's honest and not obligatory, then it's fine. <br /><br />Love your blog. I'm a new follower.Lenasledgeblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03910856908662964093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85296916321915881562011-09-08T13:40:08.411-04:002011-09-08T13:40:08.411-04:00I've seen serial bestselling novelists (won...I've seen serial bestselling novelists (won't name names, but I'm talking guys who are getting movie deals) ask their twitter followers to make sure and give them 5-stars on Amazon. When you're already a bestseller, you shouldn't have to ask your fans. Really, what happened to writing a book of such great quality that readers simply gave it 5-stars because it was 5-stars of awesome.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19367281341330058662011-09-08T12:32:35.314-04:002011-09-08T12:32:35.314-04:00You very well might be the only fiction writer I k...You very well might be the only fiction writer I know who hasn't asked for reviews on Amazon.Pattiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11246904837775307023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59895011132832051132011-09-08T01:43:23.089-04:002011-09-08T01:43:23.089-04:00OK, feeling totally naive here! I had no idea this...OK, feeling totally naive here! I had no idea this was going on...I hate to think that some of the reviews I read are bought and paid for. It underscores the importance of social media and networking for me. If someone in my network says it rocks, 9 times out of 10...it does. :-)Jenny Hansenhttp://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55647681689510440232011-09-07T22:32:25.153-04:002011-09-07T22:32:25.153-04:00I admire your integrity, Jody. It's refreshing...I admire your integrity, Jody. It's refreshing and makes me even more sure I'll love your books when I finally find time to read them.Cally Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08313803959936813426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56510948531575906162011-09-07T19:53:56.905-04:002011-09-07T19:53:56.905-04:00Interesting blog post and interesting news article...Interesting blog post and interesting news article as well--I followed your link. <br /><br />I just finished reading Jennifer Egan's novel A Visit from the Goon Squad. The satirical last chapter explores this very idea of paid ravers. The narrator calls them parrots, or for the truly sophisticated who wish to avoid backlash, blind parrots. I thought the concept was over the top in the way of good satire, but now it seems too real...Deb Atwoodhttp://www.peninherhand.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-26376650855893843612011-09-07T18:04:16.282-04:002011-09-07T18:04:16.282-04:00I was asked to give a review once, and it felt odd...I was asked to give a review once, and it felt odd. The next time I was asked, I declined. I can sort of tell when reviews feel solicited, and I prefer the 'real' ones. <br /><br />Have a great week, Jody.MTeacresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00381461599028233499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5265764581511826732011-09-07T17:09:58.115-04:002011-09-07T17:09:58.115-04:00It's hard to tell what's real anymore, and...It's hard to tell what's real anymore, and like you, I definitely want to be honest. I think that's another way we can honor the Lord through what we are doing, and His blessings will be returned in that. I think you are doing things just right, Jody, and giving the rest of us a lesson in how to do it, too. :)Jennifer K. Halehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10593855135749285028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50120853218361305332011-09-07T14:26:03.197-04:002011-09-07T14:26:03.197-04:00This seems to permeate our entire society now. Kid...This seems to permeate our entire society now. Kids not doing well in school? Let's dumb it down. Wearing a size 8 or above? Let's resize the charts so that an 8 is a 0 - lol! Uh, need an advanced degree to stand out? Let's dumb that down, too. Now we can all have a Master's or a PhD. Need reviews? Everybody says you do. Well, let's stack the decks. Wanna win a publishing contest? Have all of your friends vote for you... not that I'm entirely innocent (especially these days when it's so hard to get any reviews), but you make a good point and it's getting rather silly. All of these things we do to "stand out" and then nobody stands out. I like your idea of just letting it be...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20910800734503116022011-09-07T13:35:54.374-04:002011-09-07T13:35:54.374-04:00I post honest reviews on my blog. I'll never ...I post honest reviews on my blog. I'll never trash a book publically. Authors work too hard. Increasingly, I've had publicists and authors request an Amazon or other online bookstore review. I don't do these as a rule. I think that should be my choice, since I've already committed blog space. Because I know how thos reviews are manipulated, I prefer not to do them.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52463227624050376962011-09-07T12:39:37.329-04:002011-09-07T12:39:37.329-04:00"...now everyone is above average." Well..."...now everyone is above average." Well, haven't we all wanted to live in Lake Wobegon? <br /><br />Seriously, thanks for bringing up the "cooked" review issue, Jody.F.J. Dagghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729587142147896521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21938351393129315782011-09-07T11:27:19.614-04:002011-09-07T11:27:19.614-04:00Great post today, Jody. I totally agree with your ...Great post today, Jody. I totally agree with your policy. I never ask people to post reviews. The closest I come is when someone volunteers to be on my influencer list and asks how they can influence. I mention online reviews as one of several options.<br /><br />Some of my best-written reviews have been attached to 4 stars. In fact I had a great review that was only 3 stars. To me, as an author AND a reading consumer, it is more the content of the review than the number of stars that makes the difference. <br /><br />I try to follow the same policy when I influence for others as well. Honesty, first and foremost. However, like Naomi said, if I'm influencing, I want to help the author, so if I mention something I thought could have been improved, it is always couched as a matter of personal preference.<br /><br />Can't wait to get my copy of The Doctor's Lady!Karen Witemeyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07287122458842709578noreply@blogger.com