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Why Do Reviews Matter?

January 21, 2015

It might sound simplistic to ask whether reviews really matter. Every author knows they’re important but I’d venture to guess every indie author who goes through the process of seeking them ends up asking the same question.

Why is this so hard?

Getting reviews can take a significant amount of time, effort and money … and as an indie doing it all yourself, with no publishing house support, you’re bound to ask yourself whether it’s all worth it. Yes, it really is, for one very good reason:

The biggest hurdle any indie book faces is getting discovered.

Consistent big volume sellers like Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, James Patterson or John Grisham are rare in the publishing world and they tend to be viewed as virtual ATM machines.

When their publishing houses announce a new book from one of these stars, the pre-orders alone make them oodles of money.

But that’s not true for most writers and certainly not for indies.

Getting Noticed
According to Publishers Weekly (July 17, 2006) the average book in America never sells more than 500 copies … and those average sales have fallen in the years since that statistic was written.

According to BookScan, the average U.S. book is now selling less than 250 copies per year and less than 3,000 copies over its lifetime. The reason is simple.

It’s crowded out there.

Bowker, one of the main issuers of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), reports that over two million (2,352,790) books were published in the U.S. in 2012, which is a million more than the number of books published four years earlier.

More than two thirds of them are self-published books, which is where most of the growth in recent years has taken place. And those numbers don’t include books without ISBN numbers (which many self-published digital books don’t have).

That’s a lot of new books vying for attention.

In a crowd like that, even a book that’s well-written, well-edited, and beautifully crafted may only sell a few copies … unless people somehow learn it’s there.

Reviews Matter
If your book is going to get noticed in that mass of words, you need good reviews you can quote in promotional materials, and you want online shoppers who land on your book pages to see good reviews from readers.

However, if you’re an indie author shopping around for reviews you have to be careful. There are a lot of disreputable operations that will guarantee you a good review for a fee. Guarantee it.

But trust me, they’re a waste of your time and money. No one gives them any credibility at all because their words of praise are worthless, except, perhaps, as a salve for your ego (and I won’t even bother to mention any of them here).

However, there are some really good book review companies. Most of them also charge a fee for their time; but notice I didn’t say anything about them giving you a good review.

No reputable company will promise you a good review.

Some Reliable Review Sources
When you deal with a reputable company you get an honest, well-written review delivered for a set price, on a set schedule. In most cases, they publish it on their web site and distribute it through other channels. You can also use the review (or an excerpt) in your promotional materials.

These companies may differ in the fees they charge and how they distribute their reviews, but none of the reputable review companies will promise you anything but the truth … and an honest review sometimes hurts.

Before deciding to use any company, make sure you understand exactly what they offer and read some of their reviews so you have some idea of what to expect.

More importantly, before you seek any review at all … try to write a good book.

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I knew you were going to be curious, so I’ve listed six of the top review sources that the industry (not just me) consider reliable:

Kirkus Reviews has long been considered the gold standard in book-reviewing companies. Kirkus Reviews of traditionally published works are published, whether they are good or bad, and Kirkus is known for some pretty harsh reviews.

Kirkus now also offers its reviewing service for indie books. However, as an indie (and only as an indie), you have a choice: keep your review private or publish it, without charge, on the Kirkus web site. Bad reviews never have to see the light of day. You can chalk it up to an expensive learning experience.

If you choose to publish it, you can then use it in promotional materials and Kirkus will distribute it to Google, Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor, and other venues. It could also appear in the Kirkus magazine or email newsletter.

Kirkus Indie Reviews charges US$425.00 for standard service (7-9 weeks) or US$575.00 for express (4-6 weeks). You send in your book by mail, or by uploading a PDF or Word document, and receive a review of 250-350 words.

But the review will be good only if your book is.

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Blue Ink Review works much like Kirkus, but was founded more recently and deals exclusively with indie books. Their fees are and timelines are in the same general range as Kirkus: US$395.00 (7-9 weeks) or US$495.00 (4-5 weeks).

If you choose to upload your book as a PDF (rather than sending a printed copy), Blue Ink Review charges an extra US$19.95 to cover the cost of printing a paper copy for their reviewer.

Like Kirkus, Blue Ink’s reviews run 250-350 words. Once you receive your review you have ten days to choose whether to keep it private or allow it to be published (note that by default it will be published – to keep it private you must notify the company by email). Blue Ink also distributes their reviews through Ingram, Publishing Perspectives, and Self-Publishing Review.

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IndieReader.com is a popular web site devoted specifically to indie books and issues related to indie publishing. The IndieReader.com review fee is US$100.00. Their reviews are guaranteed to be at least 300 words long, with a rating from one to five stars, delivered within 8-10 weeks. Their reviews are posted on their own site, on Amazon, and on iDreamBooks.com.

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Self Publishing Review is another specialist web site devoted to indie publishing. They offer reviews for US$75.00, with a minimum of 500 words delivered within one month. Their reviews are posted on their site, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and, in some cases, the personal blog of the reviewer. Like Kirkus Reviews and Blue Ink, Self Publishing Review also offers the option of keeping the review private if it isn’t favorable.

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Publishers Weekly is widely read by publishers, editors, librarians, and agents … and it also offers an indie book promotion package that at least offers the possibility of a review.

PW Select is a supplement to Publisher’s Weekly that comes out six times a year. For US$149.00 you can purchase a promotional announcement in PW Select that will include basic information about your book. Included in the price of your fee you also get a 6-month digital subscription to Publishers Weekly.

However, not all indie books submitted will be reviewed. Only about 25% of the books that appear in PW Select will be selected to be reviewed, and there’s no guarantee your book will be one of them. Neither can you opt out of having a bad review published.

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Readers Favorite is the fastest growing book review and award contest site on the Internet. It reviews books for all the major publishing houses, as well as indie authors.

They will post 4- and 5-Star reviews on popular trade and social media sites, to help readers discover your book. Lesser-rated reviews will not be made public, but they are sent directly to the author as information they can use to improve their writing.

Readers Favorite will review your book for free, but they also sponsor a highly competitive annual contest covering multiple genres that you can enter for a fee (generally less than $100, depending on how many genres you select).

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My books have garnered some terrific reviews. You can see the stories I have available by using the Amazon link below.

You’re also invited to visit my web site, BROKEN GLASS, or like my Book of Face page. You can also follow my shorter ramblings on The Twitter.

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Comments posted below will be read, greatly appreciated and perhaps even answered.

Tags:book marketing, reviews, self-publishing
Posted in Author Review, Award-Winning Fiction, Book Promotion | 2 Comments »

Author Interview – T.W. Dittmer

November 20, 2014

Today I’m interviewing Michigan writer, T.W. Dittmer, the author of the interesting novel, “The Valley Walker.”

T.W. Dittmer, Indie Author

John Walker Michaels, a man known to the Hmong of Laos as the Valley Walker, a man the army has classified as a deserter … an openly emotional man who draws her out of her shell and into the world of Hmong mysticism. At the end of this time … even after talking to him, learning his history and meeting his family … Special Investigator Teri Altro can only shake her head when asked about him.

She had touched him and felt his warmth. She knew he was real.

Or was he?

~ from The Valley Walker

Welcome to “Painting With Light,” Tim.
Thank you, Ron.

I’m fascinated with your novel. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I grew up in Gary, Indiana. My father worked in the steel mills, then turned to preaching the Gospel. My mother was a legal secretary. After graduating from high school, I joined the Army and volunteered for Vietnam.

When my military service was complete I studied music, but ended up working in an automobile engine testing laboratory.

An interesting background. What were you like at school?
I was a dreamer in high school. Not a bad kid, but not very motivated, so my grades were poor. I did better in college.

Were you good in English?
Not really, but I liked reading, which got me pushed into the advanced English and Composition courses.

Who are your favorite authors?
Stephen King, Thomas Harris and John Steinbeck.

Where do your ideas come from?
They can come from anywhere. An idea occurs to me, then works at me until I spend a lot of time pacing the floor and imagining it coming to life.

The Valley Walker

Do you have an “elevator speech” for your novel?
No. I’m no good at that sort of thing, and I prefer the stairs. To me, The Valley Walker is a soldier’s story.

There’s a lot of that in my work, too. Do you work to an outline or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?
I can’t work to an outline. More power to those who can, but it’s just not me.

How have you evolved creatively since you started writing?
My writing started as an outlet … a purely selfish indulgence, I guess. Once I put my work out there and started getting feedback, I realized I wasn’t being clear about the thoughts I was trying to convey. Now I try to write in a way that makes more sense to the reader.

What’s the hardest thing about writing?
None of it is “hard” but it’s definitely a growing process. The Valley Walker is my first novel, and it’s a long road ahead of me. It’s been an interesting journey, so far. I’ve met some great people and learned more than I thought possible. I imagine the journey will become even more interesting.

For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional printed books?
It depends. Some books I like on my eReader, others I prefer in print form.

What’s your favorite book?
That changes as I change, but Steinbeck’s East of Eden is my favorite right now.

What is your favorite quote?
I don’t have a favorite quote. I don’t like to align my life with another person’s idea of achievement or inner peace.

Do you have anything else in the works right now?
I am currently working on the second draft of my next novel, in the same genre.

I’m looking forward to it. Good luck, Tim … and thanks for doing the interview.
Thanks, Ron. It is truly an honor to be associated with a serious writer like you.

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I’m just about finished reading Tim’s remarkable book, and I already know what I’m going to say in my review:

“The Valley Walker” is one of those rare stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Most of the characters are totally believable, and the lead character, John Walker Michaels, was superb. This unusual story of a young soldier who turns into so much more will keep readers turning the pages. Well done!

“The Valley Walker” is available as an eBook on Amazon, and you can discover more about the author at these locations:

Facebook
Twitter
Website
LinkedIn
Goodreads

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My readers know there is a lot of realistic Vietnam War reference in my novels “Reichold Street” and “One Way Street.” I think the books are a perfect way to remember, and express my gratitude to, friends who served or perished over there.

As always, you can find my books as eBooks or paperback on Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble. You’re also invited to visit my web site, BROKEN GLASS, or like my Book of Face page. You can also follow my shorter ramblings on The Twitter.

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Comments posted below will be read, greatly appreciated and perhaps even answered.

Tags:author interview, indie writers, self-publishing
Posted in Author Review, Book Review | 13 Comments »

Author Interview – Laura Lee

November 11, 2014

Today I’m not posting about my own books, or talking about any of the ins-and-outs of indie publishing. I’m returning a favor by interviewing another Michigan author who was kind enough to tell her own blog followers about my writing adventures.

Today’s author, Laura Lee, not only plans to publish her next book as an indie, but already has quite a few traditionally published books to her credit.

Laura Lee, Traditional and Indie Author

Welcome to “Painting With Light,” Laura.
Thank you, Ron.

Laura, I’m embarrassed to admit I haven’t read any of your work. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m mostly known for non-fiction in the humorous reference category. My best seller was “The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation.” Last year I did a book with Reader’s Digest called “Don’t Screw It Up.”

Lately, I’m more focused on fiction and other projects. My first novel “Angel” was published in 2011 and was released in audio format for the first time a couple of weeks ago. (I’ve found it is hard to find reviewers for audiobooks.)

I’ve decided to try the indie route for my next novel, “Identity Theft.” This is a new experience for me. I raised the initial funds on Pubslush, the literary crowd-funding site.

My campaign was both more successful and exciting than I had expected and also a little bit disappointing because I think I might have had more success reaching people outside my normal circle of friends on another, more popular, crowd-funding site. Live and learn.

Where do your ideas come from?
My non-fiction books have been a combination of ideas I generated and some generated by publishers. I like having books assigned to me and just writing them because I enjoy the process of writing much more than I like the process of marketing and selling the concept of a book.

I can’t say that I have a source of ideas for fiction. My novel “Angel” was initially sparked by a trip to Washington. I took a bus tour of Mt. Rainier and the entertaining tour guide kept talking about burning out on his old job. At some point someone asked him what his old job had been and he said “a minister.”

I kept coming back to the question of what would attract someone to both the mountain and the ministry and what kind of conflict might put him out of step with his congregation. When the idea that the character might become attracted to another man hit me the rest of the story followed naturally.

Early on, I wrote terrible fiction that was highly autobiographical. I’ve found I get much better results when I put some distance between myself and my story. I need some overarching concept to guide the story.

With “Angel” it was the metaphor of the mountain. With “Identity Theft” it’s the notion of personal identity.

I think it is a common misconception that a big problem for writers is coming up with ideas. For me, the more pressing problem is finding the time and energy to develop the ideas I have into finished products.

Do you work to an outline or plot, or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?
I’ve never been able to write from an outline. When I was in school, when you had to turn in an outline first, I always had to write the whole paper then go back and create an outline from what I had written.

For me the natural progression of writing comes from the writing itself. Of course, with non-fiction book proposals you have to create an outline. Then you write the book and it is always different from the proposal.

In terms of fiction, I generally do not start with a plot and write from beginning to end. I have ideas, I write scenes, bits of dialogue. At some point I have enough critical mass that I see how they fit together and I finish the whole book. I write in layers and the novels I have written have all taken shape over a period of years.

When do you do most of your writing?
Writing for me is a multi-stage process. So there is a period when you are writing down concepts and ideas. Then you realize that you have hit a roadblock and you go and do something else.

I will often pose the question to myself: What is missing here? Then I will go and take a shower or watch TV or read a book. At some point my subconscious will come back with the answer to the question and then I will go and write it down as quickly as I can before it escapes.

So I am constantly writing little things in notebooks and on scrap paper. A lot of times I will write down the rough notes and then polish it in the morning. I am a full time writer, so I write fairly constantly. I don’t find that a “morning pages” or “time for writing now” approach works for me.

Who (or what) inspires your writing?
My novels tend to be made up of various attempts at writing other novels. I will write something and put it aside and later get a new idea and suddenly something from the past will seem to fit in with it.

A number of years ago I worked in the office of the folk singer Arlo Guthrie, sitting under a gold record with a spider caught under the glass, and I was handed a stack of fan letters to answer. I tend to file away details like a framed gold record with a spider caught under the glass.

I thought that the idea of someone who was tasked with answering fan correspondence online, who decided to take on the rock star’s identity was an interesting concept for fiction.

The idea languished for a while, but I recently saw Adam Ant in concert. He was the iconic rock star for me … my junior high school idol … and the experience of seeing him years later got me thinking about the story again. This time I had the momentum to finish it. “Identity Theft” deals with a lot of the things I have been thinking about and reading about in the past few years.

Do you have any funny or peculiar writing habits?
Ideas seem to come to me like magic in the shower. I don’t know why that is.

What’s your favorite quote?
I like this quote by Philip Schultz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet:

“To pay for my father’s funeral I borrowed money from people he already owed money to. One called him a nobody. No, I said, he was a failure. You can’t remember a nobody’s name, that’s why they’re called nobodies. Failures are unforgettable.”

What would you change about yourself, if you could?
I would have been born with a small fortune.

What do you find the hardest thing about writing?
I enjoy writing. What I find hardest is maintaining a career as a writer.

What are your plans for future projects?
My novel “Angel” just came out in audio and “Identity Theft” is coming soon. Beyond that, it will depend on what I am able to sell. I have a proposal for a biography that I am quite invested in circulating. I’ve written a stage play, a comedy, which has gotten some good feedback, but it has a relatively large cast which is a challenge in terms of getting it staged.

I have another novel, which is complete and has come close to being sold a couple of times, which I may put out after “Identity Theft.” I’ve also been having some conversations about more non-fiction. So, whatever someone will pay me to do next will be the next thing.

Thank you for talking with us, Laura.

You can find out more about Laura Lee on her web site, check her out on Goodreads or follow her on Twitter.

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My readers know there is a lot of realistic Vietnam War reference in my novels “Reichold Street” and “One Way Street.” I think today is the perfect day to express my gratitude to all my friends who served or perished over there.

In fact, I’d like to thank all our military personnel, everywhere, including my father-in-law and my late father, for their service and sacrifice. We’re extremely proud of you.

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Comments posted below will be read, greatly appreciated and perhaps even answered.