So, reviews.
Reviews are vital to authors. Word of mouth is, ultimately, how you sell books. Which is why I've been spending a lot of time sending out requests to book bloggers.
There are three kinds of reviewers:
Professional reviewers work for a publication, such as Analog's Don Sakers. They are paid by the publication. Some also work freelance, but they syndicate their columns to multiple outlets. You see professional reviews in magazines and newspapers, or on their websites. Some are full time.
Customer or "organic" reviewers. That's the person who just likes to put reviews up on Amazon or Goodreads. Paradoxically, they're often the most valuable.
Book bloggers fall into the area in between. They have their own outlet for their reviews, but don't work for a publication or get paid by one. Book bloggers have followings that range from a handful to thousands (and some of those can, indeed, work full time).
It's book bloggers I want to talk about right now. There are hundreds of the and, of course, they are not made equal. Most will take review requests from authors or publishers, but not always follow through because they get so many books. Some will only review books they actually liked.
They put in a lot of effort and they want...and deserve...to get some compensation beyond free copies of the book.
Which means that a sadly high percentage decide to obtain that compensation by charging authors and publishers for reviews (or, alternatively, charging to be put at the top of the to be read pile).
It might seem reasonable. After all, they're providing a great marketing service.
The problem is: It's simply not ethical. Now, I love book bloggers. I have quite a few legitimate, ethical reviewers willing to read Daughter of Fire. Some of them may give me a one star, and that's just a hazard of the situation. Besides, bad reviews can actually sell books. I would never knock those people.
But the ones who charge?
First of all, it's against Amazon's TOS to pay for reviews or to even give free product in exchange for a review. They make an exception for books because it is a tradition to provide ARCs and other review copies, as long as they don't find out you're asking for a GOOD review. (If a reviewer gives you a 1 or 2 stars it can actually help keep you out of 'zon jail). If you're caught, you can lose your entire Amazon account permanently. No more selling books on Amazon, which can be career-ending for an independent author. And no more buying anything from Amazon, no more Amazon Prime, no more functional Echo. Yes, they have done this to people. Some people have gotten their accounts back.
Second of all, and even more of a concern: Once a reviewer starts accepting money from authors or publishers, then those authors and publishers are their customers. No matter how honest you think you are, if somebody is paying you for something, you want to keep them happy. That's just human nature. And even if you do manage to not push everyone up a star to keep them happy, if readers find out, they will assume you are. Your reviews will become tainted and suspect...and thus of no value to authors.
Finally, if a blog is getting its money from authors they have no incentive to market and increase their traffic, which means they probably have fewer followers anyway.
As an author, never pay for reviews. Also, never send review copies to anyone who admits on their website to charging for reviews. Readers and vendors may assume you are paying even if you aren't.
As a reviewer, you want to get paid? Good. I want you to get paid too. Here are some things you can do:
1. Charge for other promotional services, whilst stating up front that they're sponsored and that you never charge for reviews. You can, for example, make a bit of money charging for cover reveals and launch announcements. If you do, then only use copy provided by the author.
2. Get a Patreon. I don't know why so few book bloggers have a Patreon. You can leverage it by giving subscribers access to reviews a few days early, or you can offer other material such as long form analysis of books.
3. Set up a digital tip jar. Use a service that allows you to receive tips anonymously. That way, authors who DO want to send you money can...and it's fine because you will never know they did it and it won't bias you.
4. Run ads on your blog. Be aware that giving priority to authors or publishers that buy ads is still compensation. Blogspot has good tools for allowing you to run ads without a lot of hassle.
5. Join affiliate programs and set up your links so when people click through direct from your blog you get commission.
As a reader, what should you do?
1. Follow only blogs that do not charge for reviews. As a note, Urban Caver and The Reading Bud both charge, but don't admit it on their website. Also, if the blog appears to have a lot of language aimed at authors or publishers, consider going elsewhere. They are more likely to be stealth charging. Remember, the target audience should be you, the reader. You are their customers, not the authors.
2. If you really like a book blog and have a bit of cash to spare, give them a tip. If they don't have a way for you to do so, email them and ask them why.
3. Share reviews you find useful to you on social media to help both the author and the book blogger.
4. Many book bloggers have affiliate programs, so if you click through their blog to buy the book they just talked you into buying they'll get a small commission.
But never pay or charge for reviews. It can and has ruined everything for naive authors who are desperate to get some promotion.
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