I don't do many book reviews on this site. I've sometimes mentioned books on writing that I've found particularly helpful (which reminds me that I need to post that complete list again soon). There are occasions when I've read something that elicits a comment and recommendation from me. And more recently I've taken advantage of the offer from a particular publisher to receive books from a limited list of choices in exchange for agreeing to post a review on my blog and a web site such as Amazon. Usually these are books I'd enjoy reading anyway, so I figured the trade-off was worth it, especially since the publisher assures those of us in the program that they want our honest review.I recently signed up to review a particular book that sounded interesting. I found it to be fascinating and worthy of my recommendation. I was all set to post my review when I noticed the fine print in the offer. All reviews were to be posted on such-and-such a date. I checked on this by email and was told that yes, there was an embargo on my post until the date when all the reviews were to go out. I suppose this is just another marketing tool, a way to create instant buzz and maybe get this book to the top of some list or other. But it felt funny to me to be told I couldn't post my recommendation until some arbitrary time.
Advance reader copies of books go out all the time, hoping for blurbs to be used on back covers and in advertising. Influencer copies are sent to a number of people designated by the author and publisher in an effort to create positive buzz. I suppose there's no difference between these actions and sending out review copies with a request that all reviews be posted on one day to create a barrage of publicity. What do you think?
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Hi Richard. I'm pretty sure I'm reviewing the same book as you for Thomas Nelson. I've reviewed other books before for this publisher. They are treating this one a little different.
This is the first time that they have asked the reviewers to post on the same day. They also made available about 3oo more books for reviews than they usually make available because of reviewer demand. They allowed reviewers to request the book even if they already had another book in the review process(you normally must read a book and complete the review before you can request another.) So, we are part of an experiment.
I'll be interested to see the result. The author already has a prior successful book and platform.
It would be more interesting to see the result if the author was a debut fiction novelist with a small platform.
I'm all for experimentation with marketing techniques since it seems many of them don't work in the book realm. However, it would seem those participating could conceivably post twice--once on the all important "spawn" group post and the other independently.
Amazon doesn't allow reviews for books they have on "pre-order" status. This makes it kind of dicey for reviewers of ARCs. Could this be the reason?
Hi Richard! I have two things to say. One - I read on Rachelle Gardner's site that you have a book coming out soon! A big CONGRATS to you! I didn't know she was your agent. I follow her blog - she is wonderful! And two - you directed me to your book, A Tender Scar, after I emailed you some questions about a medical situation in my WIP. I have read your book and want to thank you for it. It is such a well-written, thoughtful book on dealing with a death of a spouse. I felt as if it gave me great insights in how my character might be feeling. Thanks so much Richard!
One advantage of having all reviewers post on the same day is that if any of their blog readers decide to purchase the book they will purchase it at about the same time and create a spike in Amazon.com sales rank. That spike may be enough to put it on the radar of some people who wouldn't otherwise know about the book.
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