Updated information
Today has been crazy. This morning I took a chance and decided to share something negative that has been going on in the self-publishing world for the past couple of months. It’s a practice that is creating a lot of problems for readers, bloggers and authors.
Since that post I have received a lot of feedback which I used to edit my suggestions to tell whether or not a review is fake. A lot of people made some very good points which I tried to stress. A lot of my suggestions can help spot fake reviews, but as a lot of you pointed out, a lot of readers will post their reviews at multiple sites especially if they like the book. That’s fine and as an author I more than appreciate the effort you put in.
I guess what it comes down to is go with your gut. If you feel as though the reviews might be too good to be true then it probably is. I think the best way to handle this situation that is going on right now and still enjoy good books without being taking advantage of is to download the free sample of the book and use that to help make your decision to invest your time and money into the book. There are a lot of great books out there and I would never want to discourage someone from reading, but I would rather have people aware of a problem before they get manipulated out of their hard earned money.
Today I received a lot messages and emails. The majority of it was extremely positive with a lot of people, authors, bloggers, etc. confirming what I already knew and letting me in on a lot of stuff that I didn’t. It was interesting and a bit frightening, but I’m glad that they shared the information.
Just to clarify a few things:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with marketing or promoting a book. Authors have to do that otherwise their books would never get out there.The problem is when people are arranging for guaranteed 5 star reviews.
Street Teams are a group of readers that love the author’s work and want to spread the word, which again, is great as long as they do this freely and are not being pushed to give 5 star reviews or go attack another author’s work.
Thank you for your time and your support 🙂
Thanks again for the information. I’m the type of rater that if its not a four or a five for me I don’t rate it. Which that could be good or bad. Also, I don’t like giving to much of the story away. Some also give the whole plot away. I just want to hear if you loved it or not. But that’s just me. Again I thank you for the info. Bradford’s forever. Again that’s just me. 🙂
I agree…I hate when people tell too much of the plot in reviews. I immediately stop reading if I see too much being revealed. Tell me what you liked or didn’t like in general so I can make my decision otherwise put “spoiler alert” so I know not to continue if I have not read it yet. I also wish summaries would state in the beginning if it is part of a series and which number book it is.
I must be naive, but I didn”t know about this. I do review books that I read and I am a member in several street teams, but I haven’t given a book a 5 star review unless I thought the book deserved it. Also, I am not heavily involved in the teams I am a member of either.
I believe in being honest about how I feel about a book. It does not help the author to have these reviews. When I review a book I let the author know where I have reviewed it (Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Goodreads.) If I didn’t care for the book I keep that to myself: I was raised if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything. I believe you there is something that bothers you enough you should write a private message to the author. It should not be written all over the internet and it could damage the author. A book I might not care for; could be a book that changes someone else’s life dramatically and vice versa.
I agree with you 110% percent I usually don’t even read other peoples reviews on books because I go by if I have read books by the author before and by reading the back cover, an insert from the book or by just taking a chance. No one is the same and everyone has different reading preferences, what I think was a great book someone else may think the plot was all over the place . I came across your books last year and have enjoyed reading your all of them especially your neighbor from hell books series, I very much enjoy them and have read them over a few times. I look forward to your next one. If people only go by what someone else says they will miss out on some great books out there, I know I would of if I would of listened to their reviews. I have been reading romance books for 25 years and I still love the happy endings after what they have to go through to get there. Keeping on writing and I await for your next Neighbor from Hell book.
I was so happy to see a new book by you in the Amazon store. I always check every so often to see if there is anything new. I have read all the Neighbor from Hell, EMS Series, and the Hollywood series….Loved them all!!!! I would be happy to proofread your work for you. Gonna to go write an awesome review on Amazon. Can’t wait for next book.