Reviews & Blurbing
A couple of years ago I offered a free copy of my latest release in exchange for reviews. I wanted to give the book a proper welcome and since I felt like a total unknown, I thought getting enough reviews would help.
It was a great turnout. People SWAMPED me with requests, but when it came time to pony up, only two people were good enough to post a review. I would've blamed it on the book, but this was for True Believers, winner of TWO "Best of the Year" lists.
Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but I'm going to try it again. I will give away ten copies of Mistress of the Stone. All I ask is that you post an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. The book releases on August 28. If you can post a review the last week of August or the first couple of weeks of September, that would be awesome.
Mistress of the Stone is a paranormal romance set in the early 16th century. If that's your cup of tea, email me. I'd be proud and pleased to have you read it.
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Do we ever get over the fear of being unknown? Last week, an author approached me to blurb her book. I was overwhelmed and honored by the invitation but I had to turn it down. I could not in good conscience blurb her book no matter how highly she thought of me.
Blurbing a book is supposed to help the author SELL books. I honestly don't think my name carries that kind of clout. I would've been wasting her valuable space.
My regret doubled when I read the synopsis. It was the BEST synopsis I had ever read. I can't wait to read this book.
My regret doubled when I read the synopsis. It was the BEST synopsis I had ever read. I can't wait to read this book.
It's true that if I recommend something on this blog or Facebook, the people who regularly read me trust me not to steer them wrong. If I say something is good, they believe me because I don't heap false praise on anyone or anything. It's a responsibility I take seriously. You guys trust me not to screw you over.
But out in the open market, I'm still an unknown. Strangers have no reason to trust me. Even if they read my books, I'm no better qualified. That respect is bestowed only by the people who know me--at least as much as you can know someone on the internet.
Nonetheless, I felt privileged to be asked. It's a huge compliment to be so well considered.
How do you feel about book blurbs?
How do you feel about book blurbs?
Comments
I would rather have someone who liked my book, no matter if they're well known or not, do a blurb. Writers are readers too, and it's the readers we're trying to impress, right?
It made me doubly angry when I learned that when big time authors blurbed a book, many didn't even read it. They just lent their names.
And if I could give reviews, I'd read your book. But I just don't do them well (actually, I hate writing them). I'm always afraid I'll give too much away, then I go the other extreme and become too vague. Oh well...
As a reader, particularly in this digital publishing age, I basically think it's a good to know that an author is supported by their peers. That they didn't just writer a story in their basement and slap it up on Amazon. Essentially, that the author is approaching this as a business and wants to put out a good product.
However, I do completely agree with your perspectives on why you wouldn't want to endorse something you haven't read. Do that too many times, and you'll eventually lead someone to something you aren't aware of, and it could end up losing you a few fans.
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Angela: Poetry is a smaller community. I'll bet more people know you than you think.
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Melissa: I guess if a really big name author blurbed a book, I'd be curious to know what floats her boat. :)
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EJ: I don't know if we need to advertise that other authors support us. I just don't see the average reader being moved by this. But maybe I'm being naive. Wouldn't be the first time. :)
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Barbara: ROTFL! From your lips to God's ear. I've always believed in the following adage:
Be nice to everyone. You never know when they'll end up as your boss.
Having the endorsement is cool, but what it might do is make me go check out the author that did the endorsement, especially if the name doesn't jump out at me. Could be an interesting turn of events for the endorser as well.
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Jackie: I'll email you so you can keep an eye out for this book when it releases. It sounds fabulous!
Blurbing seems different to me. Different to reviews, I mean.
A review is out there: "This is my opinion." Like it, hate it, refute it. But a blurb ... that feels like a promise from an author to their readers. "Here, you'll like this book".
I have bought a book based on a blurb ... Patricia Briggs for Ilona Andrews' first book. I now auto-buy both authors :)
Yes. A blurb is a confirmation. That can work for you if the author is respected--or work against you if s/he's not.
I've been around long enough (and interviewed enough BNAs) to know who's on the level and who's a drama queen. This could be why I have so little faith in blurbs.
For my first novel, I used - with permission - quotes from those who read and reviewed ARC. I hadn't realized there was any other method! Jeez! Shows what I know...lol.
Ref: quotes
Actually that's a very valid (and I think) better way to show validation. Reviewers do this for a living and they are usually very articulate and honest. I trust them more than other authors.
In the end, I'd be more interested in the opinion of a voracious reader than a well-known author.
Good luck with Mistress of the Stone! I bet it's a great book!
I don't mind if people don't want to review something, but I'm dismayed that they'd ask for a free copy with no intention of reviewing.
But I'll send you Mistress if you want. It's grown a bit since you've seen it.