Q&A: Should I Pay for a Review?

April 26th, 2012 → 8:00 am @ Carol

Our next short series features common questions authors have on publishing and marketing their books. Take a look at this recommendation for book reviews:

“I know that reviews are necessary for an author’s success. I also know that some places and reviewers charge for reviews. Should I be paying for a book review? Does it really help me with sales?

I would recommend seeking free reviews first. With the paid ones, you are sometimes paying to have your book listed on a website where book reviewers can request a copy. Some paid reviews are really expensive and promise listings on important sites – until you read the fine print and see you’re in a separate listing for paid reviews that is nearly invisible to librarians and booksellers. Some reviews like a blurb off a Kirkus review might help it sell, but the keyword is might. The other problem with a paid review is that there is no guarantee of a good review.”

Thanks to ZLS Publishing for the advice! Be sure to check out their online magazine, Pens and Profits, as a great resource for your writing business. I am grateful to have been featured in their April/May edition, and can well attest to its excellence!

Carol Topp, CPA