What? People Buying Reviews?

 

Do people really do this?  Since becoming an author, one thing I've noticed in forums, on comments, in the news and even on reviews is that there is 'hype' that some authors— indie or traditional—buy reviews.  Even worse, there are also rumors that some authors will PAY to have bad reviews put on OTHER author's books or purposely write bad reviews on another's book to bring that book's ratings down! 

I sincerely hope that is not true, but had to comment.

My question is this- WHY?!!  As an indie author, I can say either you'll like my books or you won't.  There's no need to buy reviews and I certainly wouldn't stoop to buy reviews that badmouth another author.   That is simply awful!

In the wide world of books while, yes, there are competitors, I don't know anyone who will ONLY read books from ONE author.  If  you like thrillers, wouldn't you read any author's thriller as long as it looked appealing?  Is the general public just going to sit around and wait for their one favorite author to write another book without checking out other authors?  As an avid reader, I can tell you that there is no way I would just sit and wait. I'll read books by other writers without a problem, as long as I like their style.  There's no need to crush a fellow author. 

So, that being said, I find it important enough to repeat.  There's no need to smash the competition.  Since I've been writing, I've met other authors who write of the same genre I do and their work is amazing.  You can bet that I've given them a great review if I enjoyed their books. I would never badmouth them just to direct readers my way.  

And buy reviews? I don't know any author who does this and if this truly happens, then that is just too bad.  Either someone is going to like your work or they won't.  I'll be honest- I love getting a good review, (and sometimes sulk a little over the bad), but I read them, try to learn from them and move on.  It's just bad sportsmanship, for lack of a better term, to sabotage another author or falsely build yourself up.

Do friends and relatives write reviews?  Of course, some might and why shouldn't they if they are honest?  And most that I know are pretty candid.  They can also be pretty straightforward when a book has mistakes.  I've had other authors send me painful (but necessary) lists of edits that needed to be made to my books.  It's just the way it is—especially in the beginning.  Without an editor, errors can easily happen.

So one promise I can make is that I'll never buy reviews- good or bad.  If you're another author and I love your book, I'm giving a review!  And if you're receptive to constructive criticism, I'm happy to forward you any errors I've come across.

Thanks for listening!

Copyright 2012 © Elizabeth Parker

Author of Finally Home, Final Journey, Bark Out Loud!, My Dog Does That!, Paw Prints in the Sand, Unwanted Dreams, Evil's Door, Faces of Deception, Phobia

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Bon Rose- Not Just Any Rose...

As an indie author, I'm always interested in meeting people and reading books by other indie authors.  Since I started writing and publishing my own work two years ago, I've met a group of creative, ambitious, generous, helpful and overall fun-loving people who are always willing to go the extra mile without ever being asked.  This group is not limited to only indie authors, but also includes business owners, photographers, and volunteers in animal rescue organizations. I've been taken aback by some who have gone so far above and beyond for me, especially in this day and age, that I don't know how to thank them! 
One of these people is indie author, Bon Rose.  She writes spooky short stories that keep you entertained and longing for more.  In fact, before long, you'll find yourself revisiting Amazon to download her next book!

A quote taken from her Amazon website, is apropos as it relates to her stories. "Warning: My short stories are for children and the young at heart. If you're too old to remember your childhood, these aren't for you!" Don't we all want to remember a time when there wasn't a worry in the world and have just a moment or two to be young at heart?

Her bio, is as follows: "Born in Iowa, I grew up reading the Nancy Drew Mysteries. As a teen I did a rough draft of a short story but it wasn't until a few years ago that I finally took my time to sit down and re-write it, and then had it published as an e-short story called Old Jacob. I now have several short stories and one book with the first 6 stories which is called The "Old Adventures of Hailey and Jared". These stories were written with my grandchildren in mind and are based on some adventures from my childhood. I did write one story for adults "Dying to Write" as once I start a story it's hard to stop and it occurred to me that I could do a story about it. I have sold a few and of course would love to sell a bunch more but the feeling of accomplishment when I finished a story is satisfying enough."

To learn more about this author, click here to visit her website.

To view all of her books, stroll on over to Amazon and visit her author page: Amazon.com

Her books are also on Smashwords
Find her here on Facebook.

Take a peek at her books.  They won't disappoint!!

Copyright 2012 Elizabeth Parker
Author of Finally Home, Final Journey, Bark Out Loud!, My Dog Does That!, Unwanted Dreams, Phobia, Evil's Door and Faces of Deception