The Amazon Issue with Author Reviews

I was completely blind to this at first, thinking to myself, “I hope I get good reviews and lots of people enjoy my book!” It never actually occurred to me to write my own review on my page. Why would it? For many other authors, though, it simply isn’t the case.

What I’m talking about is authors giving themselves 5-star reviews and competition 1-star reviews. I thought it was just a little thing, but apparently it’s quite common. I’ve seen several cases already on my own and lots of people on the kindle boards are talking about it.

From what I’ve gathered, authors are creating several fake accounts and ranking themselves 5-stars, while going to their competitors and giving them 1-star reviews. This is ridiculous to say the least. Do they not realize that people can easily tell that the author wrote those reviews? Just by looking at the writing style of the review, most people would know and turn away from that book.

I’ve even come across an author who didn’t even create a fake account, but posted a review on their wall (5-stars, of course) to not review their book, but to make a comment, defending themselves against critics and bashing out at readers. Is that really necessary? First off, if you want to make a comment, comment below the actual reviews and not create your own!

Secondly, don’t hate the readers! Some aren’t going to like your book. Some will. That’s how it works. Instead of hating, use that criticism for good use.

I really hate the fact that authors are trying to cheat their way into readers’ hands. It’s a terrible thing to do, but the world isn’t all sunshine and daises, after all.

~ Sandra

E-book Prices … What’s the Best Price to Choose?

So I chose my e-book price to be $5.99 (originally) but after a search of the amazon kindle store, I noticed that a lot of books were only $0.99!! Some were the price I chose, and others were around $2 and $3. The more popular books were over $10, and a few were even cheaper than the price I picked!

So I decided to change the price to $2.99. Was this a good call? I don’t have much knowledge when it comes to e-books, so I question my decisions on the matter. I obviously have to make it worth something, but is this low price the best decision or not?

I would love some chitter-chatter on this!

~ Sandra

Paperback in Two Weeks! Excited!!

So my paperback copies are coming out in two weeks! I’m very, very thrilled about this! I ordered a proof and I can’t wait to see it! I’ve been developing my own ads for my novel. Here is one:

I think it looks good for a first try at a poster. I’ll make some more later and put them up around the net. I’m enjoying the excitement that comes from first-time publishing, and I’m going to get my books into local stores as soon as the paperbacks are out.

Anyway, back to work!
~ Sandra