How to Get Free Publicity for Your Kindle Book with Bad Behavior

by Fun to Write

Posted: 13 years ago 12 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

As a newly published Kindle author myself, I've been doing some research on how other self-published authors are promoting themselves online. There are several book reviewers that don't mind taking a look at an indie author's work.

However, once you submit your book for review, you have to live with whatever opinion that particular person has about your book. Unfortunately, not every budding author understands this.

Jacqueline Howett has quickly become the poster child for what NOT to do when someone criticizes aspects of your book. She lashed out several times at the reviewer in public for all to see. She's not only tarnished her own image, but provided lots of free publicity to the book review blog = Big WIN for the reviewer and huge FAIL for her.

It's entertaining and sad at the same time.

Read the whole thing here:

How not to treat a reviewer

Jacqueline has managed to attract more bad reviews on her Amazon page:

The Greek Seaman

If you want to be a published author, you've got to have a thick skin. As for me, I welcome all opinions - good and bad - about my stories. I write for myself and for an audience of avid readers, so I appreciate any feedback I get.

#author #book #f%#@ #implodes #kindle #publish #revier #review #tells

Kevin AKA Hubcap

13 years ago

I read about this.

The thing is the reviewer praised the story but was critical of her sentence structure and grammar-- two things that can definitely be improved with the assistance of an editor.

Everyone has bad days. You, me, and Jacqueline Howett.

I'm sure looking back she understands the situation should've been handled differently so at the very least its a teachable moment.

It wouldn't stop me from reading her books.

Thanks
3 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3632226].message }}

Paul Coleman 13 years ago

Yes, that was surreal. I always tell authors: When you write, think like a writer. At all other times, think like a marketer!

Paul
- Thanks
Signature
Bookpumper.com - The Kindle Revolution
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3633830].message }}

Fun to Write

13 years ago

Originally Posted by cosmokid

Yeah, she definitely had a nuclear breakdown in response to the criticism. And it wasn't too smart, since the reviewer actually had some very nice things to say about characters and imagery in the book and being swept up in the story. One of the main criticisms was that the problems with grammar and spelling actually pulled the reviewer out of the story, which to me is an important point to make. She could have said, "Wow, while this book was carefully edited, it looks like some changes should be made. Thanks for pointing out these problems!" And then she could have revised it and fixed the problems, and everything would be good.

This is a good point, except she attacked the guy for ignoring her REVISED edition, which the reviewer later cleared up. Actually, he did read the latest version. So, she really doesn't see that there are glaring errors in her writing style.

Thanks

Signature

Focus+Smart Work+Persistence=Success

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3633872].message }}

Fun to Write

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Kevin AKA Hubcap

If you are marketing your book online, you can have a bad day in private. You don't yell and cuss out someone who has taken the time to review your work. Maybe it's just me...but I'd rather win more fans than drive them away.

If you read her book, let us know what you think :rolleyes:

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Focus+Smart Work+Persistence=Success

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3633903].message }}

AprilCT 13 years ago

That is a tremendous meltdown over criticism. She made some very bad choices in her replies, especially in light of the grammar and punctuation problems. I doubt I would bother to read her book; the links you gave provided more than enough reason not to bother.

Perhaps if she understood the difference between aspiring writer and established movie star behavior, this could have worked out much better.

Fun to Write, I agree that it's better to win more fans than drive them away, especially if you want people to buy the books. Very unprofessional behavior on her part.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3634821].message }}

Kevin AKA Hubcap

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Fun to Write

Don't get me wrong. What she did was totally uncalled for.

All I'm saying is she made a mistake. It would be nice if we could plan all our outbursts, mistakes, misjudgments to happen in private.

I'd hope to be forgiven if I made a similar error and though I don't speak for you I think you would too.

IMO her biggest mistake was not apologizing afterwards.

I won't read her book. It's not really my style. For fiction I'm more of a techno thriller, geo-political intrigue kinda guy

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3634999].message }}

halopm1 13 years ago

Wow, this is a shining example of how sometimes bad publicity is not necessarily better than no publicity at all. The author obviously wasn't thinking about how her actions would affect her image or her sales.

Not to mention the fact that what happens online is there for everyone to see, forever.
- Thanks
Signature

Don't Miss Out ==>> See how I get $20 payments into my Paypal account over and over again!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3634896].message }}
- yelmer humlow Banned 13 years ago
  
  [DELETED]
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3634936].message }}
  
  Fun to Write 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by yelmer humlow
  
  any publicity is good publicity
  
  Not if it's tanking your budding writing career.:rolleyes:
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  Focus+Smart Work+Persistence=Success
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3635143].message }}
  
  SamuelFreeman 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by yelmer humlow
  
  any publicity is good publicity
  
  people know the name and i learnt it just now too
  
  maybe she could be my manager
  
  I don't think you would want to be known for blowing up. It's much better to be known for having a good book.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3635273].message }}
Fun to Write 13 years ago

Kevin

I think a lot of people would forgive her for this and give her a second chance if she would come out and publicly apologize for her actions. As of now, we don't know what her state of mind is or if she feels any regret.

Maybe she hopes it will all just fade away . . . but it won't.

Some well-known people have had public meltdowns, but manage to get their career back on track after a public apology. We'll see if this happens in her case.
- Thanks
Signature

Focus+Smart Work+Persistence=Success
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3635130].message }}
BlondieWrites 13 years ago

After reading through all of that, all I can say is wow. I can understand her feeling bad and ganged up on, but to say those things... not good.

Perhaps she honestly has no idea that her typos and grammar are that bad in her book?

Proofread and edit... rinse and repeat... a lot if necessary.

I hope she has better luck on the next round.

Cindy
- Thanks
Signature
Content Niches

Content Niches - Niche Content, PLR Content, One Owner Content, PLR Articles, PLR Ebooks, Ebook Content, Printables, and More.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3635371].message }}

How to Get Free Publicity for Your Kindle Book with Bad Behavior

Trending Topics

Been a while! Any of you Old Timers here?

How much does the rebranding affect CR ?

Are billboards still effective in driving customers?

Boat and Jet Ski Rentals...... Door Hangers Effective?

Clickbank low cost recurring