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Getting Amazon Reviews

by gurokevin
8 replies
What is the best way to get Amazon reviews? I have had 300+ people download my ebook but only a couple reviews. Do you put something in your books asking for them or what?
#amazon #reviews
  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    You could email them with a link to where they leave a review and ask. Or fake reviews can be bought on Fiverr and freelancer sites if you wish to be a bit devious.
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  • Profile picture of the author cashcow
    Do not buy fake reviews - you risk getting your account banned. Amazon is even deleting reviews now from authors friends, family and other authors.

    What you can do is put something at the back - either in the "about the author" section or at the very end of the book asking them to leave a review and giving the link to the book at Amazon. Let them know you want their feedback so you can make future books better.

    A couple of reviews on only 300 downloads is pretty good. I usually only get about 1 review per 1000 downloads.

    Anyhow, having a lot of reviews is overrated IMHO. They will come in time. If you have a couple of good ones than don't stress over it, just spend your time and energy making more good books.
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    Gone Fishing
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    How does Amazon know a review was left by an authors friend or family member?
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    • Profile picture of the author cashcow
      Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      How does Amazon know a review was left by an authors friend or family member?
      They know other authors since the authors have accounts there (I mean if they are authors on Amazon or well known authors). Friends I have no idea. Family members I guess they can tell from your name address etc...

      There was just a big "to-do" about it about a month ago and Amazon deleted a bunch of reviews and then made some new rules about who could review what. I'd google it for you but I'm too lazy, you'll find a ton of articles on line which will explain more if you do.
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    • Profile picture of the author TinkBD
      Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      How does Amazon know a review was left by an authors friend or family member?
      Among other things, they check IPs

      Also, a fairly recent TWEAK to the Amazon ToS:

      There are indications that Amazon is beginning to address the issue of Authors reviewing books in their own genre.

      Here is a discussion:

      Houston...er...KB, we have a problem (Amazon Review Policy)

      Here is a quote from an Amazon email that someone posted within the thread linked above:

      Thank you so much for contacting the Amazon.com Communities Team with your questions. I'd be happy to clarify for you!

      Your first question is in regards to authors writing reviews on other books. We encourage everyone to write reviews, authors included! However, we do not allow authors to review competing Titles/Genres. For example, if John Doe Author writes science fiction, and were to review another science fiction book, we would consider that outside of guidelines.

      In your second question you ask do fee-based contests that include reviews for the winner count as part of a paid publicity package. In this case, yes, that would count as part of a paid publicity package, as you would have to pay a fee to enter into the contest.

      I hope this helps to clear up any concerns regarding reviews and authors. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us again.

      We look forward to seeing you soon.
      There is at least one other similar thread on the same site, along with a quote from Amazon.

      Obviously this will be creating problems for all of us, regardless of genre... In the Romance genre, the authors who have overcome this have developed relationships with their readers and encouraged said readers to post HONEST reviews.

      Needless to say, I am sure this will vary from genre to genre.

      Tink
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      • Profile picture of the author emini_guy
        Originally Posted by TinkBD View Post

        Among other things, they check IPs

        Also, a fairly recent TWEAK to the Amazon ToS:

        There are indications that Amazon is beginning to address the issue of Authors reviewing books in their own genre.

        Here is a discussion:

        Houston...er...KB, we have a problem (Amazon Review Policy)

        Here is a quote form a Amazon email that someone posted within the thread linked above:



        There is at least one other similar thread on the same site, along with a quote from Amazon.

        Obviously this will be creating problems for all of us, regardless of genre... In the Romance genre, the authors who have overcome this have developed relationships with their readers and encouraged said readers to post HONEST reviews.

        Needless to say, I am sure this will vary from genre to genre.

        Tink
        I applaud Amazon.com for the policy that prevents the competitors from writing reviews. I think it's somewhat overdue. I am not in this niche, but I believe that this is a healthy policy in general.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    I should point out I've never bought fake reviews on Fiverr from Amazon (I don't sell ebooks on Amazon) just that I've seen them for sale. I've no idea what effect they might have on your account.
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