Do I Pay to Review?

[Shalini Ayre]

Hello

I've recently updated my blog to let people know they can approach me to review their books. Am I being a tad naive/cheeky to expect a free copy of the book? I appreciate that $2.99 for a kindle copy isn't a lot of money, but it will soon add up if I have to do that for everyone who asks me to review their story.

Any advice on 'review etiquette' would very much be appreciated. 

Thank you

Shalini

[Shalini Ayre]

Thank you Francine, this has been so helpful. I completely agree with what you've said.

My reviews are almost basic and never give away the plot because I'd like to think I've given my followers an incentive to read the book themselves. I've rarely left a negative review and when I have, I hope it's been constructive. Since joining Book Blogs, I've reviewed one indie author, in the middle of reading another. With the first author, I spotted errors (my former life of a proofreader coming through) but I didn't mention it in the review but emailed the author with the errors so she could correct them before publishing. 

I'm going to revise my review page as well.

Thanks again Francine. 

[Shalini Ayre]

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for the advice - I tend to post my reviews on Amazon whether complimentary or if purchased. 

[Shalini Ayre]

Hi Irina

Thanks for the advice. For the majority of books I've reviewed on my site I've received a complimentary copy. It was after I updated my site I was asked to review a copy that I had to ask for a copy as the author just linked me to  kindle - hence my discussion question. 

When I post on my blog I also post on my facebook and twitter accounts as well as Amazon as a matter of course. I've not come across many books that I don't like, but that doesn't mean its bad, just wasn't for me. 

Welcome to BB as well - I'm fairly new here too but I've received such a great welcome. Folks here are very helpful! 

[Irina Shapiro]

How to I link to your Kindle to send you a free copy?  Sorry if I sound ignorant, but I've never done it before. 

[Chris Stevenson]

You should always get a free copy, at least an e-copy. You can specify which you prefer. Don't feel cheeky or bad about it. 

[Shalini Ayre]

Thanks for the advice!

[Melissa Douthit]

Hi Shalini!

The others are correct - if someone requests a review, they should provide a free review copy or provide you with a Smashwords free book coupon or something.  This is the way I've always known it to be, too.

Thank you for offering to review books!  You're awesome!

Melissa

[Shalini Ayre]

Hey Melissa

Thank you; the author that sparked off this discussion has in fact sent me a PDF copy after I basically said no I'm not going to pay for a copy! Felt a little bad about it as I know he's trying to make a profit - but then he needs the exposure so felt justified!...ah the heady world of reviewing...

[DrDLN]

Your request is reasonable. I will be happy to provide free copy as a gift, if some one is interested in reviewing self-help and spiritual nonfiction books. Below are links to see topics, if anyone is interested.

Please Please check out and follow my blog when you get the chance, and I'll follow you back! Thanks! http://drdhillon.blogspot.com/

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“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” http://amzn.to/dMBLWW     http://bit.ly/IW6udp

[Joyce S Sherr]

What I generally do is ask the author to send me the book and I will return it once I have read it. This is usually done by mail. It's worked out so far and the expense is very minimal.

Joyce @http://www.jssherr.blogspot.com

Please follow and check out my blog and I will do the same..Thankyou

 

 

[Shalini Ayre]

Hi Joyce, thanks for your feedback. I've had a look at your site, it's great. Another genre of books that I've not always looked at - so many books, so little time!

Feel free to check my blog out - http://www.lgib-bookreview.blogspot.com

[Julius Thompson]

Good luck! I feel that you are honest and professional. All reviewers should receive a free copy. When My fourth novel, Purple Phantoms, is ready for review this year. I hope you will consider this YA novel. And I will send you a free copy (smile). My third novel, Ghost of Atlanta, won the 2011 Readers Favorite Gold Medal for General Fiction. I wish you the best. God Bless, Julius