Posting reviews on Amazon

[Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf]

I'm a new book blogger and I've heard lots of folks talking about the importance of cross posting reviews.  Especially if you eventually hope to get review requests from Authors/Publishers.  I've looked at the Amazon website and it appears that you need to buy the book from Amazon to post (unlike Barnes & Noble).  Is this the case?  or am I missing something?  I'd like to be able to post reviews on Amazon (in addition to my blog, Goodreads and B&N) of books I've borrowed, won, been gifted, or been given for review.

 

Thanks for any help,

 

Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

[Janis Friesler]

Yes, you do have to have bought a book to submit a review.  There are plenty of inexpensive books on Amazon to buy. 

Hope this helps.

 

[Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf]

Bingo...thank you...that is the answer....I have not purchased anything with this account.  I started a new account with my blog name and had planned to review under that name.  When I logged in with my regular account with which  I have made many purchases including books, it let me start the review process with no problem!

 

Thanks everyone for your help:)!!!

[Janis Friesler]

You are very welcome.  I hope to add you to my book reviewers for my new Book Launch Package.  It will give you lots of backlinks for your site which will help your Google rating.  Please email me at [e-mail] if you are interested.

[Kim in Hawaii]

I frequently post reviews on Amazon for ARCs provided by the publisher (which I write at the bottom of the review - ARC provided by the pubisher).

 

I am able to post on Amazon because I used my email address to purchase something from Amazon some time ago.  So their policy is not directed to the book you are trying to review but just as a customer in general.  

 

Amazon can take up to 48 hours to post the review as their staff (or maybe a computer program) checks the submitted review for appropriateness (no foul language, no spoilers, etc.).   

 

I have seen comments from readers that they ignore reviews from ARCs to focus on those submitted by other readers who actually purchased the book.   To each their own.  

.  

[Midnyte Reader]

No, you don't have to buy your books from Amazon in order to post a review!  You just have to have an account.  If you have any questions let me know.  

 

-Midnyte Reader

http://www.midnytereader.com

[Sue Bursztynski]

Melissa, I've been reviewing for years. I started by reviewing books I already had, then let publishers know and asked if they would be interested in sending me review books. They're usually happy to have the chance for reviews and will send you stuff for reviewing. But do some first. There must be plenty of sort of recent books on your shelves, or you can get them from the library.

I also review for January Magazine, which is a very good web site. I arrange my own books, but that's not difficult.

[Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf]

Thanks everyone for your help.  I switched back to my original account from which I have made many previous purchases and was able to post reviews with no problem.  So I assume that although one does not need to have purchased a particular item...one does need to have made some sort of purchase on the account prior to writing reviews.

 

♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

[Greg Zimmerman]

No, you don't need to have purchased the book from Amazon in order to review it at Amazon. However, if you do post your review at Amazon, be prepared for snarky, jerky comments. ;)

[Lisa Peters]

I review books I get from the library and from authors and publishers.  I hardly ever buy books.

[Kristi Bernard]

I post all of my reviews from Kristi's Book Nook at Amazon without a purchase. I also post reviews at Good Reads, Library Thing, and Shelfari.

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

Not true, Melissa.  You must have made a purchase from Amazon - any kind of purchase (and your account must be active) - to be able to post a review.  However, in order to have your review designated as being by a "verified purchaser," you have to have actually purchased the book on Amazon.com.  I hope that clears this up.

[Sue Bursztynski]

So, why does it have to be Amazon anyway? If you have a blog - which you do - just use that. Plenty of people will read it and once you build up a readership you can ask publishers for books. They send me plenty! :-)