Readers browsing Amazon’s online book store (the Kindle store) for their next read will make their purchasing decisions based on several factors. The cover has to be attractive. The book description should be compelling. And then there are reader reviews. A book with seven reviews is likely going to be perceived as less interesting than a book with seven HUNDRED reviews. The latter will be perceived as one where readers are heading in droves in pursuit of a great and wonderful story, whereas the former–the book with seven reviews–will be perceived as one read only by the author’s mother and a handful of friends.
It’s not fair, and the value of the book with seven reviews is not necessarily less than the one with significantly more reviews. But the online book browsing experience–like most other things in life–is not fair. Reviews are a part of reality, and the reality is that more book reviews means Amazon is more likely to show a book to readers browsing the Kindle store, and readers are more likely to want to read it (all other factors being equal).
And that’s where the “50” campaign comes in. (Author’s Note: Although the “50” Campaign has ended, the importance of book reviews for independent authors remains critically important. Jay Lemming February 20, 2018)
Over the past year, I have focused on getting my weekly e-newsletter up and running, and sharing information I think my readers will find valuable, interesting and entertaining. I’ve also been hard at work writing my second novel, Green Bay Outsiders. In the process, however, I have been magnificently negligent of the number of book reviews attached to my first novel, Billy Maddox Takes His Shot. So I am hoping you can help me out.
To celebrate the recent launch of a new book cover for Billy Maddox Takes His Shot, I would like to capture 50 book reviews on Amazon (hence the name, the “50” Campaign). Right now, I have nine reviews. Sad, I know. And like I said, that’s largely a reflection of focusing my efforts elsewhere. But as we approach the new year, it’s a valuable opportunity to evaluate what has been achieved and what requires additional attention.
If you’ve been following me online for a while, or even if you are relatively new to my writing but wouldn’t mind checking out a free book, I will be offering a free copy of Billy Maddox Takes His Shot for anyone willing to leave a review on Amazon. My goal, as I said above is “50” reviews by the end of January 2018.
Details will be forthcoming in the coming weeks but if you already feel as though you’d like to participate in this campaign, you are welcome to email me at jay@jaylemming-author.com. Once you do, I’ll send you a link to the web page where you can access a free copy of the novel in whatever digital format (MOBI, EPUB or PDF) you like. I would prefer if you don’t share the link with anyone else; the page I send you is specifically intended for those readers willing to leave a review in return for a free book.
In any case, thanks for your consideration. As I mentioned, online book reviews can have a significant impact on an independent author’s career. So your participation is greatly appreciated.
Happy holidays and email me if you want to help me get to “50”.
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