Your Thoughts: Soliciting Amazon Reviews Directly From the Reader

Manny · Oct 4, 2011

We have the first in a series of workshop manuals about ready to roll. It will be on Amazon and all the usual outlets. It will sell well.

Our last book, although it sells well (many thousands), got relatively few Amazon reviews (low twenties). It should have had more. I think they fuel sales. But I reckon people just can't be bothered.

Anyway, the latest tome has just gone for first edit, before it goes second edit then final. So I want the opinions of the good folks here on this last paragraph.

Remember, this is a workshop manual, with photos, etc. It is the first one of its kind ever published. There are no competitors. I have inserted this as the last paragraph:

If you bought this book from Amazon, Asda/Wal-Mart, Tesco or a similar internet site, I would very much appreciate a good review from you on there if you have a few moments to spare. Your positive review tells me you enjoyed the book, found it useful, and my hard work putting it all together was worth it.

Now tell me, is that OK? Or do you think it needy and in bad taste? All opinions welcome.

BenPanced · Oct 4, 2011

No. You're fishing for compliments, which is rather tacky. It'd be better if you changed it to something like "I appreciate any feedback you have on this guide." You'll learn more from any feedback, positive or negative, and you'll be able to apply it to your next project.

Ari Meermans · Oct 4, 2011

BenPanced said:
No. You're fishing for compliments, which is rather tacky. It'd be better if you changed it to something like "I appreciate any feedback you have on this guide." You'll learn more from any feedback, positive or negative, and you'll be able to apply it to your next project.

+1

Manny · Oct 5, 2011

Would this work better?

If you bought this book from Amazon, Asda/Wal-Mart, Tesco or a similar internet site, I would very much appreciate a review from you on there if you have a few moments to spare. Your review tells me if you enjoyed the book and found it useful.

Old Hack · Oct 5, 2011

I would cut the sentence completely. You're more likely to irritate people into writing you a poor review than you are to persuade them to write something positive about your book.

Arpeggio · Oct 8, 2011

I've only recently started and have nothing like your sales as if I can talk, but I think this might be a way around it (This my interpretation of one of Aaron Shepard's ideas)...

If customers would feel more bothered / it more rewarding to pay complements to the author directly, you could invite them to and make it easy for them to do so with a general statement such as "The author loves to hear your feedback". The author can engage in a bit of banter and finish with something like "Thanks for your positive feedback, feel free to post a review, I'd appreciate it!". That way it's not a public statement, seems less tacky and is more personal.

Ultimate Cheapskate · Oct 8, 2011

I agree with the others -- it's best just to delete it.

That said, I always include a statement at the end of my books inviting readers to contact me with their comments, suggestions, questions, etc. and providing my email address. When a reader contacts me with a compliment, I have a standard PS I include in my response, encouraging them to share their views on my book with other readers by posting a review/comment on Amazon. I'd say about 20% of them actually follow through and post a review, but over time they add up.

Good luck.

fireluxlou · Oct 8, 2011

Still sounds like fishing for compliments. A sentence like that would put me off reviewing. I don't generally review books because I can never think of anything to say if I like a book a lot.

ResearchGuy · Oct 8, 2011

Manny said:
. . . Now tell me, is that OK? Or do you think it needy and in bad taste? All opinions welcome.

If I encourage reviews (which I do, for example, for The Big Book of Ken's Corner With a Cat Named Boo), I bite the bullet and don't hint at how many stars or what to say. I'll take my lumps. But I'd sure as heck like to see some reviews . . . from people who have actually read the book, or at least who have read enough of my weekly column, from which the book is built, to have a meaningful opinion.

--Ken

Manny · Oct 10, 2011

Thanks to those who have replied up to now. I am still on the fence.

Ken, how do you encourage reviews? What do you think of the last sentence idea?

ResearchGuy · Oct 10, 2011

Manny said:
. . . Ken, how do you encourage reviews? What do you think of the last sentence idea?

With a striking lack of success, to be frank, through personal contacts (face to face, maybe via email with friends who might have read the book, or parts of it, or maybe via a Facebook nudge [don't recall if I've done the latter]). But I sell very few copies of my books, and most of those, hand-to-hand locally, so I don't expect a lot of reviews online. (I am a better writer than self-promoter. C'est la vie.)

As for "last sentence," were you referring to "Your review tells me if you enjoyed the book and found it useful"? If so, that seems reasonable to me.

--Ken

uscgbyron · Oct 10, 2011

The only time I've prompted for reviews was with my latest story, and that was with a 100% coupon on my blog. I said that if people use the coupon, to please consider posting a review of the story.

Not a lot of success to date but, eh, it's early yet.

I would say "Thank you for reading. Feedback on my writing is always greatly appreciated. If you bought this book from Amazon etc. a review is a great way to say what worked and what didn't. You could also email me at [email protected]."

But that's just me...

Ultimate Cheapskate · Oct 11, 2011

ResearchGuy said:
If I encourage reviews (which I do, for example, for The Big Book of Ken's Corner With a Cat Named Boo), I bite the bullet and don't hint at how many stars or what to say. I'll take my lumps. But I'd sure as heck like to see some reviews . . . from people who have actually read the book, or at least who have read enough of my weekly column, from which the book is built, to have a meaningful opinion.

--Ken

Ken - No offense, but when the only review of your book on Amazon is written by you (giving your own book 5 stars, nonetheless), I think that alone is very off putting to readers who might otherwise be inclined to post a review. Wouldn't it be better for you, as the author, to include your thoughts/comments about your book under the "Product Description" section (or on your Amazon Author's Page) rather than as a "review?" Just a thought.

scarletpeaches · Oct 11, 2011

The one thing guaranteed to encourage me not to review a book is being asked for it, especially if the author requests the review be positive.

Don't ask me to review your book, and don't tell me what kind of review to give.

Terie · Oct 11, 2011

^^^^ That avatar!!! Who are you, and what have you done with ScarletPeaches?

On topic, I lose a little respect for people who solicit reviews, even when they're friends. (And yes, I've had otherwise-respected friends to it. I pretend not to notice because to think about it squicks me out too much.)

aadams73 · Oct 11, 2011

Soliciting reviews in that way seems unnecessary. The book speaks for itself. And if a reader feels moved to leave a review, good or bad, they'll do so. No amount of, "Hey, leave a review, would ya?" is going to result in a different outcome.

But I'm no marketing genius. I just know how I feel as a reader. You've done your job by writing it. Now let me decide what I want to do.

ResearchGuy · Oct 11, 2011

Ultimate Cheapskate said:
Ken - No offense, but when the only review of your book on Amazon is written by you (giving your own book 5 stars, nonetheless), I think that alone is very off putting to readers who might otherwise be inclined to post a review. Wouldn't it be better for you, as the author, to include your thoughts/comments about your book under the "Product Description" section (or on your Amazon Author's Page) rather than as a "review?" Just a thought.

Maybe so. But then, a back cover blurb is from one of my own pen names. Let's face it . . . the title of the book is entirely self-indulgent; it is hardly out of character for me to post a review/commentary (and I jolly well BETTER like the content or there would have been no reason to publish it!). But I'll take the hint and delete the review. Sorry to have offended you.

--Ken

Ultimate Cheapskate · Oct 11, 2011

ResearchGuy said:
Maybe so. But then, a back cover blurb is from one of my own pen names. Let's face it . . . the title of the book is entirely self-indulgent; it is hardly out of character for me to post a review/commentary (and I jolly well BETTER like the content or there would have been no reason to publish it!). But I'll take the hint and delete the review. Sorry to have offended you.

--Ken

Ken - You certainly didn't offend me, nor did I mean to offend you. I just pointed it out since I think it might make readers less likely to post a review.

On another tangent, that's an interesting thought/question about how authors would rate their own books. I see your point about of course, as the author, you better like it. Although, on the other hand, I have to say that I've had at least some regrets or misgivings about both of my books once they were complete (having to do with my work, BTW, not issues involving my publisher), so I'm not certain I'd give either of them 5 stars. Oh well, I don't mean to hijack the thread. ;-)

Good luck with your writing.

veinglory · Oct 11, 2011

Rating your own books? IMHO not a good look.

scarletpeaches · Oct 11, 2011

I've seen authors do it on Goodreads and they're not even smart enough to do it anonymously.

Manny · Oct 12, 2011

I'll show you an example of why I thought this might work.

On US Amazon, our Russian bride book has attracted only eleven reviews. It has others on other Amazon sites (UK, Canada, etc). Respectable enough perhaps, but on sales of thousands?

People on eBay are happy to leave a comment. We have over 1000 feedback for the book on eBay. Why don't Amazoners do the same?

Here is what I tried a while ago: In our book, I encourage readers to sign up to our conversation forums and seek further ongoing advice of others there. The forum has 2939 members as of today. New members who sign up get a Private message with directions to the help pages, the mods, links to the rules, etc. Part of that private message says this:

If you are new to the pursuit of a Russian lady, may we highly recommend The Russian Bride Guide as an additional tool to aid you in your quest. The book is written by two of our Administrators (with a combined total of over 40 years former Soviet Union experience). Reading the Russian Bride Guide will educate you about the mistakes most men make, and put you firmly on the road to success. If you arrived here having already read the Russian Bride Guide, why not tell us what you thought of it on the review topic here

If you look on the link, you will see the first eleven reviews quoted in the first post, and throughout the topic and across the site there are many more.

Most people don't bother with a review of any kind. Some of those who do need a nudge. Some of the people who show up on the forums who mention Amazon, I gently prod into an Amazon comment. But that's all quite labour intensive.

Hence my original thought: why not gently prod them at the end of the text? Appeal directly to the bloke with it in his hand? Lets have it while its fresh in their mind? I agree now that soliciting for a positive review was not an ideal thought (but I made the topic to use you guys as a sounding board), but a sentence encouraging a review may work in the same was as the private message did and does.

I wouldn't consider this with a story or a fictional book. But with a "how to" manual of any description, where you know you have saved the reader time and money, I fail to see what harm it can do. Although, it needs to be worded so they think its their idea. :e2writer:

Amadan · Oct 12, 2011

Sorry, no, I think soliciting a review in a book is tacky, period. You don't need to tell people that you would really like it if they gave you a 5 star review on Amazon; they know that. People will either be inclined to review or they won't, and by prodding them, no matter how gently or tactfully or sneakily you think you're doing it, you're likely to get someone who resents it and reviews accordingly for every person who complies.

There are other, better ways to promote yourself. And yeah, I think it's fine on your author blog or forum to say "By the way, guys, if anyone feels like tossing a review my way, it would be much appreciated." (Just don't say "positive" -- they know you would prefer a positive review, duh. But recognize that if they choose to review, they will review the way they want to.) But not in the book itself. If I've already bought your book, I'm going to resent getting a sales pitch at the end to help promote it.

Manny said:
On US Amazon, our Russian bride book has attracted only eleven reviews. It has others on other Amazon sites (UK, Canada, etc). Respectable enough perhaps, but on sales of thousands?

Honestly, I'm guessing not a lot of people really want to broadcast the fact that they bought a book about how to score Russian hotties.

Terie · Oct 12, 2011

Manny said:
People on eBay are happy to leave a comment. We have over 1000 feedback for the book on eBay. Why don't Amazoners do the same?

Because Amazon reviews and eBay feedback are two completely different things and serve completely different purposes.

eBay feedback is used to provide mostly objective statements about the trustworthiness of sellers.

Amazon reviews are used to provide subjective opinions about books.

How many books have you bought because of the existence a lot of positive reviews on Amazon? While the content of reviews might help you choose whether or not to buy a book, they don't, in and of themselves, sell the book. After all, you can't buy a book you've never heard of, and the existence of reviews doesn't help readers hear about a book.

Ultimate Cheapskate · Oct 12, 2011

Amadan said:
Sorry, no, I think soliciting a review in a book is tacky, period. You don't need to tell people that you would really like it if they gave you a 5 star review on Amazon; they know that. People will either be inclined to review or they won't, and by prodding them, no matter how gently or tactfully or sneakily you think you're doing it, you're likely to get someone who resents it and reviews accordingly for every person who complies.

There are other, better ways to promote yourself. And yeah, I think it's fine on your author blog or forum to say "By the way, guys, if anyone feels like tossing a review my way, it would be much appreciated." (Just don't say "positive" -- they know you would prefer a positive review, duh. But recognize that if they choose to review, they will review the way they want to.) But not in the book itself. If I've already bought your book, I'm going to resent getting a sales pitch at the end to help promote it.

Honestly, I'm guessing not a lot of people really want to broadcast the fact that they bought a book about how to score Russian hotties.

I think there's a lot of truth to that last statement. I just checked, and I see that even the best selling books about erectile dysfunction, for example, which clearly have sold tens of thousands of copies, rarely have more than a dozen Amazon reviews.

Manny · Oct 12, 2011

Amadan said:
Honestly, I'm guessing not a lot of people really want to broadcast the fact that they bought a book about how to score Russian hotties.

You may have a point there. :tongue

Your Thoughts: Soliciting Amazon Reviews Directly From the Reader

Manny

BenPanced

THE BLUEBERRY QUEEN OF HADES (he/him)

Ari Meermans

MacAllister's Official Minion & Greeter

Manny

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

Arpeggio

Ultimate Cheapskate

fireluxlou

ResearchGuy

Resident Curmudgeon

Manny

ResearchGuy

Resident Curmudgeon

uscgbyron

figuring it all out

Ultimate Cheapskate

scarletpeaches

Terie

Writer is as Writer does

aadams73

A Work in Progress

ResearchGuy

Resident Curmudgeon

Ultimate Cheapskate

veinglory

volitare nequeo

scarletpeaches

Manny

Amadan

Terie

Writer is as Writer does

Ultimate Cheapskate

Manny