The self published Getting Reviewed Dilemma

Starting out the New Year compiling a list of colleagues to review the galley proof of ‘Prescriptions’, firstly to determine how many copies should be printed. Along the way I am also looking for different folks and institutions that will review a book and disseminate their thoughts to the public. During my research I am confronting a small dilemma. In the words of Christopher J. Jarmick, Co-author of THE GLASS COCOON (with Serena F. Holder) who says:
“Many (probably most... but I know for a fact it is many) major metropolitan newspaper book editors and book reviewers (but not necessarily columnists or feature editors--take note) have a firm policy of not reviewing a self-published book. Period. End of story. Exceptions are very, very few”.
Ouch! Jarmick goes on to say that that what he does is: “I don't tell book editors or book store people the book is self-published. If I am asked directly, I tell them it's a little more complicated than that and the short version of the story is that we own most of the company that publishes the book (We do not own 100 percent of the company ourselves and so that would make us less than 100 self-published---a great justification)”.
Jarmick then ends by saying “Without a doubt, 100 percent honest is NOT always the best business policy. Honesty remains the best moral and ethical policy though. A compromise regarding being 100 percent honest may be justified and the right thing to do from a business stand-point but don't kid yourself into believing that absolutely everyone makes these compromises to be successful-- there are a few who don't”.
Is this information still relevant today? Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this dilemma?

Tags: Getting, Reviewed, published, self

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Permalink Reply by Dreamtime Press on December 19, 2010 at 3:05am

I think unless the review gets printed in an outside publication, the reviews on Amazon don't hold much weight with buyers. Anyone can have their friends write reviews on Amazon.

Permalink Reply by Claire Power Murphy, FIBA, DG on June 3, 2010 at 8:25am

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Permalink Reply by Carol White / RLI Press on October 5, 2010 at 10:31pm

Carlos -

If your book has been published to "book store quality" standards, there is no reason to shy away from this question. On the few occasions when someone has asked that question, I have always said, "this book was independently published by RLI Press, a small publisher in Oregon." There has never been a follow-up question!

You are right, however, that some newspapers have pretty much refused to review any book that isn't from a major traditional publisher - no matter what small press published it. Let me say this about that: Most people don't read book reviews anyway! It is much better to get a magazine or newspaper to write a "lifestyle" article about you and your content. Since yours is a health book - inquire of the health editor of magazines or newspapers, blogs, websites, radio shows, etc. There are specific ways to approach them to get them excited about featuring your expertise.

In today's environment, it is all about building your "tribe" as Seth Godin says. Go where your "peeps" are - where do they hang out online or off - build your plan based on all the places where people may learn about you and your expertise - notice I didn't say "your book" - you don't sell your book, you sell your content, expertise and benefits.

If you need help with any of that, you might look at the marketing offerings of About Books - www.about-books.com.

Carol White
Carol White Marketing * P O Box 1115 * Wilsonville, OR 97070
888 522-8747
Speaker, Writer & Marketing Coach
A member of IBPA, SPAN, NSA, & NWABP
Official Marketing Coach for About Books, Inc.
Follow me on Twitter: amarketingmaven

Permalink Reply by Theresa M. Moore on November 9, 2010 at 4:04pm

I have finally attracted the notice of a professional reviewer who accepts PDFs to read for free in exchange for an honest review. I have also tried CreateSpace's new Preview Gallery, where one can post snippets and put them on display for others to read and review. In the later case, there is always the risk one will attract a troll or two. I have not even completed a book I am working on when I thought I would post it there to get feedback, and someone gave me a two star rating for not posting the entire manuscript from chapter one on, then advised me I should get Publishing For Dummies. Clearly, not the greatest the first time out for this book, and since the feedback is anonymous I suspect I will get more. But as others read I hope the assessements and ratings will improve. I am awaiting the pro reviewer's assessments even more, as so far outside reviews of my books have been good.
There is also the risk of attracting internet bullies, as I read this morning about a regular blogger for Publishers' Weekly getting trounced for disagreeing with what was clearly a troll. It seems the internet is rife with them, and they are about as difficult to get rid of as kudzu.

My books can be seen (and bought) at Antellus - Science Fantasy Adventure & Nonfiction Books and Ebooks http://www.antellus.com .

Permalink Reply by Theresa M. Moore on November 22, 2010 at 1:42pm

A follow up to this: as the number of views increased for each preview, the number of stars went up to 5 out of 5. I must be doing something right.

I have also posted the first review from my pro, Martha Cheves of A Book and A Dish, for my book Destiny's Forge. She gave it a great review. I have posted the relevent snippet for brevity and hope it will add to my chachet. More reviews will be forthcoming as she reads the entire series, and in exchange all I have to do is share a recipe for each book. Of course, part of this effort leads to marketing for the both of us without having to lift a finger. Our links will lead to more reads and viral sharing.

Permalink Reply by Theresa M. Moore on November 22, 2010 at 1:45pm

My advice is that the book reviewer does not need to know whether the book is published "professionally" or not. He/she is in the business of reviewing what is contained within, and those who won't are following the standard rule set down by the majors, who don't like the competition. As long as the book is produced in a professional manner and marketed the same way it's none of their beeswax, and I generally do not deal with those sort of reviewers. Reputation works both ways, you see.

Permalink Reply by Theresa M. Moore on February 4, 2011 at 2:58pm

Read my blog about Amazon removing all reviews from their pages in an indiscriminate and rather jawdropping manner. http://www.spannet.org/profiles/blogs/amazon-removes-book-reviews .

Permalink Reply by Paul J. Krupin on March 23, 2011 at 12:18pm

I wrote several articles about how to get more reviews for books. Here's one that will help you:

http://blog.directcontactpr.com/public/how-do-you-get-book-reviewer...

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http://www.directcontactpr.com/files/files/TrashProof2010.pdf