[AYClaudy]

I signed up for a netgalley co op with romance beckons http://romancebeckons.blogspot.com/p/for-bloggers-reviewers-if-youre.html#.VOh1MfnF_a4
and I'm happy with them, they allow you control so you can approve your own requests and see your reviews and feedback. BUT, I had been warned that netgalley reviews can be critical... which makes me consider my strategy for approving.

I kind of just want to approve everyone with the idea that the more reviews the better (Although I know not all approved will review) but at the same time I'm scared of my rating dropping. Oh well, I'm going to bite the bullet and just approve and see what happens.

 

[AYClaudy]

I found good success with NetGalley, but my coop person did filter out the notorious reviewers (the ones that live simply to tear down), so I wouldn't just blindly accept. Look at their reviews and how they handle themselves professionally.

I am checking their goodreads scores and past reviews first for sure. Figured give this a shot, but I think it will only be a good return investment if bigger name bloggers are reviewing... instead of just a reader on goodreads (which many are)

 

[AYClaudy]

Volume is important.

However, rating is far more important.

We run a lot of books in both free and paid and 4 stars is a Psychological barrier for a lot of readers.

I know a lot of authors get upset if a promo site won't take their 3.8 stars rated book. However, it's because past experience has shown most promo sites that readers respond very strongly to reviews.

Ideal: 4.5+ stars rating and 100+ reviews. More the better.

Good: 4+ stars rating and 10+ reviews.

OK, might still do well: 4.5+ stars rating and <10 reviews.

Won't do well: No reviews
Won't do well: Reviews less than 4.

If you're close to 4 stars then you should be super careful about who you ask to review your book, and I'd even recommend avoiding free book promotions. As mentioned earlier those reviewers sometimes get books they arne't really interested in and then give harsh reviews.

This is good info. Thanks. Does this apply to goodreads rating too since they tend to be harsher? Or is goodreads even considered for promo sites? (I know I read Bookbub does look into this) Although i'm still in the good range at least for goodreads, but I could see that one slipping first as my amazon rating is still really strong.

 

[AYClaudy]

Unless you write something so bland it can't upset anyone you can hope for a 3 star average over the long haul if you get enough people reading it. Come to think of it, if it's that bland it WILL probably still get a lot of low rating.

I'll jump on this Caddy band wagon. I loved the entire post, but the above especially stood out. It's kind of what I've told myself from the start. If you write something that pushes any boundaries some people are going to love it but some people will hate it. And that's better than everyone just liking it.