Reviews. Authors all need them, especially in the early days of our book launch. But what to do? We’ve already covered the ground we have control over–we’ve put out the best book we can.
So, what are our options? You can collect names of book bloggers. I’ve done that. But usually, even if they review indie authors, they’re backed up for months.
You can buy expensive software that’s supposed to sort through top reviewers on Amazon and contact them directly. But these reviewers also usually have an intimidating TBR pile.
Or you can join a goodreads Reading Round.
It works like this. Ten authors join, and everybody agrees to review four books. But the books you read won’t come from the authors you reviewed. Your book will be reviewed four times, and the moderator takes care that no reciprocal reviews happen. Reviews are posted on goodreads, Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk. Amazon is aware of Reading Rounds, and it doesn’t violate their terms of service.
I’ve already done this twice, for rounds 162 and 163, and I’m so glad I found out about this. New groups are forming now if you’re interested: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/140331?group_id=78683.
Happy reading and reviewing! 🙂
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Avid writer and reader of Faerie tales and noblebright fantasy.
Cathleen Townsend 
Thanks Cathleen!
The Reading rounds sound very interesting and useful!
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I love it. And it’s the first time I’ve actually used goodreads as a forum. I’ve chatted in-thread and messaged other members far more than I ever have before. 🙂
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Thanks for the info, Cathleen. This sounds like a great way to read some books and get read. I wish I wasn’t so darn backed up with books! But I’ll keep it in mind!
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I know, it’s a constant battle to keep up. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
Sounds good and I may join, although might have difficulty in finding the time to read 4 books in 8 weeks.
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It’s just an option we have. You never know when it might come in handy. 🙂
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That’s great to hear. It’s a good way to get a reviews and not violate the rules!
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I know, right? Something that actually works that isn’t dodgy. 🙂
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Thanks for that, Cathleen. I’m off over there right now – after I’ve shared the post!
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Eek! Missed this somehow, sorry. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
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Sounds like an awesome plan, Cathleen! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing… xo
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My pleasure, Bette. 🙂
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Thanks for the tip, Cathleen. Much appreciated and sounds like a great way to get reviews 🙂 ♥
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I’ve found it useful. Maybe I’ll see you there. 🙂
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Very informative post…im new to this blogging world so now I understand more what goodreads is for.
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Yeah, I’ve struggled with using goodreads, but this has made a huge difference to me. 🙂
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A fantastic idea and thank you so much for sharing, Cathleen! 😀 Goodreads has always been rather enigmatic to me but this makes a lot of sense. I hadn’t heard of this before but am now bookmarking for future reference and hope to take part sometime.
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I’m so glad someone else found this useful. When I found out about it, my first thought was, “How come I never heard about this before? It’s just what I need.” 🙂
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This sounds really great, Cathleen, thanks so much for introducing this concept!
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You’d fit into a novella round if you want more reviews for your photography book. 🙂
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Hmmm, intriguing…. 🙂
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This is a good idea and I visited the link but I’m confused with the system. How do you know what group to join?
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I’ve only seen these rounds so far: general, clean, 18+, and novella, plus there’s in this world and out of this world.
I haven’t personally checked, but it’s probably safe to assume that 18+ is erotica. From what I’ve seen so far, all the other rounds cut off at a steamy R.
The clean rounds I’d say are G or mild PG rated. No graphic violence, no explicit sex. My fantasy short story collection with two mild swear words was accepted. The ones I’ve seen so far tend to be very positive in theme, so it’s not a round to take if you have issues with Christian literature. There’s a fair amount of nonfiction, too. I reviewed a book about how to make soap. Someone else who reviewed me contributed a book on how to be a successful recovering alcoholic. That sort of thing.
Novella rounds are distinguished by length–under 45k, and I’d say the average was around 30k in the round I was in. I drew two steamy romances, which isn’t really my thing, but I tried to rate them as to whether they were good for their type. The nice thing about this round is that you can blow through it quickly.
The general rounds include anything, but I don’t know if that includes erotica or not. I still have to message a moderator on that one. My impression from reading the guidelines is that it’s mostly a mishmash of genres.
Out of this world covers SF, fantasy, and spec fic, and In this World would be mysteries, contemporary, thrillers, etc.
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Got it. Thanks so much for the explanation.
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This is a very informative post! I didn’t know about this! Great post Cathleen!😊
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Thanks. 🙂 Yeah, for authors struggling to get reviews, it’s a godsend. They just happen. You review four, you get four reviews–but it’s not a trade, so Amazon’s okay with it. I blew through a couple groups in a couple weeks, so nobody has any problems if you accelerate your pace. And y’know, that’s eight more reviews. Poof! No begging required.
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That’s awesome! I am sure authors have a difficult time asking for reviews because of the rejection and what not! I’m working on starting to write a book.
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I didn’t know about this, Cathleen. Thank you for sharing.
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I’m glad to pass it along. 🙂
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Thanks for the lip, Cathleen. didn’t know such a group existed!!
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I’ve found it to be a great resource. Really takes the anxiety out of getting reviews. 🙂
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That’s even better!
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I have to join this. Thanks!
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Glad to pass the word along. 🙂
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