question from a concerned writer, not self-promotion

[Jenelle]

When I click on the link I see a very nice cover: pretty sky, a castle, and the title in gold over the grass... so I'm guessing it's your browser...

[Miles]

The cover is visible and looks good. No worries...

[Melanie]

Hi Belle - I see the cover when I look as well - think it may have just taken a while to load up on the system?

[Ice Queen Wanderer •The Cursed Prophetess•]

I don't see a cover either.

[Francis]

I see it. It's nice.

Another puzzle, though: How can you give a book a 5-star review when it won't even be released/published for another year?

(Artemisia... In my fantasy novel, I have a land called Artemisia where the people worship the goddess Artemis.)

[Tony]

I see a cover. Have you tried flushing the cookies from your browser and trying again?

[[deleted user]]

I don't know where to post this so forgive me if I am in the wrong venue.
Is it worth going the KDP Select route?
My sales on Kindle are 5times more than the other sites combined. Any experiences are most welcome.HK

[Aron]

Belle, you can love your book, but it is inappropriate to give yourself a 5 star review. The rating should come from a "Reviewer" along with the kudos and feedback which will help you grow as a writer. You want the community to take you seriously. Good luck, it is a nice cover.

[Francis]

Lots of authors on here do it, although I agree it's a strange practice.

[Aron]

Presently, Indie authors are struggling with acceptance in the publishing community. I'm sure everyone has kept up with the recent clamor over padded and paid for reviews which diminishes our credibility. To be accepted as a professional, one has to conduct themselves as a professional. The point of ratings is to help with our sales and give readers a bit of a story background to help their purchase decision. Pat yourself on the back if you will, and say job well done, I'm pleased and I've done the best that I can. Don't bring out the shotgun and salt your own reviews. I am not trying to be harsh, I personally think it hurts a writer to behave this way. It is wonderful to have a place where we can support one another but not through rose colored lenses.

[Michael]

Nicely said Aron. Cover looks good Belle, good luck.

[Stan]

Francis wrote: "Lots of authors on here do it, although I agree it's a strange practice."

The problem is in the software at this site. It makes it seem as if you have to give yourself a rating. It takes a little while to see that you don't.

[Andrew]

Yeah, I thought I had to give myself a rating, and it was the best part of a week before I realised I could remove it.

I have rated the anthology in which I was published back in 2008, but I was only one contributor among possibly dozens, and the book's long passed into out of printness - I think that's an indulgence that can be forgiven...

[Francis]

Hmm, yes. I've also been wondering about the etiquette of self-rating/reviewing multi-author anthologies.

[Aron]

I stand my ground that it is unacceptable to self rate if you want to be taken seriously. There are many reviewers out in the world; I know it is difficult to get a commitment. ARCs can be a good way to have readers gain insight into your writing(s).Possibly exchange reviews with another author if your time allows. Whether you receive a glowing review or one that makes you roll into a ball,at least it won't raise eyebrows.Are we so afraid that we have to toot our own horns.There are over 4 million writers in the United States alone, no one can compete with those numbers by any other means than full transparency. Now I will put my little box away. Really folks think of the overall picture and how you want to be perceived.

[A.L.]

I reviewed the anothology, but I stated I was a contributor. I was not reviewing my own contribution. I would have given it the review I gave whether my story was there or not. I think reviewing your own novel is a bit iffy though.
I did also review a book I was beta reader for but I stated that. I am happy to remove if needs be.