How long before reviews can be expected

[Melissa]

I did a flash give away of a book on amazon, which went well for a 1 day give away. But I haven't seen a rise in reviews. How long should it take to see reviews for a give away? Or should I not expect them at all?

[B.B.]

I hate to say it, but you shouldn't expect them at all. Very few people who read actually write reviews, or even bother to rate (like on Goodreads). You also have to realize that people don't necessarily read the books they get from a giveaway right away, if ever. There isn't (and shouldn't be) any obligation to review books you've won or bought.

I'm sure you'll eventually get reviews, but just get on with your next project and look at them like unexpected gifts when they show up. :)

[Teresa]

Unfortunately I agree with BB. I have so many books to read. I didn't used to review them as I didn't think it was important. Know better now. ;) I try to review every book I read now, but some do slip by me. Crap, I need to post 3 reviews today. Been procrastinating..

[Jenycka]

There is no magic formula for reviews. For my first free book, I got a LOT of them on Smashwords within a short period. But I largely had to track down reviewers and offer copies to get reviews on GoodReads. And I still have very few reviews on Amazon, even though I sell usually at least one a day there, and my free book there does sometimes as many as 30 downloads a day. I don't know how well reviews on Amazon always show, either, because my friend who read and reviewed my books put up her reviews and I can't see them.

[Julia]

I agree with B.B. First, some people don't read the book immediately after they download it. Second, even if they liked it, they may not bother rating it, or writing a review.

Unless you have some kind of iron-clad agreement of the 'free book for reviews' kind, you shouldn't count on giveaways or promos to result in an upsurge of reviews. I'm looking at maybe one review every 40 readers or so.

What's an author to do? Maybe exchange reviews with other authors in the same situation, although I understand that Amazon has some rules about it. You may want to consider review sites, which will post a review to their site and copy it here and to Amazon, but their turn-around times are considerable.

As B.B. pointed out, keep doing what you are doing and the reviews will come; take heart that you don't get one-star ratings...when people absolutely hate a book, they do seem to find the time to write a scathing review.

Best of luck,

Julia

[Melissa]

Thanks everyone :)

[Rachel]

Melissa wrote: "I did a flash give away of a book on amazon, which went well for a 1 day give away. But I haven't seen a rise in reviews. How long should it take to see reviews for a give away? Or should I not ..."

As a book review blogger, I offer my perspective on the free book for review topic:
I try to read as quickly as I can, and I WILL eventually get that review up. But please, don't count on it right away unless I told you a specific date I would post it. I'm currently reading ten different works that I received in exchange for reviews. Is it taking longer than the authors ideally want? Probably, but I'm going as fast as I can. My advice? Be patient, don't get your hopes up, and perhaps reach out to individuals next time you want to ensure reviews.
I hope that was helpful :)