Odd review swap message on GR

[Lynda]

Hi,

Yesterday I received the following message on Goodreads:

I just read your profile in goodreads, would you be interested in swapping reviews?

(Blog address removed by Lynda Wilcox)
Thats my new blog, im a beginner author.

If possible can i send you a pdf copy of the book to review and notify you when its released for you to publish the review?

Id also like to send you an amazon gift voucher to make it a verified purchase if possible, so you can review on the same day

Please let me know if this interests you, but in meantime if you can send me your book first, do you have an email address? If so , id appreciate it. Sorry I dont have a kindle reader myself but i can review pdfs


I've never heard of this person (male judging from the name), I don't do review swaps, and the whole thing seems a bit dodgy to me. Thoughts, comments, anyone?

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

I got one too Lynda, and I don't have a book for review...

[Lynda]

Ah! Thanks, Rosemary, I think that says it all. Off to delete message.

[Michael]

Yeah, I got it as well.

[Simon (Highwayman)]

I get a few of these. I wonder how they get hold of us. Presumably they PM one by one.

[Patti (baconater)]

yeah i get those all the time. usually i just delete them.
unless Im in a mood to be stroppy. ;-)

[David]

I got that one yesterday. I suggested they look into one of the review groups.

I also got one from a lady (possibly) offering to send me pictures upon receiving my email address :~/

[Lynda]

Eh up, David. Your luck's changed ;>)

Nice to know I've not been singled out for special attention by this "gentleman". I'd like to think it was a new author but something tells me it's a pirate spamming for books to pinch.

[David]

I've given both a wide birth :~)

[Rob]

I got one too. I replied saying they could get an e-book reader free for their PC (I don't have a pdf version of my book).
Actually when I looked on the Amazon website they don't seem to be pushing Kindle e-readers for other platforms except their own kindle devices.
Is this a recent change of strategy for them (or have I just missed it).

[Tim]

I don't do review swaps full stop. There is always an expectation that "I gave you a good review so you must give me one" even if their book is utter crap. And if you don't, all sorts of nastiness can ensue.

So if this kind of PM crops up, as they do from time to time, I simply delete it. I don't reply or enter into any dialogue; it only encourages them.

Yes I know getting those first few reviews is tough - believe me, I'm living it. I've sent out loads of review copies to people and blogs that have faithfully promised to write a review, and the return rate so far is exactly zero. Nada. Not a one. But we just have to keep plugging on...

[David]

I got one as well.

I ignored it.

I'm good at stroppy.

[Robert]

I didn't get one. I feel left out. I don't mind review swaps but I don't like being 'cold-called'.

[Marc]

Tim wrote: "I don't do review swaps full stop. There is always an expectation that "I gave you a good review so you must give me one" even if their book is utter crap. And if you don't, all sorts of nastiness ..."

the problem is book bloggers have become victims of their own success. They are inundated by requests and have huge TBR piles. An author can't expect quick turnaround, but nada doesn't mean you won't still get some of those reviewing your book in time.

[Jim]

I to feel left out.
Is it they just don't want to read my book or do they fear I'd be too critical :-(