Reader Reviews

[Gordon]

To what extent, if any, can I use reader reviews of my book for promotional purposes? And if I can use them, what are the guidelines for doing so?

[Paula]

This is not a librarians issue - I suggest you either contact GR directly or post in the GR Feedback group

that said the reviewer owns the copyright you would need their permission to use it

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

And book description on goodreads should not contain reviews—which can turn into librarian issue since librarians would have to edit out :)

[Gordon]

Paula wrote: "This is not a librarians issue - I suggest you either contact GR directly or post in the GR Feedback group

that said the reviewer owns the copyright you would need their permission to use it"

Okay. Thanks.

[Gordon]

Debbie wrote: "And book description on goodreads should not contain reviews—which can turn into librarian issue since librarians would have to edit out :)"

Good to know.

[Empress]

If it is from a specific reader isn't it the reader that should be contacted?

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Ellie [The Empress] wrote: "If it is from a specific reader isn't it the reader that should be contacted?"

Yes. Permission to quote someone's review on bookcover, website, etc. needs the reviewer's express permission (on goodreads, other sites like google have odd TOS that take ownership of what you post or restrict/set your copyright use permissions.) one reason goodreads gets more reviews than other sites, including from some rather high profile bloggers.

Some readers have opted to allow goodreads to share reviews on third party sites (including author websites/blogs); however, that option shares all the reviews, clearly showing from goodreads, clearly crediting by member name, and author cannot pick and choose only the good reviews to show. The review author wants to use may or may not be from a member who allowed third-party share.

The feedback group (or Author Feedback Group) is where author should go for help with incorporating goodreads widgets, feed, data, etc. on his site or for any questions on goodreads TOS, copyright permissions, etc.

Not something for this book data correcting group.