Lovers of Paranormal discussion
OPEN R2R Read-to-Review
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R2R Program RULES (click into folder to see ALL books offered)
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One comment, I have noticed that some authors post the name of the book in the title and some don't. This makes finding the thread of books read at times difficult. Maybe that can be mentioned to them to make sure they add it?Thanks,
Ramona
Mod
Comment noted Ramona :-) When I first started the thread, I didn't think to spell that out. But if AUTHORS look to the example under Item #1 (under Authors) you can see my suggested format to address Ramona's concern?
Didn't really read that but thanks for having it in there. Here is to hoping people will get better with that :) Thanks
Hi, I'm starting a R2R but am having issues with how to post a large cover. I don't want to be removed for using my own website to host the image so I'm just using the small cover offered by Goodreads. If you could help, that would be awesome.
Mod
Hi India!
I'll try to spell it out as best I can, but I have to 'tweak' the html code as if I put in an accurate code, Goodreads sees it as a code, and not an example.
Here goes:
1) Your book cover will need to be already uploaded someplace else where you can grab the URL. I like Pinterest since it will serve two purposes.
2) Go in to edit your post. At the top is best.
3) PASTE that code into the top of your document so you have it.
4) Click (some html is ok) at the top-left of the dialogue box.
5) Scroll down to where it says "image: < * img src="https://www.goodreads.com/image..." width="400" height="600" alt="my cover"/ * >
6) See the _*_ that I added above to the less-than and right-than symbol arrows? You have to REMOVE that _*_ for the code to work. I put the _*_ in so I could give you an idea of the code.
7) REPLACE the goodreads link inside that snippet of html code with YOUR link that you pasted in earlier. Make sure you don't accidentally delete the " ".
8) Go to WIDTH where it says width="40" and replace it with width="400";
9) Go to HEIGHT where it says height="100" and replace it with width="600";
10) Go to alt="description" and insert the name of your cover where it says "description" (i.e., alt="AngelOfDeathCover").
Now publish your post. A little wheel should spin a moment while Goodreads grabs your book cover from wherever you have it uploaded, and then it should show. If it doesn't post properly, you may have a broken link. Follow the directions and try again.
Hope this helps!
Anna
I would like to propose that the group gets to read and review my first paranormal upcoming book release of Carla. Authors such as Rachel Caine, Kelley Armstrong and other authors are reading the book before its release. I hope to allow the group the same chance. Please let me know if you would be interested in this?
Mod
Well, the large cover image html code just DOES NOT work for me. It's hopeless (or maybe I am with the technology lol), so I'm just posting without a large cover image. I've tried it over 30 times using above instructions (image is from my dropbox), and it still doesn't work. I always get "image error" when I preview. Sigh.
Anna wrote: "Greetings Lovers of Paranormal!Carrie has been dealing with some 'stuff' and is on a bit of a sabbatical. Since she loves you guys dearly and a lot of YOU guys like having an R2R program, we're g..."
Hi Anna.
I am making my book free to download from Kindle for 5 days, starting on the 18th. Downloads are unlimited. Is it ok to put in the R2R program. Or does it belong somewhere else.
Thanks
Cheers Graeme
Mod
Hi all! I'm just wondering at Amazon's rules for ARC reviews. Things seem to have changed with them and I see lots of reviews being removed. Anyone have any idea what their criteria is for reviewing an ARC? I've looked but maybe not in the right place.
Mod
Anna wrote: "Make sure your reviewers say 'I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and unbiased review' at the end of the review. Unless they actually BUY it, in which case they can say whatever th..."Gotcha!
I know you can still say that you received an ARC copy just not in exchange for review. Which I find odd.
Mod
"The above changes will apply to product categories other than books. We will continue to allow the age-old practice of providing advance review copies of books."
You can find the source of this policy quote on Amazon's own website where they announce the changes.
HERE: https://www.amazon.com/p/feature/abpt...
And the full policy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...
"Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review."
This quote is directly out of the FCC Rules on Endorsements, which states you can receive a copy ONLY OF THAT PRODUCT with no incentive to review other than that product itself.
Here's more policy on Amazon's website: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...
Again, it's confusing because Amazon has broadened their internal review standards to be STRONGER than that required by the FCC, but ... they specifically exempted books from those stronger standards ... so the FCC Rules of Endorsements still apply to books.
Example 1: A LoP community member receives an R2R book from our community. The expectation is they will review the book, however, our rules limit the author to a gentle reminder, and then to drop it. Therefore, Amazon will allow it.
Example 2: A LoP author lists an R2R book here on LoP. They promise, in addition to the free book, they will offer an Amazon gift certificate worth $5 for everybody who completes their review. The review is NOT allowed under the FCC.
Example 3: A LoP author lists an R2R book here on LoP. If they don't review each and every book, they will be banned from the community. The author sends repeated emails making threats. ... yeah, this is why I don't ban unless I think somebody is pirating the books and not just being a slacker.
So keep on listing those books, and be sure to keep on stating you received an Advance Review Copy. I like Amber's suggested use of verbiage just in case Amazon later extends their crackdown to include books, but for now y'all should be in the clear.
Yeah I heard that Amazon is removing reviews that say you got the book "in exchange for" a review. I guess they don't like the wording. I typically say. "I received a copy of _____ from Netgalley and the publisher to read and review. All opinions are my own." I haven't had a review taken down yet. I am not sure how strict they really are with the wording. I think it's dumb though, it's not like I'm getting paid.
Hi there! I did an R2R when I had Books 1 & 2 in my trilogy out back in 2014. I feel like too much time has passed to just put out an R2R on the 3rd Book. Would I be able to do another one for a trilogy — or is it just 1 book at a time?? Thank you for your time!!
When I click on the 'some html is ok' it pulls down a tip box, so I copied the code from there, but now what? If I put the 'changed link with my info' after the goodreads cover image where I added the book cover, it gives me an error message and shows the thumbnail cover. Where exactly am I supposed to put the new html coding for the larger image?
Carrie has been dealing with some 'stuff' and is on a bit of a sabbatical. Since she loves you guys dearly and a lot of YOU guys like having an R2R program, we're going to try an INFORMAL program and see if you guys can self-police without this turning into a spamfest or drama?
BOOKS ONLY!!! No 'come to my R2R blog' posts!!!
Okay ... here's the updated rules:
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READERS:
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1. If you see a book which sparks your interest, drop your email into the discussion thread along with what format you prefer (.epub, .mobi, .pdf, audiobook/paperback if available) or say what kind of e-reading device you use.
2. You will normally have TWO WEEKS to complete the R2R (unless you arrange otherwise) and post your review on Goodreads and at least one of the major distributors. Reviews must be at least two paragraphs long (not just a star-rating).
Don't know what to say? How about:
-How did the book make you feel?
-Were the characters strong?
-Was the dialogue crisp?
-Did the plot have twists and turns, and was it full of surprises?
-Was the ending satisfying?
-Did it keep you up at night reading?
-Would you recommend this book to friends?
3. Please post a link to your reviews in the discussion thread once you are done. We will move the post down to our ARCHIVED R2R's folder after two weeks but it will remain open for you to post a link to your reviews or interact with the author. We do this just so the list of new books up for R2R always remains fresh for y'all :-)
4. Please don't sign up for a book unless you intend to read it. Authors really depend upon having reviews by a certain date so they can purchase advertising. If you don't think you have time, please pass. There will be other opportunities. :-)
5. The author will usually send you a couple of reminder emails directly. Please communicate with them if life starts to get in the way and you think you can't get your review in on time? They really, really depend on you guys so they can line up advertising.
6. When you post your review on the distributor website(s), please write I received this book at the Goodreads Lovers of Paranormal group for free in exchange for a fair and honest review at the bottom of your review (bottom is better). This is required by the Federal Trade Commission.
7. Critical reviews are perfectly appropriate. However, we will not tolerate personal attacks against an author. I.e., it's perfectly appropriate to say "I didn't like this book because no heroine would do such a dumb thing" but NOT okay to write "the author is dumb because they wrote this stupid heroine." Remember you are critiquing the book and not the person who wrote it.
8. It is ILLEGAL to share ebook files. If your friend wants to read the book, please contact the author and ASK if they'd be willing to let your friend R2R as well. Some authors are bound by contract constraints, but others authors would rather have the additional book review if they know and trust you. It doesn't hurt to ask.
9. We will not be refereeing this informal program the way that Carrie did. However, if an author is really pushy or mean (other than the appropriate reminder emails), we -will- ban them from the community. If you have questions, check our author guidelines below where we tell our LoP authors how we expect them to interact with y'all.
WHAT IF I HATE THE BOOK? sometimes you'll start reading a book and realize it's not for you, or you don't have the time you thought you had when you started it, or it has some structural problem that would necessitate a low rating, but you think the author can fix it. In that case, please PM the author and tell them you would rather withdraw than leave a bad review. Don't take this to mean you can't leave a less than favorable review. It's just a way to back out if something comes up.
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AUTHORS:
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1. Open a NEW thread in this folder (only) to post your R2R request with the name of the book, the genre, the cover, a brief book blurb, and how long from now you would need the review. Use the flag R2R: in your heading (the part that shows up in the community feed).
i.e., R2R: ANGEL OF DEATH (YA paranormal fantasy) - 10 copies
Don't post your invitation in THIS thread ... it will get lost. Open your own new one.
3. Post a LARGE image of your book cover or suitable replacement image (if your cover isn't finalized yet) right at the top of your post (even before the book blurb) that will grab the reader's attention. Books that have an attractive cover tend to snag more reviewers. A large image works better than the tiny little Goodreads thumbnail you can pull up by clicking 'add book/author.' To embed a large image, click 'some .html ok' and use the html image code. You will have to host the image someplace else, Pinterest is always good to link to. Be sure to adjust your image width and height settings (400 wide x 600 high).
i.e,
4. TWO WEEK LIMIT!!! We will leave your post up for TWO WEEKS and then move it down to our ARCHIVED R2R's folder. Your post will still remain open for comments (or if anybody feels like hunting down there and contacting you), but we have to keep the offerings FRESH so readers can find the newest stuff. When we move it down, we will comment 'Two week limit met' so you know it was us who moved it.
5. ONE BOOK AT A TIME! If you have more than one book that needs reviews, you can post ONE book, and then at the end of the two weeks, once I move your book down into the closed folder you can post your next book. This is to give every author a chance to be seen. Once the offerings page gets longer than a single page, the entire program becomes useless.
6. Keep it 'chilled. Your Lovers of Paranormal READERS are ordinary people who mean well when they sign up, but sometimes life gets in the way. Do not ask us to chase after people on your behalf. If you want that level of service, you are welcome to sign up for NetGalley and PAY for reviews. Do not tick off our readers by becoming angry if they don't come through or you'll get labeled a badly-behaving author and attract trolls. Just live, and learn, and decline to give a free copy of your book to that person the next time around.
7. ABSOLUTELY NO SELF-PROMOTION!!! Must be a legitimate R2R request and not thinly disguised spam.
8. LIMIT IS 10 COPIES TOTAL. If you offer both ebook and audiobook editions, the total can't be more than 10 (i.e. 5 ebook and 5 audiobook). Please create a list in your original post that you can go back and add reviewer names as you go. This will make it easier for you to keep organized, and for us (your LoP mods) to guess when it's time to tidy things up by moving your post down to the archive folder. Also put in your due by date.
i.e.: Number of review copies available: 5
1)
Jane Doe1/19/20162) Janet Planet
3) Dave Delightful
4)
5)
DUE BY: January 30, 3016
9. By law, you are not allowed to offer any financial compensation to reviewers EXCEPT to gift a free copy of the book you wish to have reviewed. Some authors put all their reviewers names into a hat and raffle off a paperback edition of the reviewed book to a single winner, just for fun, once they hit their review date. That's perfectly legal.
10. WHAT DO I DO IF MY REVIEWER DOESN'T POST THEIR REVIEW? Frequently readers take a free copy of a book with the best intentions, but life gets in the way. Be gentle with your reviewers. We are a community here of book lovers where READERS get to interact. This is not a paid review service. It's a privilege to have access to our 7,000+ paranormal genre readers. This is a self-help opportunity and there will be people who take the goodie and don't follow through for whatever reason. All you can do is make note of who that person was and, the next time you offer a book up for R2R, decline to give that person a second book. ALSO keep in mind we will be moving your post down to the ARCHIVE folder after two weeks, so your reader may not be able to find your post to contact you.
Here is how I recommend you gently remind your readers:
a) Keep a list of the contact information of who you sent a review copy to (via email, or Goodreads PM).
b) At the two week mark, send them a gentle reminder telling them how much you appreciate what they are doing and look forward to their review, plus the LINKS to where they can leave it.
c) If, after a few days, you don't hear from them, send out a SECOND reminder telling them how much you appreciate their efforts and how helpful their review will be to help you line up advertising and make sales, and then ask them if there was a problem that you can work with them with, such as they need more time.
d) If a reviewer writes back and says they can't review their book, we recommend you drop it. Usually that is code-speak for 'we didn't care for your book.' Our experience is if you push it, you'll end up with a nasty 1-star rant.
e) If the reviewer fails to follow through, make note of who it was so you can decline to give them a free review copy in the future, but that's your only recourse. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MATTER HERE. This community is for READERS. We are experimenting with a self-help program because our READERS like it, but if it becomes too troublesome to maintain, we will pull the plug. Carrie devoted 30+ hours per week of unpaid volunteer time running her program. None of your other mods can devote that kind of time. If 60% of your reviewers come through for you via this program (the Goodreads average), that is a very good percentage, way better than the .0002% of people who leave a review organically (the Amazon average with their reminder emails).
11) TROLL DUNG: You will get some nasty reviews. It's part of being an author. Take it on the chin and go back to your author support group to commiserate (I'm an author myself ... OUCH! I know how much it hurts). Your LoP MODS first priority is to create a safe place where READERS can interact, even very picky readers who look at all books with a baleful eye. However... we will not tolerate roving bands of bully-reviewers who seek out indie books to decimate their ratings. NEVER FEED A TROLL!!! We have no power to get them to amend an unfair review or force Goodreads to remove their review (they won't) so don't ask. We can ban trolls from this community so they can no longer prey upon other members, but know it will take a very clear pattern of abuse before we will do this as our first loyalty is to our readers. Even our very critical readers.
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Okay ... we'll tweak from here. Here are Carrie's original rules: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... . When she comes back (we miss her), she will merge the two programs as she see fits, but in the meantime, hopefully this will allow our great LoP authors and readers to start swapping stories again?
Happy reading!
Anna Erishkigal
LoP BOTM-MOD