Bookbub and it's methods!

[L.N.]

It has been brought to my attention that Bookbub are very particular about who they accept and who they don't. From what I can gather, their service is based on the number of, and the quality of review your work receives. What have your experiences been with Bookbub, and what advice would you impart to anyone thinking of using their service?

[Christy]

I've submitted each of my books each month since my first in Oct 2015. I've never been accepted.

I've looked at other books that are accepted in my genre. Most have at least 100 reviews, or close to it. Therefore, I'm trying to get my reviews up. I'm at 33 for my first book. I've a while to go, especially as Amazon rather capriciously yanks random reviews.

I've also just started listing some good review blurbs and any awards the book has won in the 'other information' bit they offer. This was the first month I tried that. I was still rejected, but who knows? Maybe it pulled my book up a couple rungs to the ladder.

Of course, the obvious - professionally edited, great cover, etc. And to write a fantastic book.

Any other insights on BookBub?

[Cynthia]

I believe you also have to pay to get your book onto BookBub in addition to having a number of reviews. From what I understood, a historical fiction novel was about $1800.00. Did I understand this correctly?

[L.N.]

Cynthia wrote: "I believe you also have to pay to get your book onto BookBub in addition to having a number of reviews. From what I understood, a historical fiction novel was about $1800.00. Did I understand this ..."

We were discussing this on a thread on Facebook. They charge a minimum of $100. But apparently, you get a good return for your money. It's okay if you have money to burn in that way. Me? I do not, so I am going to steer clear.

[Christy]

It's definitely an investment, and not jumped into lightly.

Most campaigns cost around $600-$800 once you get accepted. However, if you have the money, from all accounts it's well worth the investment, not only in immediate sales, but in exposure for future sales. If you've a good backlist, it can help with all the other books as well.

[Christy]

Each category has a different price, and it depends on if you are targeting the US, the UK, etc.

[A.J.]

I've only tried a couple times and have been rejected both times. Once I realized how many reviews they expect you to have, I stopped trying. I find their expectations interesting. Authors hope to receive a BookBub ad for discoverability, but they have to have been discovered a little bit already (at least to get 100+ reviews) before being accepted. Frankly, it feels like a Catch-22.

[Christy]

It really is. I HAVE seen some Indies with lower numbers of reviews, but not often. It's a crapshoot.

[Noor]

LOL, yeah, if I have 100 reviews I probably won't need them that much. It's definitely a catch-22 situation.

[Christy]

I'm at 38 for my first novel. I keep pushing!