The GRRRR!!!!!! thread Showing 1,051-1,100 of 1,404

[Anna]

Erica wrote: "The founder of Amazon was named the richest person in the world, worth 90.6 billion. Bill Gates was a close second but from what I hear, he gave too much money to charity to rank first. Just an int..."

Yes, it tells a tale.

[Anna]

Anita wrote: "Does anyone know what value there is to the to-read feature for an author's books?"

Well some of my books are on 'to read' lists that run above 9,000. Assuming the people read as many as 5 books a week, they'll have to be the longest lived people in history to get to mine.

So, Anita, I've got to the stage where I don't even look at 'to reads' now. It's no longer something to get excited about!

[Talena]

Alex wrote: "My grrr for the day, yesterday I lost one of the 5* reviews on the UK version of Where There's a Will - annoying, but I didn't let it bother me too much, it's the way these things are going - but t..."

A recent conversation with my sister totally made me change the way I look at bad reviews. We should thank the bad reviewers as much as the good ones, because, as you say, "we can't please everyone." And we shouldn't try. When a bad reviewer leaves a detailed reason why they didn't like your book, it gives other readers more information--and probably prevents other readers with similar expectations from picking up your book and having a similarly poor reading experience. So, in essence, a few bad reviews help prevent even more people from having a negative experience with your work. And as we all know, the people who leave reviews are but a small sample of the people who actually read our work, and most people who didn't like a book won't bother to review it, either--but you can bet they tell people about it!

My sister also has a much more strict review system than I do. My system? I start off wanting to give everyone 5 stars, and books lose stars for "bad behaviour", lol. (In other words, not meeting my expectations for various criteria.) For her? A book must earn every star it gets. 3 stars is a book she liked and might read again. 4 stars she really liked, and 5 stars is something she loved and thought was freaking amazing, blowing all expectations out of the water. She has a friend who is even more strict--if he wouldn't read it again, it doesn't get more than 2 stars, even if he thought it was okay. (He tends to re-read books he likes often.)

So, that gave me a huge switch in perspective--and I helped her to see that leaving a three-star review is still helpful if you explain why. An important function of reviews is to give other readers appropriate expectations. And your 2-star reviewer did that. Someone who loves your work and genre may read that and think, "eh, that doesn't bother me", and pick up the book anyway. We need to stop taking stuff like that personally. I hope that helps. :-)

[Carmel]

Talena wrote: "Alex wrote: "My grrr for the day, yesterday I lost one of the 5* reviews on the UK version of Where There's a Will - annoying, but I didn't let it bother me too much, it's the way these things are ..."

That was really well put, Talena, and I agree. As long as the review states what went into the rating, it can help weed out those who would not be happy with the read, which is what I'd want. And, conversely, tell those looking at it if those things would bother them or not. Nicely said. And i know that one person's 3 is another person's 5....it is all very subjective.

[Carole]

Great post Talena

[Talena]

Alex wrote: "Talena wrote: "Alex wrote: "My grrr for the day, yesterday I lost one of the 5* reviews on the UK version of Where There's a Will - annoying, but I didn't let it bother me too much, it's the way th..."

I totally understand that! It's tough for it not to be a downer, even when we know that it's still a good thing for our platform.

If you're ever wondering if bad reviews can help sell product, though, just search for Haribo Sugarless Gummy Bears on Amazon. Oh, and grab the Depends. ;-)

[Talena]

Carmel wrote: "Talena wrote: "Alex wrote: "My grrr for the day, yesterday I lost one of the 5* reviews on the UK version of Where There's a Will - annoying, but I didn't let it bother me too much, it's the way th..."

Thank you. And yes, it is subjective. That's why the review system works, but must still be taken with a grain of salt--all of us humans are so different. :-)

[Talena]

Carole wrote: "Great post Talena"

Thank you, Carole.

[Theodore]

FYI: CreateSpace is experiencing significant delays in fulfilling orders. They don't tell you this on their Website when you go to order books, but, for example, two books I ordered on January 5th are not expected to be delivered until January 29th. You can bet, however, that if you are ordering proofs, they will go to the head of the line.

[Erica]

That happened to me last month. I had 2 and a half weeks to receive my books before a big library event. I thought that would be plenty of time and when I put in my order the estimated time was 3 and a half weeks. I did get my order ahead of schedule and on time for my event, but I will not make that mistake again.

[Anita]

Anna Faversham wrote: "Anita wrote: "Does anyone know what value there is to the to-read feature for an author's books?"

Well some of my books are on 'to read' lists that run above 9,000. Assuming the people read as man..."

Thanks. That's what I thought. Wanted to see what someone else had to say. Wouldn't it be nice if we could reach out to those individuals?

[Theodore]

To Read lists, like the Giveaways, aren't worth a tinker's dam. Time to wake up and smell the coffee, folks.

[Alexis]

Talena wrote: "Alex wrote: "My grrr for the day, yesterday I lost one of the 5* reviews on the UK version of Where There's a Will - annoying, but I didn't let it bother me too much, it's the way these things are ..."

So true. I actually preferred a 2,3 star reviews with constructive criticism than a fawning 5. Fawning 5 reviews make me veryyy sceptical.

[Anna]

Anita, perhaps I ought to add that in the last couple of weeks, I have seen my 'to read' statistics go down, probably because someone had read the book and changed it from 'to read' to 'read'. And then it goes up again and down again - so it looks like there's action. Sometimes our books get to the top of the heap!

[Anita]

Anna Faversham wrote: "Anita, perhaps I ought to add that in the last couple of weeks, I have seen my 'to read' statistics go down, probably because someone had read the book and changed it from 'to read' to 'read'. And ..."

Thanks Anna. I've seen the up and down as well, but I have to agree with Ted, it's another feature that doesn't seem to have any value for the author.

[Talena]

Alexis wrote: "Talena wrote: "Alex wrote: "My grrr for the day, yesterday I lost one of the 5* reviews on the UK version of Where There's a Will - annoying, but I didn't let it bother me too much, it's the way th..."

No doubt. And as a creator, if someone takes the time to think about my book and offer constructive criticism in areas I'm lacking, I AM grateful! No matter how skilled we may become, there is always room for improvement. It's being teachable that turns us into better and more successful writers. That book may be done and out there, but I can take those lessons and use them in my next project.

[Mary]

I have had book s not arrive in New Zealand one month after delivery by Createspace.

[Mary]

I have just gone onto a website which offers an opinion since the closure of Pronoun to go wide or stay with Kindle Direct Publishing.

This could be a good read since the closure of Pronoun. It is always a good idea to evaluate what is best for you as an author.

It is the tale of two marketing systems.



ttps://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/2017/10/2...

[Anita]

I publish a column, On The Hunt, in Indie Authors Monthly magazine. This month's article is titled: Circling the Globe: eBook Distribution. It might be helpful.

Here are the links to the magazine and my website where the article can also be viewed.

https://www.indieauthorsmonthly.com/r...
https://www.anitadickason.com/circlin...

[Carole]

Healing from surgery is easier if you lose the weight. That's why they like you to be thinner.
Try the keto diet, Alex. my whole family has done very well with it. As a combined group we lost close to three hundred pounds.

[Carole]

It’s hard to diet. I sympathize!!!

[Amy]

Still doing better than me. I haven’t sold any of my first two since the summer. I haven’t paid for marketing though. I’m resigned to having an expensive hobby where I’m expected to work for free whilst being expected to fork out money for services.

[Amy]

Thank you. It’ll be an amazing surprise if that happens.

[Carole]

Alex send me a blog post about your books and I'll put it up- You do it too Amy- Brit will post them- hopefully, it will net you a sale somewhere in the states.

[Carole]

I have a blog- if it helps- I'm happy to share.

[Carole]

Already sent on to Brit. Told her put it on mine and then on Michael's next week.

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Carole, You are such a blessing. Hugs

Alex and Amy, Hope the exposure gains you both sales. Hugs

[Chrys]

Hi Alex

I'm finding some help in doing newsletter swaps. I'm in Facebook groups with other writers in my genre (fantasy), and we arrange to promote each other's books in our newsletters. One generous person did that for me when I had only a couple of hundred of subscribers, and from her newsletter of 10,000 thirty people bought my book the day her newsletter came out.

Another angle is joint giveaways, again with writers in your genre. You all agree to promote the giveaway on your social media and through your newsletters. Most of them don't care how small your newsletter list is.

[Chrys]

One more idea. Book Cave are doing free/$10.00 genre related promotions. Again, the idea is that the participating authors spread the news to subscribers and on social media.

[Chrys]

This is the sort of thing. You're asked to contribute US$10.00 towards the prize. In return, those who download your book sign up to your newsletter. You've given the list of emails at the end of the promotion. I usually pick up another 200 to 300 people. About 5% will unsubscribe when I welcome to my list with a special email. On the other hand, I give the links to my other books, and a good number will click on the links (and, we hope, buy!).

https://mybookcave.com/g/48c94c2f/

[Chrys]

And here's a blogger trying to set up a giveaway: https://princessofthelight.wordpress....

[Chrys]

I'm just sorry that your novels aren't the type my readers go for, or I'd offer you some space on my newsletter.

[Anna]

Oh grr!!!!... I'm another one who doesn't do a newsletter!

[Chrys]

Never too late to start!

[Anna]

I have trouble finding the time to get the books which are queuing in my head out into the big wide world. A newsletter etc. is some way down the 'to do' list. Sadly.

[Chrys]

Oh, yes, I want to get the books out. But I need to bring readers to my books (since I don't have money for some huge advertising budget). I use my newsletter to engage with readers and (I hope) keep them coming back for more. Here's the on-line version of my January one: https://authorreach.com/email/campaig...

[Chrys]

If you don't have a newsletter, how can you try to gain/retain readers and let them know about your next book? That's why I've gone down this path.

[Carole]

Write on medium. It’s s built in audience. I haven’t been doing much to promote but I’ve noticed an uptick in sales in paperbacks since I started posting there. You don’t have to maintain it. Write when u want. It’s good if u can do a post once a week. Don’t make it about your book. Make it about something that will make people want to look u up and buy your book. I started out by liking and following as many people as I could. I now have over 500!followers

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Alex wrote: "Now I need to think of something to say that isn't to do with writing. I might see if there's anything on my blog I can redo that would be suitable. That will give me somewhere to start. ..."

Alex! Write about the photos and letters you found during your aggravating renovation. I found that quite interesting, as I enjoy reading about historical information. Hugs

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Good luck, Alex! We're all here to clap heartily for you! Hugs

Carole, Thank you for getting on Medium and starting this ball rolling. I haven't yet contributed, but do intend to write and submit. I'll keep you posted. Hugs

[Carole]

It’s a good place to practice

[Anna]

Carole wrote: "Write on medium. It’s s built in audience. I haven’t been doing much to promote but I’ve noticed an uptick in sales in paperbacks since I started posting there. You don’t have to maintain it. Write..."

I've put this post in my diary for March with the sincere hope there will be time to follow up on this.

[Carole]

Good. They have a place on there where u can prepare drafts and then publish. When I think about something I put it up and store it Watch for one on the dedication of nurses coming later today.

[Marie Silk]

Thank you for the link about going wide, MaryJane!

[Amy]

Radish is a curious beast. But I can see their point about covers. They put the writing on and it looks a mess when people have writing on their cover and then the app text over the top. Don’t know about not being able to upload it though. I haven’t started a new one since before they did a major update.

[Marie Silk]

Sorry about the Radish frustrations, Alex. Congrats on getting your fourth book out, though! I certainly understand the "releasing the next book of the series" nerves. Hope you get some great results!

[Amy]

I’m sure book 4 will be fine. And as for Radish you are correct. They require an image not a cover.

[Amy]

Not writing related at all. Just got back from the hospital. That wasn’t on my list for today. The contact lens specialist couldn’t correct the vision in my left eye this morning and got me a full sight test at lunch time. My last one was in December. They referred me to the hospital as an urgent case. I’ve had a bleed at the back of my left eye. It should clear up on its own. Which I’m hoping for because I don’t fancy an injection in my eye. For now my left eye sees wavy lines where they should be straight. Superb. Falling apart...

[Amy]

Thanks Alex. I’ll be glad when my right eye doesn’t see everything covered in Vaseline or clingfilm. And I must lose 3st. It’s the only thing I can control.

[Amy]

I can’t lose weight with exercise. It has to be done with calories. The fitness instructors scratched their heads at me in my 20s and told me I was an exercise non-responder. While they were trying to help me back them I went back on what was then the Cambridge Diet and lost 1st in a month. I loved showing them how it’s done. When I’ve lost this three stone I’ll be up to a weight loss of 6st. It can be done. It’s never easy.