Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
This topic is about
Homegrown Heroes
Bulletin Board
>
HELP!! Please!! AMAZON blocked my book!
date
newest »
newest »
Amazon is iffy on this particular subject matter (psuedo-incest). Sometimes toning it down a little will work, but your cover is tasteful and your blurb not over the top. Whether it gets pulled or not is often just a matter of it being flagged by someone, and that's luck of the draw. If Amazon does not get back to you in a day or so I would email them again. Personally, I think you're within "community standards" but Amazon may not agree, and your only recourse may be Smashwords.
Thanks DC. I have published via Smashwords as well.
I tried getting it on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles to no avail. I left them a message to look into this matter. Hopefully, I'll hear something from them soon.
I'd guess that its the step thing in the blurb that's causing a problem.The blurb says they were 'grown' when their parents met, how old is 'grown'? If they are younger than the age of consent when they meet, its still bordering on mental/emotional incest, if not true biological incest.
Next door neighbours or meeting as older kids in a children's home might work, but you'd have to get rid of all mentions of 'brother and sister' in the blurb. I don't think adding 'step' makes a bit if difference.
Thanks so much Angela!!!It has only been recently sent to B&N via Smashwords so I don't think I have an issue with them (yet). They simply have not posted yet it usually takes a few days.
What is your success/experience with blocked Amazon books?
Some writers of more salacious/taboo material sell off their own websites as well. I'm sympathetic. I'm not particularly spicy, but I've gotten at least one Apple ticket demanding I label a book as erotica (which it is not) due to LGBT content. I won't, and they don't have it on their site.
E. wrote: "I'd guess that its the step thing in the blurb that's causing a problem.The blurb says they were 'grown' when their parents met, how old is 'grown'? If they are younger than the age of consent wh..."
Thanks E. The H/H were well over 18 when their parents married.
I guess I'll have to wait and see. Could be a copyright concern because I have read posts about books being blocked for this reason on Amazon.
This book is all my own original content. But Homegrown is used in other book titles.
I'm not sure, just concerned. I really love this story and want the Amazon exposure (obviously).
Kara wrote: "I am hoping for some HELP from my fellow authors. I published my second novella yesterday on AMAZON it was released with great response and no issues.
I realized one error and resubmitted only..."
Hey Kara, I'm sorry to hear about your book. I knew Amazon was touchy sometimes but wow. I am in agreement with everyone else, the block perhaps stems from the content of the book although your absolutely right there are other books on Amazon that are way more controversial then yours. I hope they get back to you and I wish you the best of luck in getting the issue resolved.
Take out the references to 'step' in the blurb. censorship centers on blurbs and covers.
Thanks E. for the suggestion. It's a good one. I'm willing to tweak.
Unfortunately, since it is blocked I cannot update or change the book at all.
This is why I am hoping this can somehow be reversed. I'm hoping some other authors may have experienced this and have had happy ending to share with me. *fingers crossed* :)
I have no advice for you, Kara, only a "I hope it gets resolved." I hate this censorship aspect (if that's what it is).
I guess America's not quite ready for incest. Seriously, the topic is interesting. When I got divorced, I got custody of my adolescent kids. When I remarried, my wife's adolescent kids moved in, too. So here I had a cute daughter of 13 with a step-son of 12.
Even though they weren't related by blood, name or (directly) marriage, I was still just a bit uneasy. Does that make me a phobe?
As for your book... are you positive it's the subject matter?
Dennis wrote: "I guess America's not quite ready for incest. Seriously, the topic is interesting. When I got divorced, I got custody of my adolescent kids. When I remarried, my wife's adolescent kids moved in, ..."
Thanks Denis and Abigail.
As for the subject matter, no I'm not positive. I've had a night to sleep on it and the only possibility I can think of is the Title.
Homegrown is used in many other titles to refer to gardening or dieting etc, so it may have been flagged for a potential copyright based on other books titled Homegrown.
The subject matter is really not taboo at all. At least in my case. I made sure the hero and heroine were well into adulthood (19+) before they became "step-siblings" and the erotic content is nothing too risky - although HOT lol :)
I still haven't had a response, but I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm still hoping for the best.
Kara
Have you tried calling Amazon? When I couldn't get an answer about them blocking some reader feedback comments, I called them and was able to find out what their issue was. Good luck with this, Kara!
It's unlikely to be the title, frankly, since most titles are not copyright (or copyrightable).It probably is the subject matter, but Amazon may be amenable to reason. Or okay if you tweak the blurb.
Dennis, it makes you a parent, in my opinion. Reality and fantasy are two different things.
What the heck is a 'BBW military romance'?In the porn industry a BBW means 'Big Black Woman' - is that what you intended?
If it is, there are plenty examples on Amazon...
Ed wrote: "What the heck is a 'BBW military romance'?In the porn industry a BBW means 'Big Black Woman' - is that what you intended?
If it is, there are plenty examples on Amazon..."
In erotic romance, it's Big Beautiful Woman. In short, women of size, regardless of ethnicity. The genre is big on descriptive buzz-words.
Just thinking about that title "Homegrown Heroes" it may be thought of as a reference to growing marijuana? That may not be it, but if somebody flagged it as a grow your own weed manual that might be the reason for the block? Or army heroes taking drugs even? It might be nothing to do with pseudo-incest (which isn't really incest anyway) and everything to do with drug laws.
Thanks everyone. I'm truly stumped myself. I tried to find a contact number but was unsuccessful. Although there is another way to submit KPD author inquires via email and I have sent them this today....Hi,
I am looking for some clarification on the recent notification that my book has been blocked by Amazon. I am a happily ever after romance author who prides myself in the integrity for my work and it's acceptance by both publishers and readers.
This "block" has raised some deep concerns for me and I would love to come to some resolution on this.
I believe I have reviewed all possible/logical reasons for this blockage and am still uncertain. (Homegrown Heroes - Ryan by Kara Swynn)
These were my best guesses and I have addressed them all here...
- This book is my sole and complete original work never before been published (with the exception of Smashwords on the same day)
- the cover is tasteful
- the subject material follows your guidelines (there is nothing kinky, illegal or truly taboo) it is quite tame in comparison to many of the books you currently have for sale.
Note: although the leading characters are step-siblings they are not related and had never even met or had that label until they were both well into full adulthood (the book blurb is clear on this too). I have reviewed your "step"sibling/ mother/ father titles and this isn't even in the same league as most of the erotic material you have under those headings.
- the title has not been used before
This book is actually a sweet romance with numerous 4&5* reviews on Goodreads and a high demand to continue this series.
If there is a simple adjustment I can make to the book or blurb to have this book re-instated I am more than happy to do so.
I in no way would intentionally disregard Amazon's / KDP rules and regulations. I am hoping to resolve this matter as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Kara Swynn
I'm hoping for swift justice (in a good way lol)
Dennis -
even I get creeped out by young step-sibling turned adult romance stories every once and a while, even though I've read some adorable ones.
That's why I purposely ensured my characters were well above majority age when they met, much less became pseudo related.
Thanks to all!!! Fingers crossed.
Kara
XOXO
I doubt Amazon is blocking it for content reasons - there is so much wild stuff on there I doubt they care. (Besides look at 'Hotel New Hampshire' - it's full of incest.)
More likely it is some technical issue like a copyright or processing error of the format or something.
The copyright issue is the most feared among sellers and publishers due to DRM.
You can always change the book just a bit, mainly the first chapter change the title and the cover and resubmit as a new book. Remember the Big A is not the only game in town. Hope that helps.
Thanks Ed and Tony. I'd like to agree that Amazon is not the only name in town, but it is the alpha male and a bite from them can do a lot of damage.
Plus, I enjoy buying and selling from them. I'm not willing to risk a full author ban by making slight changes and resubmitting. It's too risky for me.
It's pretty poor that you get your book blocked without so much as a follow up explanation. Really - an author is a business and what if someone was to walk into a shop and close it without explaining to the proprietor's the reason why? Every day is lost revenue! I do hate how authors are treated sometimes. Hope it gets resolved soon.
Heather wrote: "It's pretty poor that you get your book blocked without so much as a follow up explanation. Really - an author is a business and what if someone was to walk into a shop and close it without explain..."Thanks so much Heather. It has helped greatly to have this GR author forum for support!
They are unlikely to ban you unless you really piss them off, but I would wait for them to get back to you. I suspect that it is content, and they'll either be okay with a slight change or fine with it as is once someone looks at it. The thing with Amazon and content is that it's not all that logical. They block stuff as it comes to their attention. They keep the actual mechanics of that fairly close to their chest but I suspect that it's as stuff is either user-flagged OR hits a particular keyword, and then gets blocked until an actual Amazon human can look at it.
I was able to buy this, Two Point Conversion, off Amazon before it got flagged, and I think it was available for a couple of weeks. This writer does have other titles available through them as well, so obviously they haven't banned her yet, although judging from some of her facebook posts, I don't think she's very happy with Amazon.
By the way, I do not make that particular subject matter a significant portion of my reading material, but this particular writer handles taboo subjects very skillfully. And fantasy is not the same as reality, which would be kind of...icky.
Thanks DC. I guess I can see why Two Point Conversion it would be tempting to banned this book although I hate to have to write that down. Creativity should never be stifled. Personally I go into most books with an open mind and although twisted I could see myself reading it too.
WOW!!! I just found this book on AMAZON!! Now I'm really confused about blocking practices?!?!
http://www.amazon.com/Two-Point-Conve...
Kara wrote: "Thanks DC. I guess I can see why Two Point Conversion it would be tempting to banned this book although I hate to have to write that down. Creativity should never be stifled. Perso..."
Either she's got it back up, or they only blocked the e-version. Twisted doesn't even begin to describe it, but she's very skilled, and she can make all kind of things compelling. And it is a)fantasy and b)between consenting adults with some discussion of consequences.
One of the things that is frustrating to many people about Amazon's standards is that they are so haphazard. A book like yours, which touches very delicately on a taboo, gets flagged, while books that explore it openly get by because no-one has noticed.
Personally, I'm uncomfortable with censorship, particularly of content. I can kind of understand Amazon's desire to keep the covers fairly clean, especially the way their recommendation engines work.
Okay everyone wait for it....Here is the response I got today!!!???.....
"Homegrown Heroes - Ryan: A BBW Military Romance by Swynn, Kara (AUTHOR) (ID:4806743).
We found that your book’s content is in violation of our content guidelines. As a result, we will not be offering this book for sale.
We’re unable to elaborate further on specific details regarding our content guidelines. We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any inconvenience.
Best Regards,
Katerina S."
Kara wrote: "Okay everyone wait for it....Here is the response I got today!!!???.....
"Homegrown Heroes - Ryan: A BBW Military Romance by Swynn, Kara (AUTHOR) (ID:4806743).
We found that your book’s content..."
How enormously unhelpful. You could try to get ahold of an Amazon human and see if they can be a little more specific, or you could try tweaking and resubmitting. I would remove the "BBW" (in case someone thinks it stands for "black" instead of "beautiful") and remove direct references to their family status replacing them with words like "taboo" and "forbidden" and "off-limits" and see if that's sufficiently vague enough to make them happy. I haven't had to do it myself, but I know it's a fairly common practice.
I took a peek at Amazon's terms, and while they are tremendously cagey about content guidelines, it appears to be completely kosher to tweak and resubmit.
I'm definitely going to do that! This is my fav story to date and one it think so many will enjoy. If it means I have to tweak the step sibling angle then so be it!!Thanks so much for your support!
Thanks Nenia, I guess you feel my pain. It sucks.
I sell my book on Smashwords now. No problems there. ;)
Nenia wrote: "One of my books got banned too.
e_e"
Amazon is very weird. It makes slightly more sense to me than Kara's book, but only slightly, and I know they carry plenty of comparable horror. It really is very random and arbitrary.
UPDATE!!!I was advised by Amazon, that I could definitely revise and resubmit this story for review, however a new ISBN would be needed.
I decided to learn from this experience and take it as an opportunity to grow and reexamine by book.
I had time to revise and make some wonderful additions to my book and now truly believe that this story is so much better because of it.
I resubmitted to Amazon and am happy to report that it is back up for sale.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words of support and encouragement. It's so great to have this forum available to us!!!
http://amzn.com/B00KVTUAGO
Lots 'o love,
Kara
Goodreads Authors/Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
Terrorscape (other topics)Terrorscape (other topics)
Two Point Conversion (other topics)
Two Point Conversion (other topics)
Two Point Conversion (other topics)
More...
I published my second novella yesterday on AMAZON it was released with great response and no issues.
I realized one error and resubmitted only to receive an email today advising that my book has been blocked and will not be made available for sale.
I have sent an email requesting further information, but I am still very upset / concerned by this.
Here is the link to my book
I have checked on Amazon and there are a lot racier and more taboo stories available for sale, so I am confused.
Note, there may be a different reason, however I'm only guessing it's the taboo aspect.
I have also read that once blocked you can't get your book resubmitted. Does anyone know if that is true?
If anyone has experienced this and can offer me some advice or a solution this would be extremely appreciated.
Love
Kara