The problem I see with ARC reviews is Amazon requires a $50 purchase prior before they can post a review which is hard to fulfil for authors outside US. That’s my biggest problem at the moment. I can register many ARCs if not with that limiting requirement.
That's a very valid point. My biggest suggestion around that is to remember there are other platforms where people can leave reviews besides Amazon. (ie. GoodReads, Apple iBooks, Google Play, etc.)
Great question. I believe I have a video on this, but the short answer is: 1. Sign up for an email management system (ie. mailchimp, aweber, mailerlite, etc.) Most have a free tier, start with that. 2. Create a landing page on that platform to collect the email addresses. (there are plenty of videos on how to do this depending on the platform you choose in step 1.) 3. Add the link to the landing page you created in step 2, in the interior of your book. You can say something like, "Want to know when my next book comes out, sign up to my newsletter" or "Get more content like this by signing up to my email list" etc. What you say will depend greatly on what your plan is for that list. For example, in my puzzle book newsletters, I include a free puzzle page. So in my puzzle books I say something like, "Want to get more puzzles like those in this book, for FREE? Sign up here: " and then I put a link to my sign up page. That's honestly all you need to do to start your email list. It won't happen over night, but you'll gradually get sign-ups. And the two important things to remember once you have your first sign up is: A. Stick to what you promised.(free puzzle pages, etc.) B. Treat even 1 email subscriber as if you have a million. These people are trusting you with their email address. That officially makes them your customer, you can now reach out to them with or without Amazon! It's pure gold!
Heyyy, Keith! Thanks for these tips! I knew I was forgetting something when I redid my interiors. Sigh... I'll put the request in volume 3, onward. I will also remember to ask my email subscribers to do the same, although a few of them did it without my asking.
I’m so glad you found the video helpful! There’s always something new to learn in this business. That’s one of the many things I love about the book publishing business!
This was really good but i get worried about email list and stuff like that makes me nervus so maybe you can help with a video to help people understand email list thank you for another amazing video
You've provided valuable information and I enjoyed your video regarding book reviews. I have a book and I want to upload it to other sites. Can I transfer my existing verified reviews to those other site as well?
Great video! But, how do you get the create-a-review link to include in the book - before you publish the book…? Do you publish it, then upload an edited version?
If you have access to Wordpress prettylinks plug in, you can create the link and put it in your book and then once it’s launched, you can update the pretty link path to point to correct link. If you don’t have access to pretty links, then yes, once you publish the book you’ll add the link into your manuscript and reupload/publish it.
@@KeithWheelerBooks Terrific thanks for the excellent tip :) I just checked, and I think you can also edit the Bitly link like that? In your opinion, should you use Bitly and Pretty Links (presumably on your own domain?), or does it make no real difference? Thanks again :)
Pretty links are usually easier to “remember” for the customer than a bitly link. If it’s for an ebook, it doesn’t really matter, but for a print book, you want it as easy to remember as possible.
May I ask, isn't the link you have in the description taking people to the Amazon Vine Program? How does that work? Do the reviewers get free products? In other words, would they get my book for free? If so, how would the seller get paid? Thanks.
This link will work for any product on Amazon, regardless of how it was published. If it’s on Amazon it’ll have an ASIN. Add that ASIN to the end of the link in the description
I agree that the request for a book review should be at the front of the book. But I don't know if I want a review from someone who doesn't finish the book. Often times, the ending is the best part. :)
Very helpful. Wasn't aware of the review websites you mentioned. Lots of useful information.
I'm so glad you found this video content helpful.
Feel free to share it with others that you think might find it helpful.
Extremely helpful. Thank you!!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Good value
My thoughts, exactly. Thanks for watching!
The problem I see with ARC reviews is Amazon requires a $50 purchase prior before they can post a review which is hard to fulfil for authors outside US. That’s my biggest problem at the moment. I can register many ARCs if not with that limiting requirement.
That's a very valid point. My biggest suggestion around that is to remember there are other platforms where people can leave reviews besides Amazon. (ie. GoodReads, Apple iBooks, Google Play, etc.)
Thank you so much for this video!!! I will try all these options!! 😃😃
You are so welcome!
Thank you for the information
My pleasure!
I've been considering putting a QR code to the reviews section in my paperbacks to help with this.
Excellent idea!
I've been looking for this quick link, thank you!
You’re quite welcome. Glad you found the video helpful! 😊👍
Great information
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Amazon requires a 50 Euro purchase so I cant even offer a discount on a book to attract a review. How do you make an email list?
Great question. I believe I have a video on this, but the short answer is:
1. Sign up for an email management system (ie. mailchimp, aweber, mailerlite, etc.) Most have a free tier, start with that.
2. Create a landing page on that platform to collect the email addresses. (there are plenty of videos on how to do this depending on the platform you choose in step 1.)
3. Add the link to the landing page you created in step 2, in the interior of your book. You can say something like, "Want to know when my next book comes out, sign up to my newsletter" or "Get more content like this by signing up to my email list" etc. What you say will depend greatly on what your plan is for that list.
For example, in my puzzle book newsletters, I include a free puzzle page. So in my puzzle books I say something like, "Want to get more puzzles like those in this book, for FREE? Sign up here: " and then I put a link to my sign up page.
That's honestly all you need to do to start your email list. It won't happen over night, but you'll gradually get sign-ups. And the two important things to remember once you have your first sign up is: A. Stick to what you promised.(free puzzle pages, etc.) B. Treat even 1 email subscriber as if you have a million.
These people are trusting you with their email address. That officially makes them your customer, you can now reach out to them with or without Amazon!
It's pure gold!
Heyyy, Keith! Thanks for these tips! I knew I was forgetting something when I redid my interiors. Sigh... I'll put the request in volume 3, onward. I will also remember to ask my email subscribers to do the same, although a few of them did it without my asking.
I’m so glad you found the video helpful! There’s always something new to learn in this business. That’s one of the many things I love about the book publishing business!
This was really good but i get worried about email list and stuff like that makes me nervus so maybe you can help with a video to help people understand email list thank you for another amazing video
Absolutely! What kinds of questions/concerns do you have in regard to email lists?
You've provided valuable information and I enjoyed your video regarding book reviews. I have a book and I want to upload it to other sites. Can I transfer my existing verified reviews to those other site as well?
Unfortunately no. Those reviews are from “Amazons customers” so they cannot be transferred to another site.
Really helpful video, thank you 😊
You're quite welcome. I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Keith, what are your thoughts on using Pubby for book reviews?
I am wondering about Pubby too 🧐
I have never used them but plan on looking into them in the near future!
Stay tuned for a future video
Honestly...this was a good video.
Ha! Thanks for your feedback! 😊👍
Keith i have sent you a free copy of my book because your videos helped me out thank you
Thank you. I’m so glad you found my videos helpful.
Great video!
But, how do you get the create-a-review link to include in the book - before you publish the book…?
Do you publish it, then upload an edited version?
If you have access to Wordpress prettylinks plug in, you can create the link and put it in your book and then once it’s launched, you can update the pretty link path to point to correct link.
If you don’t have access to pretty links, then yes, once you publish the book you’ll add the link into your manuscript and reupload/publish it.
@@KeithWheelerBooks Terrific thanks for the excellent tip :)
I just checked, and I think you can also edit the Bitly link like that?
In your opinion, should you use Bitly and Pretty Links (presumably on your own domain?), or does it make no real difference?
Thanks again :)
Pretty links are usually easier to “remember” for the customer than a bitly link. If it’s for an ebook, it doesn’t really matter, but for a print book, you want it as easy to remember as possible.
May I ask, isn't the link you have in the description taking people to the Amazon Vine Program? How does that work? Do the reviewers get free products? In other words, would they get my book for free? If so, how would the seller get paid? Thanks.
adding: My book is traditionally-published, not through self published/ KDP.
No, it will send them to the write a review link for that book that you add an ASIN for.
This link will work for any product on Amazon, regardless of how it was published. If it’s on Amazon it’ll have an ASIN. Add that ASIN to the end of the link in the description
@@KeithWheelerBooks thank you very much!
@@hollylee1570 You're quite welcome.
I agree that the request for a book review should be at the front of the book. But I don't know if I want a review from someone who doesn't finish the book. Often times, the ending is the best part. :)
This is a great video BTW. Very informative. Thank you.
Good point! But many times by leaving a partial review, they’ll see other reviews that’ll respark their interest.
So glad you enjoyed it!