I’m going to be spending a lot of time editing, rewriting, and honing my current novel. I’m going to pay for a good cover design. In short, I’ll be spending a lot of time editing and designing the best book that I can. Since I want exposure, I’ll be releasing it for free, which brings me to my question for any of you out there.
Is it too much for me to ask those who download my novel to give it a review or a recommendation on their blog? My vision is this: If someone downloads it, they give it a short review. It can be good or bad — as long as it’s honest. For those who don’t want to review it, but liked it, perhaps they could recommend it? That would be the only payment I need.
I don’t want to sound selfish, so please let me know if I’m coming off that way. It was just a thought I had, and to me it sounds like a good one.
Blue Eyes and White Lies 
March 13, 2013 at 8:02 PM
I’ll read and review for ya 🙂
March 13, 2013 at 11:17 PM
That would be beyond amazing! Thank you! It won’t be ready for a while though, but you’re on the list!
March 13, 2013 at 11:18 PM
You’re welcome! 🙂
March 14, 2013 at 12:09 AM
The very best of luck with your book. I would be happy to review your novel. I am blind and use screen reading software which converts text into speech and braille enabling me to read my computer’s screen. Provided the book is in an accessible format such as Word or accessible PDF Jaws should have no problem in reading it. The software can’t cope with scanned images as it sees only a blank page. Kind regards, Kevin
March 14, 2013 at 12:16 AM
That would be awesome! I planned to release it in amazon ebook format, but perhaps I can make a special one just for you!
March 14, 2013 at 1:25 AM
Cheers, I own a Kindle with a text to speech facility which should, I think read your book without difficulty. I look forward to reading it. Would you be prepared to review my two books? It would be on the same terms as you suggest for yours (an honest unbiased review on your blog stating your opinion of my work). I can send you free copies of the two books (both are short one being 17 pages and the other 29) via e-mail. If you are happy with this do please drop me an e-mail and I will reply attaching the books. Both are availible in the Kindle store (The First Time by Kevin Morris and Samantha by K Morris). Kind regards, Kevin
March 17, 2013 at 10:43 PM
That would be fine! My work won’t be finished for quite a while, though. 🙂
March 14, 2013 at 1:25 AM
What a good idea! Great way of getting feedback too. I would be happy to read and review. Look forward to it.
March 17, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Awesome! I’ll keep you in mind. 🙂
March 14, 2013 at 5:08 AM
I think you are being reasonable.
A free book for exposure is a smart way to go and a small review is in no way too much to ask.
Most will promise but won’t fulfill, but those that do will generally be willing to give a good solid review to help out.
What’s your book on?
March 17, 2013 at 10:44 PM
My book is about two women who together battle evil. Thanks for the input!
March 14, 2013 at 8:11 AM
You do not come off as selfish to me. I would gladly read your book and post a review/recommendation on my blog, Facebook, tell my friends, whatever. I wish you the best of luck!
March 17, 2013 at 10:45 PM
Awesome! That means so much! I’ll keep you in mind if I ever get around to finishing anything! 🙂
March 25, 2013 at 1:38 PM
I wish you the best of luck!
March 14, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Good idea. Brace yourself! I think any publicity is good …
March 17, 2013 at 10:45 PM
I sure hope so!
March 14, 2013 at 3:31 PM
I’d be happy to read, review and promote, I think anyone who has actually finished writing a novel deserves all the help they can get. And if you’re going to be giving it away I can’t see anyone should have a problem with helping you promo it. Good luck 🙂
March 17, 2013 at 10:46 PM
Wow, that would be great! I’ll keep you in mind when I put my stuff out there. Thanks so much!
March 14, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Thanks for visiting my blog! I would love to see you succeed!
March 16, 2013 at 8:36 AM
Hi Dallas, I think it’s a fair and reasonable trade. You might also look for a writers’ group in your area. I belong to one and it’s a great way to receive instant feedback on works in progress. A writers’ group helps to remove some of the inevitable isolation that any writer has to experience in order to write… Also if you feel “stuck” at any point it’s astonishing how quickly the group sees solutions and makes suggestions to those problems that have had one tied in knots for weeks! I believe there are groups on-line as well of fellow writers (I personally really like the real-wrold contact with our peers though). I wish you lots of luck. Hope this has been helpful, —Jadi
March 17, 2013 at 10:47 PM
That’s a really great idea. I’ve been visiting this web site called Scribophile, but I’ll check to see if any real life groups exist!
March 16, 2013 at 9:11 AM
Thanks for coming by The Kraken’s Wake. Your deal here sounds like a good one to me. I will read and review for you and post a notice on my site if that will help. Just let me know when it gets released. Just out of curiosity, what is the word count of your book?
March 17, 2013 at 10:48 PM
That would be really awesome, actually! Well, the one I plan to release for free is slated to be 30-50 thousand, so I hope I don’t go over too much.
March 16, 2013 at 1:51 PM
I think if people download your book for free, then the least they can do is leave an honest review. You need to know what works and what doesn’t. Plus you’ll get a real buzz when you receive good encouraging reviews 🙂
March 17, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Great point! Thanks!
March 17, 2013 at 4:28 PM
I absolutely agree with you. I don’t think you sound selfish. I often with other writers, especially indie authors, would support each other in this way too.
March 17, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Yeah! Being an indie writer really should emphasize the community more!
March 20, 2013 at 8:02 PM
I make a serious effort to review the work of other self-published authors, but if I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it, and if I don’t finish reading something, I don’t review it.
I had a really good return from StoryCartel.com, which allows self-published authors to offer free e-book copies in exchange for reviews.
March 25, 2013 at 8:40 PM
That’s fair, I think. Thanks for the advice. And that website is awesome!
March 30, 2013 at 12:33 PM
I would be happy to assist you with sharing your work… Now just looking forward to reading it!
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