For authorsNotes on book review and promotion sites, from one self-published author to another

If you are publishing your own book you will be offered a lot of paid promotion. Here is what I found. If you know a good review site that suits a book like mine, email me; I am always hopeful of finding one.

Goodreads

I like Goodreads. It has a community, it is set up to help readers find books and authors find readers, and it is not just a newsletter. It gives you a place to talk about books with friends and see what they are reading. Good value.

AuthorsDen

This site has a genuine vibe. They really want to help authors promote their book and get started, and it is a good way to meet other authors and pick up tips.

BookBub

More of a newsletter, and I am not sure of its value. I paid for marketing here and did not get a return on the money.

Online Book Club

I did not get any benefit from this one either. It seems to be a very selective newsletter. It would be good to know how big these databases really are, because I think they exaggerate when they are asking for money.

Book Bongo

A newsletter. I submitted my book for one of their blasts, but it is very hard to track results from money spent on these. I keep getting emails promoting books I am not interested in, and I guess I helped pay for an email putting my book in front of someone who was not interested either.

Build Book Buzz

Another database newsletter. Most of these target hopeful authors the way a fishing lure does not need to catch fish, as long as it catches fishermen willing to buy it. At least this one provides some helpful links and advice alongside the marketing.

Book Tweep

They offer a tweeting package to promote your book. Just before I hit the PayPal button I searched for reviews of the service, and I was very glad I did. It looks like a scam, and I saved some hard-earned money. It is amazing how many sites prey on self-published authors. Always search for independent reviews first.

What I would do now

Fix your Amazon page first: a clear subtitle, a description that opens with your story, the right categories, and real keywords. Then get genuine reviews from real readers, because nothing you can buy replaces them. Then tell your story wherever it will be heard. Paid newsletters come last, if at all.