I had hoped to post a very positive update today, but Amazon’s new ruling on reviews has left me feeling depressed and concerned for the future of Indie Authors like myself.
I’ve not been affected as yet, but many of my reviews are from book reviewers who’ve kindly given their honest opinions in exchange for a free copy. Those reviews mean everything to me, to know that all the hard work and dedication have been worth it. Will these reviews disappear overnight?
And what about winning copies? I try to review the books I’ve won, and have plans to run my own giveaways to celebrate Visions of Zarua’s 1st anniversary in November. If these do result in any reviews in the future, will they be allowed? How far will Amazon take this new rule? And aren’t they going to damage their own profits if they push Indies out?
Yesterday I read a post that Amazon were celebrating Indie Authors throughout October. Today I read they are stripping them of their reviews. It’s a mad world.
I’ll still be running my giveaways starting with a Goodreads one launching next week. And I want to try out Rafflecopter too – I have six copies to give to loving homes!
I suppose the Amazon thing is hitting my harder today as I’m about to meet my lovely beta reader and hand her the finished draft of my next book, The Lost Sentinel. I’m at the stage where I should be thinking of covers and blurbs, not if I should even bother.
I want to be excited at the prospect of another self publishing venture, but this news has taken the shine off it all. How can indies get discovered without reviews? Will this change the world of blog tours and ARC’s?
Is it time to start the process of looking for an agent or publisher?
I’ll stop moaning now and hand it over to you. Am I panicking about nothing? Do you have any advice or news to share?
Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author 
With enough author complaints they may yet change their minds.Fingers crossed.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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I shall have everything crossed!
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That could make walking very difficult then.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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I like a challenge!
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I was under the impression that the new rules wouldn’t include books?
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I’ve heard of at least one reviewer who is having her reviews taken off and others who have been contacted by Amazon. Another reviewer said she can no longer post reviews in the US. I think things are changing, but not sure how far it will go and who will be affected.
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That’s not good news 😦
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I think you’re probably panicking needlessly. Amazon has been tightening its review process to curb abuses and, in doing so, has impacted honest reviews as well as the bad ones. Overall, though, their policy on ARCs have not changed. You can still offer an ARC to readers, but you can’t “require” a review or ask for only positive reviews.
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I hope so, thanks for the reassurance.
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I think the latest news has sent us all into a panic. I read the comment from onereasonableperson and agree. Please don`t let it put you off, celebrate another novel finished and on it`s way into the world.
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Thank you, I appreciate your comments. And now that I’ve had some time to realise Amazon’s changes are not the end of the world, I can look forward to getting my next book out there.
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Don’t really understand this, but I’m sure you’ll find a way through..or around…or simply soar above it all. ! Good luck anyway.
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Thank you.
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Aww just don’t get into what amazon will do. Just write and write and show the world your creation! Anyway, I want those books! They are beautiful.
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Thank you very much, I am feeling better about it all and love your advice!
I am running a goodreads giveaway next week and a rafflecopter one soon. Keep an eye out for them. Thanks again.
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OMG! Going to stalk you! Wahaha
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