The excitement of having books published these days wanes as a certain entity no longer allows family and friends to post reviews. For authors who publish with small press or self-publish, family and friends are the first readers. They desire to post honest reviews.
Unfortunately, unethical authors have ruined this venue for everyone. I understand the actions taken by this company. However, without reviews, our books are not promoted. Without promotions, our books are not found by readers who are searching for books like ours.
Indy authors must pay for ads, give books away, and be constantly seeking benevolent readers to give honest reviews. Hiring marketers or a publicist isn’t an option for starving authors who would rather write.
What to Do?
- Encourage family and friends to promote books on their social media outlets, and websites.
- Read Indy author’s books and post honest reviews on all venues, social media, and websites. (see my Recommended Reads page)
- Share, share, share.
The point is to get authors’ names and books into the search engines where readers discover them. These readers will purchase books from the seller and leave reviews on the site–as long as they don’t become “friends” on social media.
Here is an honest review of Fleeing the Shadows by my Award-Winning Author friend, Patty Wiseman.
What options have I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.
Phyllis A. Still 
There are sites (such as mine) that post honest book reviews. If you’re an author, do a search and then use the site’s Contact page. Some sites may not accept self-published authors and that is totally up to their discretion. Usually, I am happy to at least Tweet about a book, if I don’t have time (or the interest) to personally review it.
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Thank you for recommending this option. I can testify to your honest reviews!
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You’ve covered all that I can think of.
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