I’ve gone back and forth on this subject for a couple weeks now. Advance Reader Copies or ARCs have always been an integral part in getting the word out about a new release. Offering them early and allowing your tribe of readers a chance to enjoy the novel before the actual release date helps spread the word about its upcoming release and, the biggest benefit, is the influx of reviews right on release day.
At least, that was how it used to be.
Reviewers would leave a note explaining they received the book in exchange for their honest review and it was acceptable.
Advance reader copy rules have changed.
All thanks to Amazon. Asking for reviews is no longer acceptable practice in their eyes. That note above is enough to get a completely legitimate review bounced from the sales page on Amazon.
And a massive influx of positive reviews for a book (or any product) is another red flag to the biggest book retailer on the planet.
Can I still give away copies of Tales from Portents? Yes, of course. It’s my book. That makes me sorta in charge of it.
Can I ask for an honest review from a reader in exchange for a free book? No. But I can hope that if you request an advance copy that it is with the intention of reviewing it so that others can find Tales and enjoy it as well.
Sign up for an advance reader copy today:
Even with all the headaches from Amazon I want to make this happen. Here’s how you can request your advance copy of Tales from Portents:
Contact me DIRECTLY. Either through my contact form or through a private message on social media.
In the message tell me your preferred format. (MOBI for Kindle, EPUB for Nook and iBooks, or PDF.) If print is your only option a paperback edition can be sent your way but it will be on a first come, first served basis. I only have a few copies I can mail out at this time.
After receiving your advance reader copy?
Read it. I ask that if you request one that you are able to read it in the month of February.
If you enjoyed it and would like to leave a review (YOUR CHOICE) on Amazon, Goodreads or the other major retailer sites let me know FIRST. Again, this is more to avoid incurring the wrath of Amazon’s willy-nilly policy changes than me being a complete control freak. Honest.
Tales from Portents has been a treat to put together and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. For those unable to take advantage of an advance copy don’t forget to mark your calendars for the official release. February 17th is coming up FAST.
Your help and your feedback is appreciated beyond belief.
Thanks for reading.