
Based on checking the website, Getbooksreviewed.com presents itself as a private book review club designed to help authors gain visibility and credibility for their Kindle and paperback books on Amazon.
The platform aims to facilitate genuine, thoughtful reviews from a community of like-minded authors and reviewers.
It emphasizes compliance with Amazon’s community guidelines, striving to offer an ethical alternative to review swapping, which is explicitly against Amazon’s terms of service.
Authors pay a monthly or annual membership fee to access a library of books and earn “tokens” by reviewing other authors’ works.
These tokens are then used to list their own books for review within the community.
The site highlights that it prevents direct review swapping through an algorithm, ensuring authors do not review each other’s books, and maintains anonymity between reviewers and authors to promote unbiased feedback.
While the service provides a structured way to potentially increase book reviews, authors should always consider the broader Islamic principles of seeking honest feedback and the intention behind such efforts.
Ultimately, the focus should be on creating high-quality, beneficial content that aligns with Islamic teachings, relying on Allah SWT for success rather than solely on external metrics or methods that might introduce subtle forms of quid pro quo, even if indirect.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Getbooksreviewed.com Review & First Look
Upon a first look, the website is clean, professionally designed, and clearly outlines its value proposition.
It immediately addresses a pain point for authors: securing legitimate, compliant reviews without resorting to prohibited practices like direct review swaps.
The site emphasizes its commitment to Amazon’s Community Guidelines, which is a significant factor given Amazon’s strict policies on review manipulation.
What is Getbooksreviewed.com?
At its core, Getbooksreviewed.com operates as a private, members-only book review club.
It’s a community where authors contribute by reading and reviewing books from other authors to earn “tokens.” These tokens are then used to list their own books in the community library, making them available for other members to review.
The goal is to create a symbiotic relationship where authors support each other in gaining review visibility.
- Community-Driven: The platform fosters a sense of community among authors, framing itself as a supportive network rather than a transactional service.
- Token-Based System: Authors earn tokens by reviewing books, which incentivizes active participation and ensures a continuous flow of reviews within the system.
- Focus on Compliance: A strong emphasis is placed on adhering to Amazon’s rules, distinguishing itself from less scrupulous review services.
Initial Impressions on Usability and Design
The website’s user interface is intuitive.
Key information such as “Features,” “Pricing,” “FAQs,” and “Contact Us” are easily accessible from the navigation bar.
The homepage provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of how the service works, including a video demonstration. Kjc-gold-silver-bullion.com.au Reviews
This transparency helps users understand the process quickly.
- Clear Call to Action: Prominent “Create a Free Account” and “Join Us Today” buttons encourage immediate engagement.
- Mobile Responsiveness: The site appears to be optimized for various devices, ensuring a consistent user experience.
- Testimonials: A dedicated section for testimonials from current members offers social proof, although it’s always wise to approach such testimonials with a degree of healthy skepticism, as they are curated by the platform itself.
Getbooksreviewed.com Features
The platform offers several features designed to streamline the book review process for authors while maintaining a semblance of compliance with Amazon’s guidelines.
These features aim to provide a structured environment for authors to get their books reviewed ethically.
Token System and Book Listing
The core mechanism of Getbooksreviewed.com revolves around its token system.
This system incentivizes members to actively participate in the community by reviewing books.
- Earning Tokens: Authors earn tokens by reading and reviewing other authors’ books. The platform specifies that the number of tokens attributed to each review can depend on the book’s length and whether a “Verified Purchase” review is sought.
- Spending Tokens: These accumulated tokens are then used to list an author’s own books in the community library, making them available for other members to review. The more tokens spent, the more visibility a book may receive within the community.
- Fairness Mechanism: The platform states that its algorithm ensures authors do not directly review each other’s books. For instance, if you review my book, my book will not appear in your library for review, aiming to prevent direct “review swapping.” This is a critical feature for maintaining compliance with Amazon’s terms.
Amazon Compliance and Anonymity
Getbooksreviewed.com heavily stresses its adherence to Amazon’s Community Guidelines, a major concern for authors given Amazon’s strict enforcement.
- No Direct Interaction: The platform explicitly states there is no direct interaction between authors and reviewers. Reviewers remain anonymous, and authors do not have information about individual reviews received. This is a crucial distinction from traditional “review swaps” where authors might collude.
- Avoiding Monitoring: The site claims it does not allow authors to monitor specific reviews on Amazon or track reviewers’ public profiles, which would be a violation of Amazon’s guidelines. Instead, authors see an overall average star rating within the community dashboard.
- Gradual Review Accumulation: Getbooksreviewed.com emphasizes a “long game” approach, stating that it focuses on helping authors consistently get reviews slowly over time rather than a quick influx, which can flag Amazon’s algorithms.
Supported Book Formats and Review Types
The platform accommodates various book formats and aims to facilitate different types of Amazon reviews.
- Kindle & Paperback Reviews: The primary focus is on generating reviews for both Kindle eBooks and physical paperback versions of books.
- Verified Purchase Reviews: Authors can opt for verified purchase reviews, which require reviewers to purchase the book on Amazon. This typically costs more tokens but results in reviews that Amazon labels as “Verified Purchase,” often carrying more weight. The platform clarifies that reviewers are compensated with more tokens for purchasing books.
- PDF/ePub Downloads: For eBooks, authors can also choose to upload PDF or ePub versions, allowing reviewers to access the book without a direct Amazon purchase. Reviews from these downloads will not be “Verified Purchase” but still contribute to the book’s overall review count.
- Kindle Unlimited KU Considerations: The site acknowledges that reviews from KU downloads do not register as “Verified Purchase” but can still benefit authors through page reads and overall visibility.
Member Dashboard and Tracking
Authors gain access to a personal dashboard upon signing up, which serves as their central hub for managing their books and reviews.
- Book Submission: The dashboard allows authors to upload their book covers, provide detailed information about their books, and select preferred review types e.g., Kindle, Paperback, PDF download.
- Review Tracking: Authors can track the books they have reviewed, the tokens they have accumulated, and the overall average star rating of their own books within the Getbooksreviewed.com community. However, specific Amazon review details or reviewer identities are withheld to ensure compliance.
- Communication with Support: The dashboard or a contact form allows members to submit support tickets, with a stated response time of 1-2 business days.
Getbooksreviewed.com Pros & Cons
When evaluating any service, it’s essential to weigh its advantages against its disadvantages. Boulder.urbanmattress.com Reviews
For Getbooksreviewed.com, the primary “pros” revolve around its attempt at Amazon compliance and community, while the “cons” often touch on the inherent limitations and ethical considerations of such platforms.
Potential Benefits for Authors
For independent authors striving to increase their book’s visibility on Amazon, Getbooksreviewed.com offers several potential advantages.
- Amazon Compliance Focus: This is arguably the biggest selling point. The platform’s commitment to avoiding direct review swaps and maintaining anonymity is a significant attempt to operate within Amazon’s strict guidelines. This could potentially reduce the risk of penalties for authors compared to less ethical methods.
- Data Point: Amazon frequently updates its review policies, and accounts caught violating guidelines can face severe penalties, including review removals and book bans. A service that actively tries to comply is a safer bet.
- Community Support: The idea of a “like-minded authors” community can be appealing. Authors often face isolation in their publishing journey, and a platform that fosters mutual support for reviews can be valuable.
- Engagement: The token system encourages active participation, potentially leading to more consistent review generation than simply waiting for organic reviews.
- Visibility and Credibility: More reviews, especially those perceived as genuine, can enhance a book’s visibility on Amazon, improve its ranking, and increase conversion rates among potential readers.
- Impact on Ranking: Amazon’s algorithms consider review count and quality when ranking books. A steady stream of reviews can positively impact a book’s searchability and discoverability.
- Free Trial Opportunity: The 20-day free trial allows authors to test the service without immediate financial commitment, assess its fit for their needs, and potentially receive their first review.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite its stated benefits, Getbooksreviewed.com, like any third-party review service, comes with inherent limitations and considerations.
- No Guarantee of Positive Reviews: The platform explicitly states it cannot guarantee 4- or 5-star reviews. While reviewers are encouraged to be respectful and honest, the quality of feedback remains subjective. Authors with poorly written or unedited books might still receive critical reviews.
- Ethical Reviewing: The site asks reviewers to “consider cancelling the review and moving on to another book” if they cannot give a positive review. While this is framed as community support, it subtly influences the review pool towards positive feedback, which could be perceived as a gentle nudge away from truly unbiased, critical reviews. This raises questions about the absolute objectivity of the reviews generated.
- Token Accumulation Requirement: To get reviews, authors must spend time reading and reviewing other books to earn tokens. This requires a time commitment that some authors might find prohibitive, especially if their primary goal is just to receive reviews.
- Time Investment: The process of reading and writing thoughtful reviews takes time and effort. This is an exchange of labor, not simply a payment for reviews.
- Membership Fee: While framed as access to a reading club, the monthly or annual fee is a recurring cost. For authors on a tight budget, this could be a significant expense, especially without a guaranteed return on investment in terms of sales or specific review numbers.
- Cost vs. Benefit: Authors need to carefully evaluate if the cost of membership, plus the time invested, translates into a tangible benefit for their book’s success.
- Anonymity vs. Direct Feedback: While anonymity helps with Amazon compliance, it also means authors cannot directly interact with reviewers to understand specific feedback or clarify points, unlike traditional beta readers or critique partners. The private feedback portal is one-way communication.
- Algorithmic Risk: Amazon’s systems are sophisticated. Any pattern that suggests artificial inflation of reviews, no matter how indirect, could theoretically be flagged.
Getbooksreviewed.com Pricing
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for any author considering Getbooksreviewed.com.
The platform operates on a membership-based model, offering both monthly and annual payment options, with the latter providing a discount.
It’s important to note that the fee is presented as payment for “access to a reading club,” not for individual reviews.
Membership Tiers and Costs
Getbooksreviewed.com offers two primary membership tiers, each with a 20-day free trial period.
The pricing structure is relatively straightforward, aiming to provide a consistent service for a predictable fee.
- Standard Plan:
- Monthly Cost: $10.00
- Features: Access to the review club, ability to earn and use tokens, compliance with Amazon guidelines.
- Free Trial: 20 days, after which billing commences if not canceled.
- Premium Plan:
- Monthly Cost: $24.00
- Features: Includes all Standard plan features, plus “Earn Reviews Faster with Bonus Tokens.” This suggests a higher token earning rate or initial token bonus to expedite the review process.
- Annual Savings: The website mentions “Show Yearly Savings,” implying that opting for an annual subscription details not explicitly stated with monthly costs, but typically a multiple of the monthly fee minus a discount provides a cost advantage over paying month-to-month. For example, if the annual premium plan is $240 10 months equivalent, it’s a $48 saving compared to 12 monthly payments of $24.
Payment Methods and Billing Cycle
The payment process and billing cycle are designed for convenience, with the crucial detail that charges only begin after the free trial.
- Accepted Payments: PayPal or credit card payments are accepted. This provides flexibility for international and domestic authors.
- Billing Commencement: No charges are incurred during the 20-day free trial. If the subscription is not canceled before the trial period ends, the chosen plan monthly or annual will automatically renew until the user decides to cancel.
- No Refunds After Trial: The FAQ section explicitly states that if a user does not cancel before the trial period is over and is subsequently charged, there are no refunds. This reinforces the importance of monitoring the trial period.
Value Proposition for Authors
The pricing model aims to justify the cost by highlighting the difficulty and expense of obtaining genuine Amazon reviews through other means.
- Cost-Effectiveness Argument: The site posits that the membership fee is a “small fraction of what you’d otherwise pay in promotion and advertising to get the same number of nonauthor, regular reviews.” This implies that the service provides a more economical path to review acquisition compared to traditional marketing channels.
- Consistent Review Flow: For the recurring fee, authors are promised access to a “steady flow of Amazon compliant reviews,” provided they actively participate by reviewing other books. This consistency can be more valuable than sporadic organic reviews for maintaining Amazon ranking.
- Priceless Opportunity: The website even goes so far as to suggest the “price tag for this opportunity and service should actually be ‘Priceless!’” This hyperbolic claim attempts to elevate the perceived value beyond a simple monetary transaction.
Getbooksreviewed.com Alternatives
For authors seeking to gather book reviews, Getbooksreviewed.com is just one option among many.
It’s crucial for authors, especially those who prioritize ethical and genuine engagement, to explore various alternatives.
These alternatives can broadly be categorized into organic strategies, professional services, and community-driven platforms.
Organic Strategies: The Foundation of Genuine Reviews
The most authentic and often most challenging way to get reviews is through organic means.
This involves reaching readers directly and encouraging them to leave feedback without any financial incentive or quid pro quo.
- Direct Reader Engagement:
- Email Lists: Building an author email list is paramount. Authors can politely ask readers on their list to leave a review after finishing their book. This is one of the most effective and compliant methods.
- Back Matter Prompts: Include a call to action at the end of your book, politely asking readers to leave a review on Amazon. Make it easy for them by including a direct link or clear instructions.
- Social Media: Engage with your readership on platforms where they are active. While direct soliciting for reviews can be tricky on some platforms, sharing positive comments from readers and fostering a community can indirectly encourage reviews.
- Author Website/Blog: Create a dedicated page on your website with clear instructions on how to leave a review, perhaps with a short video tutorial for those unfamiliar with the process.
- Leveraging Amazon’s Ecosystem:
- Kindle Unlimited KU: While KU reads don’t typically generate “Verified Purchase” reviews, they can lead to a high volume of readers, some of whom may leave reviews. The increased visibility can also lead to organic purchases and reviews.
- Amazon Ads: Running targeted Amazon Advertising campaigns can increase visibility and sales, which in turn can lead to more organic reviews from genuine purchasers.
- Book Launch Teams/Street Teams:
- Pre-Launch Buzz: Assemble a small group of loyal readers who receive early copies of your book often ARCs – Advanced Reader Copies in exchange for honest reviews upon release. It’s crucial to emphasize honesty and that reviews are not guaranteed to be positive. These teams are typically formed by the author, not by a third party.
Professional Services and Platforms
Beyond community clubs, there are services that facilitate reviews, ranging from editorial reviews to reader-based review programs.
Authors must exercise extreme caution to ensure these services are compliant with Amazon’s terms. Codendesignstudios.com Reviews
- Editorial Review Services:
- Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Foreword Reviews: These are highly respected, professional review outlets. While expensive, a positive review from them can significantly boost a book’s credibility and marketing efforts. These are not “customer reviews” but professional assessments.
- ARC Advanced Reader Copy Services:
- BookSirens, NetGalley, Edelweiss: These platforms connect authors with professional reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and avid readers who receive ARCs in exchange for honest reviews before or around the book’s launch date. They are generally considered compliant as they facilitate honest, unbiased feedback without direct quid pro quo.
- StoryOrigin: A platform that helps authors find reviewers for ARCs, organize review copies, and manage email lists. It facilitates direct connection with readers interested in specific genres.
- Paid Book Promotion Sites Often with Review Components:
- BookBub: While primarily a paid advertising platform for discounted or free books, being featured on BookBub can lead to thousands of downloads and a significant influx of organic reviews due to the sheer volume of new readers.
- Goodreads Giveaways: Running a giveaway on Goodreads can expose your book to a large audience of readers, some of whom may choose to review it after winning a copy.
Author Community Platforms Different from Review Clubs
There are many author communities that focus on critique, feedback, and networking rather than direct review generation.
- Critique Partner Websites: Platforms like Scribophile or Critique Circle allow authors to exchange critiques of their manuscripts. While not directly for Amazon reviews, improving your manuscript through peer feedback can lead to better reviews overall.
- Genre-Specific Forums and Groups: Engaging in legitimate online forums and Facebook groups for authors in your genre can lead to networking opportunities, beta readers, and honest feedback from peers.
When considering any alternative, authors should always prioritize quality, authenticity, and compliance with platform guidelines. Building a strong author brand and writing excellent books are the most sustainable long-term strategies for acquiring genuine reviews.
How to Cancel Getbooksreviewed.com Subscription
Canceling a subscription is a common concern for users of any service, and Getbooksreviewed.com provides a clear process for this.
Understanding how to cancel ensures that authors are not charged beyond their desired subscription period, especially after the free trial.
Step-by-Step Cancellation Process
Based on the information provided on the website, canceling a Getbooksreviewed.com subscription is designed to be straightforward and can be done directly by the user.
- Log In to Your Account: The first step is to log into your Getbooksreviewed.com account using your established login credentials. This grants you access to your personal dashboard and account settings.
- Navigate to “My Subscriptions” Page: Once logged in, you need to locate the “My Subscriptions” page. The website explicitly states, “You can cancel your subscription from your My Subscriptions page here on this website.” This page typically lists your current active subscriptions and payment details.
- Initiate Cancellation: On the “My Subscriptions” page, there should be an option or button to cancel your current subscription. This is usually a clearly labeled action.
- Confirm Cancellation: Most online subscription services require a confirmation step to prevent accidental cancellations. Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm your decision.
Important Considerations After Cancellation
Even after initiating a cancellation, there are a few important points to keep in mind regarding continued access and token balances.
- Continued Access: Once you cancel your subscription, you will still retain access to the Getbooksreviewed.com site until the end of your current paid-for term or the free trial period. For example, if you cancel a monthly subscription halfway through the month, you will still have access until the end of that billing cycle.
- No Further Charges: After your paid subscription term or trial period expires, you will not be charged again, and your access to the members’ area will cease.
- Token Preservation: The website states, “We save your tokens so you can come back anytime and start a new subscription.” This means that if you decide to rejoin the service at a later date, your previously earned tokens will still be available for use, which is a beneficial feature for returning members.
- Free Trial Specifics: If you are canceling during the 20-day free trial, you will lose access to any tokens you built up during that period, but you get to keep any reviews you have received. You can only use the free trial once.
Seeking Support for Cancellation
If for any reason you encounter difficulties or have questions about the cancellation process, Getbooksreviewed.com provides avenues for support.
- Contact Support: The FAQ section mentions that users can “ask support to cancel for you before your subscription is up for renewal.” This indicates that customer service can assist with the cancellation if needed.
- Support Ticket System: The website has a support ticket system, with responses typically within 1-2 business days. This is the recommended channel for direct assistance.
By providing a clear cancellation process and transparent policies regarding continued access and token management, Getbooksreviewed.com aims to offer authors flexibility and control over their membership.
How to Cancel Getbooksreviewed.com Free Trial
The free trial offered by Getbooksreviewed.com is a valuable opportunity for authors to test the service without upfront financial commitment.
However, it’s crucial to understand how to cancel this free trial to avoid automatic billing if the service doesn’t meet an author’s expectations. Alwaysincolour.com Reviews
Understanding the Free Trial Terms
Getbooksreviewed.com offers a 20-day free trial. This period allows authors to explore the platform, submit their first book for review often with bonus tokens, and experience the review process.
- Trial Duration: The trial lasts for 20 days from the moment you sign up.
- Automatic Enrollment: At the end of the 20-day trial, if you have not canceled your account, your subscription will automatically convert into a paid monthly or annual, if that was your chosen preference during signup membership.
- No Refunds After Trial: It’s explicitly stated that if you do not cancel before your trial period ends, you will be charged, and there are no refunds for that initial charge. This emphasizes the importance of setting a reminder.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling the Free Trial
The process for canceling the free trial is essentially the same as canceling a paid subscription, as outlined on the website.
- Log In to Your Getbooksreviewed.com Account: Access your account dashboard using your username and password.
- Navigate to “My Subscriptions”: Locate the “My Subscriptions” section within your account settings. This is where your current membership status is managed.
- Find the Cancellation Option: Within the “My Subscriptions” area, you should see a clear option or button to cancel your free trial or subscription.
- Confirm Your Cancellation: Follow any prompts to confirm your decision. This usually serves as a final check before processing the cancellation.
What Happens After Free Trial Cancellation?
Canceling during the free trial has specific implications, especially regarding the tokens you may have accumulated.
- Loss of Tokens: If you cancel before the 20-day trial ends, you will lose access to any tokens you built up during that period. This is a key difference from canceling a paid subscription, where tokens are saved for future use.
- Retention of Reviews: Any reviews your books received during your free trial period will remain active and yours to keep. This is a benefit, as you get to gauge the service’s effectiveness in generating reviews without paying.
- Single Free Trial Use: The website notes that you can only use the free trial once. If you cancel and later decide to rejoin, you will need to start with a paid subscription.
- Rejoining: You can rejoin at any time with a new paid subscription, and if you had any previously saved tokens from a past paid subscription not the free trial, they would be reinstated.
Proactive Management of the Free Trial
To avoid unwanted charges, proactive management of the free trial is essential.
- Set Reminders: Immediately after signing up for the free trial, set a calendar reminder a few days before the 20-day period ends. This gives you ample time to evaluate the service and decide whether to continue or cancel.
- Evaluate During the Trial: Actively use the service during the trial period. Submit your book, understand the token system, and assess the quality and speed of review generation. This helps you make an informed decision.
- Contact Support If Unsure: If you are nearing the end of your trial and are unsure how to proceed or have questions, reach out to Getbooksreviewed.com’s customer support. They can assist with cancellation or clarify any terms.
By carefully managing the free trial and understanding its specific terms, authors can effectively evaluate Getbooksreviewed.com’s utility for their book review needs without unexpected financial commitments.
Getbooksreviewed.com vs. Organic Review Acquisition
When authors consider a service like Getbooksreviewed.com, they’re often weighing it against the traditional, organic methods of acquiring book reviews.
While Getbooksreviewed.com offers a structured, membership-based approach, organic review acquisition relies on broader marketing efforts and reader engagement.
It’s not an “either/or” but often a “both/and” scenario, though the emphasis on ethical, organic growth is always preferable from a holistic perspective.
Getbooksreviewed.com: Structured & Community-Driven
Pros:
- Systematized Review Flow: The platform provides a clear, actionable system for getting reviews. Authors know exactly what steps to take review books, earn tokens, list their own. This can be less daunting than the open-ended nature of organic outreach.
- Amazon Compliance Claimed: The service actively works to prevent direct review swaps and maintain reviewer anonymity, aiming to stay within Amazon’s guidelines. This offers a perceived safety net against penalties that uncompliant services might incur.
- Targeted Audience Authors/Readers: Reviews come from a community of fellow authors and avid readers who are actively looking for books to review, which can lead to more engaged readers.
- Faster Initial Reviews: For new authors or books, Getbooksreviewed.com might offer a quicker path to accumulate initial reviews compared to waiting for purely organic engagement, which can be very slow.
- Free Trial: Allows authors to test the waters without immediate financial risk, gaining a review or two to see how the system works.
Cons:
- Cost: It requires a recurring membership fee, which adds to an author’s overhead.
- Time Investment Reviewing: Authors must invest their time in reading and reviewing other books to earn tokens, which could be time diverted from writing or other marketing activities.
- Subjectivity of Reviews: While striving for honesty, the nature of a community-based review system where members are implicitly supporting each other might subtly bias reviews towards the positive, even if not overtly guaranteed.
- No Guarantee of Quantity or Quality: There’s no guarantee of how many reviews an author will receive, nor their star rating. It depends on how enticing the book is to other members.
- Reliance on a Third Party: Authors are reliant on Getbooksreviewed.com’s continued compliance with Amazon and the platform’s stability. Any changes could impact their strategy.
Organic Review Acquisition: Authentic & Long-Term
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Authenticity: Reviews generated organically are often perceived as the most genuine and trustworthy, as they come from readers who discovered the book through their own means, without direct incentivization.
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Sustainable Growth: Building an engaged readership and nurturing an email list creates a sustainable long-term pipeline for reviews, independent of any third-party service.
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Author Control: Authors retain full control over their review strategy, from direct reader engagement to leveraging social media and their author website.
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No Direct Cost for Reviews: While marketing efforts to generate organic reviews e.g., ads, website hosting incur costs, there’s no direct payment for a review or a recurring membership to a review club.
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Deeper Reader Connection: Engaging directly with readers through email lists or social media fosters a stronger, more loyal fanbase, which is invaluable beyond just reviews.
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Diverse Review Sources: Organic reviews can come from a wider array of readers, leading to a broader range of perspectives and potentially more comprehensive feedback.
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Slow Process: Acquiring organic reviews, especially early on, can be very slow and frustrating, requiring significant patience and consistent effort.
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Unpredictable Volume: There’s no guarantee of how many organic reviews a book will receive, making it difficult to plan or project.
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High Effort for Low Return Initially: It can take a lot of marketing effort and reader engagement to yield a small number of reviews, particularly for new authors without an established platform. Wallpics.com Reviews
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Lack of Structure: For authors who prefer a clear roadmap, the open-ended nature of organic review generation can be overwhelming.
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Requires Self-Motivation: Authors must be proactive in their marketing and reader engagement to encourage organic reviews.
Which Path to Choose?
From an Islamic perspective, the emphasis should always be on authenticity, sincerity, and earning something through honest effort. Organic review acquisition, which relies on genuinely engaging readers and providing a valuable product, aligns most closely with these principles. It’s about providing a good book and trusting that readers will appreciate it and share their feedback, rather than relying on systems that, however compliant, still involve an exchange of effort reviewing others’ books to get yours reviewed.
Recommendation:
- Prioritize Organic Strategies: Authors should always focus on building strong organic review channels first. This means:
- Writing the best book possible.
- Having a professional cover and compelling blurb.
- Building an author platform website, email list.
- Engaging respectfully with readers and gently asking for reviews.
- Consider Getbooksreviewed.com with Caution: If an author chooses to use Getbooksreviewed.com, it should be viewed as a supplementary tool, not a primary strategy. It might help kickstart reviews, but it should never replace the fundamental work of organic outreach. Authors should be mindful of the subtle “exchange” dynamic and ensure their primary intention remains to serve their readers with valuable content, trusting Allah’s provision for their success. The time invested in reviewing other books should be weighed against the time that could be spent on writing, learning, or more direct, organic marketing.
Ultimately, a balanced approach that heavily favors organic methods, with a cautious and complementary use of structured platforms if needed, is likely the most sustainable and ethically sound path for authors seeking reviews.
Getbooksreviewed.com: Islamic Perspective and Alternatives
When evaluating a service like Getbooksreviewed.com, a Muslim professional author approaches it not just from a business standpoint but also through the lens of Islamic ethics.
While the platform meticulously tries to comply with Amazon’s guidelines, the core mechanism of “reviewing to be reviewed” or “earning tokens to list your book” can touch upon subtle areas that require careful consideration.
Understanding the Islamic Lens: Sincerity and Fair Exchange
In Islam, the principles of mu’amalat dealings/transactions emphasize honesty, transparency, and the avoidance of gharar excessive uncertainty and riba interest/usury. More broadly, the intent behind our actions niyyah is crucial. When it comes to reviews, the ideal is for them to be genuine, unsolicited, and reflective of a reader’s honest experience, given purely out of their desire to benefit others or share their thoughts.
The concern with services like Getbooksreviewed.com, despite their best efforts at “compliance” and avoiding direct swaps, lies in the incentivized nature of the review. While you are not directly paying for a review, you are paying a membership fee to access a system where your effort reviewing others’ books is directly linked to your benefit getting your book reviewed. This can create an implicit expectation, even if algorithmic, that might subtly compromise the absolute spontaneity and disinterest of a review. Evexperts.co.uk Reviews
- Implicit Expectation: When an author reviews another’s book, they are doing so with the knowledge that this action earns them tokens, which are necessary to get their own book reviewed. This creates an indirect reciprocal relationship, even if the algorithm prevents direct swaps.
- Motivation for Reviewing: Is the primary motivation for reviewing another book solely to provide honest feedback, or is it also significantly driven by the need to earn tokens to promote one’s own work? While both can exist, the latter’s prominence raises questions about pure sincerity.
- The “Priceless” Claim: The website’s claim that the opportunity is “Priceless!” combined with the membership fee, still frames it as a paid service for access to a means of getting reviews, not a purely selfless community effort.
Conclusion from an Islamic Perspective: While Getbooksreviewed.com strives for compliance and avoids explicit haram forbidden practices like direct review swapping, the underlying mechanism of incentivized reviews even if indirect might be seen as slightly compromising the ideal of pure, disinterested, and spontaneous feedback. It moves away from the truly organic, selfless review that comes from a reader solely wishing to benefit others with their opinion. Therefore, while not overtly forbidden, it nudges away from the most virtuous path.
Better Alternatives and Ethical Approaches
Instead of relying on such platforms, Muslim authors are encouraged to focus on strategies that promote genuine interaction, sincere effort, and the purest forms of feedback, trusting in Allah SWT for success.
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Focus on Ihsan Excellence in Your Work:
- Write with Intention: Write books that are beneficial, insightful, and align with Islamic values. Focus on providing real value to the reader.
- Professionalism: Invest in excellent editing, proofreading, and cover design. A high-quality product is the best marketing.
- Du’a Supplication: Make sincere supplication to Allah SWT for your work to be accepted and beneficial, and for it to reach the right audience. Success ultimately comes from Him.
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Build a Genuine Readership Through Content and Connection:
- Author Website/Blog: Create a platform where you share valuable content related to your book’s themes. This attracts readers genuinely interested in your niche.
- Email List Halal Marketing: Build an email list by offering free, valuable content e.g., short stories, guides, excerpts. Regularly engage with your subscribers, sharing updates and politely, subtly inviting them to consider leaving a review if they enjoyed the book and feel inclined to help others. The emphasis is on their choice, not an obligation or an exchange.
- Social Media for Community Building: Engage in a positive and constructive manner on social media platforms. Share insights, interact with readers, and build a community around your writing. This organic engagement can lead to voluntary reviews.
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Seek Honest Feedback from Trusted Sources Beta Readers/Critique Partners:
- Beta Readers: Share your manuscript with a diverse group of beta readers before publication. Seek their honest, critical feedback to improve your book. This is a direct, open, and legitimate way to refine your work and ensure it resonates with readers.
- Critique Groups: Join or form critique groups where authors exchange constructive feedback on their writing. The goal is improvement, not review generation.
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Participate in Legitimate ARC Programs:
- NetGalley, BookSirens: These platforms connect authors with professional reviewers, librarians, and serious readers who genuinely want to read ARCs and provide honest, unbiased reviews. The incentive is access to free books, not a reciprocal review for the author. This is generally considered ethical as there’s no direct “you review my book, I review yours” dynamic.
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Focus on Long-Term Organic Growth:
- Patience and Perseverance: Recognize that building a readership and acquiring reviews takes time. Focus on consistent effort in writing and marketing without resorting to quick fixes that might compromise authenticity.
- Amazon Advertising Strategic Use: Utilize Amazon’s internal advertising platform to increase visibility and sales. More sales from genuine readers naturally lead to more organic reviews over time.
- Goodreads Engagement: Participate in Goodreads by reviewing books you genuinely enjoy, joining discussions, and running giveaways which can attract readers who may review if they like the book.
In summary, while Getbooksreviewed.com attempts to navigate Amazon’s rules, a Muslim author should always lean towards strategies that foster pure intentions, genuine feedback, and a reliance on the quality of their work and the grace of Allah SWT for success, rather than any system that subtly incentivizes reciprocal actions for reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Getbooksreviewed.com legitimate?
Based on looking at the website, Getbooksreviewed.com presents itself as a legitimate private book review club that aims to help authors get reviews while complying with Amazon’s community guidelines.
Superprof.co.nz ReviewsThey highlight measures to prevent direct review swapping and maintain reviewer anonymity.
How does Getbooksreviewed.com work?
You join as a member, earn “tokens” by reading and reviewing other authors’ books, and then use these tokens to list your own books in their community library for other members to review.
What is the cost of Getbooksreviewed.com?
Getbooksreviewed.com offers a Standard plan for $10.00/month and a Premium plan for $24.00/month, both with a 20-day free trial.
Annual payment options are also available for potential savings.
Does Getbooksreviewed.com guarantee 4 or 5-star reviews?
No, Getbooksreviewed.com explicitly states they cannot guarantee how someone will rate your book.
They encourage honest, thoughtful, and genuine feedback from reviewers.
Are reviews from Getbooksreviewed.com considered “Verified Purchase” on Amazon?
It depends.
If a reviewer purchases the Kindle or Paperback version of your book through Amazon, the review can be labeled “Verified Purchase.” If they download a PDF/ePub or use Kindle Unlimited, the review will not be “Verified Purchase.”
How long does it take to get a review using Getbooksreviewed.com?
The time varies depending on how quickly your book is picked up by a reviewer.
Once picked up, reviewers have a 5-day deadline with a 1-day grace period. Amazon’s approval process for reviews can take an additional 1-10 days. Aquagoggles.com Reviews
Can I cancel my Getbooksreviewed.com subscription easily?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time directly from your “My Subscriptions” page on their website.
You will retain access until the end of your current billing cycle.
What happens to my tokens if I cancel my Getbooksreviewed.com subscription?
If you cancel a paid subscription, your tokens are saved.
If you cancel during the free trial, any tokens earned during that trial period are lost.
Is there a free trial for Getbooksreviewed.com?
Yes, Getbooksreviewed.com offers a 20-day free trial period.
Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with Getbooksreviewed.com?
No, the website states there are no refunds if you do not cancel before your free trial period is over and are subsequently charged.
It is your responsibility to cancel before the trial ends.
How is Getbooksreviewed.com different from review swapping?
Getbooksreviewed.com uses an algorithm designed to prevent authors from directly reviewing each other’s books.
Reviewers remain anonymous, and there is no direct interaction between authors and reviewers, aiming to avoid the reciprocal nature of traditional review swapping.
Does Getbooksreviewed.com allow me to monitor my reviews on Amazon?
No, the platform does not allow authors to monitor individual reviews on Amazon or access reviewer profiles, as this would violate Amazon’s Community Guidelines. Cowalbuilding.co.uk Reviews
They provide an overall average star rating within their community.
Are all book genres accepted on Getbooksreviewed.com?
In general, if Amazon accepts your book, Getbooksreviewed.com will too, provided it’s not offensive, highly controversial, or appears to have a large percentage of AI-generated content.
They reserve the right to reject books that don’t meet their criteria for original literary work.
Can international authors use Getbooksreviewed.com?
Yes, international authors are welcome.
You can post reviews to your local Amazon version, or create an Amazon.com account to review books in the US market, provided you meet Amazon’s $50 annual purchase requirement for leaving reviews.
What information do reviewers see about my book on Getbooksreviewed.com?
Reviewers see your book cover and the information you provide about your book.
Your personal information and specific review details remain anonymous within the community.
What if my book is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited KU?
If your book is in KU, reviewers can download it via KU.
However, reviews from KU downloads do not register as “Verified Purchase” on Amazon.
Can I offer a PDF or ePub of my book for review on Getbooksreviewed.com?
Yes, uploading these files is optional. Texasdesignexperts.com Reviews
If you offer a PDF or ePub, these reviews will not be “Verified Purchase” but can still contribute to your book’s overall review count.
How many reviews can I expect to get through Getbooksreviewed.com?
There are no guarantees on the number of reviews.
It depends on your activity reviewing other books to earn tokens, your book’s appeal cover, description, and its genre/target audience.
Do I have to purchase books to review them on Getbooksreviewed.com?
No, you don’t always have to purchase.
You can review books downloaded as PDF/ePub or Kindle Unlimited.
However, purchasing a book on Amazon which costs more tokens for the author seeking the review can lead to a “Verified Purchase” review.
What should I do if I have questions about Getbooksreviewed.com after reading the FAQs?
You can contact their support team by submitting a support ticket. They typically respond within 1-2 business days.
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