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I see it all the time in self-published stuff (either the writer or what has to be the writer's writing group buddies/close friends), and I've suspected it a time or two in reviews on books published through a major publishing house. Although I usually notice it only in the glowing review, not the negative review.
I guess it's not too surprising that an author would want to tout their own book, but I don't get the point of slamming other authors.
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
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It sounds like politicians. Y'know, how it's not enough to say "Listen to the GREAT things that I can do for you." They also feel the need to say "Listen to the TERRIBLE things my opponent will lay on you!" Feh!
I see it all the time in self-published stuff (either the writer or what has to be the writer's writing group buddies/close friends), and I've suspected it a time or two in reviews on books published through a major publishing house. Although I usually notice it only in the glowing review, not the negative review.
I guess it's not too surprising that an author would want to tout their own book, but I don't get the point of slamming other authors.
I was roaming Amazon last week, spotted a genre fiction book that had many 4-5 star ratings. The reviews people wrote were amazing, so I bought it.
Only after I got it and saw the book itself, did I realize it was self-published and the reviews were very off.
What can I say, I'm between releases from my favorite authors...
I think authors pushing their own titles does happen often, but if they have any scruples, there's no need to pan other books.
I was roaming Amazon last week, spotted a genre fiction book that had many 4-5 star ratings. The reviews people wrote were amazing, so I bought it.
Only after I got it and saw the book itself, did I realize it was self-published and the reviews were very off.
What can I say, I'm between releases from my favorite authors...
I think authors pushing their own titles does happen often, but if they have any scruples, there's no need to pan other books.
Most of my reading is done on my Kindle and I always download the sample for any self-published or vanity press author. In one chapter you can get a pretty good idea of how things are going to go. There may be plot problems after that, but at least you can see what the author's grasp of language and characterization is.
Most of my reading is done on my Kindle and I always download the sample for any self-published or vanity press author. In one chapter you can get a pretty good idea of how things are going to go. There may be plot problems after that, but at least you can see what the author's grasp of language and characterization is.
I don't have a Kindle, or any type of e-reader. I'm a hands-on book person lol.
I should have read the first chapter on-line tho, you're right. Was in a hurry leaving for work and wanted to place the order so I'd get it before the holiday weekend.
I'm probably going to sell it on-line tho, instead of passing it onto my sons or unsuspecting goodwill customers.
I don't have a Kindle, or any type of e-reader. I'm a hands-on book person lol.
I should have read the first chapter on-line tho, you're right. Was in a hurry leaving for work and wanted to place the order so I'd get it before the holiday weekend.
I'm probably going to sell it on-line tho, instead of passing it onto my sons or unsuspecting goodwill customers.
I don't have a Kindle or anything like it either. When I'm browsing on Amazon and come across a writer I've never heard of with many good reviews, I check the publisher - if it is self-published I pass.
I don't have a Kindle or anything like it either. When I'm browsing on Amazon and come across a writer I've never heard of with many good reviews, I check the publisher - if it is self-published I pass.
Most books that are available on Kindle are available for preview on your PC - look over on the right of the page, and there should be a "Try it free" box that will let you read a sample right then in a pop-up window. It's a bit awkward, but there have been a couple self-published authors that were worth the work. I THINK this might be available to anyone, or it may only be available to people who have set up the "Kindle for PC" service (which is also free and available to people who don't have a Kindle).
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