Pay for Reviews? Maybe
Apr 13, 2025
I just got an email from the Women In Publishing Summit (WIP) recommending that authors invest in paid editorial book reviews from Chanticleer.
Some snooping on the internet reveals that this is, indeed, a legit way to boost your book sales. You can pay for a review. It works.
Now, I know… You might very well be thinking, “Hey, that’s not ethical!” This is my knee-jerk reaction, as well.
But Chanticleer reviews aren’t fluff pieces. The company requires a human being to actually read and respond to your book. And if you’re an unknown author working to get visibility, this seems worth the $495 investment.
Here’s what WIP has to say:
Chanticleer Book Reviews is dedicated to discovering today’s best books, offering services like Editorial Book Reviews, the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards (CIBAs), and editorial support. Powered by advanced SEO technology, these reviews help authors expand their digital presence and engage global audiences.
It’s a battle for people’s attention these days, as we all know. And the truth – whether we like it or not – is that most everything is “pay to play.” As an author, you must expect to pay for PR and earned media, pay for influencers to recommend your book, and even pay for reviews!
C’est la vie!
Aloha,
MeiMei
Tip of the Week
That said, you can begin building your own free “review engine” now, as soon as you begin writing your book.
- Tell everyone you know, from your friends to your hairdresser, that you’re writing a book.
- Post it all over social media, too.
- If anyone seems excited, put their name and email on a list. This is your Book Tribe!
- Ask your Book Tribe for feedback as you go: Which title do you prefer? Which cover design do you find most striking? This will get them even more invested in your book.
- About a week in advance of your book launch, line your Book Tribe up to take action. Get them to order your book on Amazon and leave a 5-star review that very day, and your book will soar to the top of the bestseller list in its category!
Quote of the Week
If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.
- Award-winning author Toni Morrison
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