Indie author seeks solutions for getting book reviews and feedback.
Okay, after scanning the Reddit post and comments, here's an analysis for potential collaborations:
User Profile (OP):
- Name/Reddit ID: Not explicitly named, referred to as "OP" from Reddit ID
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. - Pain Point: Published their first novel, ran a KDP Free Promotion, got 70 downloads but zero reviews after four months. Actively seeking solutions for getting reader feedback.
- Goal: Obtain reviews and understand how indie authors get reader feedback.
- Potential: High. This user is actively looking for solutions to a common and significant pain point for indie authors. They are receptive to advice and likely to try recommended services or strategies.
Identified Potential Collaborators & Communities:
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ARC Service Platforms:
- Who: BookSirens, NetGalley, BookSprout. These were repeatedly mentioned by multiple commenters as the go-to solution.
- Commenter specifically mentioning a positive experience: The user who said, "I used BookSirens, it's a very good price for getting quality reviewers." This user could be a micro-influencer or provide a more detailed testimonial for BookSirens.
- Why they are good candidates:
- They directly address the OP's problem of getting reviews.
- Multiple community members endorse them, indicating trust and effectiveness.
- They have established systems for connecting authors with reviewers.
- Who: BookSirens, NetGalley, BookSprout. These were repeatedly mentioned by multiple commenters as the go-to solution.
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Genre-Specific ARC Communities (e.g., on Facebook):
- Who: The user who suggested: "Try ARC communities - quite a few genre-specific ones on FB." This user might be an admin or active member of such a group. While not a single influencer, these communities collectively represent a targeted audience.
- Why they are good candidates:
- Offer a more grassroots approach to finding ARC readers.
- Often free or low-cost.
- Readers are typically enthusiastic about specific genres.
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Book Bloggers & Reviewers (General Advice):
- Who: Users mentioning "contacting bloggers in your genre offering a free copy for a review."
- Why they are good candidates: While a broader category, if the OP's genre is niche, identifying key bloggers in that niche could be very effective. This requires more research from the OP.
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Authors/Coaches Specializing in List Building & Reader Engagement:
- Who: The user who advised: "Put a link to a reader magnet inside your book that encourages people to go over and download it in exchange for their email address. That starts your relationship with the reader." This user understands direct reader engagement strategies beyond just asking for reviews.
- Why they are good candidates: They offer a long-term strategy for building an audience and fostering relationships that can lead to reviews and sales over time.
Collaboration Suggestions & Expected Benefits:
1. For ARC Service Platforms (e.g., BookSirens, NetGalley, BookSprout): * Collaboration Suggestion: * Offer the OP a discounted trial or a free slot for their first book on the platform. * If successful, feature the OP's experience (with their permission) as a case study or testimonial on the platform's blog or social media. * Expected Benefits for OP: * Receives initial reviews, solving their primary problem. * Gains visibility if featured. * Learns how to effectively use ARC services for future releases. * Expected Benefits for Collaborator (ARC Platform): * Authentic testimonial/case study from a real indie author. * Demonstrates the platform's value in solving a common author challenge. * Potential for the OP to become a paying customer and advocate. * Exposure to other authors following the OP's journey or seeing the case study.
2. For the User "I used BookSirens, it's a very good price for getting quality reviewers": * Collaboration Suggestion: * If this user is an author themselves with some following, they could share the OP's book (if genre-aligned) or more detailed positive experiences with BookSirens, perhaps tagging OP if they find success. * BookSirens could reach out to this user for a more formal testimonial or a short interview about their experience. * Expected Benefits for OP: * Moral support, potential for a reader if the genres align. * Expected Benefits for Collaborator (BookSirens): * Reinforced positive sentiment and credible user advocacy.
3. For Genre-Specific ARC Community Leaders/Admins (if identifiable): * Collaboration Suggestion: * OP could join these communities and offer ARCs according to group rules. * Community admins could highlight new authors or books needing reviews (if this is part of their community engagement). * Expected Benefits for OP: * Access to targeted, enthusiastic readers more likely to review. * Networking with other authors and readers in their genre. * Expected Benefits for Collaborator (Community Admin/Group): * Fresh content (new books) for their readers. * Supporting new authors, which can be a community goal.
4. For Authors/Coaches Specializing in List Building (like the user advising on reader magnets): * Collaboration Suggestion: * If this advisor has a platform (blog, course, mailing list), they could offer the OP a free resource, a shoutout, or a guest spot to share their journey after implementing list-building strategies successfully. * Offer the OP a complimentary consultation or a discount on a relevant course. * Expected Benefits for OP: * Learns a sustainable strategy for long-term reader engagement and review generation. * Builds a direct connection with their audience. * Expected Benefits for Collaborator (Coach/Expert): * A real-world example of their strategies working. * Potential for OP to become a client or advocate for their services/teachings. * Content for their platform (e.g., "How [OP's Book] Grew Its Mailing List and Got Reviews").
Summary: The OP is an ideal candidate for services and advice related to obtaining book reviews, particularly ARC services. Platforms like BookSirens are directly recommended and have a high potential for a successful collaboration yielding mutual benefits. Engaging with active community members who offer specific, actionable advice (like list building or genre-specific groups) also presents valuable, albeit potentially more niche, opportunities. The key is that the OP is actively seeking help and is likely to be appreciative and vocal about any solution that works.