Joe Konrath, in an attempt to generate some buzz on his new book “DRACULAS – A Novel of Terror” has sent out a call for early reviews. The novel, due for release on October 19th, is the result of a writing collaboration between Blake Crouch, Jack Kilborn, Jeff Strand, and F. Paul Wilson.
How Reviews Improve Book Sales
For independent authors (a.k.a “indie writers”), obtaining reviews for your published book is critical to a book’s sales and success. Book buyers, especially e-book buyers, are more likely to purchase your book when they can read honest reviews. And more book reviews leads to more buyers.
Reviewers commonly will say what they liked about your book (versus what they didn’t like) even if the review is less than complementary; less than perfect reviews still offer a way of promoting your book.
The ideal reviewer has several worthwhile characteristics including:
- Truly loves reading and books
- Is a fan of your genre
- Is a fan of your work
- Is not a friend or relative
- Will write a detailed, honest review
How to Obtain Reviews for your Book
Ask. Joe Konrath asked for pre-reviews to be written prior to the book’s release. Simply asking your blog readers, or followers (Twitter) and fans (Facebook) to review your book on sites such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Shelfari or Good Reads will help generate sales.
The next step is offering a free preview of your e-book or audio book when asking for reviews. You can limit the number of free copies with a contest or requirement such as sending copies to the first X number of blog readers who post a comment request.
Pre-Review “DRACULAS”
For those chosen to provide a review, manuscripts are anticipated to be ready for delivery, via email, on or before October 1. All participants must post a review of DRACULAS by October 18th on their own blog or website, or if you do not have your own site, you can send in your reviews, which will be posted on the DRACULAS website page. Participants may also post reviews on Goodreads.com and Shelfari.com.
Reviewers must also post the same review on the DRACULAS Amazon page when the book officially launches on October 19. You can currently 
Warning (per jakonrath)
“Within these pages, you will find no black capes, no satin-lined coffins, no brooding heartthrobs who want to talk about your feelings. Forget sunlight and stakes. Throw out your garlic and your crosses. This is the Anti-TWILIGHT.”
