As a writer hoping to get sales for my novels, I've often wondered how important book reviews are in the marketing process. I've been fortunate to have some good reviews for the three books I've had published, but I can't be certain they are the reason for any spike in sales I've had. When I give talks at book clubs or senior centers and sell books afterward, I know what generated those sales. When I check my Kindle sales or my publisher publishes the monthly stats, I can only guess what prompted those sales. Recently I was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times. The journalist did a nice job and related well how my career in law enforcement led me to write my mystery novels, even including a picture. My sales spiked so greatly I wished I could have one of these interviews every month.
I'm often contacted by book reviewers wishing to review one of my books, usually for a cost. Kirkus will review books and they are considered an industry gold standard, but their charge is exorbitant. Spending hundreds of dollars for a book review which may, or may not, generate a few sales does not seem cost-effective. I've used NetGalley but the process only resulted in one very good review. Another was promised but has yet to be seen.
I'd be interested in the experiences you've had with book reviews and what you'd recommend.
