Ep 85: Why ARC Reviews are Dangerous (and How to Get Legit Reviews Instead)!

Is using an outdated strategy REALLY worth damaging or even losing your career as an indie author?I’m betting your answer to that is that, no, it isn’t. Unfortunately, too many indies are either unaware of or unwilling to stop things that are damaging their chances at a career, let alone a successful one. And one of the most dangerous “strategies” still being used daily by indie authors is the ARC Review process.So, this week, on Write! Grow! Launch!, I’m diving deep into yet another “hot topic” that creates debate, even chaos, every single time I post or talk about it. But like it or not, the truth is that ARC Reviews, while posted by kindhearted, well-intentioned readers volunteering their time, is a time suck you can’t afford. But most importantly, it’s dangerous to your career!In this short, to-the-point episode, I’m going to explain very clearly and under no uncertain terms, exactly why this strategy is outdated, wasteful of your time, and potentially deadly for your books.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What exactly is an ARC Reviewer and why it’s not their fault.·        Why using ARCs is a complete waste of your time and will throttle your progress.·        How ARC Reviewers are unintentionally telling Amazon their review is fake or hired.·        What Amazon is currently doing regarding book reviews that changed all this.·        What you can do to get honest, verified, and safe reviews for your book instead.KEY TAKEAWAYWhile it’s hard to hear that you’re depending on and using outdated, even dangerous strategies to self-publish and market, it will be even harder on you to learn that your book has been removed from Amazon…or worse yet, that you can no longer use the biggest book sales platform in the world to publish and sell your books! So, take heed, listen to my advice, and instead, lean more into building your community and gently reminding them to leave reviews.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.