The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage

With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibility is real. But does paying for reviews or influencer features actually work? And more importantly… is it worth the risk?In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the rapidly shifting world of paid book promotion. From once-taboo paid reviews to TikTok influencers charging thousands per post, the rules have changed—but that doesn’t mean the results are guaranteed.You’ll hear real-world stories of paid promotions gone sideways, including AI-generated reviews that spoil endings and pricey group ads that vanish without a trace. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Penny and Amy also offer a framework for making smart, strategic choices, including how to vet influencers, what red flags to watch for, and why micro-influencers often deliver more bang for your buck.Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned pro, this episode is your roadmap for navigating the blurry line between earned and paid media—so you can promote smarter, not just spend more.Send us your feedback!Preorder Think Local Sell Global and claim your free Local Buzz Blueprint, a customized local visibility plan with personalized outreach ideas, pitch angles, and ready-to-use marketing tools built around your book and community! Offer ends July 31.📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more authors discover the show.💬 Don't use Apple Podcasts? Email your review to [email protected] and we'll feature it on our website.