Book Reviews, Writing

Free amazon gift card worth 500 INR

18 Comments
500
My friends’ list on Facebook is a real crazy mix, listing out a few:
  • Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious authors/writers
  • Voracious readers
  • Friends who love what I write and personally comment
  • A few who genuinely appreciate
  • A group of Grammar Nazis ( A few who care to correct, and many who would love to grammar shame the other/ who think it gives them a crown)
  • A few readers who don’t read but love to buy/borrow/take books and post pictures of the book online calling it bookstagram
  • A few who claim that reading is like breathing, they can’t live without books, etc..
One category that pisses me off — the wannabe writers/authors!
According to me, a writer should first give REASONS to buy their book, not JUST gift cards or money.
I read because I seek information, it takes me off from the real-life troubles; I like to improve my skills and vocabulary, it improves my imagination/creativity, etc..
I don’t buy a book because it is free of cost, or because I know the author (sometimes, yes, if I am aware that he/she is a good writer)
I don’t want to read or rather, I don’t want anyone to read a bad book or a poorly written book. I don’t want a book that would drag my knowledge down. A few wannabe writers only want fame, they write some bad college-hookup story, a boy meet girl – girl meet boy story with poor words and bad grammar.  
I focus on being a trusted writer. I write micro-tales, short stories, thoughts, blog posts, etc.. eventually, even if people don’t read my book per se, they at least get to know and trust me as an author.
Let me give a sample messenger ping from an author I know — “Grab a copy of my book that’s on Amazon, the book is only 225 INR, and you know what? Am giving you a gift voucher worth 200 INR, you’re spending only 25 INR. Buy Now!” — I find this crazy, how can I buy a book just because it is just 25 INR? I’d be spending at least 3-4 hours reading it, is my time worth just 25 INR? No!
How about writing a good book, interacting with the writers/authors/readers with the genre, plot line, a few quotes from the book and asking them to politely choose the book if they are interested? Why don’t you hook me as a reader with what the book has in store for me?
I find it funny when the authors post their Amazon link and say “Grab a copy,” “Irresistible offer,” “Just buy now!” etc.. It sounds like a person who wants to get married yelling “Am good at sex, marry me!” , “Am an excellent lover, fix the marriage date,” — Insane, I tell you!
No offense my wannabe authors – but, please, focus on becoming a good writer than a famous author. Focus on genuine reviews and interacting with readers than paying 500 INR for each fake review, the minute you say 400+ 5 star reviews on Goodreads – we know it all! Be an author who has a story to tell and not someone who has 20,000 INR to get fake reviews. Be genuine, you’re not fooling the readers, you’re fooling yourself. Give gift vouchers, market your book as much as you can, bring the word out, etc.. but be genuine. Give your readers a reason to read, then provide them with a gift card, will you?
Writers/Authors — Work on your skills, improve your grammar, read more books, learn new words and how to use them, interact with readers, write a good story — the book will sell well. It will take time, years together. But, as I always say, the view from the summit is damn worth it!
P.S – Sorry that I used this title and image. I would like this post to be read by many wannabe writers, authors, readers, book reviewers, etc.. to change their notion a bit.

18 thoughts on “Free amazon gift card worth 500 INR”

  1. This is amazing, my dear friend. Thank you or pouring out your heart. Totally an eye-opener. I do believe each and every word that you have said here. And that is the reason why I haven’t written a novel yet. Still honing those skill as much as I can. Preparing myself to be better than I was yesterday. You have won my heart again with your words, Kavipriya.

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  2. Haha!
    Hook.Line. Sinker of a post.

    I understand your ‘thought process, Kavipriya. In fact, I get quite perturbed myself when I see such ‘promotional techniques’.

    But I guess the sad part of it all is that these days, new/lesser known authors are only as good as the marketing they do. In fact, the book has become rather a secondary feature. Which may explain why our industry is facing the predicament it is, presently.

    I agree with you when you say that instead of just focussing on promotions at point of sale, it is imperative that these ‘authors’ first build some engagement through their work and the quality of it.
    Oh well! I’m glad that there are atleast a few like you who are trying to make a difference.

    Now, about that gift card 😁

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  3. Haha!
    Hook.Line. Sinker of a post.

    I understand your ‘thought process, Kavipriya. In fact, I get quite perturbed myself when I see such ‘promotional techniques’.

    But I guess the sad part of it all is that these days, new/lesser known authors are only as good as the marketing they do. In fact, the book has become rather a secondary feature. Which may explain why our industry is facing the predicament it is, presently.

    I agree with you when you say that instead of just focussing on promotions at point of sale, it is imperative that these ‘authors’ first build some engagement through their work and the quality of it.
    Oh well! I’m glad that there are atleast a few like you who are trying to make a difference.

    Now, about that gift card 😁

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  4. Absolutely agreed on the need to focus and make it a better product (read book). Also in terms of getting people to buy – I think an author needs to know whom the book is for and shouldn’t buzz every damn contact of his/her to get pity buys 🙂

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  5. Very thoughtful post, Kavipriya! And, true. Reminds me of two recent sensational hits.

    Fake reviews may trick the readers into buying a book, but if writers don’t focus on writing/storytelling skills, they may lose their readers for their future works. You can’t fool the readers again and again. Credibility is more important than sales or fame.

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  6. That title and image – What a hooker!
    Focusing on writing is imperative. The thing with art is that it has to be done with passion. Writing with passion I feel is the key to success! I’m happy that you have not resorted to using your marketing skills you learnt from your masters to promote your book. That’s the fad these days apparently.
    With KDP around, literally any Tom Dick and Harry can publish and call themselves a best seller. You totally are right about the numbers in that context! But the fact is that good writing automatically garners attention.
    Keep writing and keep learning!

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  9. Not just the book itself but even the promotions have to be well thought and presented to hook the reader. ‘Buy my book because I wrote it’ isn’t a good enough reason anymore. This was so needed.

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