Busting the Book Review Myth

Current publishing wisdom suggests books put out by traditional New York publishers as well as via any number of new independent platforms can sell well, but only when accompanied by a healthy amount of social proof in the form of online reader reviews. This, however, may be myth. Not that readers taking the time to express appreciation for a book never has an impact on potential book sales, but at least in this long-term author's experience, there does not always seem to be a direct correlation. Titles with bad reviews (or no reviews whatsoever!) can sometimes outsell others that boast extensively descriptive 5-star reviews. Join ex-NY editor Cristina Salat -- who has made a full-time, decades-long career out of making a living within traditional legacy publishing as well as the evolving independent publishing industries -- as she explores why so many new 'experts' these days seem to be pushing the idea that without reader reviews a book is destined to go nowhere. A Green Flame Omnimedia Slim: Life's defining moments in slender volumes. We exist at a time when each choice matters.