Whether you're publishing your first book or your fifth, understanding the world of book reviews can help your book reach more readers. This week, Jess and Laura welcome their first industry guest, Joe Walters, for an inside look at what every author should know about book reviews.

What's in this episode:

• Friends Are Here segment with Joe Walters, founder of Independent Book Review and author of The Truth About Book Reviews, sharing:
  • What makes meaningful reviews and how authors can use them effectively.
  • How his platform differs from others.
  • The difference between blurbs, media reviews, and customer reviews.
  • Timing your review requests.
  • The red flags to avoid with paid or swapped reviews.
• Laura shares highlights from her whirlwind weekend at the ESRI User Conference, while Jess talks about her healing retreat in Mexico.
• Wildebeest Updates: Get the latest on our upcoming Authorpreneur Workshop on August 22 at CNY Arts Center in Fulton, NY.