I used Pubby for two months (at the $11.99 per month rate), and although I got some great, well-written, and thoughtful reviews on my book, I soon tired of reading other people's poorly-written books. On the positive side, the two and three star reviews I often gave did not impact the positive and thoughtful reviews I got. On the negative side, I rarely found something that was worth the hours of reading I had to put into the process. If you have a great amount of free time and a strong desire to read amateur writing, and if you also have a high-quality book to post yourself, you will have a great time with this service. If any of the aforementioned circumstances are not the case for you, you may want to pass on Pubby.
Paul, Thanks for an excellent unbiased review of Pubby. First off your video presence and candid style on camera is real relatable and compelling (stay in front of the camera!). Second, you're right about having to do a lot of work to read and review books that you may not feel honest about viewing favorably. I know that you decided not to stick with this for cost reasons and quality reasons, but all and all your comments gave a very balanced view of what I might be getting myself into here. So, thanks.
UPDATE: I finished my 10 day trial but ultimately decided not to subscribe. I just couldn't justify spending $30/month for a service where I have to do all of the work. That and I started coming across several books which were very poor quality. I still believe Pubby serves a good role for some authors who are struggling to get reviews. Just be ready to pay and then do all the work yourself!
I was wondering what work was it that you had to do? Just read the book and submit the review. It seemed pretty seamless to me, although if there were issues the customer service was pretty poor. And, I never knew who reviewed my books. As it should be.
When I canceled my trial and kept saying no, they eventually offered me the service for $11.99/month. I signed up for one additional month to give them a chance, but I suspect I'll be canceling at the end of the month.
Thanks so much for all the really informative comments here. Especially your video review. As a new author and self-publisher (2 books under my belt so far) I probably won't go this route for now but at least I know, as I dive into marketing my books, that one of the first vital steps is finding a way to gain good reviews. Again, I appreciate all of you!
I used Pubby last year and I liked it. But now I want verified purchased reviews, which is an additional cost, and puts off some reviewers who don't want to purchase the book cuz they're watching costs like me.
The service seemed like a godsend, almost like a book exchange amongst authors. I tried it and my very first review from them was an amalgamation of other reviews. They even misquoted another quote just trying to sound “authentic.” Although they gave me 4 stars, the actual review repeated the points of my one and only worst review which was left by an asshole with a pattern of giving 1 stars because she didn’t like a particular detail, but has a very high rank because she’s so damn opinionated, so it sticks at the top. That was my hope, to push down that one very damaging review with at least a decent one. I don’t have many reviews yet so hers was very weighty. Well, I got the Pubby review and it didn’t help much. I know they didn’t read it because it was the only book that had no reads that day. And I had just put up the book so no way they could’ve read it and posted a review in that time. Customer service gave me 2000 snaps but I think I’m going to pass. I can do bad all by myself.
Their customer service is terrible. They kept charging me after I canceled my account. Instead of refunding, they double charged me. They charged me random accounts. They didn't answer my emails. Ugh! Such a headache
I agree. If you want lots of generic, spammy, low quality reviews from people who DID NOT read your book, this is way to go. I steered clear quickly before the end of my trial subscription.
Ended up looking for info on Pubby after listening to a Dale L Roberts live stream. Sounds like an invaluable service that I’ll definitely be checking out!
I subscribed for $11.99/month and figured it was worth that price. I only purchase a book at .99 or maybe $2.99 if I feel the need. Never, more,, and always purchase and not a freebie. I thought that Pubby was genius but sadly there are not enough participating authors of various genres. I have placed a hold on my subscription until the numbers change. It certainly beats out the high cost of paid reviews.
This was a helpful review. You've got a good cadence, speak clearly, aren't annoying to listen to, and lay out the information nicely. You should make more videos. That said, from what I'm seeing in the comments I'm going to give it a shot. According to the website, I should hit my review goal within about a month, if I slack maybe two, so, why not? I've received messages from ppl offering me less reviews for MORE money. With that in mind, I don't mind spending less than half as much for a couple months and put in a little footwork. I guess I'll come back here and let you know how it went.
I finished my 10 day trial but ultimately decided not to subscribe. I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money for a service where I have to do all of the work. That and I started coming across several books which were very poor quality. I still believe Pubby serves a good role for some authors who are struggling to get reviews. Just be ready to pay and then do all the work yourself!
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I used Pubby for two months (at the $11.99 per month rate), and although I got some great, well-written, and thoughtful reviews on my book, I soon tired of reading other people's poorly-written books. On the positive side, the two and three star reviews I often gave did not impact the positive and thoughtful reviews I got. On the negative side, I rarely found something that was worth the hours of reading I had to put into the process. If you have a great amount of free time and a strong desire to read amateur writing, and if you also have a high-quality book to post yourself, you will have a great time with this service. If any of the aforementioned circumstances are not the case for you, you may want to pass on Pubby.
(If you keep attempting to cancel your subscription, they'll eventually offer you a $11.99 per month rate).
Paul, Thanks for an excellent unbiased review of Pubby. First off your video presence and candid style on camera is real relatable and compelling (stay in front of the camera!). Second, you're right about having to do a lot of work to read and review books that you may not feel honest about viewing favorably. I know that you decided not to stick with this for cost reasons and quality reasons, but all and all your comments gave a very balanced view of what I might be getting myself into here. So, thanks.
UPDATE: I finished my 10 day trial but ultimately decided not to subscribe. I just couldn't justify spending $30/month for a service where I have to do all of the work. That and I started coming across several books which were very poor quality. I still believe Pubby serves a good role for some authors who are struggling to get reviews. Just be ready to pay and then do all the work yourself!
I was wondering what work was it that you had to do? Just read the book and submit the review. It seemed pretty seamless to me, although if there were issues the customer service was pretty poor. And, I never knew who reviewed my books. As it should be.
@@d.owenpowell9023 do I have to get out of kindle to upload book to Pubby?
When I canceled my trial and kept saying no, they eventually offered me the service for $11.99/month. I signed up for one additional month to give them a chance, but I suspect I'll be canceling at the end of the month.
Thanks so much for all the really informative comments here. Especially your video review. As a new author and self-publisher (2 books under my belt so far) I probably won't go this route for now but at least I know, as I dive into marketing my books, that one of the first vital steps is finding a way to gain good reviews. Again, I appreciate all of you!
I used Pubby last year and I liked it. But now I want verified purchased reviews, which is an additional cost, and puts off some reviewers who don't want to purchase the book cuz they're watching costs like me.
The service seemed like a godsend, almost like a book exchange amongst authors. I tried it and my very first review from them was an amalgamation of other reviews. They even misquoted another quote just trying to sound “authentic.” Although they gave me 4 stars, the actual review repeated the points of my one and only worst review which was left by an asshole with a pattern of giving 1 stars because she didn’t like a particular detail, but has a very high rank because she’s so damn opinionated, so it sticks at the top. That was my hope, to push down that one very damaging review with at least a decent one. I don’t have many reviews yet so hers was very weighty. Well, I got the Pubby review and it didn’t help much. I know they didn’t read it because it was the only book that had no reads that day. And I had just put up the book so no way they could’ve read it and posted a review in that time. Customer service gave me 2000 snaps but I think I’m going to pass. I can do bad all by myself.
Their customer service is terrible. They kept charging me after I canceled my account. Instead of refunding, they double charged me. They charged me random accounts. They didn't answer my emails. Ugh! Such a headache
Did you get your money back? They charged me but my account is not working.
Fellow Author, here! 👋 Thank you for sharing all this good info! Super helpful! 😁
I agree. If you want lots of generic, spammy, low quality reviews from people who DID NOT read your book, this is way to go. I steered clear quickly before the end of my trial subscription.
Good to know.
Ended up looking for info on Pubby after listening to a Dale L Roberts live stream. Sounds like an invaluable service that I’ll definitely be checking out!
Thanks for the info! Good luck to you.
one of the best and through reviews. thanks..
I subscribed for $11.99/month and figured it was worth that price. I only purchase a book at .99 or maybe $2.99 if I feel the need. Never, more,, and always purchase and not a freebie. I thought that Pubby was genius but sadly there are not enough participating authors of various genres. I have placed a hold on my subscription until the numbers change. It certainly beats out the high cost of paid reviews.
This was very informative and helpful! Thank you for sharing your experience!!
My pleasure and thank you for watching!
Thank you. This was very helpful.
This was a helpful review. You've got a good cadence, speak clearly, aren't annoying to listen to, and lay out the information nicely. You should make more videos.
That said, from what I'm seeing in the comments I'm going to give it a shot. According to the website, I should hit my review goal within about a month, if I slack maybe two, so, why not? I've received messages from ppl offering me less reviews for MORE money. With that in mind, I don't mind spending less than half as much for a couple months and put in a little footwork. I guess I'll come back here and let you know how it went.
SOOOO....did you stay with Pubby or no?? Can you do a follow up video please?
I finished my 10 day trial but ultimately decided not to subscribe. I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money for a service where I have to do all of the work. That and I started coming across several books which were very poor quality. I still believe Pubby serves a good role for some authors who are struggling to get reviews. Just be ready to pay and then do all the work yourself!
Very good to know. I just signed up for the free trial, but I am a little nervous now.
Wow, 15 minutes and you shared nothing of any real value. But as long as you have good hair I guess all is good.
I guess for 15 minutes you weren't paying attention? But yes, hair is important.