Note: As most of you know, I suffer from carpool syndrome, therefore I have to dictate all of my books in pretty much everything I write. Although I’ll do my best to edit the following, I’m so exhausted from not sleeping, I might not catch all the mistakes.
Second Note: I wrote this on Monday, August 27th, an hour after my conversation with the Amazon Supervisor (at about 6:30 PM EST). I promised her I’d document our call and share my sad journey/experience with Amazon with my readers. I was so mentally exhausted, I couldn’t bring myself to post this, China, my lovely/loyal/amazing/the-best-ever assistant did it overnight. Thanks, girl and BIG LOVE, as always <3
Here we go.
Why didn’t I send a newsletter on Monday morning?
My heart has been bleeding.
I pride myself on sending you a message that will uplift you for the week. This morning, I wasn’t feeling it.
I couldn’t even fake it.
It’s a big thing to reveal as someone who is happy most of the time.
What’s gotten me so down?
I’ve been crying and not sleeping well. And of course this has severely affected my writing and the new series I’ve just started.
Why?
I may not be able to continue writing my books.
What do you mean, Scarlett?
If I can’t promote my books, I can’t cover my costs of operation as an indie author.
For the past 4 days, Amazon’s AMS ads department has been rejecting my adverts.
First, let me answer the title of this newsletter: Amazon Rained On My Ice Cream Day.
Yesterday was an amazing summer day up here in the Great North.
On Saturday, I reserved 2 pints of my favourite ice cream––burnt marshmallow––and my favorite summer flavour––piña colada––at my favourite homemade ice cream shop. The plan was to get my word counts for the day behind me and enjoy a beautiful Sunday travelling across the city––yes, I travel for food––to buy my ice cream once I was done running my errands.
Yesterday didn’t turn out at all like I had expected. Instead, I dragged my sad ass across the city to buy my ice cream. I quickly came home and I was so disheartened that I didn’t even bother doing my cooking marathon for the week.
Why?
It goes back to what I was saying earlier.
For the past 4 days, Amazon’s AMS ads department has been rejecting my adverts–9 in total.
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Here’s their reason Amazon has been rejecting my adverts:
– Your ad is not appropriate for all audiences. To ensure a good customer experience, we reserve the right to restrict ads that contain elements that may not be appropriate for all audiences. This may include erotica, content on sexual preferences such as BDSM, incestuous relationships, sexual contact with person(s) under the age of 18, or self-help content (such as dating, get-rich-quick, or weight-loss books).
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After many weeks of training learning copywriting for advertisement and how to select better keywords, I felt confident I could take things to the next level for my author business.
I’ve been advertising through AMS ad for two years now. Since I was writing in parts, I would promote part one.
Now that I write standalones, I’ve bundled all the parts together and I’ve been promoting the standalones.
I started in June and my results weren’t great, but I knew I had to keep at it. By July, I felt I was getting a good handle on things.
As I’ve said, I spent most of the month of August learning how to perfect my adverts. We’re talking about hours of sacrifice to make my author business even more successful. This will ensure I’m able to continue to financially support myself as an indie author.
On Wednesday, August 22, armed with new copy and new keywords, I uploaded three test adverts on AMS. 24 hours later, they were all rejected. One of the first objections from Amazon was the fact that I was using Free in Kindle, which had been allowed since the two years I’ve been advertising. After checking with a few author groups, I realized it pretty much every author who had uploaded adverts on Wednesday, August 22 received a rejection note.
It was a new policy Amazon never communicated to us authors.
I thought, “Fine, I’ll just resubmit them again and remove that copy”.
24 hours later, three adverts were rejected again. I became increasingly confused. I couldn’t understand where Amazon found the violations they were talking about.
I’ve been trying to test new keywords and copy for Curves Envy and Billionaires’ Indulgence.
Here’s the thing, my books DON’T CONTAIN:
* 1. erotica (contemporary romance with steaminess is NOT hard-core erotica)
*2. BDSM (no chains, whips, nipple clamps in my books)
* 3. incestuous relationships (my grandmother would raise from the dead to slap me across the face if I ever even considered this type of romance.)
* 4. sexual contact with person(s) under the age of 18 (I’d never be able to live in the head of a character like that)
The copy for my adverts focuses on the love story.
Here’s an example for Curves Envy:
“A sassy BBW who lost everything. A billionaire who falls in love at first sight. A romance that will capture your heart.”
For Billionaires’ Indulgence I made the copy as generic as possible:
“She lost her boyfriend, her home and her job in one week… then she receives a career opportunity that changes her life.”
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“She lost her boyfriend, her home and her job in one week… the next thing she knows, she’s heading to live on a ranch in Colorado.”
They were still rejected.
Where is the erotica, BDSM, sexual contact with person(s) under the age of 18 or incestuous relationships?
Someone inside one of my author mastermind groups said Amazon rejects adverts that are MMF (romance between two bisexual men and a woman).
Guess what?
There are tons, tons, tons of them those type of books approved on your platform and showing up as sponsored ads.
My books don’t contain any theme of bisexuality.
It’s stated in the description. I want to be upfront with my readers so there are no surprises.
The big irony here is the adverts that are now being rejected were approved by Amazon’s advertising department a few months ago without any issues. Those same books are books that I have been promoting for the last two years. I was promoting part one. Now I’m promoting the entire story. The difference between the adverts that have been already approved from a few months ago and the ones I tried to upload last week is simply the fact that I’m split testing new copy to see which one converts the best.
That’s it.
I’m not doing anything fraudulent or anything wrong.
I don’t get it, Amazon.
The content of my books is crafted from the heart with lots of love.
I spend an enormous amount of time and money on editing and on my covers.
So far, I’ve been lucky enough to have proofreaders who care about my characters/stories as much is I do. Love you ladies ❤
In other words, I do everything in my power to put out a quality book for my readers because I love them and respect them enough.
If you’re willing to part from your hard earned money to buy one of my books, I want to make sure it’s an amazing journey.
Over the weekend, I emailed Amazon requesting a call with a supervisor. A woman did respond, but her times didn’t work with mine and we were playing email-tag in order to find a convenient time for us to talk. When I got the three rejections yesterday, which amounted to nine rejections in four days, I email Amazon back requesting a call with any supervisor first thing on Monday morning.
Overnight, someone contacted me via email to let you know someone would call me at 9 o’clock in the morning. No one call me at nine. By 10:30, my focus was broken because I was expecting a supervisor to call me back. I picked up the phone and called them. I was transferred to their office in India, which so far I’ve had terrible customer service from.
I hung up.
I called again and hoping I might land on another office in another part of the world. I wasn’t so lucky. I decided to go with it and explain my situation to the representative. He put me on hold and told me no supervisor was available, but promised one would call me within two hours.
Two hours and 45 minutes later, no one had called me from India.
Was I surprised? Not at all. Every single time I’ve dealt with the India office, I’ve been disappointed by the poor quality of customer service. This was no different.
Amazon’s India office never delivers on their promises. They are terrible at following up and every time you speak to them, the representative sounds lost and confused. You really don’t feel confident they will be able to help you or solve your problem.
Monday was a good example of that.
I spoke to a representative and explained my disappointment. By a miracle of God, he sent an email to supervisor––the woman I had been playing email-tag with.
Within 15 minutes she had called me. She works in the USA office. We chatted for a full hour. Not only did I explain everything that I’ve explained to you so far, but I ask her to take a look at some of the books I had found that were violating all of their guidelines, but yet were approved by their advertisement department. Some of the books were about incest.
Some of the books were so hard-core erotica, they made me cringe. As we were going down the list, she was shocked. I told her this is not the first time I deal with Amazon’s inconsistencies. Remember when I told you that I started playing with AMS adverts in June?
Well, when I came back from my holiday in paradise, I found out in May Amazon had decided “British Temptation” was too erotica for a title and they would not allow me too promote it on their platform. The same applied to “Our Dirty Little Princess”.
They also decided the fact the men were “looking” at the woman was also deemed to be erotica.
I don’t have time to argue with Amazon because my job is to write great stories. That’s my commitment to you my reader. I took it upon myself to pay my book cover designer (again) so we could redo the covers.
I also changed the titles.
It took my assistant and I hours to update everything.
It was a bloody nightmare.
On top of that, my assistant had to update all of our promotional banners. I feel so guilty asking her to do all this work she had already done so well the first time.
How much do those hot guys cost?
Those cover models you see on the books of many of your favourite authors are purchased from professional photographers. These cover models cost anywhere between $600 US and 1,000 British pound sterling (that’s a lot more for me in the Great North’s currency, which is 30% weaker than the US dollar). I have the invoices to prove it. Some photogs ask $3500 US. It’s a bit rich for my blood for now, but this tells you how expensive being an indie author is.
Why are we paying so much for cover models?
At some point you could purchase stock photo from low-cost photo-banks, but lately because of the number of books, some models are so over-used, it’s become impossible to differentiate your books from other authors. Many of us are forking out big money to buy cover models that are more exclusive in order to stand out.
Changing those costs was very expensive. Still, I did it because if Amazon wants yellow, I gave Amazon yellow. If Amazon wants purple, I give Amazon purple.
That said, when I see books that have inappropriate covers and titles that are screaming erotica, it makes me scratch my head. But, as I said before, my job is to write great stories, not to argue with Amazon. So for me to find myself in August fighting again about my books, it’s absolutely discouraging. It’s taken me a lifetime to figure out what I wanted to do and what I’m good at. Writing is my life. There are no words to express what it means to me to know you read my books.
While I was on the phone with the supervisor and clicking around the Amazon platform, I noticed I had received two extra 5-Star reviews for Curves Envy.
I quickly scanned them and I broke down in tears, like I am now, when one reviewer said I gave her hope as a curvy girl.
OMG! Love, girl!
I explained to the supervisor that for Candy, I had to step into someone else’s shoes and I was scared shitless I wouldn’t do her justice and I wouldn’t be respectful. So when so many women said I had nailed it, it brought me so much joy. What’s the point of being a writer, if you don’t stretch yourself? That’s what I did with Candy’s story. And now, Amazon tells me her beautiful romance isn’t suitable for their platform.
I have to tell you, I don’t understand any of it.
So where do things stand for me?
The supervisor, who has so kindly agreed to champion my case, will escalate things. That said, I have seven days of wait before I know what happens. Without advertisement on AMS, I can’t survive as an author. All my books are exclusive on Kindle.
Amazon always seems to punish good authors and reward content-stuffers and scammers.
I don’t get that.
Sure, there are Facebook adverts, but those are tricky and very expensive and so far I’ve had minimal success.
I invested the time and care to learn AMS adverts and just as I was seeing some really positive results, Amazon cuts me at the knee without much of an explanation.
To lift my spirits, I had one of my favourites for dinner last night––the charcuterie/cheese plate. Of course great white wine was part of the equation––I’m severely allergic to red. For dessert, I enjoyed every bite of the homemade ice cream. You know how I always say I appreciate your personal messages and emails? Well, last night was a perfect example of that.
If you remember, last week I had mentioned how Mission Impossible 1 was sooooo slow and how I had been unable to watch Harrison Ford’s Patriot Games until the end. One of my faithful male readers, Thom, emailed me suggesting I should’ve stuck with it because the movie gets better. So last night, I went back to Patriot Games and I did watch it until the end and you know what? I really enjoyed it. It was a great movie! Great storytelling and quite gripping. Once again, watching a movie set in the early 90s is always quite interesting when you see how far we’ve come in terms of technology. All that to say, life as an author is very lonely.
I’m still looking for my Hunter, Nikolaj or Barrett. He’s out there. I know it 😉 Until them, I’m the Boss Lady and sole earner.
I do this because I love my readers and I love it when you interact with me. I ended my call with the supervisor by telling her, “I’m not trying to be a dramatic author, but if I can no longer advertise my books to support myself as an indie author, it would literally kill me to have to abandon something that makes my soul sing.
Oh Avery. I’m so sorry this is happening. I don’t know how to help. I’ve read so many of your books and would be absolutely heartbroken not to read anymore of your stories. We have to find a way.
Amazon is really getting ridiculous and is so inconsistent with their rules. It simple isn’t fair but how do we fight? Please love, hang in there.
Much love,
Anna
So sorry this is happening to you. It’s happening to other authors as well. Amazon is being a pain in the butt.
I’m disappointed this is happening again. It’s happened with a number of my favorite authors. I just found you. One of my authors was missing for about a month and then her books came back. I don’t know why they are starting to censor their stuff randomly. Try to keep yoour spirits up.
Scarlett, I really hope that things work out for you on Amazon. It would be heartbreaking for your to have to give up something that you love. I try to support all the authors I can, but like you money comes into it. I’m pulling for you. And I’m sure that there are many authors out there in Indie land that have the same problem. Good luck
I’m so sorry to hear your tale. I’ve been reading your books since Nikolaj‘s first book and am always so excited to hear that another one is on the way! Sometimes the business aspect really sucks the life out of any project. Good luck and I’m praying that you’re troubles are resolved soon and you can get back to your hearts delight!
PS: Toasted marshmallow ice cream sounds amazing!
I’m dumbfounded Scarlett!! 😬 There are too many books out there,that are are simply disgusting (the content that you described)…I have run across some of those books written by indie authors that are not only disgusting, but their promo adverts are precisely what Amazon has forbade you NOT to do!!(double standard if I ever saw one, even though you’re not writing trash) You are loved and supported not only for your writing skills, but as a person who created a forum for your fans!!💕 I feel I’m writing not only my opinion.. for whatever it’s worth,but on behalf of your “Sexy Sirens”!! Love and kisses to you & know you are supported!!💕😘
You my dear; need to pull up your big girl panties like Candy, lift that chin like Ciara, get your head in the game like or Charlie. Don’t let Amazon get you down or even kick you while you’re down. You are a favored by many and your reviews show that. Keep your head up, this will all blow over. We will weather the storm with you, and hold your hand when you need it, and give you a shoulder to cry on if it comes to that. We’re here to lift you up when you’re down.
Don’t know what Amazon’s problem is, I don’t want them telling me what they deem appropriate for me to read, they should just be the facilitator. Keep everybody happy! Be strong! You have faithful readers who know your work and will stand behind you!
Oh Scarlett, time to pull up your big girl panties like Candy, lift your chin like Ciara and get your head in the game like Miranda and Charlie. Time to channel your inner heroine and not let Amazon get you down. You string together words and thoughts and wind them all together to make a believable story that someone like me can disappear into a for a few hours a day or week. Most of your books I have read numerous times and still cant get enough of them. You are truly gifted.
You are one of my favorite writers. I hope this all turns out well for you and you can continue to write your great books.
I am so sorry to hear this Scarlett your health is very important and I hope things get better with that. I am so sick of Amazon doing this to fantastic authors.They have done this very same thing to several authors, I have even cancelled my Prime Membership with them not that my measly funds will hurt them. I wish all these authors could get together and publish their books somewhere else and boycott Amazon. Then you can email Amazon but they do not respond so I think it just goes to a fake address.
I hate hearing that you who is such a fantastic writer has to put up with all of that bullpucky. It is such a shame. Honest people are having to put up with this, and they don’t have an even playing field. The cheaters win darn it. I wish you the best of luck I love your characters and plots.
How can we, your loyal readers, help you?? If in my limited experience, other than reading your books, I can help, holler loudly!! Love your stories!
Oh my!! What is wrong with them. Your stories are about love. I really hope the supervisor can help you. This is insane. I only read kindle. Good Luck. Please keep us posted.
And just think: Amazon now wants to get into medical care!
Buy mortuary stock.
I’m so sorry to hear about this.
Fingers crossed!
I’m so sorry for the problems your having. I love your books and hate to think you can’t put them out anymore. I think Amazon is crazy and I hope this gets resolved quickly! Keep strong.
Dear Scarlett-
Please do not give up hope. I am a reader that never really writes to authors, but as i read your post about the advertising troubles I really felt for you.I think you are a great author. I have not read all of your books but i have read several. I haven’t unsubscribed from your emails as I often do (partly due to huge email volume) because i also enjoy your messages. I am an indy artist/craft person. I understand the financial limits. Keep working with the Amazon lady to get them to take your ads. Don’t give up hope. You write for all of us that aren’t perfect models but are worthy people. Your books are really enjoyable even if I don’t identify with the particular main character in some ways. We the readers appreciate you!! I see a number of writers asking for Patreons to help support costs. I am not able to support, but if people just give a dollar it could help. Maybe look into that.
Good luck and hope you keep writing!
Oh Sweetheart! I’m so sorry to hear about your recent troubles. I’m not sure if you’re aware but the SPLC was recently hired by Amazon. SPLC takes delight in censoring creative speech and art calling it hate.
I agree with you and find Amazon is not fair in their practices.
On the bright side I love your books that I have read.
Keep smiling. It’ll be better soon.
if you don’t get an answer from them soon you should draft a petition to send to Jeff Bezos.
got ? …do u have book bloggers like myself on call (email chain, or what ever is the right wording there?) … send out an email to each of us …get us to share on instagram, twitter, FB and our book blogs (i have seen many option, share and have a giveaway if u share? i have seen lots of options, just a suggestion.) …that should help a bit? right? i know i have bunches of authors who do this … either themselves or their PR folks do it for them. just a thought. i would love help any way i can. i know a lot of folks (authors) are saying Amazon is being a butt face (recently and in the past and it apparently will be an issues in the future, unless they cool their jets, or whatever??! lol!)…not sure why? i would think they should work more easily with u guys?? u probably bring in so much doe it is not funny for them, etc. i don’t know i am not a writer …maybe one day soon?? keep us posted, please. <3
Amazon not consistently applying their own rules. Nothing new here. It seems to be applied by the dart board method – picture a dart board with approval, reject, ignore standards Amazon sets, cover models touching or eye contact pass. Well you get the idea – approval IF they are in a good mood.
Don’t give up. Your stories are great and I love reading them. They allow you to take time and relax and escape to something completely different. Please keep up with your writing.👍☺👍
So sorry your going through this Scarlett! This is so disheartening. You have to stay positive and keep pushing for what you believe in. It sucks that you can’t get someone from Amazon Corp to really help you with the situation instead of someone in India! So disturbing to me. Again stay positive and stay true to what you believe in. I look forward to more of your goodreads!
You aren’t by yourself in trying to navigate Amazon’s split personality when it comes to ads and books. I jumped for joy when some authors there were booted for breaking the rules (and they had been doing it for YEARS). But then I read your comments and know that while Amazon has come a long way to being able to sort through everything, they still err quite often and usually not in anyone’s favor, including their own. I enjoy your books, although I haven’t read all of them…yet. 🙂 Hang in there kiddo, things will improve.
Omg this is awful what about the sex toys amazon sell are they going to stop selling them very doubtful
A book is not just to read they take you to places in your mind that in real life will never happen
I hope amazon rethinks this action because there be putting a lot of authors out of work and upsetting there customers Who have bought a Kindel to read your type of books good luck x
I don’t even know what to say about this whole issue. I am totally dumbfounded over the fact that Amazon has treated you in such a manner. You are a fantastic author and I know you will overcome this challenge and move forward. Keep you head up and focus on your goal.
Best advice I can give is for you to not make your books exclusive to Kindle. Amazon doesn’t give a hoot who it hurts or how as long as its bottom line keeps increasing. There are plenty of other places for an author to indie publish – Draft2Digital & IngramSpark come to mind first. If there was a way for authors to make a living without having their books on Amazon, I would be first in line shouting for everyone to ditch Jeff Bezos’ behemoth platform in a nanosecond. Learned a long time ago to never, ever place everything in one basket. Amazon’s track record where authors are concerned is sketchy at best. As you have found out, they do not follow policy across the board and one’s method of recourse with their sometimes arbitrary decisions is almost nil. Truly hope you do not stop writing, just find new avenues in which to publish (promo and/or advertising is always a difficult one to navigate).
Please don’t give up writing it’s your dream and your very good.
Scarlett,
Amazon’s hypocrisy, much like Facebook and all of teh other social media sites is astounding.
“The Ultimate Erotic Short Story Collection 11: 11 Steamingly Hot Erotica Books For Women Kindle Edition”
This is the description for all of them, and the covers are extremely suggestive and they have been on Amazon for years.
There are DOZENS of collections with this Title, I think the highest numbered one I’ve seen is 126?
I’ve read a couple, the short stories in these collections can curl the toes of a well read/ well experienced individual.
I love everyone of your books, and do look forward to the next one. I have reread them over so many times waiting for new book to be published. If Amazon keeps rejecting what are we to do will we have to go through another site to read your books.
I’m sorry Amazon put you thru that. You’re books are amazing. Steamy but not disgusting and you do respect be. Have you thought of going to Barnes and Nobel or ither sites? I’ve read where Amazon is inconsistent and unfair. (Perhaps it has to do where the approvals come from.based on cultural or religious beliefs and values).
I just want to say I love reading your books. I try to get them every time you come out with one. After a long day (or in my case..days of 12 to 23 hours of hospice work) coming home and reading your books help me to escape the reality I face every day in my job. Thank you so much for that. And dont ket Amazon discourage you. YOU &YOUR BOOKS ROCK!!!!
I think that’s terrible. I plan on writing a note to them. Good luck! I hope it works.
I wrote a big comment but it didn’t load. The gist of it was don’t give up. Work with this Amazon person to get your ads up. I don’t write to authors, and i read a lot, but i am writing to you Scarlett. I believe in you and what you do. you have a lot of readers who want your books. They are for all of us that aren’t model perfect but are still worthy of life and love. Look into Patreon. I see a number of authors asking readers if they would like to be a patreon. It may help you with cover models and other costs. Your readers love you, we want you to keep putting out great books.
You are an amazingly creative and dedicated Author. Follow your heart in all things. Hopefully Amazon will pull their heads out of their a$$es.
We love you, chin up.
All My Best,
Jenn
Scarlett, I love each and every book you have written, I’ve also purchased every single book you’ve written. I think your titles are wonderful and your covers are incredible. I’m sorry your going through this and I hope you will be able to continue writing. You were the second author that got me to read erotica books and I think they are fantastic.
Why is Amazon getting rid of all the best authors.Carter Blake,alexis angel Nikki Chase.and so many more.I have written to Jeff at amazon but have not received a reply.
You’re an amazing writer. You help me escape the realities of long days working in hospice. Perhaps Amazon people let their cultural and religious beliefs make their judgments against you and the other authors. They should remain neutral. At least your adverts are clean and enticing. I would have no problem.letting my child read your adverts (if she was still young) or your books. Your writing style is sexy yet respectful and not vulgar. Please don’t let Amazon and their people discourage you. Keep doing the great job you do. You and your writing talents are so totally appreciated. Thank you for many hours of escape and entertainment..And great choice on the pina colada ice cream.
I hope they come to their senses. You can find just about anything on amazon. Their points seem to be ridiculous and detrimental to hard working folks they should work harder at getting the scammers and their fake products off their “shelves” then messing with hard workers. Keep up the good fight and stay strong!
Nicole
Don’t give up. Take some time away and enjoy and come back with a new perspective. We have faith in you. Thanks.
I’m sorry! You are one of my go to authors, I love your books! Even if Amazon keeps screwing up, please keep your spirits up!
I’m so sorry this is happening to you! Good luck in getting this sorted out. Amazon sucks! I had written 80 reviews and had over 3,000 helpful votes, I was even a top 1,000 reviewer for a while. Well Amazon just deleted all my reviews and votes and my profile just says zero! Why? They say I’ve violated community standards in accepting free books and products in exchange for my reviews. I was devastated! I googled it and found out that this is happening to numerous people! 1 guy complained to Amazon AND THEY THEN DELETED HIS ACCOUNT!! So I said nothing…
Don’t let anything or anybody stop you from writing your a great author I’ve read quite a few of your story’s and they are breathless don’t stop writing.I know you still have a lot of story’s to write. For all the people like me out here that love your story’s .
Oh Scarlett…it makes me sick to read about all the trouble you have to go through to publish a book. You are a FANTASTIC author and I hope you don’t let Amazon get you down. I have read every book you wrote and loved, loved, loved everyone of them!!!! You just can’t give up writing!!!
I agree with you on the matter of Amazon having a problem with approval/non-approval of various items. As an ARC reader which I take very seriously, they do the same thing with our reviews. I have seen many,many times, a review that uses mild (so called ) profanity go thru with no problem. But the one time I wanted to say that a character was a total ass, my review was rejected and I was scolded. Amazon needs to come into the present and realize this is the way normal people talk and that the word ass is not profanity. As I said when I started my tirade (sorry got a little hot under the collar there) Amazon is very hard to understand and deal with whether it is from the authors point or the reviewers point. I have empathy for you and I also love your writing! I certainly hope that the problem, misunderstanding that they have with you is cleared up soon as I would hate for the public to lose a great author like you. I don’t often speak up but I had to let you know, WE ARE BEHIND YOU 100%!!!!!!
I think that our society has become so out of touch with reality and too in touch with bias that I am sick and tired of all of it! We are being punished for wanting to make a living and be who we are! We are supposed to conform to someone else’s rules and regulations that don’t make any sense. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
This is absolutely heart breaking!!!! NOOO!!!!!!! Can we take up a petition and appeal to Amazon and tell them to stop being just plain stupid??? I am all for it!
I am sorry that this is happening to you. There are worse books on Amazon that should be pulled. Your books should not be included in that category at all. I really hope that everything works out as it should. I will keep you in my prayers. Amazon is wrong.
I agree with you on them punishing the good authors….besides you I can no longer get Chance Carter’s books from Amazon. It really upsets me. I am praying for you and a great outcome… Keep writing 🙂
I’m so sorry there doing this to you it’s total B.S you are an amazing author and I will fight for your books hang in there!!!
This is heart breaking! NOOO!!!!!! Would it help if we sent Amazon a petition telling them to stop being just plain stupid? Because I would absolutely contribute! Love your books! You are not allowed to go anywhere!!!
I think Amazon is pushing it.I look forward to reading your books. They make me feel better about myself. I am fortunate to have my “Hunter”, and he makes me feel as good as Max does Candy. Your books make me laugh, cry, get a little angry at the male characters occasionally, but always make me feel good. I hope things work out for you with Amazon, because I, for one, would miss your fantastic books. Keep up the good work and God bless you for making life a little more enjoyable.
This is ridiculous. Keep us updated. If they don’t have a change of heart, I might have to look elsewhere.
I am so sorry about the situation with Amazon! I hope you get it resolved. I love your books and hope you can continue to write!
I’d be beyond angry!! As many titles and write ups are tasteful as not. Yours are always tastefully done. I sincerely hope that the supervisor you’re working with is a dynamo. I enjoy your writing and would hate to see you quit due to any other reason than your choice. God bless!!
What the hell is going on with Amazon! Some of my other fav authors had some issues with books being pulled. My first thought is this screams of censorship. I agree with u..there is some really hard core erotica out there. I think Amazon needs to get their policies straight n communicate better. I just don’t get the point of them doin this. Maybe readers need to band together n boycott their platform?
Aww bless you. I’m so sorry you’re having this performance with Amazon. I love your storytelling & the guaranteed HEA, you help lift my spirit. Please don’t let this get you down. X
I am so sorry this mess is happening to you 🙁
I have always enjoyed your books, please do not give up , I am sure the problem will be straightened out soon .
Don’t get too discouraged. Keep up the good work. Amazon doesn’t seem to play fair. Your books are great and your readers appreciate your hard work.
I am so sorry to hear of your struggles, Scarlett. Those of us who are not authors, obviously have no idea of all the technical work and expense that goes into putting out a quality book. Thank you so much for being so committed to this. I hope everything works out for you!
I love all your books! I crave more of your stories. I pray that I have found my Hunter, time will tell. They do give me hope, and encourage me to try new things. So greatful I found your stories last year.
Keep at it girl! I know working with Amazon can be crazy at times, but don’t give up!
Ugh – I don’t even know what to say to that sad tale. I had a similar experience with eBay when they wouldn’t let us sell our race car parts all of a sudden with no explanation – we had a 100% satisfaction rating and we’re paying them over $150 a month for that “privilege”. Mad, sad, said a lot of cuss words but in the end they actually did us a favor. So, moral of this story – do what you can, never let go of your passion, and find another way. I love your books and a whole lot of others do too. My God, some of the crap being peddled out there makes my skin crawl. Your books make my day as well as your photos of hot guys (been married for 41 years but I can look right?). Keep your chin up and keep writing. Maybe start a go Fund Me? I don’t know the answer but just know I love you and your stories. Us women need them in this crazy world. Forever faithful – kitten
Oh, honey. I’m totally upset by this. I love and cherish your writing. I feel like I know you personally. You make my days and nights better. Getting lost in a book is so uplifting for me. I read several of you books over and over and over. I’m infuriated by Amazon, umm hello pot/kettle. We all know there is an audience for this kind of reading material, I personally need it. I’m a widow and escaping into a good story makes me feel better about myself, situation and next journey in my life. I wish you the best. Keep moving forward!
Some of the books on Amazon are so poorly written that I can’t get past the first chapter. Spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and mistakes such as a character’s name on one page has changed on the next page. It makes me want to rewrite the books but the story line is so lacking that even a rewrite would not help. Amazon needs to focus on the quality of the writing and stop worrying so much about titles and pictures (unless of course the title and/or picture is obviously offensive). Please continue to write the books that readers like myself who read sometimes 2 or 3 books a day will be able to enjoy reading them as much as you like writing them!
This is heartbreaking and infuriating and that’s just as a reader. I cannot believe the bullcrud that they make the authors wade through. Do they have little old church ladies making decisions. Scarlett is my all time favorite author. How can I get all 3 Fifty Shades books and movies from Kindle and yet I am not going to be able to get Scarlett’s books. I know they have all of these idiotic rules so that the prudes of the world aren’t offended. But I bet in secret they have a book collection that would rival my own. Let the ones complaining to Amazon complain, but do not penalize the readers and authors. Amazon is big enough to take the hit if the prudes of the world don’t get any books from Kindle Free. Please feel free to use my comment to your advantage with Amazon. Publish it, forward it, paste it to their door.
Wow, Scarlett, this is awful!!
You know, if people don’t care for more intense erotica, etc-don’t read them. But these kind of random inconsistencies-especially characterizing your books/ads/photos as something that they absolutely are NOT-meaning nobody really checked-makes me livid! I love your books and there’s tons of hard core stuff on Amazon…where do they get off dictating things like this? It’s super easy as a parent to put controls in place. You better believe that Amazon will be hearing from me! And I am a huge customer of theirs.
You hang in there, sweetie-reading yours and other talented spicy romance writers has gotten me thru 4 surgery recoveries and life in general haha
Hang in there lovey, you’ll make it! Keep doing your best it’ll come to fruition👍💞😘💐
Dear Scarlett,
After reading what has gone on with you and AMS I am saddened and shaking my head. It sounds like you may have pissed someone off at AMS. I hope AMS wakes up before we lose you. Your books are always in good taste and are certainly not the most erotic I have read on AMS, Perhaps AMS needs to do a survey of its readers and ask us what we find offensive! My prayers are with you that this matter will be favorably resolved.
Seena
What in the world happened to freedom of speech. We choose to buy the books we want. I see all kinds of books I do not have any interest in. All that means is I do not read them. No one should stop you from writing what makes you happy to write about. That being said, Amazon has no right to do these things to make it hard to publish your books. SHAME ON THEM
Amazon are the pits and you are not alone. I have no personal income coming in until I get my personal pension in October so I eagerly signed up to my favorite authors when they offered ARC’s in return for a review. All of a sudden my reviews are taken down and I am barred by Amazon from reviewing at all, given no avenue to fight them and left disgusted by their view that I am somehow either receiving remuneration from authors or am related to or in bed with them. I now scan Amazon on a daily basis and buy up every free book I am interested in although I know it’s not good for the authors but Amazon aren’t making any money out of it which makes my day. You’ll notice they didn’t bar me from spending my money with them just not being able to give something back to the authors with a review.
I don’t understand what is going on with Amazon.lately some of .y favorite athors have been banned and as a reader a d a Christian I found nothing wrong wrong the content of any of them I lost my favorite author Chance Carter We have no exclamation from Amazon we as customerare just.left hanging and wondering.what in the world happened. Very unhappy
Dear Scarlett
Suddenly had a thought – is it possible that someone at the top of the Amazon s@@t pile suddenly got religion? Just a stray thought of the day.
Please keep enjoying your life and I hope everything comes right soon.
I believe that u have to stick to it. You aren’t the first,second or third author that I have read about having problems with Amazon. Just keep your head up and believe.
Hey, I have been seeing that a lot of authors are having trouble with Amazon’s inconsistencies. Not just authors, but reviewers also. So, just try to hang in there. Unless Amazon wants everyone to go to other sources for ebooks, they need to get their act together.
Gail
So what about “British Temptation” is erotic? It could be food or anything that would tempt you to do something against your normal behavior. And that is all about every persons individuality.
Why is Amazon so narrow minded all of a sudden?
I’ve bought almost all of your books and they are fabulous! I love your characters and the interaction, even the humor thrown in. I’m a readaholic, I had to get additional storage just for my books on my Kindle. Don’t give up, your fans will help you fight! I’m still looking for my guy too, you give me hope.
I have noticed a lot of changes on amazon. I had a review rejected twice because it violates rules. I didn’t see the violation. It ended not what I wanted to say. You hang in there don’t give up on what you love.
I’m so sorry to hear of all your troubles! I absolutely love your books and would not want you to have to stop!! Please keep your chin up knowing we are many who love you!!
That’s terrible! I’m a huge fan of your books. Shame on Amazon. You would think as long as Amazon has been in business they would know you can’t please everyone all of the time. Division and loss will be their future. I’ve seen it in regular businesses. There are other formats. I really hope there is a solution.
I’m so sorry that Amazon is being so difficult. Keep your chin up and hopefully things will get better soon.
I’m sorry to hear about your Amazon troubles. Good news, I found you without them. I have bought through Barnes and Noble. I love your stories. Please keep writing. I enjoy following you on Facebook.
I really appreciate your your work. Have to say I am not a big fan of Amazon. I have left reviews and they have disappeared, not just mine. Several authors had problems with reviews and other issues.
I am not an author but an avid reader and I often have problems with Amazon.
I have a set monthly limit for buying books, (not always through Amazon) but I do get freebies from author newsletters and I’m also a ARC reader for a few authors.
There starts the problem.
As an ARC reader I need to submit my review when requested, usually before or on the publish date. Unfortunately Amazon will not let me post the review with them as I have not bought enough books through their site. I then get daily reminders for the review and daily rejections from Amazon until suddenly the review is accepted.
I feel I’m letting the authors down, which I hate to do, but Amazon is letting everyone down by being so rigid in their so called (constantly changing) rules.
This is very sad to read. I’m sorry you are having such a hard time, you are a great writer and I have enjoyed reading your books. Its a little unnerving that Amazon is telling you what people want to read, there are many different kinds of people out there and they like all kinds of books. I hate to say it, but I’m tired of talking to people in India about a problem I have here in the US. I can barely understand what they are saying and its all so frustrating. I am saddened by all of this because I am a member of the books unlimited program Amazon has and its the only place I buy books. If they can’t keep good authors I will have to buy my books elsewhere. I hope it gets better for you and you can go back to enjoying your ice cream!
Please don’t give up on your writing. Being curvy myself I really love finding stories that are positive. Be good to yourself.
Thanks,
Crystal (lives in Georgia, USA)
Hi Scarlett…much sympathy and understanding about your dealings with Amazon. Think it’s getting “too big for its britches”. Have had several problems with Az’s so-called customer service and my mother (@89-yrs-old then) asked for a supervisor or another rep and the young man started screaming at her. Needless to say, she told Az where to go and has not bought another thing from AZ. I buy my print books from ebay and AbeBooks…though no ebooks on ebay.
I have noticed many indie authors no longer going exclusive with AZ, but are now starting to sell their books on their own websites…they can offer nice discounts and keep more of the money that way. They also get their books on not just their own newsletter but other newsletters. Some have also used Patreon to help costs for their books.
Don’t know if this will help, but at least they’re worth looking into. Personally, I never look at AZ’s ads…way too many, especially on the book description pages. Have started getting some books through Nook and Kobo and read on their free apps.
Cheer up…treating yourself is the first step. Binge watch some happy/silly/fun shows…no matter how dumb they may be it can actually help. Of course, do not forget the ice cream, wine, or other treats…me, chocolate goes well with all emotional states.
Good luck with Amazon. I get quite a few indie authors newsletters and amazon has been all their complaints have been about. Here’s me sending you good thoughts and prayers
Amazon is being unfair to you & other authors. I have downloaded several books from Amazon that are erotica, MFM,BDSM and loads of sexual content. Who gave Amazon the right to sensor what we read. If they continue to withhold books from the reading public I have no problem getting my books elsewhere & leaving Amazon behind. We are grown adults & have the right to read the books we want. I will go so far as to stopping purchasing anything from Amazon.
I so hope that your problem gets fixed immediately! I like reading your books! Best of luck and thank you for this email.
It is hard to believe that they would do this to you for those reasons. I do lots of ARC’s, Alpha/beta reads and editing. Most of the books I read have lots of sex, BDSM and more in them. I am never insulted by a sexual type book. I read lots of dark romance type books and they contain lots of sex that isn’t consensual. I do read lots of the indie authors books also. I know that Amazon has been cracking down on ghost writers and some writers that are using people to thumb through a book on kindle to raise up their incomes. I can understand those reasons. But, the reasons they are giving you are not fair. To many use the same wording. I do hope that you can get this straightened out. I hate to see a writer not be able to do what they are passionate about. I am now retired. I had to do that earlier then I wanted. I lose my passion of driving an eighteen wheeler and I know how that broke my heart. So, I can imagine what you feel.
Please keep us posted. I hope it doesn’t come to that for you.
Amazon sucks! My daughter is an Indie author and Amazon gives her grief too!
I love your books. I’m a Candy type a girl also. Even though I have had my Prince Charming for 32 years now I still have trouble with my inner beauty.
Don’t give up, Scarlett! <3 I'll always support you as much as I can financially. Amazon has been doing some odd changes lately, and it's been hitting the authors hard. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you right now.
I'll help as much as I can, and please don't give up on your passion. <3 You're such a talented author, and a lot of people love your books. ^_^
They have some nerve, some of the books I have seen are really hard core porn, yet they are still on there. Your books are fun and all of the authors have sex scene’s. Maybe if India didn’t control things it would be so much better. I thought this was an American company but every time I call I get an overseas person. I am so sorry they hurt you, don’t give up, have you talked to a lawyer about this? Take care and we love you.
I don’t how to help you, but I would be willing to do whatever you need. Just let me know, I am behind you 100%. I will be praying for you that it will be as you wish.
Hi,
I feel really sad for you and hopefully things will get better soon. I cannot afford to buy books at the moment. I have .75 cents in my back account as I type this. I am thankful that my mom has a laptop and internet so I can read authors emails and everything about their books.
take care,
linda
I’ve heard that Barnes and Noble has been doing the same thing so I switched to buying from kindle. With all the covers and advertising I’ve seen, I think Amazon is just trying to push every author to be on the kindle unlimited. As long as you write, no matter what platform you sell your books on I’ll continue to buy. Guess it’s time, for many of us, to start reading books on iBook app or buying from smashwords
It’s always so sad when big businesses become big brother. The days of being allowed to be an individual and free spirit seem to be gone. No one is allowed to be eccentric or different in any way. Being artistic means all of the above. Without artists, authors and people who think outside the square we are drones, not a race with culture. I sincerely hope that Amazon sorts themselves out and starts encouraging self expression again. Good luck with your battle to be heard and understood.
What can we do to help? Can we write protest letters and who should we send them to?
So sorry for all the drama sweetie. I really hope everything works out. I believe that I have read every book you have put out and loved them all! It would be a huge loss for us all if Amazon takes you away from us.
I feel so bad for you and have read your books and enjoyed every one. My favorite is still the Seduction Factor series as it explores so many facets of life. I love how you bring characters to life and allow me to be in their world. You are amazing and I love your writing ❤️
WOW! hope you have success with Amazon! if not ,it seems like a great case for a class action suit for all the authors effected by this! will pray for a positive outcome!
I do wish for your sake that Amazon was unbias in its way of enforcing their guidelines. But from what you have stated and that I have heard from other authors, they are not. Just know you are not alone in this struggle. There are many Indie authors out there that are going through the same thing. I do hope Amazon wakes up and finally give your books the attention they deserve
OMG!!! I love your books!!! Amazon is nuts because I see that type of advertising for the covers and the Books having erotica and BDSM in them all the time!! What are they talking about?? Please don’t quit writing!! Why are they picking on your when I see it all the time in other books and authors
This is so typical of the worlds outlook on freedom of choice. Their views and opinions are forced down our throats when all this nonsense is subjective and left for interpretation. We as consumers need this fantasy world as a means of escape from some of life’s harsh realities. If someone does not like something the real freedom is TURN THE CHANNEL—DONT BUY THE BOOK —AGREE TO DISAGREE. I love your stories and wish you luck. There is enough room on the internet. As long as someone subscribes n reads it should be none of AMAZONS BUSINESS. THANK YOU
That is awful how they have treated you. You should probably try a different venue to sale your books. Let us know and we’ll find you.
I hope all turns around soon and goes better for you. Don’t give up.
OMG it’s rediculous. I’ve read several of your books & thoroughly enjoyed them. I read contemporary, erotica on occasion (it it has a good storyline), regency & some fantasy. As a reader I don’t understand how Amazon doesn’t have a US based company for US based authors etc. I personally hate dealing with India on anything. Last month & in the past 24hrs I’ve again seen authors that I enjoy books pulled. None of them understand why. Each & EVERY person who purchases a book has a right to make their own decisions & choices NOT Amazon. They’re beginning to get more like “big brother”. Amazon’s forum is to sell products – it is up to the purchaser what we want to read. I’m sorry this has happened to you. FYI: Eva Luxe has only 1 set of books listed under her name so I sent her an email that I can’t review her new Mountain Daddy book on Amazon if it’s not there. Of course I did on other forums. Plz don’t give up.
I can not believe you are going thru this! With all the things wrong in the world today we all need a place to get away and for a lot of people reading is our escape. Amazon needs to get it together, how can anyone in their right mind say there is anything offensive or too sexual…. I am really so mad on your behalf! Keep us posted on things, we’re here for you and love you. There has to be a way to get around this or somethimg, I pray for you to have patience and hope you’ll find someone that can guide you to an agreeable solution
all my best
Lyn
I hope something good happens for you…ak LOVE your books. Keep fighting the good fight…dont give up!!!
I love reading your stories, you are a awesome author, they need to let you be on their site to sell your stories.
Stick with it! And let us know if there is somewhere for us to air our grievances with Amazon on you behalf! If they can carry it in B&N, not sure why there is an issue on Amazon! Your books, cover pictures and titles are a lot classier then some of the other stuff I’ve seen up there on their pages. Not to mention, I didn’t realize they were in the business of censorship now – yup said it.
Amazon is too big for it’s britches. I spend upward of $600 to $900 on books a month. ”
I CAN AND WILL FIND ANOTHER OUT IF AMAZON DOESN’T GET THE STICK OUT OF ITS A..”.
I’m sure I am not the only customer who feels this way. Straighten up AMAZON.
I am SO pissed off for you!!! When you first brought the situation up I started paying attention to blurbs and have noticed that you are tame compared to other authors! I could be reading Facebook I only read blurbs unless it is you. It doesn’t matter what you say I pick up your book. I love you and your style. PLEASE don’t let the assholes get you down!
Good Afternoon Scarlett!
First of all – I love your writing. The care you take with your characters and storylines is what makes me choose to read your novels
even without previewing the story descriptions. I also appreciate how clean your writing is with regard to spelling, grammar and
continuity. I’ve never stopped reading one of your books because it was just too much work.
I’m going to offer you some advice, only because you’ve more or less implied that you’ll be open to suggestions.
I laughed, with tears in my eyes, when I read your Amazon tale. Laughter because it reminded me so much of myself every time I
went up against a “powerhouse” with logic, reason and right on my side only to be frustrated and angry to find myself not prevailing.
Amazon will come around when Amazon feels like it – there’s nothing to be done about that. They will either find a way to accept
your way, or you will find a way to compromise (once you find out what they really want.)
You are incredibly talented. Why are you putting all your rocks in Amazon’s wheel barrel? Granted I’m not an Indie author, however, I have done a fair amount of interested reading on the subject. It seems as though there are several outlets for Indie authors.
Regardless of what Amazon ultimately decides to do, please consider additional and/or alternate avenues for your work. What are
other authors doing?
I wanted to address just a few of the points you made and then I’ll leave you alone.
1) Misleading Adverts – why not make them appropriate for all audiences? The beginning of the novel always has disclaimers, who
the book is appropriate for and who shouldn’t read it, readers are aware. So someone buys the book and is offended, hates it or
burned it and sends you the photo. Okay, now they know not to buy your books. The other five people bought the book, read it,
hadn’t read anything like it before because they didn’t think they would like it and now are hooked. New readers to offset the bad.
The bad can take their objections to Amazon and ask for better adverts, the circle of life.
You’re a very good writer, don’t be afraid of bad reviews – especially those that come from forcibly uninformed readers.. Embrace
the good and the bad and move on.
2) Cover Art – I think I’m seeing a trend away from using real life “portrait” models to sketch and still life. I’ll admit, when I first started
using the Kindle it was a learning experience to not “flip” back to the cover to “see” what my characters looked like. Now it’s almost
a distraction to have a vision that doesn’t “jive” with my imagination of the character appearances.
Perhaps moving away from live art will save enough in publishing expenses to hire someone else to construct the adverts? No one
says you have to do it all. There must be groups out there that specialize in the Amazon Way – find out if they can be of use to you.
3) It took being on a plane for 7 hours with only a paperback copy of Tom Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October” to read to finally get
through that novel. I loved Tom Clancy. I tried to read “Hunt” for a good six months before that plane ride. Goes to show that most
often a second chance is well worth the effort. (Note: that was well before Kindle and there were no “people” on the cover on that
book or any of his others – that I can recall.)
Have you tried making a storyboard for yourself? In my line of work we call it flow-charting. Same difference. Figure out where you
are, where you want to be and what are your ways to get there. How much do those options cost? In time? In cold hard cash? In
spirit? You are creative, so start thinking outside the box.
Don’t stop writing, write more, piss them off, and succeed!
I can relate but have you not noticed the entire world has us little people on ignore? Regarding any subject in the world. I am so far just a writer but soon to be an author. Empathy and sympathy and love.
Dear Wonderful Authir Scarlett Avery:
Please keep Writing! It is your Passion!
I will pray for you & light many candles.
Another author has had issues with Amazon.com – Rebecca Hamilton.
Please contact her & maybe she can shed some light on your challenge with Amazon.
Good Luck,
Love & Peace
❤️✌🏻👼🏻
Unfortunately,this has happened to other Authors on Amazon, I don’t understand what has made them to suddenly change, or who has felt they have the right to control our reading habits. Alot of your readers are from the USA, no one tells us what Authors to read. Drop Amazon, there are other places to sell your books, Join with other writers, create your own company and refuse to let anyone tell you it can’t be done & by all means do not let anything or anyone ever rain on your ICE CREAM DAY!! Keep living your Dream!
I am so sorry Scarlett, have you tried other platforms, such as Goodreads Ibooks because I have noticed
Amazon is really getting ridiculous as I find your books refreshing and a good alternative to some of the stuff
that Amazon is passing. Some of the books are beyond Erotica and I do not see why they are really
picking on you. Good Luck I will still read your books on another platform if you can find one.
Scarlett I am so sorry to hear about the struggles you are having with Amazon. This saddens me deeply that a clean writer such as yourself would be hut down the way they have. I do want to say please don’t let this stop you from continuing to write, it may just be a sign that you need to look at a new platform for your books. Don’t let this bring you down or take your passion from you, keep on keepin on for without struggle there can be no success!
Hello Scarlett
I read your first book and I was hooked. I bought all the other series that were ready at the time. I am a big fan. I wait for the series to end then I buy them all because I cant wait. I am praying something works for you. We need you. In the meantime fret not yourself. Good things happen to good people. I am waiting for my Hunter too but I hope you find yours real soon. You are most deserving.
I’m not sure what’s going on with Amazon but certain authors are having similar issues. There was a list on FB of all the authors going through crap because of Amazon. At least one, has put writing on hold, it’s ridiculous. Maybe you should talk with the other authors and see if as a group something can be done.
I sincerely hope that you win your fight with Amazon and that you continue your passion. Please continue writing as I and many others enjoy reading your books. It is a shame that so many people try to place restrictions on what we should be allowed to read and see. This is supposed to be a free country. I for one will continue to read and enjoy your books.
Sending you good juju ☺
This sucks, plain and simple. This is happening to so many authors and it is so unfair. A few authors have started selling their books on their website and I get them through Bookfunnel. I have no idea how any of that works but it might be something you would be able to do. I absolutely hate buying books this way because I like having them in my kindle collections. However with the way things are going with Amazon I’m seriously considering going back to iBooks. Good luck. I will keep you in my prayers.
Time for the Indie Writers we know and love to unite and create a new avenue for us loyal readers to explore? If Amazon are going to be so ridiculous with their political correctness garbage, they are going to lose that whole arm of their income. Lets face it – erotica books are the only reason I have my kindle unlimited account with them – and I am quite happy for my money to follow wherever you shall lead.
So – remember – necessity if the mother of invention – so you need a new portal to sell your books? Find a publisher eager to set up an opponent to Amazon Books and go for it…even if they have to create a super secret dirty girl site just for us 🙂
I am sorry to hear all rhe trouble you arw having. Reading is my form of relaxation that I truly enjoy. Every book I have read of yours has been wonderful and hope you don’t stop. Please let us know what us readers can do to help!
Scarlett, you have all of our support and Amazon tonight has my Ire. i am a huge advocate in all things to be consisant. If a company policy is not written and above all not carried out in a consistant manner you have nothing. You have presidence on this issue in your favor. You will win this! Amazon should shoulder some of these costs as well for all the revisions youve done and dont have confidence that next week the so called rules change again. Look after yourself your readers need you in good health and state of mind. please keep us up to date on latest developments.
I’m glad you liked the movie.
Sorry to hear what you’re going through, keep your head up, good things might be just around the corner.
Thom
Amazon BS !! I know of another GREAT author who is getting the same BS from another book platform that told her she can’t use the word VIRGIN in the title of her books. She has a series of about 24 books about a VIRGINS experience from auction to love in a mfm menage, story is powerful. It was the meat of most of her stories, now she has to re-title about half of her books that have been in print for at least a year. I think all this morality censorship is getting out of hand. You all specifically state that you must be 18+ to even purchase the book. Unfortunately there is no way to monitor something like that so you all as authors are taking the backlash of this. I hope it all works out as I love your books and Curves Envy was an awesome story which as a BBW I enjoyed thoroughly. Keep your chin up and try to smile……we love you <3
I am sorry that Amazon seems to be contradicting themselves. Hopefully with you bringing it to their attention they will do something to fix it.
I love your stories and would be sad if you stopped writing.
I am praying that things will work out for you. Wishing you all the best.
Is there anything we can do to help you deal with Amazon, Scarlett?? Tell me and I’ll do it. What’s happening to you, and others, is totally disgusting.
Scarlett, I am so very sorry to hear this. I’m sending you positive vibes, love, and prayers.
Dear Scarlett, so sorry to hear you have to go through all this drama! Give Amazon the flick and get your own Web Page. You have an amazing fan base and we all absolutely Love 💕 your Books! We will follow you to the ends of the earth to read your wonderful stories and will get them from there if need be.
Don’t give up!! 😘
I don’t know what is wrong with Amazon I have read probably all your books and I love everyone of them. There are women like me out there that love these romantic reads and some use some of the scenes to inrich there lives. We have to do something about this. You’re a great writer and your books are great.
Oh Scarlett, I am so sorry to hear of all your troubles. I wish there was something all of us (your readers) could do to help you. I just love your writing because I can relate to your heroines personally. I have enjoyed many of your stories. I would be saddened if you stopped writing. So Please don’t stop. There has to be a silver lining to all of this. I have lost a lot of my favorite authors lately to the axe of AMAZON. I don’t want to lose you as well. Amazon cannot be able to control what people like to read. If children are the problem then make it so they can’t get into Adult Romance Section. there is things out there like Parental Control options. I don’t see how a company can do that to authors indies or regular authors, cause its not only the authors it hurts but also the readers, you start taking away what people enjoy they will start looking elsewhere.
I have had a few of the authors that I like begin selling their books through their own websites (Maybe that is something you could look into) Or get together with other authors and start your own website for promoting and selling your own titles, give amazon a run for their money. Your story isn’t the only one out there, I am sure the others would agree, I would buy my books wherever we can help you more.
I hope your issues with amazon get fixed, and I seriously hope you continue to write your wonderful stories. I will be following your story and hoping for the best for you. Keep your chin up and just remember your readers are here for you.
Oh Scarlett, please don’t stop writing. I loooove your books. Don’t let them get you down. They don’t deserve that much power over you. I hope they will see the light.
And I agree with Suzanne, be creative. Think outside the box. Find a way. Don’t stop writing.
Sending you love and hugs from Denmark.
Hello Scarlett
I am sincerely sorry this has happened. You are such a wonderful talented writer. You were one of the very first authors I read when I first started reading ebooks.
What Amazon is doing is inconceivable. To be just taken down without pre warning or given you the right to answer there concerns or reasoning is beyond belief.
Don’t stop fighting. Remember you don’t have to prove anything, they need to show you why they have made this decision, with proof to substantiate their decision.
It comes across as if they are targeting you and other authors.
Please keep us informed, stay strong and become independent and you loyal supporters will purchase you books through your website, or all the authors they have ditched, pool together and start you own site in competition.
With what they are doing you will have a good selection of authors to start.
Stay strong
Kindest regards
Vicki
I pray Amazon wakes the hell up & sees that they are nothing but righteous bullies! Your work is so incredibly moving & healing. Please, never give up! You are loved beyond words! Take comfort in that. Bless you.
Dear Scarlett what a deal after you had to rewrte Britsh Temptation now this. I’m sure that I’ve read all your books. Keep the faith and don’t give up we youraudiance are rooting for you. Give’m HECK!
Oh please don’t stop writing!!! I have read everyone of your books and loved, loved loved every book!!!! I get excited when I see a new book by you. I don’t understand why Amazon is doing this to you!! Keep writing!!!!!!
I am so sorry and mad to hear all that you been going through Avery, is there anything that we as fan of your books can do to help?
Avery, if Amazon continues to be a pill, you could look into selling your books on your own website. I have bought a few books that way. It shouldn’t be hard to get your loyal readers behind that idea.
Just goes to show you how screwed up this world is but just so you know, I don’t even read what the story is about anymore. Just seeing the name of one of my favorite authors is enough for me to buy the book. I’m never disappointed.
You will always rock my socks! If there’s anything I can do to help…just say the word!
Just in addition to my previous comment…I sent a comment to Amazon also expressing my extreme displeasure over their actions. Please hang in there, you have a huge fan base and we love you and will support you always!
Scarlett, this is such a tragedy! I’ve read all of your releases and have never come across any material that Amazon finds offensive. I read a ton!! And there are so many new books out there on Amazon that do have those things. I noticed some of my reviews getting kicked out. Some of my purchases from 2015 and before being illuminated from my que. To maybe help, your faithful fans would help with ARC reading for you to help with proofreading. Covers, I noticed some authors are only showing male chests, couples hugging but you don’t see faces. Fans of Scarlett….reach out and post your reviews on Goodreads, Booksprout, Amazon, and Google Play Books for Scarlett. There are so few really amazing authors out there. Many good, a ton of not so good ones.
Scarlett, I am sorry you are experiencing such discrepancies with AMS. I wrote a review that was so tame a kitten could sleep on it and it was rejected with some stupid comment that it was not within their criteria or some such mess. I then turned around and wrote I like it and refused their request to review the books they want me to review. I hate to not help authors, but I hate being bullied too. I do have a complaint about your writing, but I would rather tell you privately. I don’t dislike your stories it’s just a point in your books that aggravate me and I don’t want to bias any other reader with my view points. Please email me and I will tell you what that is. I do enjoy your books so maybe this will help with the problem you are going through. You may be doing the same thing and not be aware that AMS is trying to push their ideas on you unawares.
Authors and readers need to band together and make the other online stores that treat them better, like Smashwords and Kobo, etc., our new Amazon. The Zon simply does not care and they feel like they don’t have to. If we all make the switch, it will be better for everyone. I’ve already stopped buying ANYTHING from Zon and get my books from the two listed above.
I’m so sorry you’ve been having to deal with all that frustration from Amazon! Please keep us updated on how it turns out with the nice supervisor championing your case. Fingers are crossed!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the outpour of love <3 There are too many amazing comments for me to respond, but let me tell you, I felt the love!