So, I wasn’t planning on posting about this until release date, which is this coming Tuesday, 1/31. However, recent events with Amazon have forced my hand.
I’ve been planning this new series of Pallas Group Solutions Thrillers (a couple series, actually) for a while. The first book, Gray War, comes out on 1/31. I already have the preorders for Books 2 and 3 up, as well, with release dates in March and May.
However, things have started to take a turn with Amazon.
First, the Hardcover and Paperback are up, but not linked with the ebook. That might just be algo weirdness, since both are through Ingram, and I had to adjust the data to match up with the ebook, since some things didn’t save the first time around. It’s gotten weirder from there, however.
I submitted a scheduled ad campaign two days ago. I got back the reply that Amazon Marketing Solutions wouldn’t run the ad, because the cover contains “violent content,” i.e., there are guys in an action thriller pointing guns at each other. “To ensure a good customer experience, we don’t allow ads containing images of weapons (including realistic and non-realistic firearms, swords, bows and arrows, etc.) shown in a violent, threatening manner, for example in the process of injuring another character.”
When I pointed out that it’s an action scene in an action novel, I got rejected again.
To make matters worse, none of the books in the Brave New Disorder series now appear in search results for my name. They’re there if you search for them specifically, but not for me. They’re on my author page, but that’s it.
Furthermore, there is audio coming for this book, narrated by Steve Marvel, who did the audiobooks for Escalation and Holding Action. Because of the time crunch, the audio files didn’t quite get submitted in time for a simultaneous publication, though I reached out to ACX to try to expedite the Quality Assurance process. Unfortunately, that resulted in an offer of a release date in September. I’m still working on that, and it’s possible that there’s just some miscommunication there, but it’s one more thing.
So, dear readers, here’s the thing. Whether it’s the algorithm plus a squeamish ad review team, or actual malice, the results are the same. Amazon’s putting up some serious roadblocks to this release. Maybe it’s just a perfect storm of screwy bad judgement and an algorithm that no longer has the indie author’s best interests in mind. Maybe it’s because this series is about the intersection between dirty politicians and their families, Chinese Communist operations via ostensibly commercial companies, and drug cartels. I simply don’t know. The entire process is opaque enough that I can’t know.
This means that I’m going to be dependent on you, the readers, for help on this more than ever.
I can’t rely on Amazon to market these books. It’s going to be all word of mouth. If you have enjoyed my work in the past, I’d ask that you order the books and spread the word around. Big Tech doesn’t care if we go hungry. This is my livelihood, and they’re screwing with it.
It’s in your hands.
What an absolute joke ! maybe next time for your
For the front cover of your books you should have
Bunnies and Unicorns.
Don’t worry your a great author word will spread.
I will be purchasing this, the zon can get a finger in the eye. Might want to reach out to OldNFO for alternative publishing ideas.
I’ve been reading your work for a while now. I like it. I’ll keep buying it. Sorry that Amazon is messing with you, but it’s kind of what I expect out of them. Thanks for putting this out. I’ll be sure to check out the new series. Their tactics are foul. Your strategy will prevail.
Such a sad commentary on how the Progressive left is worming its way into America culture. Have 5hey now read in your novels about how that destroyed Europe? Disgusting. Keep writing, we’ll find you.
Yeah, the gun thing with the ad group is annoying bullshit. They’re lefties and antigun and admitted it to me on the phone, even though such covers are NOT banned by Amazon.
But they can do what they want and no one at Amazon (corporate that is) will do ANYTHING to stop them.
hell, they won’t even LET me take out ads, no matter what I do, they just flag ’em as ‘pornography’.
Quick Update:
Whatever weirdness was happening with the algo seems to have sorted itself, as the books are now showing up in search results for my name. (Whew). Still can’t advertise, but thank you to everyone for the kind words, the preorders, and the support. And especially to Larry Correia, who’s already shared this post around.
This BS with Amazon is getting ridiculous! So sorry Peter!
Fully support you Peter, whatever it takes. All the Way ABN.
I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve published. First one purchased, the other two soon on pre-order. Doing my part to keep you making a living. 🙂
I just got done with gray war. Holy shit so good. I def need them on audio as I drive a lot and listen to books . So glad a homie told me about these books and the ww3 books. Semper Fi bro and keep up the great work
Gray War is on audio, and The Dragon and the Skull will be out in the same format shortly after the print and ebook go live later this month.