Has anyone ever done this? Any ideas on how it would work, logistically? It seems to me that a review contest would be a good way to get reviews and publicity. I have a PDF copy of Pirate Shishkabob I can send to reviewers for free, and I could offer a copy of the actual book as a prize. I could do blogs and/or Amazon reviews, or I could have two contests... but how does one judge a review, anyhow?

Does this sound like a good idea or are there better ways to get people to review your book?

It sounds awesome! I would gladly judge But I doubt I'm needed But I would make a review!

Are you judging the reviews, or just doing a random drawing from participants? Judging the review would seem to be sticky... I mean, you can judge the quality, but to be fair you can't dock points for whether or not they positively review your book.

Just some thoughts. I've never done this, but I'm very interested!

Ooh, a random drawing is a much better idea! That's how they do blog giveaways, after all. I could do it just like that, only to enter you must include a link to your review.

Of course, a review is a much bigger entry fee than just a smidgen of publicity, although in this case all the entrants will receive a free PDF version of the book (in order to write the review in the first place), so maybe that evens it out?

This sounds like a fun idea! And yes, I think the PDF copy would help even things out.

Yes, I do concur, especially given the fact that it's a standard practice to give away a free copy of a book in return for review, never mind the contest.