It has been no secret among writers for years that Amazon's listings and reviews could be manipulated, and there have been, in the past, various schemes to pay for better product placement in its virtual aisles that were not so very different from how books are marketed in brick-and-mortar stores. But they have now launched a new twist, as reported in Slate. In summary, you can self-publish and then have a (one does hope former) NYT reviewer sing the praises of your effort, sometimes aided by your very own suggestions. No guarantee you'll get readers, of course.