Books
Tips for Requesting Book Reviews From Book Bloggers
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Are you an author asking yourself 'How do I get book bloggers to review my book?' If yes, then this post is for you.
As an author myself, I know from experience that requesting book reviews can be a daunting task. You're putting your baby out there and want to get the most attention you possibly can for it. There are a few things you need to keep in mind as you reach out to book bloggers though in order to get a positive outcome.
I have experience as a book blogger and so wanted to give you some tips, and warnings about what not to do if you want your book reviewed.
How to get book bloggers to review your book
1. Visit their book blog and see if they are open to review requests.
Most book bloggers have a page of their blog where they share their review policy and state whether they are currently open for review requests. A lot of book bloggers will also share the types of books they are interested in reviewing here too. They may also list the types of book they won't read.
The review policy page is also where you're likely to find out what format they prefer; print, kindle, audiobook, etcc..
Most bloggers, somewhere on their navigation bar, will have a Review Policy page. Read this. There’s really no other major secret here. I mean, bloggers will know if you haven’t read it, and showing that you have can really make your request stand out. - The Bookwyrms Den
2. Use their name and correct gender.
If you start your email with 'Dear Sir' it's a big no from me. You couldn't even be bothered to visit my site and see who I am. Why should I make time for you and your book if you didn't bother to make time for me and my blog?
Making the effort to be considerate and respectful to bloggers right from the start is truly the best way to connect with them. - The Geeky Bibliophile
3. Include information about the book.
This might seem like a no-brainer but you'd be surprised at how many emails I get requesting a review but giving next to no information about the actual book.
Where possible include a media kit with all the book information, links, etc...
As a minimum include the title, author name, and book synopsis, with links to Amazon and Goodreads so they can check out any other reviews it has if they want to.
Including trigger warnings is a good idea.
For the best chance of converting enquiries into actual reviews, make sure your efforts are tailored. - Avalinahs Books
4. Ask what format they prefer.
You can ask what their preferred reading format is (if not stated on their blog).
If you only have specific formats available let them know that as it may influence whether they agree to review your book or not. Make sure you've already checked their blog to confirm if they accept those formats or not.
Never ask a book blogger to pay for the book. You are requesting a book review you are not paying for, why should they have to pay to review the book?
If you are an author and are asking me to review your book but are also asking me to pay for it, expect to wait a very long time. - The Strawberry Post
5. Don't be pushy
Your work should speak for itself. At most include a short quote from a review you already have if you must but don't go on about how skilled a writer you are and how they will love your book.
Don't give them a deadline for the review. It's not your place to set a deadline. If you're organising a book tour you can state the dates of the tour and ask if they have time to schedule your review during that period (always contact at least a month in advance if this is the case), but also state that if not, any time is appreciated.
And I beg you, please don't ever tell them what to write in their review! It's their review, their opinion. You don't get a say.
Keep in mind that most reviewers review in their free time, not for profit. -A Literary Escape
5. Correct post-review behaviour
You requested a review. The book blogger read your book, put in a lot of time and effort into creating a post... share the post! Apart from it being a missed opportunity to promote your book if you don't, it's just good manners towards the blogger. Again, this should be a no-brainer.
Thank the book blogger for their time and effort regardless of the star rating they gave your book.
Never criticise a reviewer or their opinions about your book. You asked for their honest thoughts about your book. Accept them... good and bad.
...honesty and integrity are critical for reviewers, and we have to be truthful about what we’ve read. - Amelia MA
I hope this helps give you a better idea about what to do/ not to do when asking for a book review.
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Tips for Requesting Book Reviews From Book Bloggers
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2 comments
Exactly! đŸ’¯ ~ Carol @ ReadingLadies
ReplyDeleteHi Carol đŸ¤— I've been on both sides (author and blogger) and it basically comes down to being respectful, professional and appreciative of each other. Hopefully this post will help make it easier for authors and book bloggers to have positive experiences with book reviews.
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