Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:30:41 GMT

Current Revision posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 10/9/2018 3:30:41 PM

A book review is a powerful addition to your book marketing plan. Book reviews help your book stand out from the rest. They grant validity to your book and provide exposure to new audiences. A glowing book review is powerful fuel for your social media campaign. Also, reviews expand your press kit and author resume. Finding reviewers for your book may seem challenging, but when you follow these tips, you can secure reviews that will help you reach your publishing and marketing goals.

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

Acquiring your first review can be tough. The first tip to getting book reviews is to start small. Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size. Want to get reviewed in a major metropolitan newspaper? First, try securing a review in your local paper. Make sure you follow all of the guidelines and personalize your query for each publication you contact. Tell them why they should review your book and how it is uniquely suited for their paper, magazine, or website. Once you have book reviews with smaller outlets that you can show off, it will be easier to score reviews with larger publications.

2. Plan ahead

If you want to get a book review in a traditional review outlet, such as Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, or Library Journal, you'll need to start early. These publications want your book galley in hand at least four to five months in advance of publication.

Additionally, once you find someone who agrees to review your book—whether that is a traditional media outlet or a blog—you won't see the actual review for months. It takes time to read a book, write the review, and schedule the review's publication. Be patient and plan accordingly.

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

While it is exciting to find someone who agrees to review your book, you don't want just anyone to do it. It's okay to be selective and find the right reviewers for your book. For example, if you are seeking bloggers to review your book, make sure the blogs actually have readers. You can use the frequency of reader comments and the blog's Alexa ranking as a good judge of readership. Also, choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos. Find skilled reviewers on websites such as Amazon and Goodreads. Finally, make sure to solicit reviewers who represent your audience and specialize in your book's genre. Not only will the reviewer be more knowledgeable about books in your genre, but their readership will be your book's target audience.

4. Try alternatives

Not every book will be reviewed by Kirkus Reviews or the New York Times—there's just too much competition. Indie authors find it especially challenging to get reviewed by traditional outlets. But that doesn't mean you can't secure a review by a reputable company. One option is a paid review by respected brands such as Kirkus Indie, Foreword Clarion, and City Book Review. Not only are paid reviewers open to indie books, they usually accept previously published titles, unlike their traditional counterparts, which typically only accept manuscripts before they are published.

"One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all."

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Book reviews help spread the word about your book. But what happens when the review isn't flattering? One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all. Perhaps there is a nugget of constructive criticism in the review you can use to improve your writing. Or maybe the reviewer isn't your target audience. Whatever the reason for a negative review, don't let it stop you from pursuing more reviews. By following these four tips for getting book reviews and targeting your audience, you can plan accordingly and boost your book marketing efforts.

As a final note, be sure to read submission guidelines which can be found on each reviewer’s website. Many will even reject a submission if it doesn’t adhere to these rules. Ensuring your manuscript has the correct formatting shows you have done your research and respect the reviewer’s time and energy.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Wed, 02 May 2018 15:19:58 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 5/2/2018 3:19:58 PM

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

2. Plan ahead

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

4. Try alternatives

"One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all."

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber

Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:09:56 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 6/7/2017 9:09:56 AM

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

2. Plan ahead

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

4. Try alternatives

"One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all."

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Tue, 16 May 2017 13:24:02 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 5/16/2017 1:24:02 PM

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

2. Plan ahead

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

4. Try alternatives

"One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all."

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Tue, 16 May 2017 13:19:32 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 5/16/2017 1:19:32 PM

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

2. Plan ahead

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

4. Try alternatives

"One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all."

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Mon, 15 May 2017 19:16:25 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 5/15/2017 7:16:25 PM

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

2. Plan ahead

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

4. Try alternatives

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Four Tips for Getting Book Reviews - article

Author Learning Center — Mon, 15 May 2017 15:20:28 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Others by Author Learning Center on 5/15/2017 3:20:28 PM

"Remember, even if you have your heart set on catching bigger fish, don't overlook the importance of your first catch, no matter the size."

1. Start small

2. Plan ahead

"Choose a reviewer who can write well. You don't want your book review to be lackluster and riddled with typos."

3. Be selective

4. Try alternatives

"One bad review isn't going to sink your career. It's one person's opinion, after all."

Overcome the fear of a bad review

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction