The first Wednesday of every month I participate in The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. This is one AMAZING group of talented, beginners, and professional authors. One of the many things we all have in common is our moments of extreme insecurity about our craft. Another is our gratitude and our pay it forward attitudes when our confidence is soaring.
To find out more about the #IWSG or to join us, visit:
This month we are supposed to introduce ourselves, so here is my bio:
I am a freelance journalist, blogger, content writer, ghostwriter and an author. She works part-time as a caregiver for the elderly most of whom are in Hospice Care.
My first book, Bristol boyz Stomp is the true story of the random road rage murder of my brother, musician David Albert.
My second book, The Stranger In My Recliner will be out later this year. It is the true story of a homeless woman, Sophie, that my husband brought home one night. She stayed with us for 2+ years.
An active member of and sit on the board of The Press Club of Pa.,(w/National Press Club affiliation), the chairperson and facilitator of the Press Club Professional Development Workshop Series, a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Nonfiction Authors Association, Lower Bucks Creative Writers, Hot Penz (a pool of authors, speakers, experts for radio and T.V. appearances,) Bucks County Speaker’s Bureau and an instructor at Delaware County Community College (Marketing, Social Media, Writing, Publishing)
I am co-owner of a marketing company, Intrepid Marketing, Inc.
I am an outspoken advocate for the elderly who are often victimized and too embarrassed to report the crime, an advocate for all victims of crime (former board member for the Network of Victims Assistance [NOVA,] Pennsylvania’s largest comprehensive victim service organization. I do my best to raise awareness of and to end the stigma surrounding mental illness, suicide and homelessness.
I live in Delaware County, Pa. just south of Philadelphia with my husband John.
We have 5 grown children (2 more in heaven) and 13 grand children (our own little cult).
My life is not ever boring.
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
Writing Wednesday
Every Wednesday I share some of the things I have found that worked well for me and some that didn’t work so well on my journey to publication, marketing and publishing again. The sort of stuff I wish somebody would have told me back then…
Book Reviews
What is a book review, how do you get them and why is it important to you and your book?
A book review is a form of criticism based on story originality, writing style and the ‘taste’ of the reviewer. Good reviews done by reputable reviewers, immediately add credibility to your book and to you as an author.
How do you get reviews? It can be time consuming so I suggest starting with a plan. Professional reviewers are busy so it is important that they receive your request along with a galley copy at least four months prior to your release date.
Create a list of possible reviewers.
Keep track of your requests, their responses and scheduled review dates.
Why not start at the top! Every author dreams of a good review in the New York Times.
To have your book considered for review by the New York Times it must be published in the United States and it must be available for sale in general interest, brick and mortar bookstores. All publishers are welcome to send galleys for consideration but they only review a small portion of the books they receive. Before sending your request, familiarize yourself with the types of books they review. Chances of having yours accepted are slim but not impossible.
Galleys cannot be returned and they will not respond to queries regarding the status of a review being considered or not considered.
Editor The New York Times Book Review 620 Eighth Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10018
If you are sending a children’s book, please send it to the attention of the Children’s Book Editor.
[The best seller list is based on the sales at 4000 bookstores and wholesalers that serve 50,000 other retailers, gift stores, department stores, newsstands etc… that are weighted to represent all outlets nationwide.]
Amazon Reviews: research Amazon’s top reviewer list and pitch the ones that are right for your book.
Goodreads: offers a giveaway program where in exchange for a free book, the winners are encouraged to post reviews.
Book Bloggers: Do a Google search for book bloggers that review your genre. If they accept your book for review, request that they also post their review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Newspapers: most newspapers have eliminated reviews. Start with your local publications, read them and get to know which reporters write about your topic. I will share more on pitching the media in an upcoming post.
It’s also a good idea for you to read and review books.
Waiting for reviews can be uncomfortable, just more fuel for our insecurities. Good reviews are like gold but bad reviews can be devastating to our confidence.
Do you read reviews before choosing a book?
Next week: Bad Reviews
Happy writing,
Doreen
49 thoughts on “How to get reviews for your book…”
Thanks for the great tips! I’m in the process of doing all that right now. Happy IWSG Day!
Good Luck!
Doreen,
Thanks for that good advice. True confessions, I do rely on reviews to decide if I will buy a book or not. I will keep these in mind for later. Happy 2015 and Happy IWSG Day!
Anne
I rely on some of them too!
This is me. I would like to start my writing by publication in a magazine. Sure to give me a little confidence!!
Good Luck!
That’s quite a list. Let me add the bookish bloggers. I’m always checking them out and some have review policies posted on their pages. Follow the guidelines and your done. 🙂
Here’s my link if you’d like to drop by 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Thank you for sharing bookish bloggers!
Thanks for the tips. I like writing reviews about books that I enjoyed reading.
Play off the Page
I enjoy writing reviews too, thank you!
I’m currently hosting a giveaway on Library Thing for my fantasy novel, Seasons’ Beginnings. LT allows you to give away eBooks, unlike Goodreads.
As an indie writer, I want Amazon reviews so I can promote my books. Most sites that let you advertise free/bargain eBooks require a certain number of good reviews before accepting your submission.
I forgot about Library Thing!
I put some credence in book reviews, but trust the ones in newspapers and magazines, etc. more than those on Amazon and Goodreads. I actually had a blog friend hound me to review his book and when I gave him 4 stars he unfriended me! Turns out he wanted his blog buddies to ‘run their review by him’ before actually posting! I was being kind with 4 stars, believe me. And for that reason, I wonder how accurate reviews are if it’s someone you know.
Your book was worth 6 stars, in my opinion, but they only allow 5.
😉
b
I know what you mean. Someone got furious with me because I wouldn’t do a review because his book was not edited at all. I don’t do bad reviews.
Sometimes I read the reviews. Not always. Good info, Doreen.
Thank you, Diane.
I am horrible at getting reviews. There is just so many parts to this writing game, it can be daunting! Thanks for the info 🙂
I agree, it is more than a full time job for sure.
Great tips, thank you! I do read reviews, though bad ones don’t necessarily sway me, depending upon the specifics they give.
Most bad reviews I have read seem to be more personal than literary.
Thanks for this comprehensive list, Doreen. I would have never thought of searching for book bloggers on my own. Okay, maybe. Not in this year. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you!
Thank you for this list and for the suggestions from others responding! More help the better 🙂 (for me anyway-LOL)
Thanks!
Good Luck!
I’ve been fooled by friends and family reviews that gave high marks to books that were mediocre. So I always worry about those.
I worry about those too.
I’m Kind of a book snob in that I rarely read books until I’ve read its reviews. But how to get reviews for my own book has left dme mystified. Thanks for the help. As always your words are invaluable!!
It isn’t easy that’s for sure!
Thanks…when the time comes, I’ll know where to go for advice!
Thank you, Tam!
So many good tips here! I hope, when your new book comes out, it gets lots of great reviews!
Thank you, Lois. I am already filling with nerves over the new book. I can’t wait to see the galley:)
Your books sound really interesting, Doreen. I can’t believe you had a homeless woman live with you for two years! Very sorry to hear about your brother, though.
I still have trouble believing she was here for two years:)
I love writing reviews, but usually prefer not to read reviews on a book (as a deciding factor of whether to pick up the book). Some reviews don’t seem to adequately reflect the book.
I’m also intrigued by your books. I look forward to reading more.
EL
Thank you, Esther.
These are great tips! I haven’t tried Amazon reviewers yet or Goodreads, but I will. 🙂
Good luck, they are both great sources for reviews!
Hi Doreen.
This jumped out at me: “My life is not ever boring.” Love your attitude.
Sounds like you have a healthy zest for life!
I don’t always rely on reviews when choosing books.
I review 90% of the books I read. I truly believe that the nicest thing you can do for an author is write them a review. It’s a way to pay it forward.
Thanks for the tips and for visiting my blog on IWSG day.
Thank you, Michelle!
As always I enjoyed my visit with you today. I do read reviews before purchasing a book. I am looking forward to the New Year with hopes of reading and writing a often as possible.
I am going to add your books to my must read list.
Happy New Year
Maggie
Thank you so much Maggie!
Excellent checklist for getting reviews.
Thank you, Diane!
Good information, Doreen! I think my biggest fear with review requests is that Thanmir War is a long book, and I know some people judge books by word count, even without reading any of the content. That terrifies me. So I haven’t actively sought reviews for my epic fantasy. I’ll probably be more active for my novellas though.
I hope you’re having a fabulous new year!
I am always scared requesting because my books are touchy, sad subjects. Happy New Year!
Hi Doreen!
Never would I think to submit a galley of my book to the NYT Bestseller list for consideration. WOW! Honestly, I didn’t even know you could do that as an author. Thank you for this information! Also, thank you for your comment on my IWSG post! I appreciate it!
Jen
I honestly never knew either. It’s worth a shot, right?
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