Doreen McGettigan

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