How do new writers get back-of-book blurb and reviews?

I would wait until you've actually sold the book and signed the contracts. At that point, the publisher might send out ARCs for blurbs. But if you know some authors who might be willing to read it, you can always send a polite e-mail asking if they'd read it and possibly provide a blurb.

One of my best blurbs came from Wil Wheaton. I e-mailed him after reading an entry in his blog that was almost dead-on to the subject of my book (humorous sword & sorcery with lots of role-playing in-jokes). I didn't expect anything, but hey, e-mail's free, right? I was floored when he said yes, and even more so by the blurb. "This book is too f***ing cool for words!"

A lot of people will say no. They're busy, and asking them to read a full novel is a pretty big favor, so be polite and don't take it personally. Some people will say yes but won't get it done in time. Either they're busier than they thought, or they didn't like it and are too polite to say so.

Overall, I've had the most luck with authors I already knew and had worked with in the past: one who edited an anthology I was in, another that I've been talking to via e-mail for years....

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Your publisher should have a list of places where they will send ARC's - Advance Review Copies is what I think that stands for. These are printed before the official date of publication and mailed to different reviewers. The publisher generally draws up a list of who they will have review the book, although I get the impression in some cases they may also want you to suggest a few reviewers too (more common with non-fiction). And if you have a reviewer in mind, they'll probably be happy to send an ARC or two to an address you request. I'm not sure, but I think they often contact other authors published by the same company to get blurbs too.

It's important to note that ARCs go out before publication. It's harder to get reviews after a novel is published unless it suddenly takes off.

Most publishers write the text that appears on the back of the book for you.

You can also do some networking. Join a writer's group within your genre. Attend a conference or two in your genre. Or even in a related genre, b/c writing is writing, at its most fundamental, regardless of genre.

DO NOT force yourself on anyone, but be friendly and you might strike up a conversation with someone who turns out to be a bestselling author who will offer to look at your manuscript.

Hey, it happens. To me, in fact. The author critiqued my manuscript, and while I didn't sell that manuscript, which was fatally flawed, I learned a lot from the experience, improving my skills. And I know her well enough now that I could ask her for a blurb when I do sell to a traditional publisher, and if she wasn't smack-dab up against a deadline or something, I'm fairly sure she'd do the blurb for me.

The key, though, is not to EXPECT the author to do anything for you. If you walk up to a stranger and shove your manuscript in his face (not that you would, but it happens), or demand an introduction to his agent or something similar, you won't get anywhere. OTOH, if you're having a beer with someone, and you develop a rapport, and you're not doing it JUST to develop that contact, but also because you genuinely like the person, you might develop a real relationship that will also benefit your writing career.

JD

What the others have said is true... most places send out ARC's to garner reviews... but most times the blurbs from other authors are up to the author.

Really. And if you know an author who writes a book like yours, look to see where you can contact them. Most authors, if they have time, will be glad to read a book and blurb it if they like it. If nothing else, they'll at least let you know they can't, for whatever reason.

Your editor sends advance reading copies to other authors, asking for blurbs. If you happen to know some authors who might be favorably disposed to your book, suggest those names too.

Meanwhile, review copies are going to major reviewers. The reviews are written long before the book comes out (though timed to be published the same week the book is released).

ARCs are like manure; best to spread 'em liberally.

-JM