Tips on asking for reviews

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c.m.n.

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(Mods, please move if I'm in the wrong section)

In March, I'll be self publishing my sixth book, and I want to do it right this time. I've never sent ARCs to book reviewing sites, so I wonder if there are any tips ya'll can give me so I don't screw something up.

Like, should I send requests a month, or at least two weeks early?

There's a list of review sites for my genre at a Goodreads group I follow, should I pick and choose only sites I know from that list, or should I try as many as possible from the list?

Any other tips?

Thanks!
 
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Spell-it-out

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c.m.n., I think you should send them out 4-6 weeks before you publish, if you can. Consider a week of back-and-forth messaging with the reviewer, and then a full 4 weeks for them to read and review. Or, even 'allowing' them a 5/6 week window may help convince them to accept your book should they be under pressure.

If you create a page on GR for your book, they can post reviews before the book is published, or else, ask them to wait until it's published and ask them to post to Amazon as well (Amazon currently does not allow you to create a book page unless the book is published--well, for us Self-publishers).

What group are you on in GR's? I've recently joined 'Making Connections' and there is a service provided by the mods there that can help you look for reviews, eARC's, etc. Check that out.

If I were you, I would send my request for a review to any site/reviewer that reads your genre of book, and I'd go to the trouble of finding out the reviewers name. No 'Sir/Madame', kinda thing.

I'm pretty sure there was a good thread here a while back about etiquette when looking for reviewers... I will check for it and post back if I find anything. Maybe Old Hack may know more.
 

Anjasa

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Most people need at least a month for blogs. Most book months in advance.

We sent out a bunch (probably 50 or so?) and got about 10 who wanted to review - anywhere between now and March or April. Some were also interested in doing a giveaway to coincide with the review, and others wanted blog posts.

I think going to relevant blogs will always be best - the audience will want more of that genre. It's better to go with fewer blogs that are very relevant than a lot of blogs that aren't.

As well, some Goodreads groups will have review-request forums. You can always ask there! People are typically very nice and appreciative of advance review copies, and we've made some great fans that way.

One of the easiest ways, if you have a budget, is to sign up with a book tour company that provides reviews. They send your book to their contacts that are interested for you, and saves you a bit of work.

The only downside is that sometimes the book blogs that sign up to do book tours overbook. That means the reviews aren't as in depth and sometimes seem to be based on a 'skim' reading, and that your review might be buried within the hour.

As well, do you have a mailing list? If not, you should start one! We got a bunch of launch day reviews by sending out advanced review copies to people on our list who requested it. And since they're fans, they're more likely to like it (though of course nothing is guaranteed).

When contacting reviewers be polite and casual. Most are doing this for fun and they have jobs, lives, families, etc. so try not to inundate them about stuff that isn't relevant. Be respectful of their time and realize the very friendly relationship you can have with them - they get a free, awesome read, and you get some free, (hopefully) awesome word of mouth!
 

Undercover

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I agree with Anjasa here, most books need months in advance, so it would be a good idea to start sending out soon. And that's another thing too, not everyone will want to review it, or even respond. Some don't do self-published books either so be sure to read their guidelines when you do decide to submit.

Good luck with it.
 
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c.m.n.

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Thanks for answering!

Looks like I better get in gear writing up a blurb and everything if I'm sending requests out in January. Of course, I haven't finalized my release date yet, either, so I better figure that out too.

I'm nervous asking. With a publisher, they took care of that, but I'd like to try it myself. :)

I don't have a newsletter for myself, I'm part of a combined newsletter with several other authors. It's new so no followers, yet.
 

Anjasa

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I'd suggest getting a mailing list :) That way, when you have a breakout hit, you'll be able to get in touch directly with people who want more of you!

And it's always nerve racking doing something new. People are really nice though!
 

roundtable

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I love that you asked this. I run a book review site and have done so for about 10 years now, 15 years reviewing in all. I get about 50 books a month from publishers, and due to reviewers taking books and disappearing, I only have one trusted reviewer helping me out.

Generally, I have two months worth of books or galleys at any given time. I try to prioritize so that I'm getting books set in conjunction with the release date, but there are times when a publisher or author will then ask for a rush review as a special favor and that can throw my system out of whack. The earlier I have a book in hand, the easier it is to make sure the review is done for the release date.
 

Old Hack

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I'm used to review copies being sent out a minimum of three months in advance of publication date, but six months in advance is more controllable.

Don't focus just on bloggers: consider appropriate specialist magazines which might have an interest, your local presses, and so on and so forth. Be creative here. It might well get you some good coverage but it can backfire if you've made any mistakes in your research.
 

Literateparakeet

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You can also do a giveaway--on Goodreads and/or Library Thing. Goodreads only accepts paperback or hardback. Library Thing will accept ebooks.

And some of the reviewers on amazon offer their email or website on their profiles, along with what kind of books they are willing to review. I got a review from a "Top 50 Reviewer" (that I am pretty tickled about!) simply by asking for an honest review. A couple others responded, but haven't had time to do the reviews yet.

Thanks Old Hack and Roundtable--good tips, with my next book, I will start contacting book reviewers and bloggers about 6 months in advance!
 
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