Authors
want lots of good media for their books.
They always ask me: “How do we
get more reviews?” Here’s the answer.
To
get book reviews, a number of things need to happen. First, in order to get
reviewed by a print media outlet you will need to follow their
instructions. For instance, a
publication like Library Journal
generally wants to receive a galley (an advance review copy of the book) some
three and a half months prior to its publication date. If you send it later
than that you essentially undermine or destroy your chances of getting reviewed
there.
Second,
some publications do not want self-published books for review. If that publication won’t review such books
and your book is self-published, don’t bother contacting them.
Third,
some publications, such as Publishers
Weekly require that two copies be sent to them, not one. Please honor that
request.
Fourth,
you need to identify which book reviewer or person your book is to be sent
to. Don’t rely on someone at the
publication to sift through mail and make a choice for ypu.
When
it comes to digital media, bloggers and online reviewers need to be contacted,
usually by email. Many of them would
like to be pitched at least six weeks prior to publication, but many are fine
with being contacted within a few weeks or months after publication date. If they want a copy of the book, many will ask
for a digital copy. Net Galley and Good Reads
can be helpful, but they are not a substitute for you reaching out to online
media.
For
online websites, like HuffPost, or
others who may do book reviews, you can send a physical copy or solicit them
with a digital copy. It depends on the particular needs of the media outlet.
So
what should you send to them with the book?
A press kit is helpful but what they really need is a short letter that
gets to the point of why the book is unique, relevant, and interesting. Identify your credentials and show why you
are perfectly positioned to pen this book.
Lastly, highlight why the book is timely, better than competing titles,
or what stands out that they should feel obligated to review it.
Think
about the specific media outlet that you are contacting and not so much about
your book. Put the focus on them – not
you. Ask yourself: What would they want? What type of coverage do they give to books
in this genre? What do I know about the
individual I’m contacting at a specific media outlet? How can I make the pitch
customized and personable?
Understand
that book reviews can come out of luck and the odds are against you, given the numbers
of books published and the number of submissions for review. They also come
based on a book’s merit, personal connections, and how well you pitch it at the
right time. In the end, if your book really is special – and you’ve done
everything right, you’ll get some reviews and those reviews, if favorable, may
help you get additional book reviews or other types of media coverage.
When
it comes to print media, consider the following outlets to approach for book
reviews:
·
Publishers Weekly
·
Library Journal
·
Kirkus Reviews
·
Foreword
·
BookPage
·
Booklist
·
New York Times
Book Review
·
Wall Street
Journal Books
·
USA Today Books
Then
think of general or specific magazines to approach. For instance, if it’s a
business book, submit a copy for review to business publications such as Inc, Forbes, Fortune, Fast Company and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Don’t
forget book reviewers at newswires, such as Associated
Press, Gannett, UPI, Reuter’s and others.
There
are dozens of leading daily newspapers to approach, from Miami Herald, Boston Globe and L.A.
Times to Houston Chronicle, Denver Post,
and San Diego Tribune.
There
are general magazines, such as Time,
Newsweek, Parade, and Reader’s Digest,
to women’s men’s, sports, psychology, science, politics, and others to
explore. There are also trade
publications of a specific industry, regional magazines, and major newsletters.
Getting
book reviews is one of the many important things authors and publishers need to
pursue. Do it methodically, thoughtfully, and on time and you at least stand a
small chance of breaking through.
DON”T MISS THESE!!!
Do you
think like a book marketer?
How
should authors sell themselves?
The keys
to great book marketing
How
Authors Can Capture The Media’s Attention
Big Marketing Lessons From My All-Time Top 10 Blog Posts
Enjoy New 2018 Author Book Marketing & PR Toolkit --
7th annual edition just released
Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting
ideas expressed in this terrific blog are his alone and not that of his
employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter
@theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more
important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by
BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2018. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in
Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and
IBPA’s Independent. This was named one of the best book
marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the
top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best
resource."
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.