by Elaine Marie Cooper
Many authors, both new and the more experienced, get discouraged when hunting for knowledgeable readers to do advance reviews for new books. It’s all part of the marketing package that authors are expected to develop on their own: Finding folks to read and review their new book “baby.” It’s enough to prod some of us into the fetal position!
I inwardly cringe when I see a fairly new release wallowing on Amazon with a handful of reviews. It makes me want to buy their book and pray I can give it a four or five star review to show the author that I understand all the work that went into birthing their release. There are not enough hours in my day, however, to rescue all the forgotten books destined for an early demise. Readers like to see reviews, and lots of them.
So what’s an author to do? There is really no magic here. It takes planning months ahead—long before your book releases—to gather potential supporters who will help you out. Think of it this way: You would not wait to announce the upcoming birth of your newborn a couple of days before the due date. You would send out notes, allow your friends to give you baby showers, and rev up enthusiasm for the long awaited arrival.
And so it is with a book release. Invite your friends and others to be in on the celebration.
Caution: Do not allow your cat to post reviews on Amazon
Start with your social media contacts, who are already excited about your writing. Expand your list to include other authors who write in a similar genre. Gather experts in the field of your topic. Think outside the box.
Private message them (or email them if you know their address) to see if they are interested in reading and reviewing, possibly endorsing your upcoming release. Give them a brief synopsis of the book and tell them the genre. If they say “yes,” ask them for their email address so you can send the PDF to them. Never send a PDF to someone who has not agreed to read and review. Unsolicited PDF’s in my inbox = rudeness. Be polite and gracious.
If there are any edit issues because you are sending it early (before final final edits!) be sure to apprise them of that.
Next month I will do Part 2 of gathering reviewers early. Come back in March for a very important letter that you should include with your PDF. In the meantime, start gathering your list of potential reviewers.
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4 Comments
OMGoodness, I read Almost an Author everyday since I found it. I have one author that I just love that I keep almost all her post. So I always look at the by-line to see if it is hers. Imagine the surprise when I read your name. What an honor to be able to read your posting. I love your work and I look forward to reading it more on here. I am soooo looking forward to part 2 next month. Thank you for sharing on this site.
Well, Carol, you made my day. Thank you for your encouraging words! I hope that my posts uplift you as much as you have done for me with your comment. 🙂 And I hope these 2 posts on reviews will help you. Blessings!
The nice thing about seeking out reviewers is that if you keep good records, you can go back to those who reviewed for you previously and ask them to review when your next release is out.
Absolutely, Cheryl! If readers liked a previous book, they are more likely to be enthusiastic reviewers of the next one. And keeping good records is important. I have a few notebooks of reviewers along with their emails. It keeps me from working even harder with subsequent releases. Thanks for commenting!