Getting book reviews is the second in a series on book promotion. The first in this series is getting noticed.
As I discussed in my post Busting the almighty book review myth, I believe that book reviews help readers decide whether to read the book or not. On that post, I offered 7 ways to get book reviews. In this post, I will provide you with additional information on how to get book reviews and a way to manage the reviews.
First, let us acknowledge that there are different types of book reviewers. Since, as Peter Strothard commented, “not everyone’s opinion is worth the same,” you may value one type of reviewer over another for a particular purpose.
- Reader reviews are common on Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, and other online bookstores; these give the author an indication of how well or unfavorably the book is received by the general reader. The comments are more gut reaction—did the reader like the story or not. Since they are based on personal taste, it is up to the author to determine whether to continue writing in the same vein or to change for increased likability.
- Celebrity reviewers If you are lucky, adding a quote or review from a celebrity can augment sales drastically. I don’t know much about this, but if you are star-crazed, the book “How to Get Celebrity Attention and Maximize Your Press Exposure”! may offer you some help.
- Professional book reviews are usually based on published criteria. Since they are often based on readability, technical correctness, and, at times, omissions, the author can get insights on ways to improve the book.
- Paid reviews. I have mix feelings about the ethics of these, especially if they provide only four- or five-star reviews. Before hiring someone for an honest review, determine if they will publish an unfavorable review; some paid reviewers will not publish anything below three stars.
- Award or contest are reviews that are either based on published criteria or on readers’ favorite choices. The latter may account for the plethora of “award winning” authors—those most effective in using social media win. There are agencies such as Awesome Indies that award for quality ” as determined by publishing professionals.” To me, having a medallion from them means more than one from a reader’s favorite choice. As a writer, developing a well-crafted story is paramount and being acknowledge by my peers is just about the coolest thing that could happen.
- Promoters who review books and offer links to online book sellers. You get a review and publicity, they get the affiliates fees. Some publish reviews submitted by the community. Ask David proclaims to only publish reviews which can’t be found elsewhere on the web.
- Literary critics which provide an academic evaluation and interpretation of a book. When I think of these, I am reminded of college literature classes and my eyes immediate gloss over. For this reason, I am merely acknowledging this type of review and will not spend any more time on them.
How to get book reviews
Determine what type of review you want; each requires a different tactic. Make a plan, and then follow through. Use a tracking system. (I use this excel spread sheet that you can download.) This will help you remember whom you have contacted and trigger further action. Review your status at least monthly, and then follow up as needed.
To get reader reviews, you have to sell books (See my suggestions on Busting the almighty book review myth.) To sell books, you need to be in contact with the readers, face-to-face or through social media. Develop a following on Goodreads, and then blog or have conversations with your followers. Join book clubs and groups on Facebook and have a presence there. Don’t try to sell your book (poor etiquette and not very effective). Instead, be interesting and add value to the discussion. If people are interested, they will follow you.
Getting a free professional book review may be difficult for a first time indie author. For a price, organizations such as Your First Review not only provide an unbiased professional book review but also identify the strengths and weaknesses of your book. This might be helpful prior to release, when there is time to revise the manuscript or quote on the cover or front matter. Other professional book reviewers such as Kirkus offer editing and marketing services…it all depends on what you want to pay.
Paid reviewers. Looking online, I found reviewers who, for $25.00 will write a “witty, insightful and grammatically correct 300-word review.” Some even promise to write a four- or five-star review. If your purpose is to flood the market with nothing but praise, beware; today’s readers are savvy and may find you out. Some writers use these reviewers to “seed” the reviewers when the book is released, just so it will not be without a review. Whether you think this is ethical is up to you.
There are contests for most genres. Winning The National Indie Excellence Awards indicates overall excellence, including design and promotional text. Winning this award provides valuable publicity and recognition for your book. If you want to enter a contest, check out the entry fees, the credibility of the organization (Royal Dragonfly Book Contest are sponsored by Five Star Publications, an award-winning company with close to 25 years of publishing expertise), and check the fine print to see whether, as winner, you must relinquish your rights to the book. Of course, there are the popularity contests (the reader’s choice awards) where readers vote for “the best” in a category.
Blog book promoters offer visibility and help promote your book. Often times you complete an online interview, upload a book blurb, and offer your book for review. Depending on the blogger, you may submit an ebook or mail in a traditional book. For names, check out my twitter list members for promoters and reviewers.
Book reviews can help get you and your book noticed. Finding the right type of reviewer for your book can be challenging. Hopefully the rewards (selling more books) is worth the effort and possible cost. Have you found someone special to review your book? If so, how did you go about it?
Resources
- To Chase a Crooked Shadow: Questioning the Ethics of Paid Book Reviews
- The Ethics of Book Reviews, Part 1
- The Ethics of Book Reviews, Part 2
- Authors Gone Wild: Book Review Ethics
- What is literary criticism, and why would anyone want to write or read it?
- Professional Book Reviews vs. Amazon Book Reviews
- Are professional book reviewers better than amateurs?
