Depending on
your publisher, early review copies of your books may be sent to recognized
reviewers in hopes of creating a buzz. In the present day of small presses and
self-published works, and considering that even the “big houses” are not
guaranteed their books will be reviewed, what can you do to increase your
visibility and get the word out about your book?
Prior to
publication many publishers will use a cache of readers who will provide
favorable blurbs that can be quoted on book jackets, intros and industry sales
packages. Quotes from other published writers are also a popular marketing tool
in building the hype. Professional review houses prefer receiving copies
approximately three months in advance of publication, but it is never too late
to seek reviews from other sources.
No matter
what efforts your publisher put into contacting reviewers, there are things you
can do to increase your visibility and stimulate interest in your book. Online
sellers Amazon and Barnes and Noble allow the “everyday reader” to post
reviews. While it isn’t the worst idea to ask your friends and family to post
reviews, it can be risky – too many flowery and same tone reviews are liable to
be seen as just that, phony reviews meant just to impress. Most readers will
acknowledge that personal taste can vary and so can reviews.
Don’t be
terribly upset if not every review carries a 4 or 5 star rating. If a few less
than favorable reviews show up and these reviews are in the minority, it will
actually work to make your good reviews more credible. Some review sites make
it a practice not to post unfavorable reviews without consulting the author
first. Amazon also offers an opportunity to have overly critical and
inappropriate reviews deleted from the site – you must contact Amazon and tell
them why you feel the review is inaccurate (a competing author or the use of a
false identity?), they will review it and give you their decision in a few
days.
Reviews are
helpful in attracting potential readers. Quotes can be used in press packages,
even if they are about previous books, when trying to encourage newspaper
coverage or review sites to look at a new book. Interesting reviews are also a
good way to liven up a back-list title (so it is never too late to welcome a
review). Reviews are helpful in attracting attention from potential publishers
for new material as well. Be aware that reviewers are supposed to disclose if
they have been paid or otherwise compensated in exchange for their review.
How can you
go about getting reviews? Search for professional review sites online; be sure
to read their submission guidelines noting deadlines, whether they will review
ebooks or print, genres and often if your book is self-pubbed or small press.
Many individual bloggers will offer to review books, again conduct an internet
search for similar genres and contact the blogger to ask. Many writers’ forums
like GoodReads will offer opportunities to solicit reviews. On sites like
Amazon, look for frequent reviewers of books in your genre and use the “friends
invite” to send a personal message.
You may find
that you are contacted for reviews or pre-publication blurbs. It is a good
opportunity to promote your name IF you can handle the time commitment. Be
honest, but try to avoid harsh statements – remember constructive criticism is
always much more helpful in reviews than unnecessary negative comments. If you
are asked for a pre-pub blurb, they are hoping for something positive; don’t
lie. If you honestly can’t say something positive, let the author (or
publisher) know that. If you praise a truly horrible story, your name will be
linked to that forever.
Writing exercise: What would you want to read about a book
that would encourage you to go out and buy it to read? Try writing a few brief
and honest reviews about the most recent books you’ve read. Critique your review
– did it contain spoilers, was it on topic, did you use constructive criticism
where necessary?
Writing prompt: Talk about the weather. The northern
hemisphere is halfway through the winter and in most of North America it’s been
brutal. Make up the weather report that you WANT for tomorrow. What problems
would be caused if your weather prediction came true? (such as suddenly melting
piles of snow…)
Challenge Assignment:
Using the characters in your last WIP or published work, (use characters
from a book you read if you don’t have your own), and write them into one of
your own significant childhood memories – use only those fictional characters.
Make sure you keep those characters true to who they are.
