How Does An Independent/Self-Published Author Get Their Book Reviewed?

New York Times Bestselling Author, C.J. Lyons, asked me to write an article for her site that would benefit authors: http://www.norulesjustwrite.com/blog/
I hope this will help....
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Lately, being able to receive reviews from actual ‘real’ reviewers is as long a process as actually writing the book, itself. There are, unfortunately, a breed of ‘scam’ artists in the reviewing industry as well that authors need to look out for. Novelists need to be very aware that if a ‘review package’ looks too good to be true, it most likely is.

Let’s begin with the wonderful site, Goodreads. This is a website that’s taking its place right at the top of the reviewing echelon, and offers a huge marketing platform that can stand up with the likes of Facebook and Twitter in giving an author the chance to brand and advertise themselves and their titles. Building up a following on Goodreads, as well as posting reviews on the site, beginning discussions, sharing information, and joining groups that specifically target the topic/plot of your work, will bring many book lovers to read your material and review it right on Goodreads, helping you to become an established name. Not only that, but a huge number of people on Goodreads have their own blogs that represent all genres, and they routinely ask guest bloggers, novelists, and reviewers to post on their site. This will not only give you an opportunity to garner a review for yourself, but as a guest you will be able to reach a wider group of readers.

Searching the web for review sites is also a huge undertaking. What novelists must remember is to not become so desperate for a review that they skip the research step. For every site that offers a review service or package, the author must do their homework. Go through many reviews that have already been done by the site and see if the reviewer actually read the book. You will soon become aware of some sites that offer either one line reviews, or reviews that simply re-word the author’s book summary.

Also, check and see if the site offers the author an interview in conjunction with the book review. These are usually very ‘stand-up’ sites that have a passion for their reviews and are striving to build a good name in the industry. Again…research. Delve into all the author interviews on the review site and see what questions were asked. Were they the normal ‘fluff’ such as: “When did you begin writing?” – or were the questions in-depth, focusing on the subject of the book? Were the questions personal, regarding the author’s goals and emotions, offering the chance for the author to express themselves in more than one line? Research, research, research…before you spend any money on a ‘review package.’

Review sites should also put all reviews up on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and even offer to Tweet and add the author’s novel to their own Facebook page – posting links to help the author receive even more ‘hits’ for their book.

There are many free review sites out there that are honorable, and true book lovers stand behind them. Again, you will note just from your research what other authors have said about that particular site; see if it is a place that comes highly recommended, with a good following of readers.

Search other author’s sites and blogs. Many independent authors like to ‘swap’ support with one another, and review each other’s book.

Make sure once you go general, like the above tips, that you also go ‘specialized.’ Such as: If you have written a book of fiction or nonfiction that perhaps deals with astrology, then search for all the astrological and horoscope blogs, magazines, and review sites out there and contact them. Tell them about your book and how it pertains to their readers. That way, you will not only be getting a review, but you will also ‘appear’ on a site that already loves you particular subject. For, say, a book on nature – or a future filled with electronic cars, solar power, etc. – there are a huge number of ecological/environmental sites and internet magazines that you can contact. If you have a historical locale in your novel, contact the Chamber of Commerce in that area who run the ‘site’ to see if they will promote or review your book. (i.e.: As a personal example, the haunted Winchester House plays a part in my new novel and I contacted the staff who run the site for help with promotion).

There are many extremely great review sites out there who have been around a good long time, and have built up an amazing reputation for themselves. These sites are also still very interested in reviewing debut authors, indies, and self-published writers. Some of my personal recommendations: The Feathered Quill, Bookpleasures.com, Once Upon a Romance, The RT (Romantic Times Magazine) - just to name a few. Also, there are internet magazines where an author can write articles, reviews, and offer information about their own books and how their particular plot or characters are targeted at a specific group of readers. (i.e.: Zimbio; The SOP; Wix, Bookbuzzr and more.)

Receiving a good, solid review from a ‘real’ reviewer who is passionate about reading, is not hopeless. Just research, find your target audience, and make sure not to put out money to a company that has not already earned the respect of book lovers, readers, editors, and writers across the board. There is no way to promise you a 5-star review, of course, but if you believe in your book and your writing – others will too!


About Amy:

Amy Lignor is a bestselling novelist of historical and adventure fiction, including the new action/adventure series titled, Tallent & Lowery. She is the Owner of The Write Companion, an editorial company that is very proud to say their authors have found publishers! And, recently, Amy has been asked to take on the job of Editor-in-Chief of Precious Gems Publishing – a new publishing company built BY authors FOR authors. Working in the publishing industry for fifteen years, Amy is very adamant about the treatment of new authors, and wants nothing more than to offer the writers who are being overlooked by the ‘Big Six’ the opportunity for their voices to be heard.