Professionally Requesting a Review
I see a lot of readers complaining about authors contacting (spamming!) them on Goodreads with requests to read or review their novels.
I feel for the readers, I really do. While I genuinely WANT readers and reviewers to read and review my novel I believe that there is a tremendous amount of etiquette that needs to go into requesting a review.
1. If you're Goodreads friends with someone and are requesting a review it's a good idea to get to know them first. Don't just be a receiver. Be a giver too. People are people and like others who interact with them. Readers aren't scary. They're just people too.
2. If they have a blog link or website link to their personal review space off of Goodreads CLICK ON IT and read it. They may have a stringent set of things they require in a request.
3. Be professional when you're requesting a review. If you're requesting it directly via Goodreads point out why you want them to review it, and why you think they'd like it.
4. Give information about yourself without sounding like the next baby Jesus. Even if you are.
Here is an example of some things you can put in your request:
Your target market information for the book you are requesting a review for.
Synopsis of the Book.
Short author Bio.
Two or three short blurbs from reviews others have written. If you have no reviews say that, "I'd be honored if you were the first to review my novel!"
A short sentence or two about your novel's awards etc, and whether or not it's part of a series.
Inform them of what types of media you're able to send. If you can only send a pdf, state that.
Link to your website, twitter, goodreads, Facebook fan page, LinkedIn, etc. Tell them where they can find you online.
I always try to include the first chapter of my book. If someone doesn't like the first chapter then I've saved them time by making sure they are able to read a smidgen of it before committing to reading the whole thing.
Lastly, say thank you.
Reviewers don't have to read your book. You as an author have the unique ability to connect on a very intimate basis with someone who may or may not have a direct impact on your sales. Be considerate. Be nice. Don't be a kiss ass, but also don't get crazy if the reviewer doesn't like it.
It's like anything in life, everything is subjective and everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Just be yourself. Your personality will also have an impact on whether or not a reader/reviewer chooses your novel.
Hope this helps!
I feel for the readers, I really do. While I genuinely WANT readers and reviewers to read and review my novel I believe that there is a tremendous amount of etiquette that needs to go into requesting a review.
1. If you're Goodreads friends with someone and are requesting a review it's a good idea to get to know them first. Don't just be a receiver. Be a giver too. People are people and like others who interact with them. Readers aren't scary. They're just people too.
2. If they have a blog link or website link to their personal review space off of Goodreads CLICK ON IT and read it. They may have a stringent set of things they require in a request.
3. Be professional when you're requesting a review. If you're requesting it directly via Goodreads point out why you want them to review it, and why you think they'd like it.
4. Give information about yourself without sounding like the next baby Jesus. Even if you are.
Here is an example of some things you can put in your request:
Your target market information for the book you are requesting a review for.
Synopsis of the Book.
Short author Bio.
Two or three short blurbs from reviews others have written. If you have no reviews say that, "I'd be honored if you were the first to review my novel!"
A short sentence or two about your novel's awards etc, and whether or not it's part of a series.
Inform them of what types of media you're able to send. If you can only send a pdf, state that.
Link to your website, twitter, goodreads, Facebook fan page, LinkedIn, etc. Tell them where they can find you online.
I always try to include the first chapter of my book. If someone doesn't like the first chapter then I've saved them time by making sure they are able to read a smidgen of it before committing to reading the whole thing.
Lastly, say thank you.
Reviewers don't have to read your book. You as an author have the unique ability to connect on a very intimate basis with someone who may or may not have a direct impact on your sales. Be considerate. Be nice. Don't be a kiss ass, but also don't get crazy if the reviewer doesn't like it.
It's like anything in life, everything is subjective and everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Just be yourself. Your personality will also have an impact on whether or not a reader/reviewer chooses your novel.
Hope this helps!
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Juana
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May 10, 2012 07:01PM
I must be weird because I like to get the chance to read every book that authors give me the opportunity to read. : ) and the best part of it is when I love the book so sooooo much that I want to own it.
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Juana, I don't think you're weird at all! I just think that people take for granted simple courtesies. I think when an author presents him or herself in a very professional manner then reviewers will be much more likely to WANT to read their book.
Thanks for the comment! Hope you like MY book lol!
Missy
That's good. I don't understand why some don't like that. So far i'm liking the book very much. Yes you're soo right it's great for the author to send a review of the book so the reviewer gets more interested in reading it and will say yes to the request. Though if they are like me they will read a review when they get the request : )
i think thats an exellent approach. I like your style its unique i wish more authors would use that, enjoy yor reading Missy n thanks!
George, Thanks for the comment! I do get reviewers who reject my requests too, but for the most part most of them say yes which I whole heartedly attribute to being professional in my request!
Missy
Archer - Well thank you I appreciate that! I think author professionalism when requesting something from a reviewer is a must. People don't have to spend their time reading anything but when you make a good *sales pitch* for lack of a better term it's more likely they'll be interested!I'm just happy that you're slightly interested in it considering your plethora of interests in the fantasy/scifi genre. Quite honestly I had a hard time categorizing my book because it's part scifi, part paranormal, part young adult, part action and adventure, and how does one really go about putting a label on that?
Missy LaRae
This is where I try to be witty and talk about fun things...I try people. I try!
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