5 Things to Avoid When Pitching to Book Reviewers
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First of all: Let’s keep in mind that most reviewers are volunteers. They do it because they enjoy providing a service to fellow consumers, and to support good writers …or they love to read good books and are just passionate about evaluating books. They spend their valuable time to write a review for YOU. Some are published authors, working on our own writing projects – often on top of working full-time jobs, being parents, pet-owners and running a household – which means they are very busy!
Here are some tips that will help you not to waste the reviewers (and your) time and hopefully secure a review of your book:
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Research the reviewer’s interests
Don’t pitch romance to a children’s book reviewer. Don’t pitch a sports book to a mystery reviewer. Investigate the last dozen books reviewed on Amazon or the reviewer’s blog to find their preferred genres and read the reviewer’s bio. It will likely tell you exactly the kind of books he/she reviews.
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No mass mailing
Don’t pitch via a blanket Tweet or mass email that says “Hello, I’m looking for someone to review my book. You can read about it on my website at …. Thanks!” When the reviewer checks the writer’s Twitter feed, they will realize, you just pitched a dozen or so others…. Not only is it unprofessional but it will NOT garner a reputable reviewer’s notice. Pitch professional via email just like you would pitch an agent or editor.
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Don’t address your email “Dear Reviewer”.
Would you query an agent “Dear Agent”? Use the reviewer’s name…and please, spell it right!
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Don’t lure reviewers
Don’t try to lure reviewers into “biting” by pitching a print book, CD, physical deck or other product then, when they agree, offer digital versions. Give the reviewer the option of requesting the e-book, PDF or downloading the audio book instead…but don’t bait and switch.
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No attachments please
Don’t send an attachment of your book in your introductory email. Most reviewers won’t open any attachments from people they don’t know.
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Here’s an example of a great email pitch from an author to a reviewer:
Dear Ms. …
I found your name on the list of Amazon Reviewers and thought, given your interests in travelogues, you might be interested in a trip-around-the-world novel, taking place in three continents, that I have written. The title is “The Final Cartwheel”
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z5ELaFA
If you think you might be interested in reading my book and posting an honest review of it on Amazon, I would gladly send you a complimentary copy. I’m happy to send you a pdf copy for Kindle, or, if you’d prefer, a paperback if you provide me with your mailing address. There is no obligation, of course.
Thanks in advance for answer!
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Read more about book reviews:
Million Dollar Question: How to Get Book Reviews?
Tips to Get National Media Book Reviews
How to Get Book Reviews – Lots of the
Bestsellers with More Than 150 1-Star Reviews
Are Book Reviews really THAT important?
Review Tip: Send a Query to Los Angeles Literary Reviews
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