Sending Review Copy Requests to Authors

[G.G.]

Now I'm baffled. What author would be stupid enough not only to refuse such an offer but to flag the sender? I would think they would fight for the privilege of receiving such a request.

The only ones I ever get are from authors asking me to review their books (never the other way around). Now while I'd never flag anyone, that, in my humble opinion, is more of a spam than what you're doing.

Something's wrong here...very wrong. :(

[R.F.G.]

It's a crazy world.

[Virginia]

This is just a thought purely from an author's perspective, but your Goodreads profile shows a long list of five star ratings and no actual text reviews. This might be why Goodreads authors are flagging you.

Perhaps if you beef up your profile with a greater variety of ratings and some substantial text reviews you will find authors more receptive your requests.

I see that you post more detailed reviews on a separate site, but most Goodreads authors are looking for Goodreads exposure so they might want to see those on your Goodreads profile (it's also pretty difficult to navigate your other site).

This is just as suggestion, and I'm not implying that you're not actually reviewing books, only that it's difficult for a Goodreads author to tell that you are from your profile as it's displayed currently and that might be why you're not getting the reaction that you're hoping for when you ask to review someone's work.

[Michael]

I'd be interested to see the content of the messages that you're sending out.

It's possible that they read very spammy.

[Michael]

Steve... what the effing criminy Christ are you doing sending messages like that...?!?

I'm really not surprised that authors are marking you down as a spammer.

Your first message just needs to be brief:

"Hi, I've been looking at your books and was wondering if you'd be interested in sending me a copy to review"

Any other details can be exchanged if they respond.

[D.S.]

Now i'm curious what this message looks like...

[Michael]

DS... it's a monster.

You know that moment in Ghostbusters when the tension mounts as you start to wonder what those crazy young fools have done...

It's like being sent the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man through the post, and I reckon Steve is responsible for GR going down every so often.

[G.G.]

Oh gosh, thanks for the laugh Michael. I think I needed that. :P

[R.F.G.]

Steve,
One page in MS Word is going to sound like a Nigerian scam chain mail to lots of people when cold contact is involved.

Trust me, short and sweet then give them time to breathe is the best formula unless you're introducing someone to a royal court.

[G.G.]

I still don't think one should flag you because of the length. However, I agree with Michael. The opening message should be short and to the point.

In other words, you cast the bait and wait for the fish to grab it. (Did I really say that? :P)

[R.F.G.]

G.G. wrote: "I still don't think one should flag you because of the length. However, I agree with Michael. The opening message should be short and to the point.

In other words, you cast the bait and wait for the fish to grab it. (Did I really say that? :P) ..."

You surely did, and that is a good analogy.

Cold contact involves a simple opening message of a paragraph or less. If the prospective client is interested, they'll reply.

Another analogy is that it's like picking up someone (previously unknown to you) in a bar. What works better, a simple intro or a long involved message?

[D.S.]

Yeah, I'd probably instantly delete or flag it as well if it was that long, because it would appear as spam to me.

I think a simple request would do. If the authors want to know about their background, they will ask for it.