Book reviews are regarded as the Holy Grail of marketing because they allow you to present social proof to new readers. They create a perpetual wave that provides clout and authenticity, which makes it easier for readers to discover your book. If you want a guaranteed method of success for gaining more book reviews, establish a working, personable relationship with book reviewers.
These four methods will provide solidified book reviews for years to come.
Target Book Reviewers
Understand the genre of your book, and execute a quick Google search to see if anything substantial comes up for book reviewers who run blogs in your specific genre. This research always provides a fantastic starting point that can generate prominent leads now or in the future.
Continue to find other reviewers by branching off each blog. Read comments on posts and study other forms of engagement to find other potential reviewers.
Once you have found a few reputable blogs that have featured reviews of books in your genre, dedicate time to learn as much as you can about the book reviewer and their blog history. The more you know about each reviewer you reach out to, the better. Due diligence is a necessary step before contacting a reviewer.
Always reach out to book reviewers in your niche; this raises the conversion rate of gaining a review and increases the likelihood of readers trusting that the reviewer’s opinion is authentic.
Build a Relationship with Each Reviewer
Take the time to read, appreciate, and enjoy their blog and reviews. Find a post that speaks to you personally, and include it in your pitch. Express how much you enjoyed reading the post and which of their sentiments spoke to you specifically. Search for common interests you may share apart from books. Any personal attachment compels a reviewer to continue their conversation with you.
Never begin a pitch in a methodical and mundane manner. Show your human side and express your gratitude for the reviewer’s hard work.
Know that most book reviewers receive a plethora of pitches every single day. Make certain that when you contact them what you say stands out.
By inserting small, personal comments in the beginning and end of your pitch, you solidify the genuine connection you need to build with the reviewer. Any information that intrigues them to continue reading—even if it has absolutely no correlation to your request for a review—opens doors for a relationship and more reviews in the future.
Crafting the Pitch to Perfection
Of course, the purpose of your pitch is to secure a review, so make sure this is the meat of your pitch. A few sentences about their favorite sports team or their interest in coin collecting can go a long way in turning a “no” into a “yes.” Your introduction should delve into personal interests or how much you enjoyed one of their blog posts. Gain their attention, and then begin your pitch.
Structure your pitch concisely. Provide the synopsis of your book along with specific details, the importance for the reviewer of featuring it on their blog and other social media platforms, and how the review will add value to their life and audience.
End the pitch with a smooth personal touch by making a joke about one of their interests or sharing a remark about a personal experience you have had with a shared hobby.
The Follow Up
If you have not received a response in a few days, follow up by emailing to ask if they have any interest in your book. We all experience the hectic schedule of life; sometimes we forget to respond to what we have not marked as a priority.
If the reviewer has replied, shown interest, and agreed to review your book, it’s time to speak to them further. Discuss a couple of topics that are non-book related. The more you engage with the reviewer about other interests, the closer the bond will become.
When you release other books in the future, the reviewer will jump at the opportunity to review your books because of the relationship you have established. This is how you gain a reviewer for life.
Book reviews always will play an invaluable form of promotion for your books. They are priceless write-ups—endorsements—that will make or break the success of your releases.
Having book reviewers in your back pocket at any given moment gives you an indispensable asset that will help your writing career flourish.
About the Author
Kyle Bell is an author, publisher, and serial entrepreneur. Scotian Breeze is the movement. Treasure Words Publishing is the company. His poetic flair is an unstinting microcosm of well-crafted words. He focuses on writing numerous novels in various genres by producing an imprint to the world that’s unforgettable and beloved.
Photo courtesy of jirsak / 123RF Stock Photo
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