Writing, Self-Publishing, Book Marketing

Book Reviews could be one of the most useful promotion techniques an author has at their disposal. Not only might you achieve a good rating by insightful professionals, but if your review is posted within an online periodical, you also gain SEO keywords for your Internet searchable book as well as thousands of possible readers who trust the periodical that’s featuring your book review.

Only thing is book reviews can be scary and risky. What if you get a bad review? A few words said by one respected reviewer can definitely affect the tide of your book sales. The better the words about your book, the more likely your book will sell to the masses. But the deeper a reviewer’s words cut into your book’s reputation, the more likely your book sales will suffer as a result. What’s an author to do with their writing future hanging in the balance?

Consider the Alternative:
Don’t be shy! Without a book review, your book will require a different means of standing out among other titles, perhaps a marketing plan that features readings and book signings for which you might not have the time.

Don’t hide either! A book review, especially by reviewers for magazines and journals that interested readers frequent, either online or in print, can only help reader understand your work. People will talk about your book nonetheless, so it’s definitely better to have the comments out in the open, for all to see.

Accept criticism! Readers are intelligent people, too. If claims by a reviewer are unfair or unjustified, you’ll definitely see a response by readers. And if the criticism is founded on fact, you’ll have some good insight into your own writing, comments that you can use when drafting your next publication. And remember, even a bad review can help get the word out about you!

(Continue below to read about Word of Mouth Marketing…)

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Word of Mouth Marketing:
Say one reviewer posts a four star review about your book at their online periodical. Frequent visitors to the review section of their Web site will browse the article and decide if your book looks like a good read. Let’s say a few community members order a copy just because, and your book turns out to be as insightful as the reviewer said.

Good news is readers talk! They discuss what they’re reading in casual conversation as much as book groups, and if your voice moved them, you can be certain others will learn about your title and authorship.

Therefore, instead of increasing your promotional efforts, now you can get readers to work for you, actively spreading the word about your book because of a simple book review. Think about them apples for a second.

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Choosing Your Best Book Review Option:
Seeking out periodicals that review books and submitting yours through the proper channels is an ongoing process that requires your participation. Whether you’ve been published traditionally and have a publicist, or you’ve self-published your creative work and act as your own publicity manager, you’ll want to select reviewers and magazines that best fit your voice.

Here are some helpful tips when selecting and submitting your book to magazines that often review recent publications: 

Research: Pick a magazine or blog that not only appeals to you, but also appeals to the mentality of your target audiences. For example, a book about conservative politics might not be a good fit for an alternative online magazine such as PopMatters.com, but might work at IntellectualConservative.com. Knowing your audience and knowing your materials is essential when you look for magazines that suit your unique style.

Read: Once you’ve selected some magazines for possible book reviews, you should log the hours necessary to acquaint yourself with their staff. Ask yourself about the length and style of their reviews. Do readers have the opportunity to respond? Does your title fall within their submission guidelines? Is there a particular reviewer you would like to request who you believe would do your book justice?

Connect: Make yourself available for interviews. When you contact the magazine or journal, express your availability and willingness to contribute, either in excerpts from the book or author interviews. Submit a brief cover letter with all your necessary contact information as well as preferred times to reach you.

Promote: A press release will not only help the editorial staff decide if your book is a good fit for them, but it will also list your experience as well as provide strong writing points for the reviewer. Always be sure to mention previous coverage you and your book may have received, including upcoming events, too. If e-mailing your press release, hyperlink relevant keywords to ensure convenience when the editors open your materials.

Follow Up: As with all media outlets, you should follow up with the periodicals to which you submit your book information. Don’t just send a copy of book and expect them to review your work. Send your request, your cover letter and your press release, and then wait your turn. If you haven’t heard back in two to three weeks, follow up with a phone call or e-mail and provide more than just a status inquiry.

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Though these basic book review guidelines should help you discover appropriate periodicals that may consider your book for professional evaluation, always defer to their judgment. Editors are constantly juggling articles, book reviews, music reviews, film critiques, features, among others, and they know what’s best for their own publication.

Feel free to post suggestions or questions about submitting book reviews here. Or if you’re an author, you can share the marketing experiences of your own review. So too, if you are aware of quality magazines and other periodicals responsible for publishing great reviews, help spread the word and provide a resource for authors everywhere.

This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.