The book industry is evolving rapidly. Many self-published authors, especially first-time authors, find it difficult to promote their books. Unlike traditionally published books, self-published books don’t have the backing of a marketing team to take care of promotional activities or, for that matter, in getting professional book reviews, which is one of the most important key elements in generating awareness amongst potential customers.
But Wait, Why are Reviews Important?
Getting reviews from professionals, that is, readers who do this for a living will set your book apart in the competitive market. It will help you reach a wider audience and also enhance the credibility of your book.
Familiarise Yourself in the Book Blogger Community
Bloggers are by far the biggest resource for book reviews, irrespective of the genre. These are people who are passionate about reading and are a part of huge online communities. However, not all bloggers will be interested in the genre of your book. For this reason, you will have to locate online communities that are interested in the genre of your book and then narrow it down to the most famous and credible bloggers within that community.
Build a Relationship with Bloggers and Reviewers
Once you have discovered the book blogger community, the large number of book readers might look tempting, and you may end up sending a mass email to all the bloggers to review your book. However, that may not be the best way to go about it. Try to approach each blogger individually, and aim to build genuine relationships with them.
Be prepared with a book review kit
Create a book review kit containing the things that the blogger might need to review or feature your book on their social media platforms. For instance:
- Copies of your book in different digital formats, so that it is convenient for the reviewer to choose their preferred format such as PDF, Epub, Mobi, etc. You can also choose to have physical copies, but keep in mind the cost associated with it.
- A copy of your author bio and any other information related to your books such as release date and links to purchase, etc.
Follow Up and Thank Reviewers
Now that you have sent copies of your book to reviewers, sit back and wait. This is possibly the toughest time of the book review process, that is, waiting for reviewers to compile their thoughts and publish the review.
Don’t hesitate to ask the reviewer for an expected timeline. Some reviewers mention their timeline beforehand but if they don’t, feel free to ask them, and follow up once the deadline has been crossed. Avoid following up unreasonably early.
Once they publish their reviews, make sure to thank them for taking the time to review your book. Also, return the favour by sharing their review with your readers. You can also encourage them in different ways by supporting and promoting their content.
Reaching out to bloggers or professional book reviewers is one of the best marketing strategies. However, remember that not all reviews that you receive will be favourable. Regardless, always be courteous and thank the reviewer for their time. The important thing to keep in mind here is to create a lasting relationship with reviewers for all your future book endeavours.
