Every author has heard the term Book Review. Many of them consider a book review to be an honor bestowed only on famous and lucky authors.
Some are aware of the pre-publication book reviews, but have been duly warned that these reviewers will NOT review books by unknown authors. Is this your belief?
Okay, let me say that you are right and wrong. I’ve certainly known of the coveted pre-publication reviewers, such as the editors of Kirkus Review and Library Journal, to review books by unknowns. In most cases, it seemed to be because the books were so well suited to the public library system. Think about that when you plan your next book!
As for the rumor that, if you miss out on getting your book reviewed by a pre-publication reviewer, you’ve lost your chances of a review forever—hogwash!
Here’s another myth I’d like to expose: You can get your book reviewed, but you’ll have to pay for it. No, no, no! Well, let me say that there are certainly some review sites cropping up that require payment for reviews. But I have to tell you, they are not the only reviewers in town!
There are hundreds of FREE book review opportunities for books in all genres and topics. Here are my suggestions:
1: Write a book that reviewers will want to review. Now this sounds like a big fat no-brainer, doesn’t it? But think about it. What more could you do to make your book-in-progress more appealing to reviewers—more appropriate for a larger number of reviewers?
Build promotion into you book. Add wider dimensions to attract a larger audience and you’ll also attract a greater array of reviewers.
2: Seek out magazine book reviewers. Not every magazine runs book reviews, but many of them do. Editors of some literary magazines and others that publish fiction, review books. Some genre fiction magazine editors publish book reviews—this might include science fiction, romance, horror, young adult and children’s.
Likewise there are hundreds of consumer and association/trade magazines that run book reviews on appropriate books. My book on presenting a Hawaiian luau on the mainland was reviewed in dozens and dozens of cooking and foods magazines. My writing/publishing-related books have been reviewed in numerous writing and publishing magazines and newsletters. There are magazines in every category imaginable—business, child-rearing, pets and animals, public speaking, finance, fitness and health, education, sports, hobby and craft and on and on and on.
Again, the more aspects you have skillfully worked into your novel or nonfiction book, the more potential you have for getting your book reviewed.
Here’s an example: Write a book about a run-of-the-mill factory worker and his life after divorce and your book will likely appeal to a relatively narrow audience of reviewers. Add the fact that he (or another character) is dealing with an affliction such as deafness or ALS, for example, and they have a therapy dog that saved someone’s life, and you’ve expanded your options. Now you may get reviews in fiction and relationship magazines as well as those related to handicaps, ALS/deafness, therapy dogs, pets, health, animal heroes, religious and general interest.
To find publications and sites where they post reviews, study Writer’s Market and other directories of publications. Do an Internet search to locate directories of book reviewers. Use the archives for this blog and locate several book reviewer directories.
Tomorrow, we will continue this theme. I will tell you how to use what you have in your already published book to maximize your book review options, how to locate appropriate publications and websites, how to contact potential reviewers and more.
I see that Amazon has chosen three of my books to promote to customers far and wide. Let me know if you received Amazon’s promotion email for Publish Your Book, Promote Your Book and Talk Up Your Book. These books are all available at Amazon in print, Kindle and audio.