When you are pursuing book reviews as a way to promote your book, don’t bypass newsletters. Web hosts have newsletters, organizations produce newsletters, individuals publish newsletters. There are thousands of e- and print newsletters being produced throughout the U.S. Some of them have huge circulation. Others are small. But many of them are quite effective in helping you to reach your audience. I believe it was newsletters that launched my luau book into the success it became. I printed that book, The Mainland Luau, three times and then a publisher took it over. One of my favorite methods of promoting it was through book reviews and articles (which we will discuss in another session) in appropriate newsletters. Use these directories to locate newsletters in your genre/category, http://www.newsletteraccess.com or http://www.ezinehub.com
You’ll also find appropriate newsletters through sites related to your book’s theme or topic. Many of these sites include resource lists of newsletters, other sites and publications and so forth. Take the time to study these lists and visit the appropriate sites. Links can be a goldmine for book promoters.
For my personal use, I have created a list of about 75 writing/publishing-related newsletters and their contact information. All of those that will review books have reviewed my books. I also keep their contact information so I can send them announcements (new books, courses starting, etc.) and articles. I keep this information in a binder for easy reference. And I add to it whenever a new newsletter or magazine comes to my attention and I note when their policies or editors change.
Join SPAWN and read the monthly SPAWN Market Update (in the member area of the SPAWN website). I write this newsletter and frequently include updates related to book review sites and other opportunities for book reviews. http://www.spawn.org
It has become more and more difficult to have your book reviewed in newspapers with a few exceptions. Your hometown newspaper will likely be interested in your story—local author pens a book. Don’t wait to be invited—contact the appropriate reporter and ask for an interview. Entice him or her with a hook for your story. It could be simply, local author pens a book. Or it might be, local author writes first history of the area, long-time resident writes her memoirs, local resident writes children’s book based on a child living in the community…
You may be able to get into newspapers nationwide, as well. Most newspapers have columns featuring such themes as health, fitness, travel, hobbies, foods and cooking, pets, crafts/building, teens, religion/spirituality, parenting, real estate/business, sports, seniors/retirement, etc. And yes, many newspapers have book review columns. Find the right hook for your book and you might be able to land several reviews throughout the country. Here are some examples: Your book on how to sell your house without a realtor might be a natural for the paper’s business column. Pitch your book on grief to the editors of senior or health columns. Suggest a review for your historical fiction book in newspapers within the area where your story takes place. Contact editors of both pet and travel columns for reviews of your book on traveling with your pet. Approach editors of New Age or spiritual columns about your inspirational book.
As you can see, you can remain busy for a very long time just soliciting book reviews. Can they be effective in selling books? Certainly, when they are well targeted. I’ve had numerous reviews for my book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book,” in writing/publishing-related magazines, websites and newsletters.
To be continued: