Your "precious" is soon to be released. It's the culmination of years of work. This is it, your moment of joy. You'll press send on the Amazon page, and thousands of people will jump on your book, sending the money truck barreling to your house, so it can dump its contents at your door. Yes, I thought that too. It's a tad more complicated than that.
First of all, if there is nothing publicly posted about your book before it comes out, you will go through a long slog to get it recognized. There's no "buzz" about it, as they say. You want to get the conversation going a long time before it peeks its pages out into the world. So how do you do that?
You need to have reviewers read your book and post their reviews on the major social media platforms. Give yourself a good six months before the actual book comes out, so that you reach critical mass. You could pay for reviews, but there are plenty of kind souls out there who are willing to give you their honest opinions about your writing. All you have to do is send them either a physical copy, or one of the myriad electronic copies that exist. Which is why its important to export your book to a few of those as well.
Most commonly, they are Kindle, mobi or epub.
Always important to remember that whoever you are contacting for a review has criteria they wish followed, so take the time to read what they are before blindly sending off your email with the details of your book! Take special note of what genres these reviewers like, as well, just so you don't waste their time and yours with something they already know they'll refuse. Also check to see if the reviewer in question is accepting submissions at the time, and from whom. Some will review Indie authors, others not. Some have a backed-up stack of reading to do and are on hiatus. Don't burn your bridges just because you want to send as many requests as possible.
My request form looks somewhat like this:
Hello and good day! My name is Benoit Chartier
and my new book has been out for a bit.
I was wondering if it would be possible for you to
review it? Here are the details:
Title: Afterdeath
Author: Benoit Chartier
Genre: Paranormal YA
Length: 340 pages
Release Date: May 22nd 2017
Blurb:
Death is a country we see through the tiny keyhole of an immovable door.
Raised by their grandmother after their parents’ death, Chloe and Olivia Borders are now in mourning for Rose. The Alzheimer’s that forced them to be split into separate foster homes has taken their last living family member. As a way to rekindle their friendship, the twins commit to a road trip— which spells their demise. Now the question is: What comes after, and how will they get back to life?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35274633-afterdeath
I can send either a physical copy or ebook pdf upon demand. I have no turnaround time, and know you must be swamped. I appreciate your time and efforts.
Have a wonderful day,
Much obliged,
Benoit Chartier
As you can see, I started doing the requests after my book was out. I'll know not to do that for my next book. Make your request your own. Be polite, respectful, and keep the details pertinent. I included the links to my Amazon page as well as my Goodreads page, which you'll need if you want them to easily find them to add their reviews.
If you do start mailing out copies, I strongly recommend you get a Canada Post Small Business account. I have my own business with Trode Publications. Create your own business. You will save money on mailings, as many reviewers enjoy physical copies and give them precendence over ebooks.
The turnaround time varies for reviews. It can be anywhere from one to six months. It's not guaranteed that your book will be reviewed, neither is it a sure thing that the reviewer will like your book. For that reason, make sure you have the best possible product before sending it off, willy-nilly to every book blogger on the internet. Have it edited by a professional.
That's it for the details.
UPDATED: One of the developers for this tool sent me the link for this, a review search engine. Well worth a try!
Here is a list of book blogs I've compiled:
Book Review Blog:
blog.feedspot.com/bookreview_blogs/
bookreviewdirectory.com/fiction-book-reviewers/
onlinecollege.org/100-best-blogs-for-book-reviews/
blog.reedsy.com/book-review-blogs/
Paid:
Free Canadian Reviews:
Burning.x.Impossibly.x.Bright: Review Policy
A Tapestry Of Words: YA Reviews
Sugarbeat's Books - The Home of the Romance Novel
Policies for Reviewing | Chrisbookarama
Review Policy | Lavender Lines
JaimeKristal: Tales of a Book Lover – https://jkbooklover.wordpress.com
Once Upon A Bookshelf | Where Fiction and Reality Meet
The Paperback Princesses: All about us and blog policies
The Literary Lollipop – Guilt-free adventures in reading, writing, and original fiction
Rabid Reads – Speculative Fiction Book Reviews
amy reads | random rambling thoughts on reading and life
Mermaid Vision Books – a girl named angel who measures seconds in books
YA Book Shelf | Honest to Goodness YA Novel Reviews
Redlady's Reading Room: Contact & Review Policy
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews: Review Guidelines
This Perfectly Imperfect Life: {Book Review Policy}
A Worn Path: Review Policy & Disclosures
Always With a Book: Review Policy
The Readathon: Book Reviews: For Authors
American Book Review Blogs:
Aestasbookblog.com/review-requests/
Review Policy | Anita Loves Books
A Soccer Mom's Book Blog: Review Policy
Contact/Review Policy |The Suspense Is Thrilling Me
A Utah Mom's Life: Friend Request - Book Review
Peeking Between the Pages – ...escape into the pages of a good book
Review Policy: Peeking Between The Pages
Book Review Policy | Wandering Bark Books
Review Policy | My Novel Opinion
Review Policy | Opinionated Book Lover
Katherine Scott Jones - stories to celebrate beauty amidst the brokenness
Kimmery Martin | Writer, Book Reviewer, Professional Literary Nerd
mwladieswholit – A gang of bibliophiles sharing their love of books!
Review Policy - That's What She Read
Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March – Books. Beauty. Boss.
Traveling With T – Bookish Thoughts, Book Reviews & Tales of Small Town Charms
Contact us | Lisa & Lisa Write a Book
Self-Professed Book Hoarders: About Us, Contact Info & Review Request
Indie Book Reviews – Rhythm Prism Publishing
Adam J Smith - Author: Submit your book
Review Policy - The Bohemian Housewife
Book Review Policy | AlliesOpinions
Reading Shy With Aly: Contact and Review Policy
Mission Statement – THE WANDERER
Request a Book Review | Amanda Panda (Duh)
About | Amie's Book Review Blog
Science & medical thrillers book news, reviews, author interviews & giveaways.
The Bewitched Reader: Review Policy
Review Requests by an Independent book blogger | Rambling Reviews
Review Policy - Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews
Submissions| United States | Reviews in the City
Review Policy – Thirsty for Health and Happiness
Review Policy | Amid The Imaginary
5 Girls Book Reviews: Review Policy/Review Requests - READ BEFORE SUBMITTING REQUESTS!!
Review Request | Read Between the Lines
Review Submissions – Regency Reader
Science Fiction Fantasy Book Reviews
Request a Review | Ashley's Bookshelf
Review Policy – Beleaguered Shards of Elegance
Review Policy | Audio Book Reviewer
Request A Review | Clatter & Clank
Book Reviews, Pg69 Challenge, Submission Guidelines | Barb Taub
Paging Through The Days: ~ Review Guidelines, Rating Scale & What we Review....
Review Policy – A Different Kind of Read
Review Request Guidelines | Writerbee's Book Reviews
Review Policy | Bellas Bright Bookshelf
Review Policies | Reading 'n Stuff
BigAl's Books and Pals: Submitting a Book for Review
Beauty in Ruins: REVIEW POLICY
Welcome to Rainy Day Reviews!: Review Policy
Review requests policy - Books In Brogan
Books To Get Lost In: Review Policy
Contact – The Book Worm Review
Request a Review | The Book Canaries
Gadget Girl Reviews: Book Reviews
Contact Cat Ellington – Reviews by Cat Ellington — est. 2017
Suggest a Book - Unlimited Book Reviews
twistedroadbooks | Review Policy
REFERRAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES | Paranormal Romance Writings and Reviews
Christian Indie Book Reviews: About
Crazy On Books: Review Guidelines
Book Review Policy – Inside the Inkwell
contact me - Christy's Houseful of Chaos
Review Policy - Literary Musings
Book Reviews by Courtney Bauman: Request Review
The Violent Vixen: Review Policy
Review Requests!!! ~ Crystal's Many Reviewers
Crystal's Random Thoughts: Book Review Policy
Fantasy Books 411: Review Policy |
FREE Book Reviews | Urban Book Reviews
Review Policy | Author David Wiley
Up 'Til Dawn Book Blog: Review Policy
Romance Novels In Color: Review Policy
Empty Mirror's Review Policy - Empty Mirror
Derek Edgington | Review Policy
❀ Desert Rose ☯ Reviews: Our Review Policies
Reviews of a Bibliophile — Submit a post
Book Review Request - Diamante Lavendar
Doc Crabtree Book Reviews: Book Review Guidelines
My Review Policy | Gut Reaction Reviews
DR. AKUA'S BOOK REVIEWS: Dr. Akua's Book Review Policy
Indie Book Reviews – Between the Beats
Review Policy — The avid reader
Espinola Editor: Review Policy/Contact Me
Request a review ~ Dedicated Readers
Fantasy Muse: Book Review Requests
My Review Policy - Musings over Nothing
My Real Life Reviews: REVIEW REQUESTS: Please Read this First!
The Haunted Grave Books: Review Policy- PLEASE READ ALL
Review Requests | Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Review Policy ~ Love Reading Romance
Henkjan Van Der Klis: Contact form
Review Policy | Hines and Bigham's Literary Tryst
Review Requests - Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog
About the BellaOnline Literary Fiction Editor
Iola's Christian Reads: Review Policy
Request Form & Policy ~ PC | Paranormal Cravings FICTION Book Reviews: Best Book Recommendations
Review Policy- A Fortress of Books Blog
Starving Review Requests | J. B. Garner - Musings of a Starving Author
The Lupa Schwartz Mysteries Blog: Review Policy
Romance Novels for Feminists: RNFF Submission Guidelines
Review Policy | Drink Coffee and Read books
Review policy & Contact – Jane Kelsey
GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS | JANUARY GRAY REVIEWS
Review Policy ~ Jazzy Book Reviews
Review Policy – booksblurbsandbeyond
Buttonholed Book Reviews: Submissions
Review Policy – PURE TEXTUALITY – HOME
Review requests ‹ Book Bitches
http://www.genuinejenn.com/p/contactabout.html
Ms. J Mentions...: Review Policy
Review Policy | Books & Margaritas
REQUEST A BOOK REVIEW • Nance's Writer's Thesaurus
Contact Me for Book Reviews | J.P. Wilder
CommonBookSense: Review Policy
Beyond The Rainbow: Review Policy
Just Another Girl and her Books: Review Policy
Review Request Policy – The Reader's Handbook
Kayl's Krazy Obsession: Policies
Review Policy – Reveries Reviews
Review Policy & Contact - Reads and Treats
About This Blog | Arkham Reviews
Submissions – Books Reviews Anonymous
The Howling Turtle: Contact Me/Review Policy
History Woman Perspective: Review Policy
Submitting a Review Request | Leigh Holland Writes!
Blog Policy & Disclaimer – Shh, I am Reading
On Writing: Lilaina Osborn's Review Policy
Review Policy | Lilly's Book World
Review Requests – Lisa Writes and Reads
Review Policy – The Spine View
picture-book-nook | SUBMISSIONS
Review Policy | Lucybird's Book Blog
Barnsey's Books: Review Policy
MP Book Reviews: Review Policy
Review Policy – Mari's Book Reviews
Submission Guidelines – The Reader Inside Me
Submissions | Marie does book reviews
Contact/Review Policy – Story Book Reviews
Requests ~ Contact Us | Sinfully
A Booktropolis: My Review Policy
Book Review Policy – A Blue Green Universe
Book and Author Promotion – I Read What You Write!
Books are Theater of the Mind: Review Policy
Elysian Fields Book Reviews: Review Request Policy
Long And Short Reviews: Request a Review
Services for Authors - Whispering Stories
Request Review | TOTALLY ADDICTED TO READING
The Haphazardous Hippo: Review Policy
Review Policy – O. D. Book Reviews
Contact - paigebypage: let's talk books and writing
A Coffee & Kindle: Review Policy
The Phantom Paragrapher: Review Policy
Review Policy – perfectioninbooks
Rachel's Really Random Reviews: Review Policy
Just Books: Interviews, Spotlights & Promotions ~Guidelines
Reading Keeps Me Sane Book Blog: Review Policy
Nevermind the Furthermore: Review Guidelines
How I Rate & Review | Reading Renee
Review Policy - Black Magic Reviews
Review Policy | Rosie Writes...
Roxie’s Book Review Policy - [Roxie Writes]
S.J. Pierce's Official Website: Book Review Policy
Bending the Bookshelf: Review Requests (and more)
Rockin' & Reviewing: Review Policy
Sam And Thac Fischer: Review Submission Guidelines |
Book Boyfriend Reviews: Review Policy
Sandra's Book Club: SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Review Requests Submission Guidelines
Book Review Policy and Copyright | Today We Did
Review Policy – Quesarasera Book Blog
Review Requests / Policy | Best YA Book Blog |Girl Plus Book
Book Room Reviews: Advertise Online
Reading Bifrost Review Policy/Contact
Review Policy - Sci-Fi & Scary
Review Request Policy – The Serial Reader
Review Requests – Shotgun Logic
Review Requests – Shari Sakurai
Fire & Ice Book Reviews - Scorching-Hot Romance Blog: Review Policy
Adventures Thru Wonderland: Review Policy
Review Requests - Stephanie's Book Reports
A Book a Day Reviews: Sunday's Review Policy
Review Policy | The Rock of Pages
Book Reviews | United States | Tabithasbooks
Tales of a Librarian: Review Policy
The Future Fire Reviews: Guidelines
Submit for Review | The Indie Bookshelf
This Girl Reads a lot!: Review Policies/About The Blogger
The Writing Desk: About / Contact
Review Policy | Tonya Cannariato
Underground Book Reviews – Terms and Conditions
Perks of Being A Late Night Reader: Review Policy
Book Review Submission — The Rebel Christian
YA Reviewers – Reviewing Young Adult / Teen Books
UK Book Blogs:
Review Policy – Inconsistent Pacing
Zaheer Ahkalik Review Policy – reading and reviews
Do you have a book review blog and would like to be included in this list? Contact me and we'll make it happen.
Thanks so much for this comprehensive list, Benoit.
This is super helpful Benoit! I’m working on my first book project and really needed this resources page of where to turn to and how to ask for the reviews. Thanks again:)
Hi Benoit,
This is quite the list. Thanks for Sharing.
Thanks so much for this comprehensive list, badoink
Excellent list. Thank you for sharing.
This is a great resource Benoit. Thanks for sharing!
Gisele