Pursue Book Reviews Aggresively

Securing book reviews is a big gamble. With more than 150,000 new books being produced every year, statistics show that only 1 in 10 ever gets reviewed, especially by one of the mega-reviewers.

It is also important to note that Publisher’s Weekly and The New York Times rarely review self-published books, which is also true of many of the larger urban newspapers.

However, there are plenty of periodicals and newspapers that will review your book if a significant segment of their readers have a particular interest in your topic. It’s well worth your time and efforts to find the publications that have an editorial interest in your book’s genre and its specific subject matter. And don’t overlook those individual editors and columnists who cover your topic in any kind of magazine or newspaper. Even a mention (if not a review) in one such column can create interest.

Finding publication “matches” increases your ability to secure reviews, which may be rewarded by a significant increase in sales.

Plan to give away a generous number of review copies. The results may give your book a healthy sales life, which is where the quality of the book editing will pay off! If reviewers feel there is literary merit to what they are reading, you are more likely to get consideration and higher marks than if your book comes off as poorly focused, sloppily edited, or written by an amateur.

Another tactic you’d be wise to try is to call all of your writer friends, freelance book reviewers, and respected authorities on your topic. A portion of them, if not all, will be especially receptive to your book; ask if they’d be willing to write a review and submit it to any publications with which they may have an “in.”

Whichever method you choose, always contact the publication for specific guidelines and advice before mailing review copies; otherwise you may be wasting everyone’s time and energy.

When trying for your share of the library, church, public, or school market, remember that spiral bindings can become the kiss of death for ever getting into a library system; for shelving and cataloguing, a book’s having a spine is almost mandatory.

A media list can run into thousands of contact names. If you are economizing, you will have to be wise in picking your targets. Most will not announce a book simply because you send them a press release, announcement, and/or sample review. They want to see the book for themselves.

Publications that specialize in the area of your book topic should also be on this list. Remember not to overlook related periodicals and newsletters, such as church newsletters and local community newspapers.

For more on marketing:

Good cover design is essential.
Reviews lead to better distribution.
Good reviews can lead to author signings.
Time to take action!