5 Tips to Connect with Book Reviewers

It’s no secret that solid book reviews can make or break a book. As part of a title’s overall book marketing plan, they are a significant factor for media and consumers when they consider a book’s merit for coverage or purchase.

Getting the most from your book reviews is one thing, but how can you build your reviews when serious reviewers are often overwhelmed with requests?

Our book marketing experts provide 5 tips to help your title list stand out, and increase your chances of securing a review.

1) Leverage Advance Praise

How can you leverage advance praise before a book is even reviewed? Simple: encourage your authors to enlist advance readers! These can be beta-readers, or even friends and family, who are willing to read a book before it is released and provide their thoughts. Try quoting an advance reader when pitching a book to a reviewer, so they don’t have to take your word for it.

2) Write a Compelling Description

Instead of a dull summary or play-by-play of each novel, craft a blurb that will hook a potential reviewer and make them eager to read more. Don’t give too much away or reveal spoilers, but do try to capture the essence of the book. Be sure to involve the author in this process, so that their own personal writing style is on display, as well.

3) Suggest Several Similar Books

When getting in touch with a reviewer to request a review, publishers don’t have to limit themselves to one book at a time. Instead, suggest a few titles from your title list that you feel the reviewer will enjoy; this way, they can choose the book or books in which they are most interested. Alternatively, if a reviewer submits a negative review for one of your titles, suggest another title they may be more interested in to maintain the relationship.

4) Include a Quote or Excerpt

When pitching a book, give a reviewer a taste of what’s to come through a captivating quote, or even a longer excerpt. Choose passages that show off your author’s writing style without giving anything away, and can stand alone and make sense without too much context. Even a single, carefully chosen line can work to hook a potential reviewer and encourage them to read more.

5) Make it Personal

Research a reviewer before you reach out to them, and find out what they like. If you know a reviewer particularly enjoys a certain genre based on their past reviews, choose a book within that genre to pitch. You can even reference a specific review, let them know what about it you enjoyed or appreciated, and go on to say why you feel your book would be a great fit. This strategy works particularly well for book bloggers, who often curate a specific theme amongst the books they choose to feature.