I’m a book blogger that will happily accept (most) review requests. However, there are times when I decline.
If you’re asking a book blogger for their time to read and review your book, bare in mind how you ask!
Here’s some do’s and don’ts to requesting – I’m not suggesting you should do these for all bloggers, but they are a few pointers for when you’re going to email me. 🙂
DO’s
Make it personal
The amount of times I’ve received an email request that starts with just a ‘Hi’ or ‘Hi a Book and Tea’ as a greeting. Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise my Mum named me that at birth, last time I checked my birth name was Clare (NOT WITH AN I – that’s another pet peeve).
Take the time to find the bloggers name and start your request with this, it means you’ve actually spent time visiting their page and made a note of their name.
Details are everything
Add a blurb of the novel, provide author links, etc. Book bloggers will receive lots of requests so the easier for us to find out more about your book the better. I know they say ‘Never judge a book by it’s cover’, but we do have to judge a book by its blurb, so make sure you add the info’.
Don’ts
Rush or pester
Please don’t rush or pester a blogger to read your book quickly or email asking why they haven’t read your book, etc.
In all fairness, I haven’t received many of these emails, but when I did I felt a little upset. I know you’ve kindly donated your book to me, but I can only read as fast as my life and body allows. Most of us do have offline activities, so they will have to come first! I always let authors/publishers know if I cannot commit to a review on time, and that is very rarely – I always review on time.
Don’t get offended
Not all of the blogging world will like your book and that’s okay. Please don’t get offended if someone writes a negative review. I agree that it should be constructive, not personal, but learn from it and move on to better things.
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Great post!!! I’ve not been asked to cover any reviews apart from taking part in virtual blog tours but I can see that it can be a touch annoying being inundated with unpersonal emails. It’s so important to strike the right note.
Katie | Bookabie
Nice post. I will admit that the ones I tend to consider are the requests that seem like they actually took time to look around my blog. But this is one post authors and publisher need to read.
I totally agree with you! ☺ if we are going to read their book and take the time to review, they should take the time to look at our blog.
Good advice Clare, thanks! I’ll pass on to other authors I know.
It’s only a few points to consider 😊 I’ve always had great requests from you!
fab post!
I agree – whilst im always grateful ive had a few lately that consist of – hi will you read my book.
Nothing, no acknowledgement, and further more – no info on the book, and i often think the genres i read are pretty clear so 🙂
xxx
A little effort goes a long way! ☺ xx
Nice post! thank for the advice, consider it noted. 🙂
Great post! you have such a positive heart. “Please don’t get offended if someone writes a negative review.” I love this line you have there.
Authors shouldn’t get upset if people write a negative review, it’s a few people that help you improve 🙂