How to Approach Book Bloggers for Reviews

So you’ve written your book, you’ve gotten it published, and now you need to start getting it out there. Maybe you’re self-published, and all of the responsibility for promotion rests on your shoulders. Maybe you’re traditionally published, but you’re still expected to take some initiative for spreading the word. Book bloggers are a great way to get exposure to readers—and reviews for your novel—but how do you approach them?

You’ll need to include:

* a personalized greeting

* a brief description of your novel

* available formats

* further offers

* a professional ending

A Personalized Greeting

You do NOT want to send out a mass email. Be sure to address each blogger you contact by the correct name. Take the time to treat each blogger professionally and with respect. Read their review policy and comply with it. Don’t send a YA book blogger your memoir if they have clearly stated that they don’t read non-fiction. Don’t send your cozy mystery to a paranormal romance book blogger. Do your research before you ever send them an email!

After you know the blogger’s name and the type of books they prefer to review, take a few moments to browse their blog. When you compose your email, comment on something you like about it, or take the opportunity to mention some books they’ve reviewed that indicate they might also enjoy yours. Show them that you’re treating them with attention and respect. They deserve that much for reading and reviewing your book for free.

A Brief Description of Your Novel

After opening the email with a personalized greeting and a comment or two about the blogger’s previous reviews or blog, you should tell them a bit about your book so they can decide if they’d like to read and review it. State the name of your novel, along with the genre (for example, “Would you be interested in reading and reviewing my paranormal fantasy, The Blackbird?”), perhaps in the form of an invitation. You can also list any other relevant information here, such as the release date, publisher, or formats available.

Now, include your book description. This description should be free of typos. Be sure to include just enough information to pique the blogger’s interest (in other words, don’t include an entire summary of the book or give away the ending). If you’re feeling stumped about what to write, keep in mind that it’s similar to what you’d find on the back of the book or on the product description on Amazon. Make sure the book description is well-written, because it is indicative of your writing abilities as a whole.

Available Formats

Now tell the blogger the formats they can choose to receive the book in—are you offering physical copies for review? Digital only? If you have only digital copies for review, be sure to tell them how you’ll be providing the review copy. PDF files, Smashwords coupons, and Kindle gifting all work well for review distribution, although bear in mind that Kindle gifting costs you money and the person accepting the gift has the option of taking a gift card instead of the book.

You might want to double check with the stated review policy to see if the blogger has already listed what digital formats they accept, or whether or not they have an e-reader (and what type). Remember, Kindles mostly read .mobi files, and Nooks read epub, so if the reviewer requests these formats you can usually tell what e-reader they use. You can get both these formats through Smashwords and provide them free to reviewers with a 100% off coupon.

Further Offers

Once you’ve described your novel, you can include offers of what you’d be willing to do if they agree to review the book. Many book bloggers host free giveaways along with their review, or encourage guest posts by the author. If you are willing to give away a free copy, or if you're comfortable with writing a guest post, include this here. Some bloggers also offer author interviews.

A Professional Ending

End the email with a professional farewell and your name. “Sincerely” works well because it is simple, straightforward, and professional.

If you have a blog or website, feel free to include a link to it below your name.

Reminder: Professional Behavior

If the blogger declines to read your book, continue to behave professionally. Don’t email them with angry accusations or rants. Simply thank them politely and move on.

If the blogger does read your book, and they give you a poor review, do not send hateful emails or leave nasty comments on their blog. Continue to behave professionally. When it comes to your author persona, make professionalism your mantra and strive to embody it no matter what you’re doing.