So a Reviewer Said Yes, Now What?

So a Reviewer Said Yes. Now what! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here’s how to assure that your book will get the attention it deserves once you have snagged a reviewer:

•    Affix a review slip to the inside front cover of the review copy you are sending. It should have all your book’s key data: contact information including name, phone, fax, email, and Web site. This can be done on a 3.5 x 5 inch label. Print enough for your projected needs.

•    Enclose a help sheet (typed and double-spaced) about your title or your media kit. It should include your media release. It might explain the benefits of your book or why someone would be interested in reading it and a bio of the author. Include the same information on this as the review label mention above.

•    Enclose a cover letter stating that this review copy is being sent in direct response to their request and how to reach you if they need any additional information. This information can also go on the outside of the envelope you are using to send your ARC. Do not say that anywhere, though, unless it is the truth.

•    Send the reviewer a brief e-mail and remind him/her of the request and that the copy is on its way. Double-check the address you have at that time.

•    Some reviewers, bloggers, and other media outlets use the information you send verbatim. In The Frugal Book Promoter, I advise that your media kit include a review with permission for them to cut and paste exactly as it is. Be sure to give them guidelines for its use from both you and the original reviewer (Midwest Book Reviews, as an example, always extends permission for unlimited use as long as they are credited.)

•    Let your contact know—as part of the letter and the release and even the review slip—that cover art, interior art, and/or author photos are available electronically or as black and white glossies. Make the cover of your book and an author photo available on your Web site so they can be downloaded in either color or black and white, either in high or low resolution.

•    Don’t try to talk the reviewer into an e-copy if he or she request real paper.

Thanks to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for these suggested resources:

•    Protect Yourself: https://www.ibpa-online.org/article/protect-yourself-from-bogus-reviewers/#.USgDIY5KHe5

•    The Two Kits: https://www.z2systems.com/np/publicaccess/neonPage.do?pageId=2397&orgId=ibpa&

•    Anatomy of a Review: https://www.z2systems.com/np/publicaccess/neonPage.do?pageId=3038&orgId=ibpa

•    More articles of interest on these topics can be found at the IBPA website in the Independent Articles area.

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 Carolyn Howard-Johnson, the blogger here at #SharingwithWriters, is working on a new book for her HowToDoItFrugally Series of books. It will be on How To Get Review Frugally and Ethically. She is the author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including the award-winning second edition of, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher; The multi award-winning second edition of The Frugal Editor; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor .