If you’re an author, you’ve heard the term Book Review. Some of you consider a book review to be an honor bestowed ony on the most famous and the very lucky authors.
Some of you are aware of the pre-publication book reviews, but have been duly warned that these reviewers will NOT review books by unknown authors. Is this your belief?
Okay, let me say that you are right and wrong. I’ve certainly known of the coveted pre-publication reviewers, such as the editors of Kirkus Review and Library Journal, to review books by unknowns (without a fee). In most cases, it seemed to be because the books were well suited to the public library system. Think about that when you plan your next book!
As for the rumor that, if you miss out on getting your book reviewed by a pre-publication reviewer, you’ve lost your chances of a review forever—hogwash!
Here’s another myth I’d like to expose: You can get your book reviewed, but you’ll have to pay for it. No, no, no! Well, let me say that there certainly are review sites cropping up that require payment for reviews. But I have to tell you, they are not the only reviewers in town!
There are hundreds of FREE book review opportunities for books in all genres and topics. Here are my suggestions:
1: Write a book that reviewers will want to review. Now this sounds like a big fat no-brainer, doesn’t it? But think about it. What more could you do to make your book in progress more appealing to reviewers—more appropriate for a larger number of reviewers?
I advise authors to build promotion into their books—in other words, to add wider dimensions to attract a larger audience. This practice will also attract a greater array of reviewers.
2: Seek out magazine book reviewers. Not every magazine runs book reviews, but many of them, too. Editors of some literary magazines and others that publish fiction, review books. Some genre fiction magazine editors publish book reviews—this might include science fiction, romance, horror, young adult and children’s.
Likewise there are hundreds of consumer and association/trade magazines that run book reviews on appropriate books. My book on presenting a Hawaiian luau on the mainland was reviewed in dozens and dozens of cooking and foods magazines. My writing/publishing-related books have been reviewed in numerous writing and publishing magazines and newsletters. There are magazines in every category imaginable—business, child-rearing, pets and animals, public speaking, fitness and health, education, sports, hobby and craft and on and on and on.
Again, the more aspects you have skillfully worked into your novel or nonfiction book, the more potential you have for having your book reviewed.
Here’s an example: Write a book about a run-of-the-mill factory worker and his life after divorce and your book will likely appeal to a relatively narrow audience of reviewers. Add the fact that he (or another character) is dealing with an affliction such as deafness or ALS, for example, and they have a therapy dog that saved someone’s life, and you’ve expanded your options. Now you may get a review in fiction and relationship magazines as well as those related to handicaps, ALS/deafness, therapy dogs and animal heroes.
3: Make the most of what you have. Okay, your book is a done deal. How can you maximize your book review options? Get personal with your book. Dissect it and jot down what you find. For example, what city is the story set in? Pursue reviews in regional magazines in that area. Do you have a section in your budgeting book for teaching children money-awareness? Parenting magazines might be a good secondary review option for this book. Is your book clean and honorable? Consider reviews in religious magazines. Maybe your novel has a séance scene. This may provide an opportunity for a review in a metaphysical or New Age publication.
Secrets number 4-7 will be revealed in the next blog post.
I’m Patricia Fry, the author of 45 published books including many for authors. The most recent 3 books are Publish Your Book, Promote Your Book and Talk Up Your Book. All 3 are available here: http://www.matilijapress.com. And at Amazon.com in print, audio, and for Kindle.
Also enjoy my Klepto Cat Mystery series on your Kindle. http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2 Catnapped, Cat-Eye Witness and Sleight of Paw are now also in print.