Book Bloggers

Ever wondered about the process? Ever wondered the best way to approach book bloggers? Ever stopped to think these people are human, too?

After seeing this account of what not to do when contacting a reviewer at Feathered Quill Reviews, I asked a couple book bloggers about review books and etiquette.

First, Michelle at the Red Headed Bookchild tells us how she solicits books and provides some great tips for other reviewers:

I started my blog with a lot of previous connections to the publishing world because of my job as bookstore manager. So I was able to request books to review without a lot of the normal channels. I was also sent stuff in advanced due to my strong relationships.
BUT through the months I have discovered other outlets and there have been only a few that I have solicited myself due to extreme interest in the title.


For publishers, I keep it simple and sweet. I introduce myself, briefly mention my interest in title or genre, and readership (followers and other places I post). I thank them for their time and that's it.


For authors, I tend to gush a bit more and explain my love for their books. This has only resulted in one author setting me up with her publicist. I don't ask to review when I contact authors atleast I haven't yet. I come at them as fans and if they want to promote themselves further and send me along, then great!


I like working with both. With my previous connections, Book Blogs.ning and going to BEA, my need to request is...well, not there. I get approached plenty with wonderful books to review and I feel fortunate now that I can pick and choose.


Always be kind, to the point and thank them for their time. Don't tell them your whole life story and don't ask for too much.

Debbie at Debbie’s World of Books has tips for authors and publishers who are seeking reviews from book bloggers:

Sure, I have a few pet peeves when it comes to requests.
1. Address me by name when you send a request (and the correct name!). You would be surprised even with my blog containing my name in the title people still get it wrong.
2. Include a synopsis. It bugs me when all they include is a title and I have to go hunt down the book description to see if I'm interested especially if it's a smaller title and hard to find the synopsis.
3. If they want a book reviewed by a certain date please include that. Often I have my reviews scheduled out months in advance so don't expect me to read a book and have the review up the next week.
4. Research a blog for their review policy. If your book doesn't fall into the genres stated in the review policy then please don't send a review request.


As for dealing with authors or publishers I would have to say I would prefer dealing with the publisher and publicist. This is something new. I used to love dealing with authors until I had some attack me for not liking their books. I try to be constructive in my review if there were parts that bothered me and wasn't trying to be mean. So now I prefer to work with the middle man so to speak.

Thank you, ladies! Both Michelle and Debbie are really nice people and maintain great blog sites, so please take a moment to visit them.