Finding Book Reviewers

The coveted Holy Grail!

If you’re with a traditional publisher, they usually send out the review copies. That doesn’t mean you can’t help locate reviewers, though. And if you’re self-published, this duty falls squarely on your shoulders.

Reviewers are not all the same, though. Some are industry reviewers, also known as pre-pub reviewers. They require an ARC (advance review copy) or a galley 3-6 months before the official street date. They rarely accept self-published books and never accept subsidy books, so these are target reviewers for your publisher to tackle.

Some examples of pre-pub reviewers - Publisher’s Weekly, Foreword Magazine, Kirkus, Library Journal, New York Times, LA Times, ALA Booklist, Bookpage, Horn Books.

Other early reviewers for both publishers and authors to consider include trade magazines, online reviewers, other authors, and book bloggers.

A great resource for locating other reviewers is Book Connector

Do a Google search for websites and book bloggers who review your genre.

If you’re with a traditional publisher, coordinate with their efforts. They may have a set number of review copies to send out.

If you’re self-published, many of these options will be unavailable to you. But you can still contact magazines, online reviewers, and book bloggers. Midwest Book Reviews is a major reviewer who accepts self-published books.

An excellent list of ideas can be found at Marketing Tips for Authors - Seven Simple Steps to Getting Your Book Reviewed by Paula Krapf

Some tips for self-published authors:

Send out books before the publication date if at all possible.

Include a review slip on the inside of the cover flap that lists title, author, ISBN, publisher information, genre, formats, page count, and distributors/wholesalers.

If submitting an eBook, do not include as an attachment when sending emails. Query first for permission to send an attachment.

Many reviewers do not accept self-published books - do your homework.

Budget! How many review copies can you afford to send?

Set up a Google Alert for your name and book title to catch online reviews.

Avoid paying for a review.

Any questions?

Window to the Soul by Alex J Cavanaugh

Today I welcome new author, Alex J. Cavanaugh! His first book, CassaStar, debuted last week and has been all over the Internet. Take it Alex!

Thanks for hosting me today!

Diane asked me to elaborate on an attribute unique to my main character’s race. Cassans are similar to humans in appearance, although their lifespan is several years longer. They also possess a similar intelligence even though they are ahead of us in technology. However, they do possess a unique talent.

Cassans use telepathy.

The idea of telepathy has always fascinated me. (Since I don’t own a cell phone, it would really come in handy!) It’s an incredible concept. What if we possessed the ability to communicate without speaking? What if emotions were sensed or images shared without using words? It would be like a window into the soul.

Imagine the communication issues we’d eliminate if we could clearly show someone what we meant. (Conversely, the trouble we could get into as well!) Telepathy would allow relationships to delve deeper. We’d always have someone who would hear our call, regardless of the distance.

It wouldn’t be a window we’d throw open often, though. We’d choose to shield some exchanges while limiting others. (I’d limit quite a bit - I’m a mean thinker!) Some would block all thoughts from entering or leaving their mind, resenting any attempt to break the mental barriers. They would cut themselves off from others.

Such is the case for Byron. He resists any attempt to pierce his shields or share his thoughts. He does not feel comfortable connecting with others on any level.

However, in order to fly a Cosbolt, a mental connection is necessary between pilot and navigator. Position and intention are communicated in the blink of an eye through the open mind link. Byron struggles with this aspect of piloting, acquiescing to the minimum level of bonding required to fly his fighter. If he is to achieve success though, either in the cockpit or in life, he needs to change.

I think readers will identify with Byron’s conflict. We don’t possess telepathy (bummer!) but we struggle to connect with others. Relationships require communication and commitment, and we often resist out of fear. However, it’s our connection to others that brings meaning to life.

Maybe through Byron’s struggle and journey, we’ll learn to open that window more often.

In the meantime, I’m still wishing for telepathy!

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games.

CassaStar

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.”

- Library Journal

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.

Much to Byron’s chagrin, the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.

As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?

CassaStar ISBN 9780981621067, Science fiction/adventure/space opera
AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, BAM, AMAZON UK, andAMAZON KINDLE
Also available in eBook format for iPad, Nook, and others

And check out the most amazing book trailer ever!

Developing Contacts to Promote Your Book - Part II

I was one of the presenters for The Muse Online Writers Conference, which included a week-long forum workshop, Developing Contacts to Promote Your Book. Each day had a specific topic and the participants really got into building their contact lists. Today I’m sharing Day II with you.

The whole point of these exercises is to get your brain working. You want to develop these lists while you are writing if at all possible! And as participants in the forum discovered, I’m a stickler for specifics. Generic answers (like ‘everyone’) don’t fly with me! If you are to effectively promote your book, you need specifics and details!

You can share some of your ideas below or copy & paste and work on your lists on your own time. But sharing a few ideas is fun, because it might help out someone else!

Establishing Online Contacts

Refer back to your target audience and your own involvement. Remember to consider your audience’s interests first and think outside the confines of just book-related sites. (Think beyond Amazon and Goodreads!!!)

What websites and blogs attract your audience?

What community sites attract your audience?

In what forums, list-servs, and Yahoo Groups do they participate?

What book-related sites feature your genre? What non-book-related sites?

What sites focus on your book’s subject matter?

Tips:

When first establishing these contacts, you aren’t there to promote your book, just to network. Offer advice or suggestions, but don’t shove your book down their throat.

Look for sites that will: exchange a link with yours; feature you and your book; or offer a free download.

Don’t forget to explore author sites, either.

Bottom line - where can you place your book and subject matter where it will reach the most potential target readers?

Developing Contacts to Promote Your Book - Part I

Last week I was one of the presenters for The Muse Online Writers Conference, which included a week-long forum workshop, Developing Contacts to Promote Your Book. Each day had a specific topic and the participants really got into building their contact lists. Over the next few weeks, I’ll share the daily topics with you as well!

The whole point of these exercises is to get your brain working. You want to develop these lists while you are writing if at all possible! And as participants in the forum discovered, I’m a stickler for specifics. Generic answers (like ‘everyone’) don’t fly with me! If you are to effectively promote your book, you need specifics and details!

You can share some of your ideas below or copy & paste and work on your lists on your own time. But sharing a few ideas is fun, because it might help out someone else!

Your Target Audience and Online Presence

Start creating a target audience profile:
Who is your target audience?
What age and gender?
Location and income bracket?
What are their interests and hobbies?
If applicable, consider your audience’s parents and create a profile on them as well.

Consider your target audience in depth:
Where does your target audience frequent-
Where do they go online? Blogs & websites?
Where do they go in the real world?
What magazines or news do they read?

Your profile:
What ‘s your involvement online and in your community?
Do you have a website or blog?
Are you involved in online community sites?
Are you involved in clubs or organizations? Online and offline.
What are your current 'activities' online and offline?

Remember - specifics!!