How to Get Reviews

How to Get Reviews I did one of my two-minute podcasts this week on collecting reviews for books, because my mailbox is swamped with articles, podcasts, blog posts, and queries to me on how to land reviews. Just this week I heard from an author friend of mine who just released two books in a series at once. . . and still has less than ten reviews on the two combined even after the publisher sent out hundreds (yep, you read that right) of review copies. Week before last, I posted a call for reviewers on my Facebook page. I have four books with less than 100 reviews (82, 64, 51, and 47 for my last four books), and my goal this year is to reach 100 for all my books. Yes, I read reviews. Do I let a one-star destroy my day? No. Frankly, I dont breathe easy until someone has left me a pissy review, just so its out of my system. As a matter of fact, Newberry Sin has a 4.9/5 rating on Amazon, with only one three-star review. No ones or twos. Beats me why someone hasnt bashed it yet. My editor says thats because theres nothing to bash, but shes just being sweet. Nobody writes a book everybody likes. But how to get reviews? You coordinate them. You are going to learn that there are bookstore people, library people, and Amazon people, and usually, the bookstore people dont post reviews on Amazon. The anti-Amazon people wont post reviews on Amazon. Therefore, people who are active online and make Amazon purchases constitute the preferred reviewer. (Of course, if someone you know has a review column in a major publication, A close second preferred reader is a strong Goodreads person. Do they make their reading choices based upon Goodreads? Then great. Ask away, though an Amazon person will most likely also post on Goodreads. I start with social media, setting a time period in which I am seeking reviews, making it somewhat of a big deal, like an event. I offer print or ebook. Some publishers no longer do print ARCs or review copies. They are indeed pricey, especially when many requestors do not follow through. However, be prepared to send out some print copies. Yes, the cost can add up. Take note of who is doing your reviews. The plus of asking on social media or having to mail/email copies of the books is that you have their contact info. You can then follow-up and ask if they received the book a couple weeks later. This is NOT so you can push them to review. NEVER push someone to review. However, if someone does not follow-through, you know never to send them a review copy again. Common sense without breaking any cardinal rules. After nine novels, I have a list of what I call permanent reviewers. Ill send them a copy of any new release because they always review. Sometimes I ask in FundsforWriters, and other times in my author newsletter C. Hope Clark (sign up at www.chopeclark.com). This past week I sent out 40 copies. Reviews are already coming in. And I thank them. . . gush over them. These people are golden and deserve to be treated accordingly. So, in summation. . . you build relationships. Receiving a free book isnt enough. Goodness knows there are too dang many of those out there to the point that isnt a big deal. Its the back and forth, the willingness to respect and converse with anyone, the manners to say please and thank you. Its being generous and grateful. Readers love helping you if they feel appreciated, and I feel pretty darn grateful for mine.