Bookish Ramblings #2: How Authors Should Approach Bloggers

If you've read my blog last week, you already know that I posted an article about how I think we should and should not behave on social media websites and how I think authors should not approach bloggers and ask for review copies. If you missed my post, click here.

I was SO glad so many of you joined in the conversation, including authors! A blogger suggested that I post about the good ways to approach reviewers, so here we go.

I wanted to make this week's article a bit more complex so I asked fellow book bloggers to fill out a short questionnaire. My aim was to sum up their answers - I do have my own opinion on the subject -which I'm going to tell you just in a second - but I felt that it might be more useful if I tell you how other bloggers feel about this topic. So, let's see.

How authors should approach book bloggers and request a review - in my opinion.

1. First and foremost, read the blogger's review policy. It doesn't take more than 2 minutes to go over the policy and you earn the blogger's respect by doing so. I'm not kidding. Most people don't even reply to emails that come from authors who clearly didn't read their policy. Plus, if it turns out that the blogger doesn't even review that genre then once again, sending them an email is a waste of time. This is probably my biggest pet peeve when it comes to blogging and most bloggers will agree with me on this. So my advice would be:
- Read our review policy
- Check whether the blogger in question accepts that genre or not
- Check the blogger's preferences: some people don't accept ebooks, for example, so sending them a review request for an ebook will probably earn an instant delete.
- Try to remember the blogger's name: most people don't like to be referred to as "Dear blogger"


2. Contact us via email not Twitter/ Facebook / Goodreads and other social networking websites.
Some people don't mind being contacted via Twitter so I would say it's a personal preference. As for me, I don't like it. Although I would add that the reason why I don't like it is that people who contact me on Twitter, for example, do not read my review policy. If you read my policy and then message me on Facebook or Twitter, that's perfectly fine. Other than that, take the time to go to the blog, read the review policy (see advice #1 above) and shoot an email to the blogger or use the contact form.

For me, these two are the absolute must. If you respect my policy, take the time to find out my name, contact me via email with a book and format I DO accept and I have time to review your book then I probably will.

How to make your review request more effective - a.k.a other bloggers' preferences

3. Checking out some of our previous reviews is a big yes. It's a win-win: you'll know what to expect from the bloggers' reviews, what their preferences are and bloggers likes compliments.

4. Be polite. Bloggers do not like pushy people.

5. Be patient and understanding of time frames. Most bloggers have a waiting list and it may take some time until they're able to finish your book but they will. Keep in mind that most of us work or study full time besides blogging.

6. Include all the relevant information in your email:
- Your name
- How you found the blogger
- Why you think he or she would like your book
- Title and summary of the book (v. important - don't make us look it up)
- Specify the genre and format of the book

Of course each blogger has their own preferences but I think as long as you keep the things mentioned above in mind you ought to get a friendly response. I hope you'll find this advice helpful and thank you so much to all my lovely bloggers who filled in the survey! Make sure to leave a comment below and tell me what you think. Much love xxx