An e-reader really will pay for itself in free books. If you don’t have one, check the details of the publisher. You may be able to read ebooks on your computer.
Many reviewers have a blog, but you don’t NEED a blog. What you need to do is put it on sites people will see. Be consistent whether you use Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, Facebook.com, or Shelfari.com. You can copy and paste reviews on several sites if you want.
To really get visible, you need to join Twitter and Facebook. They are the social media giants.
Whenever you post a review, type up a little announcement, add the link and viola!
To get attention from the author, see if you can add their username on twitter (@______ ) or link to their Facebook Fan Page.
For twitter, it’s nice if you can continue to do this over time. That way you keep getting attention for all the reviews you worked hard on.
5. Contact authors for reviewer copies.
This is easier once you have reviews to show and if you market your reviews on a social media site.
Reviewing is a reciprocal relationship: the reader gets free books in exchange for time and consideration, the author gets word of mouth.
Read the excerpts, understand the book. Remember that if you promise a review, you must provide it. Choose well.
Look at the author’s website for email, information about requests for copies, a contact form, or social media links. If there is no direct email or contact form, then try them politely on social media.
Be nice. Absolutely do not leave a vicious review for an author that gave you a copy. You can be honest, but have respect.
6. Consider a blog.
I know, I know, I said you didn’t need one. But you might as well–there are so many free sites to host a blog on. I know that WordPressand Blogspotare great.
Add all your reviews! Covers make a great image for each post. I like to add a link for purchase out of respect for the author. (You can even make a supertiny bit of money with affiliate links)
Consider collaborating with a friend. Whether in person or online, teaming up can be really fun! You can choose a genre like “paranormal” or a theme like “snuggled reading with cats.”
7. Have Fun!
Blogs are a lot of fun and you can do a lot. There are tons of online events reviewers can participate in. All you have to do is hear about them on social media or on someone else’s site. Usually it’s open to everyone, but you have to sign up at the founder’s website.
Bloghops are when bloggers pick up a collective topic and provide links to other blogs. There may be a different person for each day. Make connections with other bloggers or people interested in your theme.
Readathons are challenges reviewers and readers set for themselves. You post information about the readathon and your goals. Through the set period you can update on how you’re doing.
Guest posts are a great way to get a break! Let an author write on a subject that interests you and put it on your blog. You can even ask authors or other people to do these. They’ll love the idea.
Giveaways are when authors offer you a free copy. You can set one up on Rafflecopter. Only one person will win, but you try to get as many people to enter as possible. This is easiest when paired with a (honest) good review or an author guestpost/interview. You can always give away anything you want!
Interviews are questions posed to the author. You can ask authors anything (unoffensive) you want! Set this us well in advance and make sure they have your list of questions. Pop the Q & A on your site.
Blogtours are when authors are marketing a book. They visit many blogs and do a combination of different things–guest posts, interviews, giveaways, giving you the book for the review, etc. Often authors advertise that they need bloggers on social media. If you know an author is preparing to launch a book in several months, shoot them an invitation. Let them know what kind of post you are interested in.
And that wraps it up.
I hope this gives you an idea of what to do next and where you are going. Have fun!
Please share any comments on the art of book reviewing.
I think the best thing (among many) regarding starting to post book reviews on my blog is that it really is motivating me to read more. I could just as easily make excuses for not reading, but posting a review a week makes me keep my nose to the grindstone. Ultimately, as a writer, I know that reading profusely is one of the biggest favors I can do for myself.
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I think the best thing (among many) regarding starting to post book reviews on my blog is that it really is motivating me to read more. I could just as easily make excuses for not reading, but posting a review a week makes me keep my nose to the grindstone. Ultimately, as a writer, I know that reading profusely is one of the biggest favors I can do for myself.
Yeah it is good motivation. And motivation to plan out posts wayyyy ahead! Takes a while.