Is there anything more exciting, revolting, splendiferous (yep, made that up just now...), nerve-wrenching, or fantastic than finding out you'll be/have been reviewed? Well, in the writing world, anyway.... Ha!
Yesterday, I released my second book, a novella. Her Dark Baron is now for sale! Terrific, right? Right. Ahem. I'm over the moon!
I am an indie-author, and to get the word out about my newest little egg, I need people to talk about it. Reviews are the best way for the word to spread. So, I gave a little hint, hint when I posted my 'Woo-Hoo' about its release. Now, I wait, anxiously hoping that readers will take the time to offer a review.
I find it a bit disconcerting, asking for reviews, that is. What is the proper etiquette in this situation? I didn't approach anyone directly, but I did offer a wee hint of a reminder. I'm fairly new to this game, and I've no desire to appear pushy, or gasp, tacky. Ha! (I have been known in the past to dig my foot from my throat with blushes galore...and I've no wish to repeat the odious task...)
I asked for readers to consider taking the time to offer an honest review. Gulp. Yep! I added that extra word in there. Honest. Now I'm remembering those old sayings my dad was always touting ~ 'Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.' ~ 'Everyone's a critic.' ~ 'One man's nightmare is another man's dream.' ~ 'Love me. Hate me. As long as you're talking about me.' ~ 'Opinions are like...' heh-heh...I won't add that one in.
My dad had a bit of dark humor.... Come to think of it....why didn't he ever have those encouraging, inspirational, fluffy or fru-fru-ey (made that one up, too!) sort of sayings that all the other parents were saying? My dad offered you bits of wisdom like, 'Well... when you're dumb, you suffer,' and the ever-so-favorite-amongst-my-siblings-and-me, 'What are you, some kind of as*$#le?' Hmm. Guess it gave me thick skin, a non-victim attitude, and thankfully, the kind of chin that can take a shot! (Now don't get too upset for us poor kids...we were the sort who absolutely could not settle ourselves without a strong hand. We needed a dad who could handle us firmly with no nonsense. We sure did give that man a run for his money!) So...thanks, Dad. Jiminy Christmas!...never thought I'd hear myself saying thanks for those little pearls...
How do you - or do you at all - hint that reviews would be ever-so-helpful?
I'm also over at Maria Zaninni's blog today as part of her Do It Yourself Christmas Promotion! Stop by for a tasty treat ..and to enter for a chance to win my new release!
This is one of those cases when you have to take matters into your own hands.
ReplyDeleteYou can ask for reviews from your readers, but for better results, you need to pitch your book to book bloggers and reviewers. They are your best resource for getting more eyes on your work.
There are HUNDREDS of book bloggers. Google them and pare down the list to good candidates. The only advice I would give is that you must do your homework.
Research which reviewers will read indies, which will read your genre, and then read their past reviews to see if they give books a fair shake or biting sarcasm.
Thanks for the great tips, Maria. I've got my work cut out for me!
ReplyDeleteYeah, you have to review the reviewer first. How messed up is that? XD
ReplyDeleteIf you get a good review from one blogger, they may be able to recommend others as well. Sometimes, it's just enough to get the ball rolling. I have a list from a book blogger friend that I'm procrastinating. You know, because that's helpful.
I second the suggestion for book bloggers. Great way to get your book out to a larger audience.
ReplyDeleteI love that saying there. If only everyone would leave me alone so I could read!
I think there is a site of book bloggers who review indie books...came across them while surfing but not sure of the link...you can have blog hops too with friends who are willing to spread the word.
ReplyDeleteHi, Nadja,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about not wanting to ask for reviews. However, I've found thad direct works best. I did a giveaway of my last release and asked that people review after reading. Guess if people know what you're asking up front then they'll give you a yes or no.
I haven't been put into the positon of asking for a review. I'm still building the chops to ask for critiquest so I have a ways to go.
ReplyDeleteThe book blogger tip sounds like a pretty good one. I hear the ones visited often tend to have so many books so it's a good idea to reach out early in the game.
I've had the best luck with approaching book bloggers (at least I say that now), and they expect authors to ask to be reviewed...that's what they're there for!
ReplyDeleteWhat I've also found by reading their blogs is that good review or bad, readers still decide whether or not they want to take the time to read the book. They might be interested in something the reviewer didn't like...
I love your dad's words of wisdom :)
Good luck! I'm sure you'll get some fantastic reviews. Darn, that must be so nerve wracking, though...
ReplyDeleteI've never hinted for a review, but I think the best way to do it is like Kait Nolan did for Red. At least, as a reader, I found that least objectionable. "Here is a coupon for a free book, and in return please give it an honest review within the month."
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about being happy yet terrified about reviews. One of my FAVORITE book bloggers is reading my book right now. Her reviews can be absolutely SCATHING. I'm terrified she will rip my book apart. Yet I'm also hopeful she will find at least SOMETHING good about it.
There are online book reviewers who will review indie books. Most have their review guidelines on their sites so you can get an idea if your book is the type they review. Once you've done this send them a polite email offering your book for review and giving them an idea of what it is about. They might say yes in which case you can send your book to them.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I still find reviews a bit scary. I've decided the best way is to take a deep breath and plunge in!
Congrats on your new release and good luck!
I didn't take it as pushy at all that you mentioned it, surely it is natural to do so and shows you are approachable for comments.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how 'out there' it must make you feel. Deep breath my dear, you will be fine!
I'm wondering the same, so I read the above comments and will come back again to read future comments.
ReplyDeleteYay for thick skin. Mine is too, thank goodness.
Congratulations on your release.
Wow! I cannot thank you all for such great tips and information. ...and the encouragement, too! Thanks. I need to start approaching book bloggers it seems! Well, that looks like a good project for January!
ReplyDelete"What are you, an a$$hole?!" That sounds oddly familiar .. your book is amazing, I l.o.v.e the plot.. don't feel too insecure ..you are amazing.. and you only can go up from here..
ReplyDelete..you could be a girl in her twenties raving about nothingness! Can I get a whoop whoop? !
(Laughing like a lunatic)!