Editorial Reviews & How to Find Them
Have you ever thought about Editorial Reviewers?
They are free, yet can take up to 3 months to receive. Once a review has been made, if you receive 4 or 5 Stars they generally promote your book and their review on all their social media platforms. They upload them on various retail platforms, excluding Amazon.
These reviews can be used for promo before a book release and/or used on the book cover, promotional material, or press release of the book being reviewed.
KEEP READING FOR MORE
When seeking book reviews from these reviewers, I strongly suggest you showcase your best work. Books with errors of any kind will hurt your submission and maybe even future submissions. “If you want to run with the best of them you have to train like the best of them.” There is no way around this fact.
A well-written manuscript, which has been properly edited, and has a catchy book cover with a well-written synopsis will work better than a rushed project. Take your time on your writing (write, re-write, rough draft multiple times, revise), then find an editor who edits your genre (not all editors can edit every genre), follow your editors guidelines and suggestions, and then find a proofreader or a BETA reader to proofread your final draft. If everything is as envisioned now it’s time to think about Book Reviews.
Why think about book reviews now, you may ask.
Well, that’s what you will use for promotion & marketing. This is also good for early promotion from people other than yourself.
Some reviewers require the EXCLUSIVE, which means they want a copy of the book before it is published. Before the public eyes are set on it. Their stipulation usually says, “3 or 4 months before publication date”. This is actually a good idea. There are many Short Run Print Companies who can print as few as 25 copies of your book in one run. I would suggest you have a sticker or strip on the front cover of your book letting them know "This Copy Is Not For Sale" or "Advanced Reader Review Copy Only".
Be sure to become familiar with each reviewers Submission & Guidelines. Not following these guidelines could stop you from getting a review on time. Most review teams generally want a Press Kit to accompany the book being reviewed. They need to know what's special or unique about this book verses other books they've read. Never state in your Press Kit that you are a Self-Published Author. That will be an immediate turn off.
Below I have included some Press Kit information to use when preparing for book review submissions. You may not use all of them, but be sure to use what the reviewer request.
DON’T FREAK OUT
Creating a Press Kit for your book is no easy task, but it's worth it. There are several things you must have before this kit looks as professional as possible. For now you can check out the list below. Then check my blog How To Build A Professional Press Kit?
Your press kit should include the following:
* Cover Letter/Query Letter (300 words)
* Press Release
* Sell Sheet
* Print Copy of the Book
Having these items in hand shows professionalism and your dedication to your project. REMEMBER: You are trying to appeal to an audience that works with Authors on a much bigger scale than you are now. These reviewers review thousands of books a year. Take your time and have fun with your project. Do not be in a hurry.
Below I have a list some paid reviewers as well as free reviewers. Do your homework on them and find out what their Submission Guidelines are.
FREE BOOK REVIEWERS
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Publisher's Weekly
PAID REVIEWERS
OTHER REVIEW OPTIONS
Read It Forward
OOSA Book Club
Literary Divas Book club
New Horizon Book Club
Sophisticated Souls Book Club
Divine Sisters Book Club
Fade to Black Book Club
Urban Fire Literary Group
Just Loving Life Book Club
For Readers Only Book Club
Girl Fridayz Book Club
Covers Book Club
Second Chance Book Club
Queen Readers Book Club
I have provided quite a bit of information, and I hope I was helpful. If there is anything you feel I missed or are needing more clarification please use the comment section below to leave your comment, and I will respond. Thank you for your time.
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