The number one way to impress booksellers and librarians? Reviews from established book review sites and periodicals.
So should you pay an organization for an honest review to get the ball rolling?
No.
What about a very prestigious company that will give you a truly honest review and the added benefit of their name?
No.
As much as I wish there was a way to exchange money for a leap into the world of reviews, I am afraid that the simple act of paying for a review negates its value almost completely.
According to the American Library Association (ALA),“Librarians depend upon reviews, especially those found in the following professional review magazines, journals, and newspapers when making purchasing decisions.”
But booksellers and Librarians KNOW when a review has been purchased vs. being earned.
Book buyers, bookstores, librarians, and industry professionals all rely upon the opinion of a set number of third-party, independent, reviewers whose opinions are very hard to get. Thousands of books are submitted each month to the top reviewers. The books chosen for review are a very small percentage of those.
But for those chosen? A good review often means hundreds or even thousands of booksellers and librarians deciding to stock the book. There is no way to guarantee reviews, but there ARE things you can do to increase your chances of being the one reviewed.
Research Book Review Sites That Match Your Genre
First, choose the book review sites that are most likely to review your book. Do your research and find sites that review your genre.
Once you have a good list, the submission process for each reviewer is should be followed.
Some reviewers ask for submissions 4 months in advance. Some ask for your book to be sent in an electronic format.
Others request that the books be submitted in printed and bound book form.
(ARC’s/Advance Readers Copies can be used for this)
ChoiceReviews print and online
scholarly works recommended for college and university libraries. See the
Choice Submission of Books and Electronic Media for Review (Guidelines for Publishers)
webpage for more details.
AudioFile reviews unabridged and abridged audiobooks, original audio programs, commentary, and dramatizations in the spoken-word format. See Contact AudioFile for further assistance.
School Library Journal reviews new children’s and young adult general trade books, original paperbacks, and reference books from established publishers. In order to be considered for review, books must be of national interest and be readily available from national distributors at an institutional discount. Also reviewed are DVDs & audio recordings (audiobooks and CDs), and reference products and online resources. See the
School Library Journal Submitting Review Materials for additional details and mailing addresses.
Science Books & Films (SB&F) reviews science-based books, videos, software,
and websites for all age groups (K-College, Teachers, and General Audience).
See SB&F FAQ/Reviews & Reviewing (at the bottom of the page) for further assistance.
So, to recap, NEVER EVER EVER PAY FOR A REVIEW
Your publisher (or you) should decide which book review sites to approach, create your review request kit (print and electronic version), create an online option to share electronic versions of your book, print your Advance Readers Copies (ARC’s), and start submitting to each review venue. 5 months or so before the book comes out.
