I find it extremely encouraging that so many authors are now embracing the reality of modern publishing, and acknowledging that they are responsible for creating the buzz around their books.
Those who publish their own e-books understand that the more publicity they can get, the more copies they will sell.
But even those looking for traditional book deals are starting to see the truth – that publishers now only pick authors who demonstrate they can help with promotion.
The problem is, most writers hide under the desk in terror at the thought of ‘marketing’, because their skill set is writing, not selling. The reality is that all writers need that elusive book publicity, but don’t want to become the literary equivalent of a used car salesman.
Nor can they afford to spend a fortune in the process. What to do?
The Solution: Get Reviewed By High-Profile Book Bloggers
Book bloggers are high on the trust list for readers, which means they’re among the most influential connections we can make. These bloggers read a large number of books, and have an audience of readers collectively amounting to millions. Their subscribers trust their opinions and buy the books they recommend.
This makes them an incredibly powerful source for promotional help. In fact, they can make an author famous, almost overnight sometimes. I’ll talk about that in a moment, but first, let’s look at a real life example of someone achieving incredible success from using this tactic…
Paranormal author Amanda Hocking is perhaps the most visible recipient of this ‘book blogger effect’. She had written solidly since a teenager without stopping, but no agent or publisher would take the remotest interest in her books.
Resolute, she decided instead to self-publish the books herself on the Amazon Kindle. But initially she only had the merest flicker of sales.
She was almost at her wits end when salvation suddenly appeared – in the form of book bloggers.
Quoting from her site (abbreviated):
“… In May, I sold 624 books and made $362.
Then in June, something truly magical happened.
I discovered book bloggers. I had no idea such people existed. These guys are my heroes. I asked several if they would be interested in reviewing my books, and most said yes, even if they didn’t generally review self-published work….
Then something surreal started happening.
My books were selling. Like, really selling. So, thanks in large part to book bloggers, June turned into a very good month. I sold 4258 copies of all three books combined, and I made a total of $3180. In July, I sold 3532 books and made $6527.
Here’s what August looks like for me: I’ve sold 4873 books this month (as of 12:50 am). I’m estimating that I’ll make over $9000 this month….”
The 26-year-old self-published author went on to sell over 450,000 copies of her e-books in January 2011 alone, for between .99c and $2.99. She’s since sold far beyond a million books, and belongs to the Kindle Million Seller club.
Do the math. She’s now a millionaire, and it was all set in motion by the book bloggers.
The takeaway lesson from her success is obvious – get as many high-profile book bloggers as possible to review your book. But to achieve this, you need to approach it the right way…
How To Be Reviewed By Book Bloggers
Influential book bloggers now receive so many books from new authors, they end up swamped. If your book is just another random novel ‘on the pile’, there’s a good chance they won’t ever read it.
Becoming known to a blogger before asking for the review can therefore make a difference. If you’re known to them, then given a choice of too many books to review, they’re more likely to choose yours. The solution is to open up a conversation about the genre in which you both are highly interested.
I’m talking about making them aware of you, and discussing things of joint interest, not becoming their ‘best friend’. Fortunately most book bloggers I’ve come across are very nice people, and I’d go so far as to say that they are the most helpful group of people I’ve come across online.
5 Tips For Approaching Book Bloggers
1. Find book bloggers who ‘fit’ with your genre best and have a large readership
To find out how popular the blog is, type their blog address into the ‘site info’ box at Alexa.com. If they are in the top 100,000, then they’re reasonably popular. Top 50,000 is even better.
You also need ensure that they’re the right fit for you. So look for bloggers who have already reviewed other books in your genre. Also check the general tone of their reviews – do they have a tendency to treat books harshly, and is this a risk for you?
2. Check their availablity
Look into whether they actually accept books to review, or you’ll be wasting your time otherwise.
3. Engage with them on Twitter
If you’re on Twitter, engage with them and cast opinion, and of course discuss the intrigue of genre – even argue the point if you don’t entirely agree. The same applies to Facebook and G+. Overall, you both have a fascination for books of this genre and the world around it , and that is the point.
4. Canvas their ‘expert’ opinion
Ask for help on things you really do want to know about, by email, Twitter or Facebook.
5. Engage with them on their blog
You can leave comments on their blog, again – all pertaining to things of interest in the genre, not your own book.
In sum, you gradually make yourself visible on your own terms. Taking a cynical or sycophantic approach won’t work either. There’s no point in artificially attempting to ‘be their friend’. Instead, being yourself and conversing about the subject intelligently because you genuinely like it is the path. Remember that bloggers are people too. You are making yourself visible with a unique point of view and a fascination for the entire subject of the genre.
It takes time, so start early while still writing your book. Eventually, when you introduce your book for review you will not be an unfamiliar ‘door to door salesman’. The book blogger will already be aware of who you are, and the door is more likely to open.
If you’re interested in learning more, I cover how to approach and connect with book bloggers in much more detail in Module 4 of my mini-course Twitter For Authors.
As well as a detailed strategy for getting them to review your book, that Module also includes a list of recommended book bloggers and their websites.
Have you started talking to book bloggers yet? Are you a book blogger yourself? Please do leave a comment below.
Article written by Jonathan Gunson
Author / CEO Bestseller Labs
Notice: This article is copyrighted material. Reproduction of brief snippets of this article with a link to this site are permitted, but it may not be reproduced in full anywhere without the written permission of Jonathan Gunson at BestsellerLabs.com
Thanks for an excellent post. This has given me real food for thought.
Great post. I agree that building a relationship with bloggers is a great idea. I have met some really fantastic people this way and they are now big promoters of my work, which is so fantastic.
I like the idea of building a good rapport before asking for a review though. I met most of these people through an arranged blog tour, so that was a great way of doing it too.
Some excellent points here. Thanks so much for sharing
An arranged book blogger tour is a great shortcut Melissa. Especially if you can find a good convenor to make the book blogger connections. Pure gold.
Hello, this post was a very good source of information. I am the owner of Urban Fiction News, a blog that provides information and resources for fiction and urban fiction writers. I find it off putting when people assume I’d like to review their book. When people are interested in what I am interested in and also request a review I am always more willing to read their work and create a post around their book titles.
This is true and it works. Over the last 2 months I have been contacting book bloggers and making friends. I’m still getting to know a ferw more. This is to do a ‘blog tour’ all on the one day in September. On that day my book will look like it is **everywhere**.
You say ‘the trick is to know the right way to approach these people’. I didn’t find it hard, all of the bloggers I talked to are really, really nice people.
Thanks for this helpful insight! I’m wondering how to find bloggers for my niche of children’s books — or even smaller– Christian children’s books. I did Google and found a few. Thanks for the Alexa tip!
Gloria
Try typing #YABookBlogger into the search box on Twitter. Or try typing in Childrens Book Blog. That should generate some interesting rabbit holes for you to dive into.
Thank you! Will do!
Than you, will try this
I finished my first book ‘ The Night I danced with Rommel ‘ and it is now out at amazon kindle and printed, via self publishing. my book is a historical novel based on facts ( my mothers story) can you please advise me how I can find bloggers ?
Thank you Elisabeth
A really good tip, I will get on to it straight away, keep your fingers crossed & watch this space, Thanks
It is assuring and inspiring to know that authors/illustrators can find creative, new avenues to share their work. Amanda Hocking’s account is amazing.
Thanks for posting this, along with the Alexa tip.
Bloggers can be extraordinary in their generosity. PS. I appreciate the connection on Twitter Steve. Our writer’s world grows more village-like every day.
You make perfect sense and thank you for sharing the info on Alexa site. You are a very genuine person. Your interest shows when someone asks a question even just musing. You always reply with something helpful.
It’s important to encourage writers. We hold the lessons of life in our minds, just like everyone else, but as writers we have the vital task of reminding the current generation of them with stories. The story teller is pivotal and loved.
Jonathon, great information. My book’s been reviewed by a few bloggers, but I see now the value in focusing my energy on this influential group. Really enjoying all your posts. I’m also taking your advice on the producing a book trailer/author video based on Rebecca Skloot’s video. Glad to have found you as a resource. I like how you break it down and put everything in simple terms so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Have a great day!
Standing by for the video Stephanie. Cecil B. DeMille style, super-glossy movie production values are far less important than intriguing HUMAN content.
I have trouble finding bloggers for my niche. I write clean romances, not Christian, although I am a Christian
, not inspirational, but secular. Should I start with the inspiration and Christian romance bloggers and build report as you suggested, with them? I’d think my book would overlap with most of their readers. I’m a debut author and new at all of this. So much to learn! 
Thanks, Jonathan, for your inspiration and insights!
Joy, I do reviews sometimes of books not in the Christian genre as long as they are clean.
Contact me
dlbrandmeyer @gmail. com
Diana
http://www.pencildancer.com
Diana. I’ve notified Joy in case she missed your offer. Thanks Jonathan
Thank you for emaiIng her. We’ve been in contact.
I’ve also had some success with finding reviewers after reading your post.
Diana
Great news Diana.
Joy, I see the point. But overall the priority should be to target bloggers (believers or otherwise) who are capable of promoting your book effectively.
The fact is, you do have an additional advantage. Bloggers who are believers (at any level) will of course be more attuned to your work if they discover that you are ‘one of them’, even if the work is not overtly Christian. That will certainly help you get your foot in the door. But first ensure they do actually have an audience.
Overall, place attention on just a few at a time, so the rapport you create is genuine. Honestly, it doesn’t have to be that deep. You’re likeable, with good quality books, so just quietly tap on their back doors.
Joy, I have recently launched a website featuring audio interviews with indie authors talking about their books. I would invite you to have a look and see if you’re interested.
Thanks!
Bill Thompson
thebookcast.com
Joy, you may also want to check out the INSPY award page for the judge listings. Though it’s primarily Christian based books, many of those judges prefer reading clean romances over others. This may be a great resource for you.
Jonathan, your posts show you are ahead of the curve. Thanks for the information. I’m not there yet, as I’m still hoping to publish my book, and the ones to follow, the traditional way. Even so, I know the onus is more and more on the author to promote their stories. What you’re suggesting is how to build that support group, that community. As you say, the people out there on the book blogs are wonderful. It can be win-win, like what was exemplified in author Catherine Ryan Hyde’s wonderful novel, Pay It Forward.
There’s nothing to stop you from publishing on Amazon as well Diana. And it can also create the opportunity to prove your books to a trad publisher. I call it ‘the new slush pile’ – a way to prove your work is liked while waiting to be ‘picked’ traditionally: http://bestsellerlabs.com/how-to-get-a-six-figure-book-deal (No, publishers don’t sneer at e-Books any more.)
A really interesting article and food for thought. There is so much information for new authors and it is quite difficult to pick and choose who will give the best advice.
Shirley, focus on one thing at a time, particularly on things that build your author community and a band of readers on Amazon who like your work. Point is, there’s time to build, because with Amazon, books never go away. The chance to build your community continues permanently. Previously, books ‘went out of print’. Not any more. The power of using this ‘permanently published’ syndrome to build a reputation step by step has not occurred to most authors brought up in the traditional print publishing world.
Hi Jonathan – thank you for following me as I am a Twitter virgin and all of this is new to me
. With all of your followers, I honestly didn’t think you would have the time to give personal responses, so it was a very pleasant surprise to find that you did! I am a brand new indie author of a previously agented almost-made-it-traditionally book…definitely want to find bloggers for I KILL ME (several elements: women’s fiction, divorce, hypochondria, humor), but am overwhelmed with not knowing where to look. If you have a tip for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much!
Hi Tracy. There are so many ways to locate book bloggers. But here’s one for starters. It’s one of the many links in my ‘Twitter for Authors’ course in which I teach how to locate and get alongside book bloggers so they will review your book. (That was an unabashed plug for my course.) Lots of bloggers here: http://bookbloggerdirectory.wordpress.com/ Or another way is to try typing in ‘Chick Lit Book Blogger’ or similar into Google. But first, some questions:
1. Do you hold ALL the rights to your book? (Excellent)
(Brilliant)
2. I assume your ex agent has no claim? (Cool)
3. I see you are e-Publishing your book on Amazon. (Good – that is the real future of authors.)
4. Is it the first in a potential series? (Great)
5. Does it fit into a precise niche? e.g. Romantic Fiction. Looks ‘slightly wicked’ in the Amazon description
Jonathan, thank you so much for the link and advice…love the “slightly wicked” description of my book
– yes! You are wonderful to give personal responses – and so timely, too. Thanks again.
Jonathan,
Thanks for opening us to this wonderful world of publicity.
I e-mailed you for a request to contribute to my book for authors and bloggers but I am yet to hear from you.
Kindly contact me sir!
Sheyi
Great post! I’ve been considering epublishing lately, but a lot of the book bloggers I’ve looked into will only review traditionally published work. Any advice on narrowing the search?
RE Bloggers who review eBooks. This requires examining their posts to determine which type of books they review. Fortunately the stigma of self-publishing is fading fast.
Thank you so much for this, Jonathan! Adding this to bookmarks so I don’t forget it.
Your advice to Tracy (including the wordpress link you provided) and Joy will be invaluable to us. We write in a relatively small niche, but hope that a wider audience would still find our ‘visionary’ fantasy-adventure series appealing.
The reminder that success doesn’t have to (and probably won’t) happen overnight is also one I needed to hear today. Kindle Select was a disappointment for us, and didn’t provide the increase in visibility we had hoped for. Little by little – and ‘every little helps’!
Thanks again for your advice and support – it is genuinely appreciated.
Another great post Jonathan. I think you absolutely hit the nail on the head with this.
I think it just outlines the significance of identifying a target market, too. If you aren’t sure of it yourself, then the search for reviewers becomes much more difficult. Therefore, identifying your niche is probably one of the most important early stages in marketing, yet one that so many people try to skip.
Keep it up Jonathan – really enjoying the blog!
Fiction genre selection is crucial when promoting. It’s possible to write in several, but there needs to be a body of work in each.
Hi Jonathan – I wondered where you’d gone after the good Ol’ Cafe Videos
A great post for Newbies like myself entering the ‘World Of Kindle’ – not sure I’ve got the necessary social skills to follow up though.
I was pointed in this direction by Tiffany Dow, another Kindle newbie (who does have the skills
)
But cheers anyway – I’ll be back here regularly for sure – Ven
Welcome back Ven, fiction writing is a very special vocation. BTW. I’ve been in touch with Tiffany Dow as a result of your comment. She’s someone I’ve not seen for a while, so a bonus thank you.
Hey, thanks for this great post! I knew that book bloggers are important but I had no clue how to approach them successfully (or how to easily find book bloggers for my genre). Very valuable advice here!
Best,
Saoirse
It’s been said, but I have to concur: GREAT advice. Thanks so much.
Marvellous post Jonathan, but every Book Blog I’ve been to isn’t accepting submissions. It seems everyone has jumped on the bandwagon since Amanda Hocking’s success and they are now inundated; having enough reading material to last until the human race has left this blue planet to live on Mars!
Simon. Let me clarify this for you. (I plan to be encouraging!)
The issue you face is that, yes, most book bloggers won’t accept submissions right off the bat, because they’re all too busy, or saturated with submissions, just as you say. That’s why you need to do as outlined in the post – get to know the selected bloggers you want to approach properly, and I mean properly and genuinely. (A couple of quick social media contacts simply won’t cut it.) What is required is basically a campaign – with focused, ongoing and concerted effort. In fact quite a lot of work needs to go in, a considerable investment of your time. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.
Eventually, if you persist, it will allow you to cut in line. Bloggers who had previously seemed impossible to persuade will suddenly make room if you’re genuine, and then you’re on the road to that high-value review.
I was amused and surprised to read this, because while I had never thought of doing this, I do have a book blogger friend who has reviewed both my indie novels side-by-side with novels from larger publishers and happily promoted me because we’re friends. I was so busy just being friends though, it never occurred to me it was an actual strategy for jumping in line with her long review list. I never expected it, she just always was thrilled to help me out. We met at a critique group before she got started reviewing books. We continue to promote each other too, I’m interviewing her on my blog this week about becoming a reviewer. Good book reviewers are just as important as good authors.
Ardyth. You are fortunate indeed to have a relationship with someone who’ll support you. I assume you are referring to Nayuleska, author of “Nayu’s Reading Corner”?
Becoming visible to book bloggers is a common sense move for writers who don’t have the luxury of existing relationships. There’s no doubt that book bloggers need to be treated with the same respect as anyone else, and I would never counsel writers to approach them in a cynical or calculating way. That is not the intention of this post.
[...] of my eNewspaper The Morgen Bailey Daily, I spotted a retweet of Jonathan Gunson’s article http://bestsellerlabs.com/how-to-get-massive-free-publicity-for-your-book which recommends getting pally with book reviewers and bloggers and includes the following 5 Tips [...]
This is a wonderful and very informative post, I have bookmarked this for reference as i am an author as well! I have been frightened and at a lost as to how I was going to promote my very first book, which is self published and this helps so much!
Question though, does this apply only to ebooks? Because my novel is in both ebook and paperback formats.
Thank you
Sincerely
Tina Traverse
This applies to all types of fiction Tina for both eBooks and printed books. And a printed book sent to a book blogger is going to gain more attention – at least initially.
Hello Jonathan,
I caught this post via my online newspaper, and I’m grateful for the tips. I’m an independent author with a horror novel and a newly released sci fi under my belt, and I’ve been learning all I can about marketing them. I’ve understood the importance of bloggers, but you’ve opened my eyes to the importance of developing a rapport with them. Right now I’m trying to wrinkle out the conflict between marketing and actual writing, but I’m getting to the point where I will be setting aside separate days to do one or the other. It’s tough with time constraints, but I’m determined to learn and apply whatever I can to succeed. Thanks again, I’ll be sure to subscribe to your page.
Bard. Your marketing began when you chose to write in a specific genre. I imagine you’ll settle in either the sci-fi or horror genre – only by writing will you discover your natural genre ‘home’. It’s possible to write in several different genre, but be aware that to maximize market effectiveness, each needs to be a whole series of books eventually. See post http://bestsellerlabs.com/the-hottest-tip-no-fiction-writer-can-afford-to-ignore/
Thanks, John. I have sequels planned for both books, and I’ll see which series garners the most interest. I also have two YA series in the works and the first book in a fantasy series that’s written but just needs some editing TLC. My major road bump is time management, which is something I have to concentrate on in order to get all this writing out of my head and onto the published page…
Re: Time management. This truism may help.”Beginning is half done.” Great days ahead Bard. Keep me posted re progress please.
Thank you so much for this article, Jonathan. I have subscribed to your posts and I look forward to learning more about book marketing. I write thrillers, crime, suspense, intrigue, espionage, corruptions etc… Do you know any bloggers that specialize in this genre? I have only had one reviewer who specialize in this but he is not blogger. Thanks again for the post. I have shared it.
Suzanna. I appreciate the share thank you. Re. Locating blogs. Use the various genre words you’ve just listed above this way: Type ‘Thriller blogger’, or ‘Thriller reviewer’ into Google search, and open the top listed blogs that you find. Once you’ve isolated ones you like / look promising, go to Alexa.com, and enter them one by one into the ‘site info’ box to see how popular they are. (Alexa measures site traffic.) Anything over 100,000 (Rank in U.S.) is not very popular, anything under 50,000 is very popular.
Do exactly the same thing in Twitter search – type ‘Thriller Blogger’ and then follow your nose. The Tweets can contain quite a lot of useful information.
Thank you so much, Jonathan. I will do just that. Have a good day.
[...] How To Get Massive Publicity For Your Book Without Spending A Cent by Jonathan Gunson [...]
Jonathon, I’m so grateful to have opened twitter this morning to find your great publicity tips. This May I published my first ebook on Smashwords – http://smashwords.com/books/view/159234, but they’re duking it out in the ring with Amazon. Add to that, I like having more options such as Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Sony and more that SW distributes to. I’ve only sold four books for my nonfiction how to on debt and really need to get going on marketing it. Since I only see fiction books on twitter in the sci fi, fantasy and horror genres, I’m beginning to think no one reads nonfiction anymore.
I’m looking forward to using your tips, reading your book and going to work instead of whining and complaining. Thanks again.
More non-fiction books are sold than fiction Jeanie. It’s a matter of finding where your potential buyers gather and interacting with them. Here’s three suggestions:
1. Write lots of brief posts that give away USEFUL information on your blog.
2. Follow lots of people in your market on Twitter, then tweet 7 times a day with interesting ‘how to’ tweets that have links to the articles you have written on your blog.
3. Put your book for sale on the side bar of your blog, plus links to it at the bottom of each article, with the text “If you’d like to know more about getting out of debt, see my “How To Get Out Of Debt Without Actually Paying” book for 17 ways to escape debt, while still paying all your normal bills OK.
There’s many more things to do of course. But this will get you started.
Jonathan,
Thank you for the helpful tips. Having released my book several weeks ago via paperback and digital versions. I’m gotten connected into the Goodreads world and am starting to learn Twitter as well. I’ve got my full author profile uploaded onto Amazon as well.
The book has been highlighted a few times in blogs, reviewed by others, and interviews from other bloggers within Goodreads in the coming weeks. What else can I do to get it out there?
Thanks,
Lee
Ray. Keep to the social media paths you’re taking before adding more. Focus on them so you learn the tricks that make them pay, rather then spreading yourself too thinly across many social media points. Goodreads is a place where great connections can be made for example, and of course Twitter where you can interact live – most of the time.
Do you have a blog? Limiting myself in the I’ve just described is exactly how I’ve collected together such a large number of people on Twitter, and they now help build this blog traffic and, for example, sales of the ‘Twitter For Authors’ course. For many of the posts here I’ve been able to attract over 1000 visitors each just from Twitter.
Building your author brand is a steady career long task, not one book splash. Overall you’re building a permanent, lifelong tribe of committed “Ray-holics”.
I have to admit, as a book blogger, this article has made me a little paranoid! I often advocate authors reaching out to book bloggers in a genuine way, but the specific tips are going to leave me wondering if an author I’ve just met is agreeing with me because they really agree, or agreeing with me to get on my good side. :\ That seems a little opportunistic to me; the thing to remember about us is that we’re just real folks writing about books because we love to write about books. It’s going to hurt a lot if we figure out you were only enthusiastic to get your book reviewed… and word gets around among book bloggers, you know?
Honestly, just treating book bloggers like they’re people and making their friendly acquaintance before pitching your book puts you ahead of the game.
I also have to say, if you get in TOO friendly with a book blogger, that can backfire. I’d never review a book by someone that I consider a friend, because I’d look unbiased (or wouldn’t want to write a poor review if the book merited it, and might end up not reviewing it altogether).
No paranoia needed! I hope no-one else construes this article as suggesting writers take a cynical approach to book bloggers. Although I guess one might interpret it that way.
I even say in the article that book bloggers are people too, not numbers. The very last thing I would suggest is an insincere approach to people in our industry. Now this may sound Disneyish, but a cynical approach to a relationship is verboten in my world. In fact there’s no question that any approach a writer makes to a book blogger must be genuinely intentioned. I also agree re avoiding being sychophantic. Even more to the point, is that getting to know someone in our industry (in this case a book blogger) is a wonderful opportunity to make the acquaintance of someone with a common interest to share.
Thank you for your reply and tweet
Yes, I did note your call to be genuine and not cynical (or, I would use the word opportunistic), I just felt that the specific advice belied that distinction a tad. I did get a good laugh when a writer friend of mine tweeted to me, “I agree with your response; and by the way, I have this book I wrote…” ^_^
[...] Bestseller Labs, blogger Jonathan Gunson recently offered five tips on How to Get Massive Publicity for Your Book Without Spending a Cent. Insert self-deprecating jokes about my blog stats [...]
how do you start?? I’m fifteen and I’m kinda’ writing something. I want to become a writer so bad and I want to be recognized. . . My teacher says I have potential. please email me. . .
Best thing is to follow this blog (and others to gain a balanced view) learn from it all, READ as much as possible, and actually start writing. One other thing: Watch the Maeve Binchy 2 minute video. It will inspire. http://bestsellerlabs.com/maeve-binchy-her-writing-secrets-interview/
This is something I had not considered–thank you. It will be challenging to find one that is a good fit for my coming of age novel with a mental illness twist, addiction chaser, and doses of dark humor. Chic lit noir. However, I recently read an absolutely perfect novel with a similar theme of surviving child abuse, Nancy Werlin’s “Rules of Survival.”
hi Jonathan,
Your advice here is sound, reasonable, and worth heeding.
I am not a traditional book blogger, per se, but as a onetime member of the “mainstream media” I bring years of experience interviewing authors to a new website featuring audio interviews exclusively with indie authors (www.thebookcast.com).
I would certainly welcome inquiries from indie authors in all genres.
Thanks!
Bill Thompson
Hi Jonathon,
I really enjoy reading all your tips and strategies. I am new to all this but recognize that this is the way to go. It is a steep learning curve for me – but I have my feet on the first rungs. I write children’s picture type books (for 4-6yo) as well as chapter books about fairies and elves. All my books feature Australia and its flora and fauna.
Keep up your fabulous work of sharing the knowledge – it certainly has helped me – speak to you on Twitter!!
Maureen. You have a kindred spirit in Sally Smith – she builds Faerie houses, and puts out a very nice newsletter here: Green Spirit Arts
Have you thought of putting up snippets of your illustrated work on Pinterest? (With your website address on each to protect them.) It’s yet another way to help build a market while you develop a book.
What a wonderful post Jonathan, thank you.
Book Bloggers sound like the writing equivalent of Business Angels and – God knows – we struggling writers could do with a bit of divine intervention sometimes!
Thank you. I needed this information as a newly self-published author.
My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success
Great post Jonathan! And thank you for the kudos to us book bloggers!
I’d add that I’m not incredibly sure how reliable Alexa is due to the fact that in order for them to include all of your stats and info you have to pay a monthly fee. Most bloggers I know shy away from that. That being said, I don’t know that there really is a sure fire source for stats that will have people knowing exactly where to go. My suggestion over looking at basic stats is much like what you mentioned, become engaged with book bloggers. Look who’s talking on twitter and interacting with their readers either on their blog or on Facebook/Twitter/elsewhere. We’re a chatty bunch and those that are really involved tend to have a stronger readership.
Fantastic post though and again, thank you for the support of what we do as book bloggers!
Danielle, book bloggers are part of the glue between readers and writers. People such as you will become increasingly important in a connected world.
Hi Jonathan!
Awesome post. I’m following your suggestions and have actually been doing much of them before I stumbled on it! Question: As reviews begin to come in on my new contemporary, young adult novel, Overnight Sensation (shameless plug) I want to know as a newbie, is it okay to use quotes from a book blogger review on my website and Facebook page as well as entire reviews? And if so, what is the proper protocol in doing so? Thank you for any suggestions on this!
Since summer 2011 I’ve been book-blogging actively and also reading other bookblogger’s weblogs. It’s interesting to see that most of them do have a review policy for people who want to send them books for review.
Coincidentally I’ve only come across alexa for the first time this week, but the way I find bookblogs I like is to check the reading lists of bookblogs I already know about (most of them also include a list to other bookblogs somewhere on their site – on WordPress and Blogger mostly in the sidebar, on Dreamwidth and Livejournal on the profile page). Sometimes I also use a search engine to search for the book title + “review” + “weblog” or “blog”.
If you’re both an author and a bookblogger, it’s also fun to join “reading challenges” organised by other bookbloggers. They include links to the blogs who join and you get readers, who might keep reading your weblog and then also come across your own book.
Another site which I think is very useful for book promotion and finding reviewers is librarything.com . There is a lot of information about how to use librarything as an author.
Thanks Jonathan for extending same favour like the Governor
of bank of England extended to you .It is amazing what people
will do for you if you just ASK.Thanks for the ebook again.
Am really motivated by ur articles on ur site and responses
of others
Jonathan,
This is an EXCELLENT post (I clicked through from Twitter). I don’t usually come across such applicable information. In fact, I run a writer’s blog, and I would LOVE to re-post this … with your permission, of course.
Are you open to that? Of course, I would include a link back to your blog and a short bio. I know many of my readers, mostly whom are writers and aspiring authors, would find your post insanely useful.
Please visit my site and let me know: http://www.ShariLopatin.com. And email me, if you’re willing to grant me permission: s_lopatin@yahoo.com.
Again, excellent takeaways. Thank you!
–Shari
Hi Shari. Sent you an email.
This is an interesting post but I wonder if comparing anything to Amanda Hocking is valid anymore. I’ve done what you say (Google and approach reviewers) and many, many of them say they are overwhelmed and are not accepting books. Yes, I’ve received some nice reviews, but not anywhere near what Amanda did, and I’ve written a lot of reviewers. Amanda caught onto something that was relatively unknown, but now so many indie authors know of this approach, and so many more people are publishing, that book bloggers are being inundated.
Renee. I agree that book reviewers and bloggers are being inundated, which is why in the article I advise putting an effort into getting to know them before approaching them. A letter alone won’t do it. An author can’t just write to them ‘out of the blue’ any more without having established a rapport to open the door. I’m with you on this in principle – it definitely requires putting in far more work than Amanda Hocking did.
Wow, thanks for sharing this tidbit. I’ve been shaking figurative hands in the blog world since publishing my books back in August, but have largely connected with other writers. Which, while enjoyable and a great way to network, doesn’t get books read or talked about, which doesn’t amount to sales. I’ll start broadening my horizons in the direction of book bloggers.
Great post, I am a published author who is always looking for ways to promote my two children’s novels. After doing a few interviews and having some reviews done I set up my own blog for interviews and reviews. It’s called Stitch Says and I am happy to assist in promoting other authors as it is so difficult to do. I’m also greatful if a few of the authors return the favour. I think we can all help each other out. If anyone would like an interview or a review they should contact me at: http://stitchsays.wordpress.com/
Thanks Ashley. A great offer I’m some will take up.
~Jonathan
Great advice! Thanks for sharing! I can understand how frustrating it’s got to be to dig through so many requests for reviews. Of course they’d appreciate someone taking time to get to know them before asking favors.
Ryan. It would be helpful indeed for all authors to understand this principle of genuinely ‘warming up’ bloggers as clearly as you do.
~ Jonathan
This is a very helpful thread. I found out about goodreads when I googled myself after self publishing a non-fiction book last February. I had reviews there and joined right away. I am sure I could be using it more effectively, and have yet to connect with a blogger who reads non fictions dealing with end of life, Alzheimer’s, broken hearts and the choices we make out of love. I am on Amazon, B&N, my own website, ColleenLanier.com, and am struggling to reach my audience. Here’s my goodreads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14531292-miles-from-home I welcome any feedback at all. Thanks!
Colleen
Your (non-fiction) book deals with several issues, but to sell successfully, your marketing communications need to be split up and targeted at very specific audiences, not several subjects rolled into one. e.g. Focus your communications on people only interested in Alzheimers. i.e. Split out your audience into its various types and communicate with each independently. Check out the comment below to Syliva. It’s closely related: http://bestsellerlabs.com/why-every-author-must-be-on-goodreads/#comment-2446
~ Jonathan
[...] If readers won’t buy without reviews, how can you get reviews without readers? * Although Jonathan Gunson mentions that 60% of book reviews on Amazon are 5 star, and another 20% are 4 star, anyway. An [...]
Thanks Jonathan. I have read a lot of your articles – very practical and informative. I am a first time writer based in Zimbabwe in Africa. I write fiction- mystery. Looking at all best sellers I am wondering if there ever has been any bestseller from someone using English as their second language. I intend to self publish on kindle because I do not see any doors opening in traditional publishing channels that easily. Thank you again for all the information. I am learning a lot.
Zorodzai
It makes not a wit of difference that English is your second language with regard to STORY. That is a universal language, and is the real key to the door. (An English editor can help clean up any misfires on the writing front.)
~ Jonathan
Hi Jonathan. Thanks for your extreme generosity in sharing advice and tips with us all. It is really helpful, especially when starting out. I had no idea that book bloggers were so important in self-marketing, so am working my way through all the comments here, picking out what might work for me. I’ll keep you posted. – and thanks again.
Noelle
Book bloggers are saturation bombed by authors looking for book reviews. Most authors read this advice, understand the problem, particularly that it requires joining queues and getting to know people in the industry. But tragically (or comically) they go ahead and throw their book at bloggers anyway and wonder why there’s no response. Fortunately you seem to have a far better grip on this.
~Jonathan
It happened to me, too, so I get it. I was a journalist for 25 years and 75,000 people read my columns every week, folks I’d never met who felt like I was their next-door neighbor. It occurs to me I’ve done the same thing with you. I’ve been reading your blog for months. I’m meticulously working my way through your Twitter for Authors course—printed it out and it’s already dog-eared, highlighted and underlined. I figure it’s time I said hello and thanked you for the incredible help you’ve given me. I’ve published 6 novels, 7th releases in April, working on the eighth. But the whole marketing/platform/social media/gotta-do-Twitter-FB-GR-G+-Pinterest-Linkedin-oh-and-book-bloggers-too-now-now-now-NOW!!!—whew! I’m so new at all that I’ve still got the tag on my toe. And to quote the old sax player in The Last Safe Place, “I would rather face down a serial killer with a sinus infection and poison ivy on his privates than do what you tellin’ me I got to do.” I would sooo rather crawl back into my little cottage in Buckinghamshire and churn out novels, but thanks to you, Mr. Gunsun, sir, I am making progress. Learning. Moving forward. Blessings on you, my friend.
Ninie, an Oscar would be dross by comparison with that extended compliment thank you! I’ve looked over your beautiful website. ‘Suspense colored with hope…’ Always great to see an author with their sub-genre so clearly defined. Equally delighted that you’ve found ‘Twitter For Authors’ so useful. I’m sending you an email.
~Jonathan
An Oscar? Why, thank you, kind sir (executes dainty courtesy), but believe me, a healthy dose of gratitude is not excessive here. Eleven months ago, everything I knew about book marketing would have fit inside a girdle with enough room left over for Mahalia Jackson. Then the Mt. Hermon Writers Conference, March 2012, turned my idyllic writer’s world upside down and shook it—so hard I suspect I suffered a closed-head injury! And suddenly I’m trying to figure out Twitter, build a Facebook fan page, operate a new website (glad you liked it!), GR, G+ and … Since I had become a cottage industry selling ALL SIX of my own books, clearly I needed to yell really loud from one end of social media to the other to make up for the past five years of book promotion silence—right? You know the warm, sticky substance you find in a pile on the south side of a horse going north? My marketing strategy amounted to picking up handfuls of it as fast as I could and throwing it at a wall in hopes that SOMETHING would stick. Then your counsel gave me a plan. Over the course of the coming months, I’ll use it to change my whole social media presence. So you definitely earned a thank you. Shhhh. Listen. That sound you hear is applause.
Ninie
http://bestsellerlabs.com/social-media-train-wreck-that-authors-must-avoid
Do read this social media post if you haven’t already. I wrote it to help authors avoid ending up in a flat spin when using Social Media. It’s far more effective to focus on just a few channels and become expert at those than attempting to be absolutely everywhere.
~Jonathan
This is really helpful information. You see I was worried about my chances of getting published ‘traditionally’ and was looking at alternative options for getting my fantasy novel out there for people. I was considering going and publishing my book through amazon digitally, but I’m not very… good at selling things. This seems far more surmountable than trying to ‘door to door’ salesman my way through.
I’m not even expecting to be million-book famous. I just want my book to have a chance to be seen. and preferably read.
If you have any other advice to help me get through to people, I would appreciate it.
Jonathan, This post is very insightful and more relevant now than ever! I am relatively new to authoring and book marketing and this is very helpful.
Drew. You’re welcome. Take time over approaching book bloggers. Get to know them first.
~Jonathan