.Experienced Reviewer's Help?

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Hi guys,

My problem is that I've sent a few review copy/arc requests out, and I fill out a lot of what I think they need to know, e.g., Follower count, page views, how long I've been blogging, basic stuff. Then I never get a reply. I send it out, and wait for ages for one word: a yes or a no, but I never get one. Is this a common practice? Am I doing something wrong? Could I be sending them to publishers that are two big for my humble 122 follower blog?

 

I've sent a few arc/review copy requests to publishers and authors over the last month or two, but I haven't sent one recently.

 

Thanks guys!

http://thebookbabesreads.blogspot.com

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Dang it. *too

[Linda]

Don't get discouraged, and just keep blogging.  Review library books, free books, and whatever you can get your hands on. Do you also post your reviews on commercial sites?  I always let them know what I will do with my reviews. They will be much more interested if you are posting on commercial sites such as amazon.com and B&N.com.  Also reader websites like this website, librarything.com, goodreads.com. I don't have a huge following on my blog, but I have publishers who send me a catalog and tell me to pick out anything I want.

[Megan @The Book Babe]

I review anything that I can get my hands on. :)

I'm just really impatient, and I want to make a mark. Not usually, I post review on goodreads if someone requests it, I've had a few authors send me books (by contacting me) and request amazon/barnes and noble reviews. I'm on Librarything, but I usually only review books that have come to me through the early reviewer program. I've has several indie authors contact me though. :)

[Alison M.]

I don't think you're going to hear much back until you get lots  more followers. Unfortunately that's really what publishers want. Keep reading and writing though! Perfect your reviewing style. Cross post your reviews on Amazon/B&N/Goodreads. Network with other bloggers. That's only going to help you.

If you want to get books from publishers, start on Netgalley. Consistently prove to them that you're a good reviewer. I'm sure if you do well on there, they would be more willing to send you books.

[Megan @The Book Babe]

I don't understand the huge followers thing, because I've noticed that lots of people get a ton of followers through this site, by follow for follow. It doesn't really seem to be a good indicator if they keeping doing that. I network with other bloggers all the time. I never realized what a great blog community was out here before I started blogging! :)

Netgalley=more willing to send books? Netgalley is hard for me. I want to read all the books they have, and there's just not enough time. I'm limiting myself now. :)

[Alison M.]

I don't understand it either. Especially since GFC 'followers' don't usually reflect the real amount of readers/followers. Maybe it's a combination of good number of followers plus a good number who actively engage/interact on the blog?

From what I've heard from people who've made the jump from eARCs to physical ARCs, Netgalley really is the way to go. It's easy for the publishers to see if sending you books will generate good reviews [not necessarily positive, just well written]. Good idea limiting yourself!

[Megan @The Book Babe]

I have like 100 some foolowers, but I know that some of them have followed me along the way and DON'T actually read my posts....I don't really know?

Netgalley is the way to go...I keep hearing that more and more, so that's the way I'll go! :)

 

[Shay Fish]

Megan, have you read the publisher's requirements in Netgalley? It varies by publisher, but it does seem like the big publishers do have multiple requirements like 1000 followers, 6-12 months of blogging, etc. The smaller ones are more likely to grant, I believe. Also, I understand that print copies are harder to get. Much harder. So, if possible get an ereader if you don't have one. I would try going around the boards here- a lot of authors post requests for reviewers here. I'm a new blogger, too, and I honestly haven't even bothered requesting books from the major publishers.

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Actually, I've spot read them, but 1000 followers seems like a lot. I can't imagine having that many.

Smaller ones=Easier. Ok, I know that print copes are really hard to get. If I'm going to review a book from the publisher that's not on Netgalley, I honestly prefer print copies. An ebook will get pushed to the bottom of the review pile every time for me, because I prefer print copies so much.

I've actually gotten a few like that! How new are you?

[Shay Fish]

I've been blogging less than a month- which is why I haven't bothered requesting from the major publishers. I thought I also saw something about some of them wanting your blog stats- page views, etc. I'm wondering if it would be helpful to do reviews from smaller companies through Net Galley? Does anyone know if the stuff like your reviews is publicly visible? Does that influence other publishers into taking a chance later? Knowing that you do come through with your reviews on a timely basis? Can they see your reviews done through NetGalley? So they can judge your reviews?

I'm the opposite as far as books to- I'd prefer ebooks. I can get an ebook read- if I'm in the mood for the book- in less than a day. If I have a lot of books going I can still get a book read and review done in about a week for an ebook. I push print books to the side. I can't wait for the whole world to go digital.

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Less than a month?! When I started, I really had no idea what I was doing, so I just went with whatever came my way. Yes, they want your page views, and they want to know how many unique visitors you have a month. Maybe it would be....I don't think that they are, I think they get sent to the publisher. I think Edgmont will be a good one for me to keep doing stuff by, because I like their books, and they tweeted a link to my review from netgalley when it went live on my blog!!

 

It takes me two to three days to read an ebook, if I'm steadly reading it. I love print books, though!

[Shay Fish]

I wonder, though, if they ask you to list other publishers you're auto-approved for? Because I did just look and a lot of them ask for your email. So, maybe they track your reviews, ability to follow directions, timeliness that way? 

Good question, by the way. I never gave this much thought and I was just going to blow off the whole Netgalley thing until I hit 1000 followers and had been blogging for at least a year. Now I wonder if I should try to get ARC's at the smaller publishers- if that would make a difference later.