How to Nicely say No Thanks

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I am sure you have all received books from authors and publishers or Requests to reveiw a book you weren't excited to read...

 

How do you say NO without completely turning those publishers and authors off from sending you books in the future?

 

or if your an author, what is the best "No Thanks" you have received?

 

KW

http://www.ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com

 

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I have heard of several reviewers who will review for a fee, but I am not one of those!

 

I agree, its just common courteousy to send a reply... hence why I was asking how to nicely say no. :) Thanks for the feedback! It helps to have an authors perspective! Sorry to hear so many didn't respond, I actually find that a bit surprising!

 

KW

[Nicola O.]

Keith, I really admire your thoroughness.  I guess I'm not too surprised at the "review for pay" - I wonder how that's working out for them?

 

And I agree, it's a surprising no-response rate if you pre-screened so carefully.

[Robert Parry]

Either way, it is good to get a reply when you pitch a book to a reviewer because if they don't reply, you're left wondering if it got swallowed up by their spam filter. A polite 'no thanks' on the other hand, puts the matter to rest.

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I never thought of the simplicity of just a No Thank you... That may just work! Honest, straight to the point, Love it!

 

Thank you!
KW

[Nicola O.]

 Most of the time when I turn down a book it's because I don't think it suits my blog, which very clearly says "romance."  I added a line that says bluntly: "I do not read non-fiction," but I still get queries for dating advice books (bleck).

 

I've also turned down offers just because I might be behind in my commitments already.  Review copies are precious to authors and publishers (I think) and I am SURE they would far rather have you say "no thanks," than to accept it and not get the review done or totally dislike the book simply because it's a bad fit.

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I recently turned down a book after I started reading it. It ended up just not being believable to me... I couldn't get into it. So I wrote the author and told them that I wouldn't be able to complete a review. I think its better to be honest then to either end up with a bad review or dishonest one...

 

KW

http://www.ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com

 

[Kate Lindsay]

I don't think it is all that big of a deal. I just politely say that I don't think that specific book is my cup of tea, but I would still like to be in the loop for future releases. I also say something about how much I appreciate that they take the time to reach out to me, etc. They don't expect every person to accept every book requested. They also don't want a blogger accepting a book they know they won't enjoy. I've never had any be offended, or stop sending me requests because I turned some down. If anything, they really appreciate the honesty and have stated as much to me on many occasions.

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I am finding the same thing as well now that I have turned away a few. At times I have said that I just dont have time right now and at times I have said that it isn't a good fit for our site at this time- Either way, I always think its just best to be honest.

 

I just needed some help with wording :)

 

KW