Requests left in blog comments?

[Evangeline Han]

What do you think of book review requests left in the comment field in your blog page? There are some people who (doesn't email you despite an email address being clearly provided) leave comments in my blog pages. I don't know if I should contact them or just ignore.

[Lauren Berman]

If it bothers you then you should definitely contact them and politely mention that next time you would appreciate it if they emailed you instead.

I know that there are people out there who genuinely don't know the etiquette (I spend a long time just browsing and getting to know what is acceptable and what's not - it can be very confusing). On the other hand, there are also spammers. Its really difficult to know the difference.

Happy reading and reviewing!

 

[Evangeline Han]

Yes, I agree with you. Differentiating between the spammers and non-spammers is a bit of a problem.

[Gareth Wilson]

To be honest I've had a few of these and if its a title that interests me I will look at it but like you, with a clear email addy being provided I would expect a personal email asking me if I'd look at it.  The other thing that does get to me are those who don't read what you review and believe that you will review thier title even if it falls outside your usual remit. 

 

That's what really gets me and whilst I do expect a certain amount of bulk mail from authors (those who just send out a standard note essentially saying read my book) I do tend to put those higher up my priority list that demonstrate that they know what I do review as well as having some knowledge of the genre.

 

The only thing that you can say if you feel bad about ignoring thier request is:

Dear (insert name),

Thank you for taking the time to contact (insert blog name.)  We love to hear from authors eager to have thier work appear on our site and whilst we appreciate your effort, at this time, due to ongoing commitments we are unable to review this nominated work.

 

Thank you for your time and I wish you continued success in your future,

 

 

Evangeline Han

[Evangeline Han]

I face this problem too. I've had authors emailing me copies of their ebooks which fall outside of the genres I list in my review policy.

Thanks for the email template! I've saved it and will use it. :)

[Meg W.]

I would be tempted to contact them back if I were interested in the book (I'm also trying to get in the book reviewing door) but I do think it's a little rude that they wouldn't email you, especially if your email address is listed clearly on your site. If they were serious about getting their book reviewed, I think it would be better for them to send emails.

[Evangeline Han]

Yeah, I do think it's rude.

[Wynter Adelle]

I have had this happen to me as well.

I don't know about your blog but in my case I actually have a page titled, "Submit your book for review" with my review policy clearly stated, what types of books I am looking for listed, and the email address to send requests to.

 

When I get someone trying to contact me about their book in comments, twitter, etc, I just send them the link to that page, then they read it and if they are still interested/not a spammer, they email me per my instructions. This has been working very well for me so far. I think this has also increased the number of serious authors/publicists to come to me, because my guidelines and preferences help them know they are giving the book to someone who will actually read it/like it. 

 

Hope this helps!

[Evangeline Han]

I do have a review policy page and have listed out all those plus a few terms and conditions. I've contacted back some of the authors who left me requests in comments and most of their books fall outside the genres I listed in my review policy page.

[Wynter Adelle]

Yeah, if they continue to make requests even after you showed them your policy page, I think it is perfectly acceptable to ignore after that.

[Beatrice McClearn]

Speaking from an author standpoint, I'd say it's perfectly okay to ignore. I've been ignored before, and as an author I've watched others rudely go about promoting their work, so I understand. However, be mindful of the impression you may leave on someone. It's much more professional to send a standard template, or maybe post in a place more easily readable on your blog. I understand your frustration, but be mindful of your outlook. If you stay courteous and professional, then that person may refer someone else to you who might be of mutual benefit.

 

I really like that Gareth Wilson took the time to hand over a template for you to share with the requesters. It should only take you a moment to send them the reply.

 

Hope this helps.

Beatrice

[Evangeline Han]

Thanks, Beatrice, for giving an author's perspective. That is part of my concern. I don't want to leave a bad impression on an author.

 

[SidneReadz]

make you a large enough blog badge  or banner that reads:

 

Sure, I may love to review your book, BUT please EMAIL me a request, Thanks.