ARC's is short for advanced reader copy. Publishers or publicists send out these review copies or galleys pre publication to reviewers. Sometimes authors wanting to help get the word out on their books will offer up arc's to bloggers. For those authors I've decided to list a few, hopefully helpful tips.
When sending an arc query to a blogger
1.Always use the blogger's name, spelled correctly. When there's no name its obvious its a general query sent to a blast list. Some bloggers will say yes to a review copy. However, yes doesn't mean the novel will be read anytime soon once it arrives.
2. Try to avoid using a general query. It doesn't entice or give a blogger a reason to not simply let it sit unread. Bloggers read a lot and usually have a ton reading material to choose from, library, purchased books, gifts other arc's, gifts
3. Include an excerpt. If a general query is unavoidable, there should be an excerpt. Though I think a sample of the novel is always a must.
4. It's better for an author and their novel if they seek out bloggers who read that genre and age level. For author's of children's or YA fiction - a list of bloggers via Kidlitopshere Central
5. After finding a few blogs that you believe will be a nice fit for your novel, go back and read a few of the reviews. Do pay attention to how active the blog is, if its weeks between new post the blogger probably doesn't have time for anything new.
6. If a blog has over 500 followers, chances are good that blogger has a very large pile of books to be read. If they say yes to arc query know that it will probably be a while before they get to it.
7. Bloggers read blogs. Finding bloggers via the comments of a blog with heavy traffic is a good way of catching the eye of a blogger with a ton of followers.
8. Do not have friends and family write bogus five star reviews on Amazon. Before saying yes to an arc query, I'll visit amazon and goodreads. If I see five star reviews claiming the books, the next Harry Potter, I'll quickly say no.
9 Try to give a blogger a reason to read your novel sooner rather than later.
10. If sending the arc on your own dime, use media mail. It will only take a day or two longer and is a lot cheaper.
11. Sometimes you can save your dime, by giving bloggers the choice of getting a electronic galley if its exists.
12. It's great to sell your book to a bloggers, so they will be more inclined to say yes to the query but do not forget to ask if the blogger would like a review copy. Never assume that the copy for review offer is implied. Thanks so much to Reads4Pleasure for 11&12
4 comments:
Great tips. I would also add, offer bloggers the option of receiving the ARC electronically if at all possible.
Oops, I'd also say ask the blogger if they'd like a copy. Seems like something the sender would know to do, but I get a lot of emails where authors or publishers tell me about the book and where it's available for purchase, but fail to ask if I'd like them to send me a copy. My assumption at that point is that they want me to purchase it and I have far too many books in my stacks already that I requested or were sent from publishers that I would prefer to read rather than purchase from an unknown author.
Excellent advice! And gently delivered. It's easy for some folks to forget that authors aren't born with the savvy to handle publicity gracefully.
We have to learn as we go--and it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed when you thought you just signed up to write books.
Book bloggers are a blessing for authors because they take away some of that burden. We owe it to you rockstars to make things as easy for you as possible. Here's one grateful author!
Thanks Reads4Pleasure,and I will add your two tips. The second point seems like such a simple thing but I've also had that happen a few times.
Thanks Ashley and I am glad your publisher Carolhoda YA is on netgalley
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