Elaine Marie Cooper
If you have not read Part 1 of this two-part series on getting reviews, click here to read it.
Assuming you have been hard at work gathering potential reviewers, you should have sent out dozens of requests by now. Be prepared that you may not receive a reply from some. Others may reply but say they cannot commit to this project at this time. Always send a gracious response in return. Perhaps in the future they may accept another request.
Hopefully you will have an enthusiastic group who are excited to help you launch your book baby.
Here is the next VERY important step: The letter that accompanies your PDF.
Open your letter with an expression of thanks. They are taking out many hours of their time to help you. Be grateful.
Your next paragraph should include something like this:
After reading (Name of your book) please write the review as soon as possible while it is still fresh in your mind. Please send me the text of your review so I can keep a file and use the quotes. Also, please SAVE the review in your files somewhere so you can post it on Amazon and Goodreads when the book releases on (date of release). I will send a jpg of the book cover before it releases.
Many of your readers may never have written a review before. Here are helpful tips that I include in this letter:
- Include the title of the book in the review
- If you have any kind of relationship with me (friend, relative, etc.) please do NOT include that in the review.
- Short reviews are fine—sometimes preferable.
- Please do not include any spoilers, i.e. giveaways to the plot.
You would be amazed at some of the well-meaning reviews that say something like “This author is my best friend!” or worse, give a complete synopsis of the book from start to finish.
Help them out. You will both appreciate the final result.
Hopefully, by the time your literary baby is birthed, it will be wrapped in a snug bundle of positive reviews that will help catch the eye of future readers. Best wishes!
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Great article Elaine!! Thanks for valuable information.
Glad it will be helpful for you, Sheryl. Thanks for stopping by!