I've been compiling a list of possible reviewers for the book I've got out, in the hope that some of them might give it a shot. Just wondering, has anyone got any ideas of how to write a good letter to book reviewers? Is the same as writing a query for publishers or is there another way you are supposed to write it?

Any advice would be great as this is the next step I have to try and get people to let people know about my novel.

Thanks in advance.

As far as I know you just send them a free copy and ask for a review in return.

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Often they have guidelines on their blogs for writers interested in sending them their books or ebooks:

http://booksandpals.blogspot.com/

I think on the whole they get sent out with something which is more like a press release: a hooky summary of the book which doesn't give the plot away too much, a bit about the author and why this book is soooooo exciting, a 'we'd be so delighted if you would like to review this, and please contact x@x.com for them to ask any more if they want to.

Emma

That's cool. I actually have a press release all typed up, so maybe I can amend that to fit what I need for this. I can offer them free copies of the novel as well if need be, but maybe I should do that only if they ask for it.

I think it's up to you whether you send the free copy with the letter, or ask them to get in touch whether they'd like it - though you'll need two different versions. They're certainly not going to review it if you expect them to pay for a copy, though.

Emma

That's a good point, Emma. Thankfully I'm happy to let them have a free copy if the ends justify the means.

Maybe you could limit costs by offering to send them e copy? Would that make sense for you?

I know that hundreds of ARC get sent out, and this often results in a very few reviews. It's a gamble whether it will be worth the money / time / effort.

Actually, my book is only available as an ebook at present, so keeping the costs down will not be a problem. I wonder though, would it be better to send them a press release first, then maybe offer them a free copy of the book. The same way that you would offer to send sample chapters to an agent/publisher?

I see what you mean.

If it were me, I'd rather just get the book along with the press release - esp. if it isn't going to cost you anything. That way I could flick through the first few pages and get hooked without having to send off an email asking for it. Seems like you're adding one more step of work in for the prospective reviewer and it might be worth your while to make it as easy as possible for him / her.

I always query first when I'm proposing to send a paperback. But I can see the sense in what LadyBlackbird says about sending the e-book with the query.

Good luck, Dwriter - hope you get lots of response!

Rosy x

Sadly, it's not gone as I had hoped. All but one of them seem to have come back with email not recognised. I think the list I have may be out of date - or that they don't accept my email address. I'll keep trying though. Perseverence is the keyword.