5 Easy Steps to Request a Review: For Writers

Even though I’ve closed to review requests, I still get several a week. I simply delete them now. Nowhere on this site does it say I accept reviews. My old review site says I’m closed to submissions and that the blog has moved here (where I am closed to reviews). That doesn’t mean I won’t review or recommend; I plan to continue. However, I won’t be taking requests from people anymore.

Still, I have to see all of these requests and there are some huge flaws in the majority of them. I’m not talking typos or missing words; those don’t actually bother me too much. There are so many other issues with the queries to make a missing word at the end of the list.

Since folks are still checking out this blog looking for my email to request a review, so here’s my “make your request better” list.

#1 – Do not assume anything about me.

That means, do not assume I’ll think your book is the next big hit (I get told this in 1 query a month, minimum). Do not assume I will give you a good review.

Do not assume I have a Kindle and offer to gift me your ebook from Amazon. I have a Sony and a Kobo; I want an epub, thanks. Do not assume I will convert the file using Calibre. Why should I? You’re asking me for a favour. And for pity’s sake, don’t argue with me and say I can just read your book on my computer. Um, I have 2 e-readers! I’m certainly not going to read on my computer.

#2 – Do not insult me or my intelligence.

Do not tell me that I’m a “traditional author” and so I’m nothing more than a bottom feeder who has a publisher propping me up while you are a glorious “indie” author who needs a leg up. Um, I’m serious. I’ve gotten this tone, though more passive-aggressive than I’ve worded it. Bottom line: Do not insult me. You are a stranger, asking me a favour. Why should I help you when you insult me?

#3 – Research the blog before sending a request.

That means looking for the review policy. Don’t see one? I generally assume they aren’t interested in taking unsolicited review requests. They say they are booked until March? Then they are booked until March. If they say they only want full-length novels, send them full-length novels and not your novelette.

Book reviewers review because they love to read. Respect their wishes.

#4 – Include vital statistics in your request.

Genre, word count/page count (include both ideally), format(s) available, blurb, who published it. If it’s self-published either say that (if the review policy asks) or just leave it out. Don’t just make up a publishing company name to sound more legit or use your aunt as an agent and have her send the request (didn’t happen to me, but happened to a fellow reviewer).

If you have a sample or a place where the review can read a sample, include a link. Do not just include a link and say “everything is here.”

#5 – Use manners.

It is a sad state of affairs that we still have to include this one. That means you do not tell the reviewer when you want the review done. You do not tell the reviewer you want 4 stars or more. You do not call the reviewer names at any point. You do not link to your bad review on Kindleboards and call the reviewer bad names. You do not get your cadre to go on Amazon and vote down bad reviews.

You will behave like a mature adult. If you cannot do this, do yourself and the world a favour and stop writing.

Posted on Jan 17, 2012 in Author Clinic | 6 comments
  • Lori Strongin

    Really? People do that?!?! Wow.

    I bet their books read just the same as their review requests–pretentious, arrogant, and something no one wants to touch with a ten foot pole.

    Smiles!
    Lori

  • http://twitter.com/BeasBookNook BeaCharmed

    Amen! I’ve gotten all of those and more. I got a request a few days ago, that basically consisted of “Please read my book, it’s getting great reviews so far” followed by many, many quotes. He did give the book title, but there was no description, no blurb, no indication of genre, etc. Umm, NO.

    I have a review policy, please read it. It saves time for both of us. When I’m interested in reviewing a book, I read the review policy info on the author’s site and/or the publisher’s site so I do it correctly.

  • Jan Morrill

    You would think a lot of this would be common sense, though in today’s world, one cannot assume that. As one who is still dreaming of the day I have my book reviewed, thank you for this list. It gave depth to my dream. :)

    • Kristadball

      It does seem like common sense, but clearly it isn’t! Then again, people say common sense is just what we call the stuff we’ve already learned. I remember being taught how to write letters in elementary school, and my stepkids never did that. Perhaps we need to bring it back, only teach how to write emails…that way, we can reteach some common sense!

  • Pingback: Monday Morning Mashup: 4/9/12 | Jan Morrill Writes

  • Mylife Onestoryatatime

    Kinda have to agree on a lot of what you posted. People really need to learn to write emails. Most times there is no hello even and I have received emails address to someone not me. I agree with requesting a file. I read on a Kindle. Send me the file. I am not going to convert the file. I was asked to read the book and if I agree, please provide me with the proper tools. Courtesy and common sense along with respect. Great post. Thanks.

    • Kristadball

      The expecting reviewers to convert the file makes me homicidal!