So You Want to Self Publish: Stage Nine

STAGE NINE: FINDING REVIEWERS

You might want to bookmark this chapter, highlight sections, etc. because as an indie author, this is going to be one of the most important parts of your publishing process. There are multiple ways to find readers to review your work, you just need to know where to start. I am going to break down the different ways you can find the right readers to review your work.

Goodreads – This was the first place I looked when I was hunting for reviewers for my first story. There are multiple groups that you can join and forums where you can solicit for reviews. I’ve also been highly successful at finding readers who read similar genres as mine and direct messaging them a review request in exchange for an e-copy of my novel.

Facebook – There are also Facebook promotion groups in which you can solicit for reviews. I also put up a post on my author page asking for reviewers, so that my followers have a chance to sign up.

Blogs – Direct messaging blogs after researching that they do indeed read your genre and that they are open to submissions. Do not send the file unsolicited, remember it is a review request.

Review Tours – These are put together normally by Blog Tour companies and have usually been a hit or miss for me. There is never a solid idea of how many reviewers come from this, and they normally take months to post the review. This might be my least favorite avenue.

Street Team – This is for more established authors. Once you’ve began building your army, you should have a handful of reader/reviewers you know you can count on at any time.

Here is an example of an email I would send to a blog when soliciting for a review:

Hey Jackie,

My name is Krista Pakseresht, but I write under the pen name of Kira Adams. Recently, I published a romantic suspense stand alone, A Date with the Devil. It is currently available exclusively through Amazon. I have attached the cover along with a few teasers. Below I have included the blurb for you.

The Monster.

In one moment, my entire life was ripped away from me. I ignored the warning signs until it was too late. Until I became the victim.

He took my life away from me; my freedom, my courage. I've lived my life in debilitating fear since that fateful day.

The Savior.

He was there the day it all went down, and he's been by my side ever since. He's been the only thing that's kept me going.

He's my best friend, but he wants more. I'm terrified to lose him. I'm terrified he'll leave.

One tried to kill me.

One brought me back to life.

I'll never be the same person again--that girl died when the match was dropped. Too much has already been stolen from me.

It's time to take back what's mine.

Please let me know if you are able and interested to review A Date with the Devil. I have Epub and Mobi copies available.

Best,

Krista Pakseresht

Goodreads

Facebook

Blog/Website

Short, sweet, and to the point. Most times you won’t receive a response, but there are rare cases in which you might receive a denial. At least you will hear something back. A Lot of bloggers are too busy to personally respond to each and every message. Just be understanding of this.

With the information presented in this chapter it should point you in the right direction when soliciting reviews for your story.