Ask the Critic: Contacting reviewers

Anonymous asks:

I'm published by a small, reputable press that doesn't do a lot of mailings. My publisher will, however, send out ARCs or review copies if I request them. How best can I approach critics to ask if they would consider a copy? Is there any way to do this without annoying and alienating them?

I have long maintained that it is perfectly acceptable for authors to contact reviewers to inquire about sending a book for possible review. I've never heard anyone complain about this, as long as it's done in a polite, respectful and non-pushy manner. (I even did a poll of prominent reviewers to confirm this a couple years ago.)

I would recommend a simple email like the following: "I have a book coming out November 15th from Five Star Press. It's called Blah, Blah, Blah and it's about this, that and the other thing. May I have the publisher send you a copy?"

That's it. Don't make a sales pitch, don't say how great it is, don't include blurbs, don't refer them to your website or attach a press release. Just be concise, give the basic info and take your shot.

If someone's going to get upset about that, they're probably a grump and wouldn't review your book anyway.

If you decide to do this, make sure to include the following information: Author name, book title, publication date, publisher and a brief synopsis. Those are the facts that I need to know in order to make a decision.

If you've got a question for Ask the Critic, please send it in.

Comments

[Cameron Hughes]

I LOVE when authors contact me rather than me seeking them out in vaguely creepy ways. I feel so professional!

[Melissa]

What a great and valid tip that will add to a writer's success. Another step to success in the writing life that has helped me get over some rejection letters and move forward is http://daragirard.com/books/writers.php. Love it.