Book reviews are a powerful tool to create buzz about your upcoming book. As a nonfiction writer, these reviews can be a bit harder to come by since there’s generally more critical attention paid to fiction, but here is a technique that has been successful for me:
Create a Google Alert with the keywords “book review” <genre>
So yours might be “book review” memoir or “book review” health.
Note that “book review” is in quotes to ensure the exact phrase is found.
You will begin receiving alerts with links to book reviews on news sites and blogs. Then, view the review links, verify that the site is credible and generates some decent traffic, and make note of the reporter.
Once you’ve gotten that far, look for editorial contact information so that you can reach out directly to the reporter or editor who covers the appropriate news section. Send a note asking if they would like a review copy of your book along with a brief overview of what it is about.
By the way, your best bet is to start building your contact list for book reviews several months in advance. Also, major publications want to review books in advance of the book release, and the rest will want to review the book as soon as it is available.
And of course this strategy will work with a basic Google search as well, though an Alert will keep you informed of current book review listings.
Good luck!
Did you know we host a year-round Nonfiction Book Awards program? Check it out!
Excellent advice, Stephanie. Thank you…