Many people rely on getting that big break through huge publishing agents; in hopes that their book will get the attention it needs and generate huge sales. However, because many aspiring authors are often turned down by big agents, it has triggered an unearthing of the indie author.
Don't Be Discouraged
You'll be surprised at how many indie authors have done well for themselves, in spite of being turned away by one agent after another. Take indie author Amanda Hocking for example; after receiving so many rejection letters for her YA sci-fi/fantasy novels, she decided to self publish. Just using the e-book and e-reader platforms alone, she became a millionaire inside of ten months. How did she do it? She created a fan base by blogging in addition to using book bloggers to post reviews about her book.
Who are Book Bloggers and What do They do?
Book bloggers are one of the many keys to getting the buzz you want for your book. They take the time at your request, to review your book for free and post recommendations on their blog site. They are ever evolving and are the indie author's best friends. Book bloggers are the godfathers/godmothers of book reviews. Most vanity presses, publishing services and book review services require the self-published author to pay a fee ranging from $175 to $575 (it could possibly be more) depending on the specific type of review you want. That review could be limited to a standard review of 250 words or a 400 word review and permanent listing of your book. If you can afford to pay to have your book professionally reviewed, then go for it.
Advantages of Book Bloggers
The wonderful thing about book bloggers, compared to fee-based book review services, is that book bloggers will review and recommend your book for free on their website. You will have to submit a free copy of your book to them first and they will also post reviews of your book wherever you request. For example, most online book retailers will allow professional book reviews to be posted on their website.
One thing to keep in mind when searching for book bloggers is to narrow your search by the genre of books that the bloggers review. For example, if you wrote a YA sci-fi book, then you should search for book bloggers who specifically review YA sci-fi books. Because book bloggers have followers who are looking for the next best recommended book, this could potentially drive traffic to wherever your book is available. Amanda Hocking herself give rave reviews to book bloggers because they have helped her to generate buzz and successful sales for her novels.
If you have a book out there that you really believe in and you want people to know about your book, one of the first steps is to use book bloggers to your advantage. They live to review books. If you cannot afford to pay for a book review service, then send a free copy of your book to as many book bloggers as possible, but make sure they review books in your specific genre. You don't want to send a humor book to a book blogger who only reviews historical books.
Sources:
Gobry, Pascal-Emmanuel, (2011) www.businessinsider.com/amanda-hocking-2011-2, accessed June 23, 2011
(2011) www.bookreview.com/listing.htm
(2011) , www.lulu.com/services/marketing/book-reviews-marketing-your-book/kirkus-discoveries-express, acc
Demetria Head - Demetria Head is a Contributing Writer in Detroit, Michigan. Her areas of expertise include Health and Wellness, Visual and Performing ...
