In the new, fast paced world of self-publishing the list of tasks an author must perform to be successful seems to be never ending. One the biggest and most valuable promotional tasks you'll need to accomplish when introducing your book to the world is soliciting reviews.
In the days before the Internet reviewers almost exclusively worked for magazines and newspapers. Today they are online and writing reviews for their own outlets as book bloggers. A book blogger is defined as an avid reader who volunteers to write or blog about books on a regular basis to a constantly growing audience.
But, it's not just the audience that's growing.
Book bloggers have their own convention in New York City called the BEA Bloggers Conference that was formerly known as the Book Bloggers Convention. And they even have their own, “Book Blogger Appreciation Week” in September!
But, who are some of the top bloggers out there? Depending on whom you ask opinions can vary on this topic. I've chosen a list that includes a Writer's Digest Top Pick, an experienced review hub, and some up and coming social media juggernauts.
Carolyn Howard Johnson's, “New Book Review” is a Writer's Digest pick for one of the “101 Best Website Picks.”
What's really great about NBR is that its community prides itself on not, “judging a book by its cover or its press.” Instead, if a reviewer likes a book, they let the readers know about it. This approach gives the playing field a refreshing leveling that definitely benefits the new author.
The independent “Becky's Book Reviews” has reviewed over 1,200 books since 2007.
Becky from BBR is a self-proclaimed lover of all things reading and it shows in her recommendations. The real value in her blog (and getting your book reviewed on her blog) is that her readers have gotten to know her views and opinions and have come to trust them. It also doesn't hurt that her blog consistently ranks higher on Google than any other independent reviewer out there.
With social media taking over the top spot for what people use the web for, these reviewers have taken micro-blogging to a level that puts them on the top of your “first to contact” list.
- Eric Mueller is the co-founder of Flashlight Worthy Book Recommendations. Since their inception they’ve grown to have more than 80,000 followers.
- Janette Fuller has found her niche in social media, blogging, book reviews, and even works as a Librarian. She has about 20,000 followers.
- Wayne Hurlbert has over 12,000 loyal followers and hosts Blog Business Success on BlogTalkRadio. He specializes in reviewing business books.
Book bloggers can be an extremely valuable asset to your writing business, They introduce both you and your book to a whole new audience. You just need to remember to remain respectful and you'll be making long-term friends in no time.