HOW TO REQUEST REVIEW/ARC COPIES FROM PUBLISHERS // Structuring your email & what you should say!

Hey guys! Today I’m coming at you with a longer post talking about how to request books from publishers! I’ll be talking about how to structure your emails and giving some general advice on requesting books! I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other topics you’d like me to touch on!

BEFORE YOU START

Before you go to request a book from a publisher, make sure you can tick off all or most of these points:

• You have a platform for reviewing (Blog, Netgalley etc.)
• You have published reviews on  your platform before/ in the last 3-6 months
• You can meet deadlines or publication dates and put effort into your reviews

5 TIPS FOR REQUESTING REVIEW COPIES

1 Don’t stress if the publisher doesn’t get back to you. It might take a couple days, they might not have review copies or they might not like your stats – really there could be any reason they don’t get back to you – either way, you probably won’t get a reply the same day.

2 This goes without saying, but try to request books you’re genuinely excited for – this way you can build up a relationship w the publisher

3 If they accept your request and ask if you want to be on their bloggers/media list say yes – this probably means they’ll send you a catalogue every couple of months with the new releases (you can request these books and hopefully get approved)

4 Always include your address and some iteration of “I look forward to hearing back from you” at the end of your email.

5 Try to find out the name of the media rep for the company and use their name, otherwise just address it to the company (e.g. Pan Macmillan) and use the media email.

SOME EMAIL ADVICE

Before you write your email:

• Do your research

• Check you got the correct email (usually the media

After you write your email:

• Check your spelling & grammar

• Always re-read before sending your email

• Check you spelt the email/s correctly

HOW TO WRITE YOUR EMAIL REQUEST

Subject Line: The Mermaid Review Request

Email:

Hello [insert here],

I’m Ellyn, an Australian, YA book blogger from https://atomic-temporary-92209027.wpcomstaging.com/

I am a big fan of Christina Henry’s novels, in particular, I have loved Alice and Lost Boy. In fact, Lost Boy is one of my favourite books of all time, it was one of my favourite reads of 2017. I would like to request an arc of The Mermaid, Henry’s 2018 book release for review from your publishing company. I have loved all her previous books that I’ve read and am confident that I will also love The Mermaid. I have been reviewing books for two years and on my blog, I currently have [x] followers and an average of [x] views and on average [x] visitors per month.

[you can link your most recent review here if you’re comfortable doing so]

ISBN: [insert here]

My mailing address:
[insert address]

Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind regards,

[your name]

If you’re nervous or not comfortable contacting the publisher try:

• Netgalley & Edelweiss

TIPS & TRICKS

• Include your name, blog url, ysyal genres/age range, address and blog statistics
• Stats: Try to include current followers #, visitors per month & views per month. You can exaggerate a bit with your views and visitors – if you got 600 views in April, 700 in May, 500 in June & 700 in July you could just say 650+ per month if that makes sense.
• Only include your address in your request email if you’re comfortable with doing so.
• Email publishers near you/ in your country.
• Don’t request too many books at one time!

DO YOU REQUEST BOOKS FROM PUBLISHERS?

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TIPS?

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