So, today we are supposed to ask some questions and maybe give a little advice. I published my first book review on this blog one year ago TODAY!!. Since then, I feel like I have learned soooo much, but I still have questions. So, here are some of mine:
1) If you have contacts with publishers, how did you find them and how do you maintain a good relationship?
2) Do you regularly send links of your reviews to publishers? If so, how often?
3) What is the best part of book blogging for you? The most annoying?
I am open to any other comments or suggestions you might have about blogging or this blog, specifically. I love learning more about book blogging!
Ok, some things I’ve learned in the past year –
It never hurts to ask –
Don’t request books for the sake of requesting them, but if there is something you really want, don’t be shy! Send a professional email to the publisher and tell them how much you want to read that book.
If you don’t get the “big” ARC everyone wants…..it’s ok.
It really is going to be ok.
Don’t get too caught up in the follower number.
I struggle with this one. It’s so hard to look at really new blog that has over 1,000 followers, but try not to get caught up in the numbers game. Although your follower number does matter to a certain extent, it’s also important to remember why you started doing this: your love of reading. Focus on reviews, keep working at it and move forward. I am convinced that people will come to your blog if they sense that you truly love what you are doing.
Be kind to each other.
I can’t stress this one enough. Yes, there are times when I would love to take to Twitter and go off on a blogger that I think it being arrogant. As hard as it might be, take the high road. Don’t get caught up in the drama and be respectful. Be respectful of an author’s work. Be respectful of others. The rules that applied in Kindergarten still apply here, in my opinion. It never helps to be nasty to each other. Never.
Make friends.
I have made a few close and wonderful friends in the past year and they are the people I can go to for blogging advice, writing a negative review or dealing with a publisher. My blogging mentors have helped me navigate conventions and the world of blogging. It has helped me so much. I highly recommend finding some people you can talk to honestly about blogging.
That’s it!! I have had such a great time meeting everyone. Thanks for stopping by!
At first I really obsessed about followers. Not so much any more. Great advice.
I struggle with the following thing too but I’m try not to as much. I like the relationship I currently have with other bloggers and readers. 🙂
Fantastic advice. I have a hard time not getting caught up in numbers. Especially since I’ve noticed my has been stagnant for awhile.
THIS.
I used to be so upset that I didn’t have a huge number of followers. Luckily, I’ve matured and realized that I’d rather have one loyal friend who comes often than 4000 people who follow in name only.
Excellent tips/advice.
I completely agree with what you said about twitter and being respectful. I have tried to avoid most of the drama there.
I usually only send links of my reviews to publishers if they have sent me a copy for review. However, if I have written a review of a book that I consider to be extra special and fabulous then I will tweet the link to the publisher.
I don’t have relationships with publishers (yet!), so I’ll be coming back to see if you get any great answers to this! However, I have received a few books from publishers, and for those I always email them a copy of the review. For other reviews, I will generally tweet the publisher/author if it’s a good review, and skip it if it’s a bad one.
Love your advice!
Great post! Thanks for stopping by my Armchair BEA Ask the Experts post.
The relationships that I have with a few publishers just sort of happened organically. I know that isn’t a lot of help. Once they found me, I was always quick to respond with a yes or no and always follow through with a link to the review.
Great advices!
You’re so right about, well everything! 🙂
Have a great weekend, Kate!