Have you ever been faced with an issue while reading or blogging and thought: I wonder what other bloggers think about this? No matter what genre or audience you blog for, we all face the same problems. Are you a publisher or author wondering what goes on in a blogger's (and by extension a reader's) head?
Blogger confidential is a series of 12 questions asked to 11 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype. This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series.
If you feel inspired by any of these questions, leave your answer in the comments, or create your own post!
This week's question:
Professionalism is key in blogging. What is your best tip for making contacts and/or sending that first intimidating email to an author or publisher?
"Remember that publishing is a business and authors hold their books very dear to their hearts. Just like we like people to read our review policies, I'm sure publishers and authors like book bloggers to have done their homework as well. Find out as much as you can about that author and publisher first. Simply be considerate, professional, undemanding, but don't forget to be yourself." Natasha from Maw Books
"I was, and, to a certain extent still am, one of those bloggers who feels uneasy about emailing authors and publishers. With publishers, I’m afraid that I’m clogging up someone’s inbox, and, with authors, I’m afraid they’re already bombarded with requests. When first contacting an author or publisher, it’s important that your emails are polite, well-written, and succinct. And please be sure you don’t demand. The saying “it’s a privilege, not a right” definitely applies to review copies." Sara from The Hiding Spot
"Be honest. Show your enthusiasm for the book or author (though preferably not in all caps) and then politely inquire after a possible copy for review or offer to help publicize the book in whatever way is helpful. Be sure to include your contact information and then leave it up to them to make the next move." Angie from Angieville
"WAIT. Don't send an email a month into blogging. Do your own thing for a while, build up some readership and traffic, and THEN approach an author or publisher." Trish from Hey Lady! Watcha Reading
"Review a lot. Pick books off your shelf or from the library and review daily until you have at least a few months worth of posts. Beyond that, use Twitter, visit and comment on other blogs, participate in online book events (not only are they fun, but often you can win more books to review) and don't be afraid to talk with the "big" names in the book blogging world (they're all actually quite nice and very helpful). Then, send away! Mention two or three of your favorite reviews and ask only for books you truly want to read. You never know, they may just send them to you!" Danielle from There's a Book
"Be courteous. Earn the interview with a classy request that introduces yourself and your connection to the author. If you don't have a need to interview them on a personal level then don't contact them. Don't contact an author of who's work you haven't read. You are not entitled to an author interview because you are a blogger - so don't act like it. Be polite, people." Adele from Persnickety Snark
"Personalize, and proofread. Nothing makes me click NEXT as fast as a generic, sloppily written, and vague review pitch email. (Or worse, Facebook or Twitter message.) As any level of writer, your writing skills also encompasses your communication skills off the printed page. If your voice, courtesy, and enthusiasm, and specific reasons for why you want to read that author's book cannot be clearly expressed in your email, why should the author or publisher be moved to send you their books for review?" Steph from Steph Su Reads
"My first suggestion is to write your blog from your heart. Do this because you love it. It will be something you can come back to when things feel overwhelming. When you go to email an author or publisher, they will see this and it will work in your favor. Also just be polite." Amy from My Friend Amy
"I feel like talking to an author and talking to a publishing company are two different things. I've noticed, lately, that authors are very willing to talk about giving away ARCs and doing interviews and guest posts via Twitter. Most don't seem to mind you asking.
As far as publishing companies go, I am much more professional until I make a contact that I'm comfortable with. You need to make sure that you have examples of books they have published that you have read, liked, and reviewed before you contact them. Emailing them is ok for most publishing companies now, but some still want a letter or fax with a "company logo" at the top. It's best if you have a specific book that you're interested in, so that they know that you're not just emailing randomly, that you're really interested in their books." Andye from Reading Teen
"My best tip would probably be... before you EVER send that first email and/or contact make sure that you have something to offer to the author or publisher. This does not mean that you have to have X many followers or been blogging for X many months. Also when you email, I think it is very important to give yourself an introduction. For many authors / publishers, it is possible that this is the first they are hearing of you and your blog, so it is important to make a great impression. It is also important to remember to follow up. If you are selected to review a novel, do not forget to send the author / publisher a link to your review." Kate from Neverending Shelf
