Internet Publicity for Authors - Online Book Tours

By Kathryn Lively

 Often I am asked how does one go about getting reviews for a novel. Most authors I have met over the years have been under the impression that the only valid reviews are found in the newspaper or in a trade periodical. While such reviews can be a feather in an author's cap, particularly if they are positive, they should not be considered the only source of PR for a book.

An author can find a wealth of resources for obtaining book reviews, if one knows where to look. Yet, before you send those books out for review, it is important to consider this question: when should a book go out for review?

Too soon, or too late?

How soon is too soon for a book to be distributed for review? Depending upon the review source and the marketing schedule of a publisher, advanced review copies of books (also known as ARCs) may go out to reviews as early as four months before the books release. There may be many reasons for the advanced promotion. A reviewer's schedule may be such that it may take four months to get to a particular book, and this way the publisher is ensuring a timely review. Other reasons may be seasonal: if a novel is written for the Christmas season, for example, the publisher may want to garner advanced reviews to tantalize readership during the peak of holiday shopping.

Whatever the reason for sending out ARCs, the message is clear: a book does not necessarily have to be released and for sale for the author to start collecting reviews. If words of praise are collected early enough, the publisher may want to include them on the front or back cover to entice readers to buy. Just make certain the ARC sent out for review is clean, free of errors and bound in a font size that is easily read.

Once you have the best draft available, it is time to distribute to reviewers. Here are just a few suggestions that are not necessarily limited to the media.

Professionals in the field: If your book is non-fiction, be it about politics, self-help topics, or a biography, it would be to your advantage to have an endorsement from an expert in your book's topic. If you have written about an event in the Civil War, considering approaching an historian specializing in that era. If your book is religious in nature, seek endorsement from a noted clergyman.

Authors of similar works: Take a look at the fiction shelves of your favorite bookstore. You may notice that some novels include endorsements from other authors of the same genre. This is especially true for romance and mystery, communities so tightly knit considering the annual conferences these authors attend for networking purposes. If you have written a romance or mystery novel, you may wish to seek other authors for a word of praise. A cordial letter to the authors of your choice may yield good results for you. You might find some authors are willing to read your work, if it means extra PR for them in the form of their names on your cover. Don't feel discouraged, however, if an author you have contacted declines or does not respond. Authors who write for a living often have busy schedules, and may not be able to afford the time needed for an unbiased endorsement of your work.

Organizations relative to your work: So you have written a mystery with a dog theme. Does this mean you are limited to mystery reviewers? Not necessarily. If a dog show is the setting for the story, you may want to consider approaching professionals on the dog show circuit to read your book. This can be especially helpful in generating word of mouth publicity for your book as well. People interested in dogs who don't normally read mystery may be curious enough to buy your novel.

Think about the settings and occupations featured in your novel. Is there a corresponding organization that would make a good target audience for your book? Foster that connection by bringing in some potential reviewers.

Book Review websites: A quick Internet search for book review websites will yield a number of resources available to you. Many such sites have been cited on author's book covers and in advertisements on the web and in print. It is important to note, however, when you research these websites that they are suitable to review your work.

Study each website. What genres do they accept? Do they offer a turnaround time on reviews? Do they charge a fee? A reputable reviewer will not charge, so check!

Regardless of the review source you approach, it is imperative to treat each one with the proper courtesy. Query each potential reviewer first. Do not send the book immediately, lest a reviewer feel you are imposing on him. Learn what the reviewer wants: an attachment in mail, a finished product, or an ARC.

Once it is sent, a good rule of thumb is to contact to acknowledge receipt of the book, but do not send constant e-mails about progress unless an inordinate amount of time has passed without word from the reviewer. If, after a month or so, you have heard nothing, follow-up with a polite note.

Taking care to find alternative resources for reviews can not only boost prominence of your book on shelves, but may also broaden your target audience. Don't wait for your release to get reviews. Start the buzz now!

Kathryn Lively is publisher of Phaze, erotic romance in eBook and paperback. She offers free promotion advice to authors.

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Choosing an Effective Law of Attraction Book
By Amy Wells

 You may have been hearing about the law of attraction recently. This concept has become a hot topic, and there has been an increased popularity with the release of the movie, "The Secret." Although there are a variety of definitions, the law of attraction describes how our thoughts and feelings create our life circumstances and outcomes. Whatever we focus on, we bring more of the object of focus into our lives. If you are curious and want to know more, or would like to find ways to work with this information and create more of what you want in life, there are a variety of helpful books and resources available. Here is an overview of some of the more effective books.

Michael Losier is a coach, speaker, and writer about law of attraction. Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't, is a clear and concise guide on how exactly what the title states, how to bring more of what you want into your life. One of the benefits of this book is the variety of practical exercises available. The book has a a number of easy to understand worksheets that motivate you into action and help you focus. If you like clarity and ease when learning and applying new concepts, you'll enjoy this book.

If you are looking for a general overview, David Hooper's book: Guide for Living: Law of Attraction - How to Attract Money, Love, and Happiness, is a short (80 pages) yet powerful book that explains and applies this law in different subject areas. The first part of the book is an overview, with quotes from a variety of writers about the law of attraction. In the second half, Hooper illustrates how to apply the concepts in a variety of areas of your life, such as work, relationships, and health. If your looking for a big picture explanation, with useful suggestions, this book does a good job with both.

Jerry and Esther Hicks are two of the most visible writers and speakers on law of attraction. For nearly 20 years, they have presented seminars, books, and tapes about this topic. Their book, Ask and It is Given, is an extremely comprehensive book on law of attraction processes. The subtitle is: Learning to Manifest Your Desires, and that is the focus here. Jerry and Esther Hicks present their material as channeled through a being called Abraham. If you are familiar with the Seth books, this is a similar concept. The first half of the book is an overview of the attraction law at work in our life, and answers to common questions about the law of attraction. The second half presents a variety of exercises that help us create more of what we want. This book has a number of exercises to choose from, providing interest and flexibility in applying the activities.

There are many other books available, but the three mentioned here are good places to start. Many of these authors, such as Michael Losier and Jerry and Esther Hicks, also offer a variety of audio recordings of their work, if you prefer to listen to rather than read the information. These authors also have their own websites with additional information, and there are number of user reviews about their books available on Amazon and other venues. If you'd like to create positive change in your life with the law of attraction, any of these books will be a good place to start.

Amy Wells is a practitioner of
visualization, the law of attraction, and other universal laws of success. If you'd like to create more wealth in your life, visit
http://www.wealthbythought.com for a free report.

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