How the Heck Did You Do That?? Blogger Tips and Tricks #5

December 29th, 2012 Kimberly Blogger Tips and Tricks 15 Comments

29th Dec

 

How the Heck Did You Do That?!?

Blogger Tips and Tricks #5

1. How do I make a popular review image slider for my blog?
  • First follow the directions provided by Rahul @ Helper Blogger. These are simple and do not involve changes to your html blog code.
  • Next you will need to re-size book images. You can use Photobucket, Flicker or any web-based photo edit shop. You will need to determine the slider width for your blog and adjust both Rahul’s script and your images. (Remember that your images must be stored on the web and not your computer.)
  • Following Rahul’s instructions add image URL, post link URL and description.
  • I recommend copying and pasting script into Scribe or a doc to edit and then copying code into your blog as per Rahul’s instructions.
2. How do I request an ARC for a Book and what information should I send publisher?
 
Publishers like to see blogs that consistently post and have been active for at least a year. (but you can begin requests sooner) If you are using NetGalley/Edelweiss be sure you are reviewing books on time. Once you’ve meet that criteria you are ready to request a book.
Go to the publishers website of the book you desire and look up contact us. Generally you are looking for publicity or marketing dept. Once you have an email:
  1. Know the book title, author and ISBN number as well as publisher.
  2. Compose your email and include the following:
  • In subject line state ARC request and title of book and author
  • If you know the publicist name use it, if not Dear name of publishing house
  • State your name, blog(with link) and briefly describe it. example: Ya blogger, paranormal book reviews etc.
  • State book, author and ISBN number and why you personally would like to review/share with your followers. Keep it short and sweet.
  • Next share your blog stats. For example: my blog has xxxx followers and realizes xxxxx unique visitors a day. Do not fabricate, a quick look at your blog will show them this. If you are a small blog, be passionate, state you are growing daily etc.
  • Advise them you will email them a direct link of your review and when you intend to post it. Also state a willingness to participate in blog tour, guest interview etc. If you also post reviews to consumer sites and Goodreads advise them you will post reviews there as well.
  • Thank them for considering your request.
  • Below your signature be sure to provide your mailing address and links to all social media sites associated with your blog.
Publishers do not have a lot of time, so be brief and professional.  Do not be disappointed if you do not get a response, and try again for the next book. (I requested a book and didn’t hear anything and it showed up in the mail ..wahoo!) 

3. OMG! They said, “YES!” ,”Now what?”
  • When you get a positive response and receive direct contact from a publicist at the publishing house..that person is YOUR contact. Do not lose their email address!
  • Read and Post your review in a timely manner. Most publishers prefer it publish within 30 days of or after publication date. Not sure? Ask.
  • Email publicist and provide them with direct link, advise them if you posted review anywhere else. Thank them, state you look forward to working with them again and to feel free to contact you regarding reviews, promotional tours, etc.
  • When the next book comes around that you’d like to review email your contact and address them personally and ask for new book.
4. Contacting an author for an ARC:
  • Published authors will have a limited supply of ARC’s, but self published are usually grateful for your interest. Send them the same professional email as you would a publisher and extend them the same courtesy.

5. I just started, how do I get ARC’s?

  • NetGalley
  • Edelweiss
  • Giveaways-from Goodreads, Facebook and author’s pages
  • Like publisher’s facebook pages, share links of reviews you’ve written that were published by them.
  • Tweet your reviews and @ the publishers (I have actual been offered arcs this way)
  • Showcase a book you’d love to review on Waiting on Wednesday-tweet the author and/or publisher the link (I have been offered an arc)
  • Remember what I said about being organized last month, when the ARC offers begin to come do not say, “Yes” to everyone, choose books in genres you like and only accept those you can read in a specific time frame. (check calendar and release date)


If you want to know “How Did you do That?!? email me your questions. 

 

Copyright (c) 2011-2013 Caffeinated Book Reviewer
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

15 Responses to “How the Heck Did You Do That?? Blogger Tips and Tricks #5”

  2. kimbacaffeinate

    You do what feels comfortable to you Nick. You do not need to be a big blog to ask, I was 3 months old and dying for an ARC of Shadow of Night…which wasn’t scheduled to release for almost 8 months..but i sent my heartfelt email and got no response..but 7 months later got the book..LOL

  3. Nick

    This is an interesting post, Kim. I’ve always wondered how bloggers get ARCs from publishers so this was very helpful, but I don’t think I’m ready to start emailing them about ARCs I would like to read because I’m such a wimp. Plus, I’m still a tiny little blog and I know how much these ARCs and stuff cost and the whole point of ARCs is publicity. I’m going to stick to Edelweiss and NetGalley until I feel my stats are significant enough to request physical ARCs.

  5. kimbacaffeinate

    I spotlight it on my Sunday Post under gifted. If I can… I read it, but under no circumstance do I feel obligated. I tweet a pictures through instagram on to twitter, tumblr and facebook showcasing it, but unless I agreed it’s simply a gift. There are not enough hours in the day to read all of them..LOL

  8. Lil Berry

    I thought that by tweeting my revies @ publishers they found it annoying last time I dared to do that I got a great to know we are doing something right & it felt like awww cute keep trying kiddo… not. Now that I type it I see I may be going about this with a pessimists light

  11. Candace's Book Blog

    Oh thank you for the slider info! I was wondering about that one.
    Great tips for requesting. I have never been one to request many (if any) books and I still end up with loads. Once your established they will often find you. I think tweeting the publisher is a good tip. Just do that normally and they’ll get to noticing your blog as it grows.

  12. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    Wonderful tips Kimba! They are always helpful and informative, thank-you 🙂

  15. Jennifer

    I’ve always wondered how to do the slider thing….
    And the ARC advice is spot on. I think I won my first ARC on goodreads just a few months in. I used that as my “in” and requested a backlist title from the publisher, because the ARC was second in the series…so I explained I wanted to have the complete picture of the story arc. They sent me the hardcover!
    Now I have developed a strong rapport with a couple of pubs….I get unsolicited packages, but I read all the ones I request (not many these days) and try to get to those they sent along anyway.