Sending Your Book to Reviewers: What You Need to Include In Your Book Review Packet

An essential part of becoming an independent author and writer is making sure you get reviews of your book(s). Not only do book reviews work as a type of word of mouth marketing, but they also give potential readers a differing perspective on what your book is about and why they may want to read it. Likewise, once a review of your book has been published, you can utilize parts of the review for marketing and advertising in the future. So how does one get their book reviewed, and what should they include with their book when sending it to a reviewer? Below I’ve listed the four essential things one should include with their book when seeking book reviews.

In general, you should include with every book:

Cover letter

Every time you send out your book for review, you need to include a cover letter. If possible, you should address the cover letter to the editor or reviewer; otherwise, you can simply address it “Dear Reviewer” or “Dear Editor.” You don’t need to go into a lot of detail in the cover letter as it will be obvious that you are sending your book in for review. Rather, simply state that you are submitting your book for review in their publication and that you have enclosed the relevant information they may need for completing the review.

Author Bio

An author bio is another important item to include in your book review packet. This is basically the same as your author platform – or a shortened version. You don’t need to go into a detailed history of your writing background, but do let the reviewer or editor know where you are from (local or not), some of your previous published writing, and something personal about yourself. This helps the editor or reviewer get a better understanding of where you are coming from as a writer and author.

Press Release

Include a copy of your book’s press release. Although it will largely contain the same information as what is on the back cover the book, it is always professional to include a copy of your book’s press release. Besides, it makes your book seem more legitimate in the eye’s of the editor or reviewer, and in today’s competitive market anything you can do to give your book an extra chance should not be missed.

Sell Sheet

Include a copy of your book’s sell sheet. This will help the editor or reviewer easily find all the necessary information on your book: how much it costs, page count, ISBN, publisher, distributors, date of publication, etc.

Beyond these four essential items, you can also include a few other things with your book review packet if you like. You can put clippings or quotes from other reviews into the packet. You can also slip in a few of your other marketing materials, such as a bookmark or flyer. They are not essential, but they will help distinguish your book from all the others the editor or reviewer has sitting on their desk.

That is all that one needs when sending out a book for review. Don’t expect every editor or reviewer to review your book; on average for every ten that you send out, you will get one review. However, one good review can go a long way in helping you market and promote your book, so don’t be bashful about sending out copies. Most publishers or successful authors send out well over a hundred copies for review: to bloggers, magazine editors, journalists, people in the field, and so forth. Getting book reviews is an essential part of promoting and marketing your book, and if you want to be a successful independent author, you need to make sure you send out a review copy every chance you get.

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