A funny thing happened when I first started with Author Media. I found that I was familiar with many of the authors who were coming to me for a professional author website consultation.
As a book blogger, I had reviewed their books.
One of the perks of being a book blogger is getting to know authors. One of the biggest perks, however, is getting free books. It’s hard for me to want to purchase books because I’m so used to getting them for free…and sometimes, autographed.
A few people have asked me about getting free books, so I thought I would share.
Here’s how you can become a book blogger and get free books:
1. Start a blog
You don’t need a professional author website when you are just starting out. CaitlinMuir.com was a simple WordPress.com blog. I didn’t switch over to .org until I wanted more control over my site. I do recommend buying your domain name.
Make sure that you have a section for book reviews and an easy way for people to contact you. I have both on my website and often have authors contact me directly, asking me to review their books. As your platform grows, you’ll start receiving requests as well. The key is to prepare now.
2. Apply to be a book reviewer
There are many places you can apply to be a book reviewer. Each of them have their own set of guidelines and preferred method of review submission. Some want you to post only on their site, while others (the publishing houses and authors) want you to post your reviews all over the internet. Review the guidelines carefully.
Here are some of them:
- Bethany House
- Tyndale Blog Network
- Hay House
- Blogging for Books
- BookSneeze
- O’Reilly
- Tywebbin
- NetGalley
- CivitasPress
- Story Cartel
- MoodyPress
- Book Browse
- The Catholic Company
- Nothing Binding
- Radiant Lit
- The Vessel Project
- Springer
Other resources – How to Get Free Books to Review on Your Blog via CopyBlogger
If you know of any more, post them in the comment section.
Tweetables
- Do you want free books? @AuthorMedia shares where to get them. – Click to tweet.
- Before you agree to review books, check the book review guidelines. – Click to tweet.
- I’ve always wondered how people became book review bloggers. – Click to tweet.
- Maybe I’ll become a book review blogger. – Click to tweet.
- Have any of you become book review bloggers? – Click to tweet.
- I WANT FREE BOOKS AND NOW I SHALL HAVE THEM! – Click to tweet.
3. Keep track of books…and READ!
This sounds like a no-brainer, but after you start getting books, it can be hard to keep track of who sent them to you. Right now, I have a pile of books sent to me by publicists, authors, and book review sites. Only, I’m not sure which one came from who…so sending a copy of the review to the appropriate person just got trickier.
Creating a spreadsheet of books you’ve received allows you to track titles, websites, dates you received the book, and the deadline you need to meet.
Trust me, you’ll want to do this from the beginning.
You’ll also want to carve out time to read the books. Don’t let them just sit on your nightstand. Read away!
5. Keep it legal
If you are getting free books, you need a legal disclaimer stating that you received books in exchange for an honest review. It’s all part of the FTC guidelines. Michael Hyatt wrote a terrific article on Five Ways to Comply With The New FTC Guidelines for Bloggers. I highly recommend reading it.
6. Reach out to Authors
Instead of just writing a review, interview the author on your website. Often, you will be given a way to contact the author when you receive the book. Contact them with your interview questions.
Written interviews are great but getting them on camera (or on a podcast!) is a great way to stand out.
Consider publishing your book review on one day and the interview on a different day. You can also ask the author if they’d be willing to do a book giveaway.
7. Share the good news
If you like a book – tell people! Create a Facebook page for your book reviews and tag the authors when you review their books.
You can also post your reviews on:
- Amazon
- Barnes and Noble
- CBD
- Goodreads
- Powells
As a general rule of thumb, you want the bulk of your review to be on your site.
Thank you for this information! I’m working with a group of high school students this summer who are hoping to get started doing reviews. This blog post is just what I need!
I am Mr ronald i want to invest in any business in good faith I have equity capital for profitable investment. Get back to me via email: ronald.williams742@gmail.com with your business proposal or your project plans for review.
Thanks.
Mr ronald williams
The first books I started reviewing came from Christian Speakers Services. I don’t know how much they do that anymore, but I found that the more reviews I did, the more reviews I was asked to do. I love it! It doesn’t generate a ton of traffic on my site every week, but I can’t afford to buy all the books I’ve read for free, so I consider it a win-win!
Thanks for the tips! I’ve never thought of keeping a spreadsheet to track them. Right now I just jot them down in my planner so I remember which ones I have to read. (Especially if they’re e-books. If I don’t see it on my desk, I might forget it!)
So much fun!
As the publicist for David Crumm Media, I am always looking for bloggers willing to read and review our books!
As a brand-spanking-new publicist, it hadn’t occurred to me to post guidlines for bloggers on our website. Believe me! I am adding this to my “to do” list right now!
In the mean time, if any of your readers are interested in what we offer, I’d be glad to send out review copies! Simply email me your website and contact information at jane dot wells at DavidCrummMedia dot com.
Jane
I would like to get free books for reviews. Thanking you in advance.
Would like to review for free books.
Hi Jane,
Read your comment recently and I am a lot interested in writing the book reviews, however not getting an opportunity…… I request you to please get back to me if you find it worthy…..
You can write to me on “mehndirattaricha93@gmail.com”
Looking forward for your response!
In the past I have received books from http://www.librarything.com – They have a book review program and each month they put out a regular extensive list of books across a broad spectrum on genres. You just select the books you are interested. However, there is not guarantee you will get the book. (Depends on # of books available and # of people requesting)
I have also received a couple directly from the author.
Currently I am getting books from my church denomination, Foursquare. The reviews show on their resource page.
Wow you have a great list, thanks for sharing!
I used to review for two publishers but I stopped taking review books and here’s why: Reading and reviewing a book takes a lot of time. Sometimes I didn’t like the book, at all. Reviewing a book I hated was torture. On top of that, those books aren’t “free”– you still have to pay taxes on them. I don’t like to pay taxes for things I can’t turn into groceries. 🙁
Just to let whomever know, I don’t know who wrote this, you left out #4. (Don’t know if it was an accident).
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