The Story is About   +  publisher blogger interaction

Dear Story Siren: Special Dear Publisher Edition (Little Brown Books for Young Readers)

If you've visited The Story, you might be familiar with a feature I do occasionally called "Dear Story Siren." If you not familiar with the feature, basically readers submit questions... personal questions, questions about blogging, author interview, publisher interaction, reviews, etc. It's my way of sharing some of the things I've learned during my blogging adventure. That being said, I am in no way a blogging expert, but I'd like to think I've picked a few things up along the way.

A lot of the questions I get have to do with publisher interaction. This is something that I think is very important for a blogger that is actively receiving review copies from publishers. I know that at a blogger myself, I want to continue to improve those relationships and be as beneficial to the publishers and authors as I can. The majority of the time I don't know the answers to these questions. I have my assumptions, but who knows if those are correct.

In turn, I was inspired to do something a little different with "Dear Story Siren." I'll be doing a special edition of "Dear Story Siren" geared specifically toward blogger/publisher interactions. I've contacted several publishing houses with a set number of questions to be answered, and I'll be featuring a different publisher each post.

Past Dear Publisher Posts:

Penguin
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
HarperCollins
Bloomsbury & Walker
Egmont USA
Flux
Random House
Candlewick
St. Martin's Griffin
Abrams
MacMillan
Simon & Schuster
Harlequin Teen



Todays blogger/publisher interaction are from
Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
An imprint of Hatchette Books. (Poppy is also an imprint of Hatchette)

Q: What should I include in my review copy request?
A: If you are a first time ARC-seeker, it is helpful to include your taste in books (and possibly titles you’ve enjoyed in the past). Additionally the basics are greatly appreciated: name, blog, e-mail, mailing address, stats, requested title for review. Please and thank you!

Q: When is the best time to post my review?
A: Ideally, within a few weeks of the publication date.

Q: Do pubishers want to be sent reviews of titles I've bought?
A: I suppose that depends on the publisher. At LBYR, we love receiving reviews (even if we didn’t send you the book) because it keeps our records up-to-date.

Q: Do you want to be sent reviews of titles that have been on the shelves for a while?
A: While this is considerate it is definitely not necessary.

Q: Is it okay to have a contest for an arc that I've gotten from a publicist?
A: Your best bet is to check with the publicist. Generally speaking, they’ll say to go right ahead (and THANKS)!

Q: How many months do you like to see someone blogging before they can request an advance readers copy?
A: No minimum, as long as you’re a genuinely interested book blogger you should feel free to e-mail!

Q: What criteria do you look for before you will send a book blogger an advance readers copy?
A: First and foremost, we try to get ARCs to everyone with a credible blog and an interest in the book. Obviously this just isn’t possible 100% of the time. We do look for blogs that are active in the book blogging community—after all, getting the word out about great books is why we send review copies in the first place! We also pay attention to the quality of reviews. (A cool design really never really hurts.)

Q: When you send a copy for review, do you like book bloggers to let you know it arrived?
A: Receiving a link to a review is more than enough. : )

Q: Do you want book bloggers to send you links of our reviews that are negative?
A: An honest, thorough review is always valuable! Realistically, we understand that every book doesn’t click with every blogger. We love to read feedback.

Q: What if I can't get into a book that you sent me for review, do you want us to let you know that we won't be reviewing it?
A: Definitely! That kind of information can be helpful when organizing a blog tour or a giveaway.

Q: When is the best time to request an arc?
A: 3-4 months would be on the safe side.

Q: Do you like sites that promote sharing advance readers copies?
A: Absolutely. Blogging and books are my two favorite things, and I think the sense of community that book blogging has brought to reading is truly wonderful. Sharing copies of ARCs is great in my book. (Sorry for getting all punny.)

Q: Is it better to contact an author for swag (bookmarks, postcards, etc.) or should we ask the publicist?
A: Although the publicist might not be able dig anything up for you, he/she should be able to put you in contact with someone who can. The bottom line is you should never be afraid to ask.

I hope that was helpful. Working with bloggers is easily the coolest part of my job and I’d like to extend a giant thank you to Kristi for putting all of this together.

And from all of us at LBYR, HAPPY READING!