Book Blogging 411: Creating a Book Blog Pt 3

Part One Part Two

"How do you start a book blog?"

In this 411 series, I am laying down step by step into creating your very own book blog. I suppose it could be used for other blogs stuff. Still, I wanted to give a detailed guide. Here are the next steps. (And a small rant)


7. Get a planner The reason I say this is cause you will need something to refer to when reviewing. I bought a pocket planner at walmart for a dollar. Every time I get a book, buy a book, netgalley, etc, I pick a date as to when the book will be reviewed. Believe me when I say that this planner keeps me sane! I need it. I go to it for scheduling blog tours, arc tours, or cover reveals. It helps me a lot. Do yourself a favor now and invest in one. It's cheap and helpful.

8. Review books from your OWN library! Now, before you EVEN start requesting books DON'T! Start with what you have at home, what you bought, borrowed, etc. You need to give yourself time to get established. I didn't receive my first arc till I was six months in blogging and that's cause the publisher contacted me. Use your first year as blogging to make your mark and get reviews down. You need something under your belt before you can even ask for that arc.

9. Start making friends! Once you start reviewing go out to the World Wide Web and make friends. Blog Hop using Parajunkee blog hopping. Get on twitter and spread your reviews and love for books. Go to book events (if you can). Do anything and everything you can to get your name out there. There are so many of us and it's up to you to make your mark. Be friendly and be active. Don't come on and then disappear. That's why I said in the first POST to think about it if you are absolutely, positively sure.

Also, don't make friends with other bloggers just to ask for books. That's like a low blow. At least establish a friendship first before you start to get all grabby!

Oh and one more thing. I know this may ruffle a few bloggers feathers out there, but right now I don't give a damn. Here it goes:

Just because you have over idon'tknowhowmanyfollowers DOES NOT MAKE YOU ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS!

So get off your high horse and stop walking around as if your crap don't stink cause it DOES! I'm tired of seeing bloggers hit a certain number and all of the sudden,"their too good to talk to you." And all you bloggers out there who have been shunned by these "bloggers." know what I am talking about. I'm  not going to say names, but I will say this. If you turn out like this, I will loose all my respect I have for you. Keep your head on straight and blog for the reason you starting blogging.

Cause you LOVE reading.
That is all.
Good Luck! If anyone needs any help, please don't hesitate to email me. I will do my best to help as much as possible.
(Let's see how many angry emails I get for this! LOL)
Happy Reading!

Book Blogging 411: Creating A Book Blog Pt 2

"How do you start a book blog?"

In this 411 series, I am laying down step by step into creating your very own book blog. I suppose it could be used for other blogs stuff. Still, I wanted to give a detailed guide. Here are the next steps. Check out the first STEP HERE: PART ONE

4. Social Media Once you have establishment your blog it is time to establish yourself. You are going to need to sign up for social media sites that will help your blog be successful. Here are the ones that I recommend. *Good Reads *Library Thing *Facebook (Create a page for you blog) *Twitter *Amazon (Post reviews to) *Barnes and Noble (Post reviews to) *Rafflecopter (To hold contest) These sites, I feel are essential in your blogging. They help spread the word of your review, post reviews as well as hold contest.

5. Establishing Policies Now that you got yourself established, it's time to lay down the laws. These my friends will help you. Let me tell you I got in a lot of trouble holding my first contest since I did not specify rules and such. I ended up with quite a few angry emails as well as an empty wallet. That right there taught me the importance of clarifing what you are doing.

You will need to establish each of these polices: *Review Policy-Here you will need to specify what genre your review. What kind of books you accept. And anything extra that you feel needs to be said. Make sure you are firm yet professional in what you say. *Contest Privacy- Yes, you need one. As well as a set of rules that you will need to post with each giveaway. Make sure you specify eligibility, contest period, agreement to rules, how to enter, prize drawing, notification, mailing periods, etc. You need all of this down. Believe me, it will help YOU in the need. You do not want an angry mob of followers stalking your email cause you didn't clarity. *Privacy Policy- When people enter your contest, they give their information. As a site holder, you are responsible for their information. They trust you with it. Take care with what you get. And take care to watch your back. Believe it or not, you do not know who you are speaking to. You need to establish rules to protect yourself and your blog.

In addition to policies, create two extra pages for your About Me page. Make it fun and inviting.  And make your Book Review page. Here, you can place and link all the reviews that you have done

6. What genre will you review Now that you got rules down, decide what type of book review blog you want to be. Do you want to review Adult, Non-Fiction, Young Adult, New Adult, Middle Grade, etc. You can have mixture of some, it is up to you. Make sure you specify what you review.
Well, you are almost ready to start. Be sure to check back next week for more steps in creating your blog!

Happy Reading!

Book Blogging 411: Creating A Book Blog Pt 1

"How to do you start a book blog?"
So lately, I have been getting emails asking exactly how do to this. They say they been following blogs for a while and now they want to try. Awesome! I usually respond in a lengthy email but this time, I thought I do a weekly series on it. Starting with step number one.
1. My first question to you "the soon-to-be-blogger" Why do you want to blog?  Cause if it for free books your doing this all the wrong way. If it is for sharing your thoughts and love for reading, then keep on going. Book Blogging is hard. It's gets time consuming, it feels like work after a while and not to mention the drama you will go through. Cause believe me, you will go through it. My advice is take some time to think about it. Really think about it. It is worth it in the end, but if you don't have the time or the effort then don't start one.
2. Research your blog name Decided to start a blog huh? Well, now you research. My advice is to take you time on this one too. Once you pick a name, you need to stick with it. You can't constantly change your name, well you can...but it will get confusing. Pick a name that suits you. And Google it!!! It's Important. You don't want a name that is generic or over done. You want something unique and fresh. Mix and match different names. Ask your friends to help you out. And once you decided your name, create it.
3. Creating your blog So now, you decided to blog and got a name. Now it's time to establish it. There are 3 main things you must do. First: Establish a blog under Blogger, WordPress, etc.Visit different blogger host and decided which one best fits you. My advice is to go with Blogger. It's easy and simple for beginner bloggers. Once you get a hang of things, you could move on to self-hosting site, etc. You can create your blog for free or you can even buy your blog name for $10 through Blogger.com. It's up to you. Just know that if you do not decide to buy it your blog name will be followed by www.yourblogname.blogspot.com <---example.
Second: Create your email. DO NOT USE YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL! I made the mistake of doing that. Once my blog stuff got mixed with my personal stuff I couldn't handle separating all. Do your self a favor and create a new email SOLELY for your blog. That way there is no mix up or confusion. Everything for your blog will go to one email.
Third: Look for a graphic designer. I hate to be blunt, but your design of your blog can make you or break you. It's okay to have the standard design but you need a design that calls out to readers. My advice is to pick a design that fits you. For inspiration, check out your fave book covers. (How to do you think I came up with mine? LOL) Look at different scenery. Or go with your fave genre. You want it paranormal or contemporary? Or maybe dark or sexy. Whatever you decide, make sure that you know what you want. I drew mine out on paper and then emailed my blog designer telling her exactly what I wanted. 
One more thing, blog designs are NOT cheap. They cost money. If you are serious about blogging spending money on your blog design will pay off in the end. You don't want to spend all this money on a good design and then say never mind. That is a waste of time and money.

Graphic Designer: Blogging Bella Designs, Parajunkee, Icey Designs

Please keep in mind that whatever the designer you go with you may end up on a list.  It can take weeks before they get to you. Find a designer and send in for a design ASAP. The usually ask for a half of the money up front before they start designing. Make sure you have a Paypal account. If you don't, I suggest you get one.
These are my first set of steps when creating a blog. Do this things first and come back next week when I discuss more important steps in creating and establishing your blog.
Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Book Blogging 411: Netgalley Rejection???

"Why do I get rejected from certain titles on Netgalley?"

As a blogger, I see a lot of bloggers asking as to why they get rejected from certain titles. I can safely say that I have only been rejected twice. Pretty much everything I request, I get. You can say I've been lucky but after this post I'm not so sure. I'm might stir up a frenzy. I am not an expert on it. But I have been on Netgalley for over a year and have learn a few things along the way. I don't mean to offend, but this is just what I know. Here's what I've learn and what you can do to help you get those titles that you want.

1. Review on TIME! 

If you go to Netgalley, they will tell you that you are under no obligation to review the book, etc. That is not true. Under Netgalley yes, but under the publisher you are. Because technically the publisher approves your request, not Netgalley. 

"After you hit the REQUEST button in the NetGalley catalog, your request will be sent to the publisher, and you will receive an email notification if your request is approved or denied. If approved, the galley will be in your NetGalley account." (via Netgalley Before you request page)

I've noticed that if you request a book, but do not review it on time, or post a review, it is most liklely you will not get approved for the next book that the publisher will put out. Because you just showed them that you can not review a book on time. If you request a book from Netgalley, review it! Don't let it sit there. The publisher knows who they sent the e-book to and who reviewed it.

2. Update your public bio monthly

Most bloggers don't do this. Under your public bio it is best that you update it monthly. The publisher wants update stats on your blog, blog followers, reviews, etc. Also include your blog url, your follower count, and email. DO NOT LIE! They will visit and see your blog. Just be honest. If you are not sure what to put, you could put something like this. 

This is my public bio:

I am an avid reader who likes to read and review Young Adult Literature. I will post all links for the review on Good Reads, Library Thing, Face book, Twitter, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and of course on my blog. I will post a link to the post in the review as soon as it goes up.

Blog url:  http://www.bookswithbite.net

Email Address: bwithbite@gmail.com

As of 6/16/2011 Currently have over 1000 followers 

In the your public bio, under Company, put your blog name there. This is the first thing the publisher sees when you request a book on Netgalley.

 "*HINT* In your Profile, the "Company" should not be the same as your first and last name, or else publishers might not be able to see your Public Bio when you request titles. Please at least put an underscore (example: first_last) to avoid the issue. Thanks!" (Via Netgalley Before you request page)

Simple and to the point.

3. Posting links when review is up and done.

When you are done writing your review, it is important to post links to your review. Umder Manage My Reviews,  click on the the little pencil that say write above it. This is where you post your review. Write you review. When you are done with your review also add this at the bottom:

Post Date: When the review will go up on the blog (Ex, 7/1/2011)

Blog url: Your blog URL (Ex. www.bookswithbite.net)

Review link: Link to your review when it goes up

(Ex. http://www.bookswithbite.net/2011/06/review-dark-heart-forever.html)

.

 I know this seems like a lot, but the publishers wants this. After that, you click Review Complete and it is sent off to the publisher. 

"Most publishers will appreciate if you also include a link or other information with the review that says where the review will be published."(Via Netgalley Before you request page)

4. Requesting a book that is not of your genre

I know bloggers all have different preferences. Some do just YA, Paranormal, etc. But lets say you just do YA on your blog and you request some new cowboy romance novel, you are most likely will not get it. Why? Because your blog is just YA. If you do a mixture of it, make sure you add that to your public bio. Make sure it is also a mixture on your blog. Let the pubs know what you read and what you do not read.

"Blog content must be relevant to book requested (e.g., a YA blog requesting a romance novel or a paranormal site requesting a historical romance are less likely to be accepted)" (Via Netgalley Approval Preferences)

5. Frequently Blog

I know we are all busy. We have jobs, husbands, children, families, etc. But in order to get titles on Netgalley you must be a frequent blogger. You can't blog for a month, disappear for two, then request. They look at your blog, they see what you've posted.

"Have a book review blog that has been updated fairly recently." (Via Netgalley Approval Preferences)

6. You must have followers

I feel so sad about this one cause this is why I got rejected on those first two I requested. But it is there, in clear plain words. Some publishers only approve for 1000+ followers.

For Ex. Penguin
 

"Please note that at this time we are only approving review requests from blogs with 1,000+ followers. Please be certain to state in your profile the number of followers you have. Additionally, review requests are approved at the discretion of the publicist." (Via Netgalley Aprroval Preference)

I hope this helps to those who are confused as to why they don't get the titles they want!

If you have any other questions, you can go here for more Approval Preferences.

If you have a question on Book Blogging you can email me at bwithbite (at) gmail (dot) com

Happy Reading!

Book Blogging 411

"How do I write a formal letter/email requesting ARC's?"

Not only is it nerve racking trying to sike yourself up for asking for an ARC's, but what to write! What do you include in it? What do you say? I am going to give you a step by step on what to write. I will show you my letter that I write to publishers. If you want, you may use the same format, just change the information.

1. When requesting a ARC make sure you email to the right email. In the Subject box, I have learn to write the name of the book and by what author.

For Example:

Subject: ARC request for Wither by Lauren DeStefano

2. When starting the letter, be formal. I always start with Dear, but you can use something else

For Ex: Dear Publisher,

3. Tell the publisher who you are.

For Ex:  My name is Savannah and I run a book blog called Books With Bite. Visit here (enter link)

4. Publishers like to know the stats of your blog, so include that. But don't lie! They will check your site and know. Be honest. Its doesn't matter what you stats are.

For Ex: I have over 750 followers and growing with hundreds of hits a day.

5. Request the book. Do not demand nor beg!

For Ex: I would like to see if it is possible that I may read and review:

6. Include book info. Publishers are busy people. They don't have time to look for the book you want. You make their job easier by putting it in. Include book name, author, publisher and book release date. Remember, some publishers had different branches of publishing. They need to make sure they forward your email to the right person.

For Ex: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Simon and Schuster March 2011

7.  Now include your information. You also make their job easier if you include it in your email.

For Ex: If you have this book available for read and review, please send it to me at:

Your Name

Your Address

8. Since you are requesting a book and if they send it to you, they want to make sure you will review, so include what will you do with the book.

For ex: I do post all my reviews on Borders, Barnes and Noble, Face Book, Twitter, Good Reads and Library Thing. I will send you all the links when I have posted the review.

9. Close with a Thank You and include your blog link below.

For Ex: 

All the best,

Savannah

http://www.bookswithbite.net/ 

10. Before you send it off make sure you spell check. I can't express how much authors and publishers get upset over having their names spelled wrong, or the titles of books spelled wrong. Also, make sure you request the right book from the right publisher or author. It really upsets them if you get it wrong.

Final product:

Dear Simon and Schuster,

My name is Savannah and I run a book blog called Books with Bite. Visit here: http://www.bookswithbite.net I have over 750 followers and growing with hundreds of hits a day. I would like to see if it is possible that I may read and review:

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Simon and Schuster/ March 2011

If you have this book available for read and review please send it to me at:

Savannah
Address
City, Zip Code

I do post all of my reviews rather quickly on Borders, Barnes and Noble, Good Reads, Face Book, Twitter and Library Thing, etc.

All the best,
Savannah

http://www.bookwithbite.net/

11. Once you send the request, you wait. You do not nag them, hound them or continue to ask if they will  send the book to you. I assure you, if you emailed them, it went through and they most likely got it. Usually when I send off a request within a few days I get this:

"Thank you Savannah for your interest. I will make note of your request."

Then I will receive the book within a few weeks or sometimes I won't. Other times, I get no response and then get a nice surprise in the mail. You never know. But if you do receive the book, make sure you read and review. Make sure you do what you said you will do. There are many other formats you can use mine is just an example.

Good luck with requesting!!

If you have any questions about book blogging ask HERE!

Happy Reading!

Book Blogging 411

"I've started my blog, have good traffic, review books, and have not yet receive ARC's. What I'm I doing wrong?"

I think that as a blogger (and this is my opinion) that there should be some standards. Because I have seen it around. Bloggers who get all these followers but never interact. Get ARC's and never review. Or there is no content but memes on their blog. So I have to ask, Are you a worthy blogger?

To me (again my opinion) a worthy blogger consist of this:

1. An active blog.

 Is your blog active? I know we all have personal lives and it is hard to have posts everyday. Part of blogging is to blog. I think having a post every other day is good. Me personally, I read and review ahead of time and have my post scheduled. So in case of anything comes up or if I forget, there is always something ready. Blogger has this feature and I love it. If you have a hard time keeping up with post, schedule them. Take time to read, read, read, and write your reviews, then schedule. It's simple and easy.

2. Good content

Is your blog nothing but meme's? Meme's are good and fun way to show you creative side and also interact with your followers. But if one thing I dislike is a blog of nothing but meme's. Book Blogging is about showing your love for books. I want reviews, opinions, the last news on books coming into movies, etc. Don't ask me to visit your blog and it nothings but meme's. Major turnoff.

3. Good follower count

Now this is a tricky one. Why? Because anyone can have hundreds of followers but none interact. You want followers who actually visit your blog, write comments, and discuss books with you. I have seen blogs with all these followers but no comments. I have also seen blogs where there are few followers but the comments were high. The followers truly enjoy reading the reviews and interact. Now that is a good blog.

4. Reviews

Book Blogging is about reviews so review. Who cares if you don't have ARC's!!! I started off by reviewing books from my own library. I started blogging so I can share what I've read and to hear what others thought. So review what you read at a library, what book you bought or borrowed. Just review!

5. Interacts with others

If one thing I dislike in the blogosphere is people who want you to follow them but they follow no one else. They constantly spam your blog "Follow Me! Follow Me!." Ugh! Just wrong. Follow other blogs and interact with others bloggers. I have learned so much from other bloggers and have gotten some great advice. Interact with others. You can't expect people to follow you if you don't return the favor.

6. Contest

Now, I know not all can hold contest after contest. It gets expensive, believe me I know. But try to at least hold a contest or two. Usually what I do is get books on sale to giveaway. For example, at my local Borders they sometimes have a buy 4 books get one free. It's great because the fifth book is free and I can give it away. I also get books at local library sales, Walmart, Kmart, and Target. You'd be surprise by not only what you find there but also the books are always 3 to 4 dollars cheaper then what you would get them at a bookstore. It's also better to stick to US only because the shipping is cheaper. But if you can do an international giveaway every once in a while.

There are so many other good qualities of good bloggers. If you do all of these things consistently, you will eventually get more loyal followers, more ARC's and your blog will generate more traffic. Remember that Rome wasn't built in one day. It will take time for you blog to grow, for you to get notice, etc. Be patient and have fun. Book blogging is about sharing your love for books. I didn't get my first ARC till about 5 months of blogging. And remember good things come to those who wait.

If you have a any questions about book blogging go HERE!

Happy Reading!

Book Blogging 411

This is my new meme on answering questions about blogging. I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge.

"How do you get free books?"

Ok, lets stop right there. First off, they are not free. They are sent to you for a honest review on the book. Advance Readers Copies or ARC's are expensive to make. They only make so many and send those out. If you receive a ARC consider it an honor. It is also a way to form a good relationship with the publisher if you do things right.

1. Read and review the ARC on TIME! If they say to read it by January and have the review up, they are trusting you to do so. If not, it is always good to have the review up close to the release date.

2. Be honest in your review. Lets say you receive the book and you don't like it. Fine, but review it honestly. Don't trash the author or the publisher. And if you really don't like it you can always pass it along to another blogger who will.

3. Send the publisher a Thank You. Simply write them an email thanking them for sending you the book. It is common courtesy and it allows them to see that you did receive, read, and review the book. So next time, they will think of you when they have new ARC's to send out.

4. After reviewing the book spread the word! You can post reviews on Twitter, Facebook, Good Reads, Librarything, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc. Post your review up in as many places as you can.

Others ways to get ARC's are through Netgalley, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, Random Buzzers, and Librarything. On Netgalley you can request any e-galley that they have up on their site. On Goods Reads, Librarything, and Random Buzzers they hold contest in which you can win arc's. Barnes and Noble has a program called First Look program. If you are approved they will send you an ARC of whatever book they choose for the First Look. You can also visit the publishers site and email them through there.

For teens, they are several programs in which you can also receive ARC's. I know Simon Pulse has a program call Pulse It. In which teens can enter to win ARC's. Harlequin Teen also has a program as well. Also, Random Buzzers has a program for teens. You can visit these sites and get more information.

It is always best to form a good relationship with the publishers if you want to continue to receive arc's. They want good active blogs, good written reviews, and people who review them on time. Otherwise you are wasting their time and money.

If you have a question about book blogging, please go HERE!

Happy Reading!