Engaging with Book Bloggers and Influencers as an Indie Author

• June 26, 2023
• 4 comments

As an independent author, or any author for that matter, it’s easy to get lost in the vast landscape of the literary world. The writing part of your job is only half the battle; the other half is getting your book into the hands of readers. But how? One effective way to increase your reach and impact is by building relationships with book bloggers and influencers. Let’s take a look:

Understanding the Impact of Book Bloggers and Influencers

Book bloggers and influencers are instrumental forces in the modern literary market. They share book reviews, author interviews, reading suggestions, and other book-related content with their audience, who are avid readers and book lovers themselves. In effect, an influencer’s book recommendation can carry as much weight as a personal recommendation from a friend.

Why is this of value? Each positive review or mention of your book by a blogger or influencer has the potential to raise your book’s profile. Given the size and reach of their platforms, a single post could result in exposure to thousands, if not tens of thousands, of potential readers. Moreover, these interactions also provide insightful feedback, helping you understand reader perspectives and preferences.

Sounds Great! Sign me up: Identifying the Right Book Bloggers and Influencers

It’s essential to find bloggers and influencers whose interests align with your book’s genre or theme. Their followers, sharing similar reading tastes, are likely to show interest in your work. Bloggers specializing in promoting Romance  probably won’t have followers wanting to read your Science Fiction book.

Do your research! The social media platforms, along with places like Goodreads, and blog directories can help identify suitable influencers.

Time to Build those Relationships

Once you’ve identified potential influencers, it’s time to establish those relationships. Start by following their blogs or social media platforms, engage with their content, and show genuine interest in what they do. Though tempting, it’s best not to rush into asking for reviews or promotions. A more organic, respectful approach lays the groundwork for future collaborations and often yields better results.

Remember, building connections in the literary world, like any community, is a gradual process that requires time, authenticity, and understanding.

Pitching Your Book, Offering Value and Sustaining the Relationship

When you feel you’ve built a rapport, it’s time to pitch your book. Craft a compelling email or direct message where you introduce yourself and your work, ensuring it aligns with their interests. Be succinct, but include essential details about your book, like the title, genre, blurb, cover image, and where it can be purchased.

Remember, this is a two-way relationship. Bloggers and influencers often appreciate the opportunity to access review copies of books or exclusive content. Offer to provide them with a complimentary copy of your book for review purposes or share additional content that is exclusive to their platform.

After your book has been reviewed or promoted, keep the relationship alive. Maintain engagement on their platforms, thank them for their efforts, and keep them in mind for your future works. Remember, genuine relationships are built over time.

Navigating Negative Reviews

Yes, I’m going there. Receiving negative reviews is an inevitable part of being an author, and it’s crucial to handle them professionally and constructively. They can offer valuable insights and perspectives and, hard as it may be to swallow, this type of feedback provides opportunities for growth and improvement. Take the time to read and understand the reviewer’s comments and consider how they can inform your future writing endeavors.

Remember, reviews are subjective and reflect individual opinions. Embracing a range of perspectives, including negative ones, can contribute to a more authentic and balanced presence for your book online. Your ability to handle negative reviews professionally and learn from them will strengthen your growth as an author and contribute to your long-term success.

Overall, engaging with book bloggers and influencers can significantly amplify an indie author’s visibility and reach. It requires patience, research, and a willingness to build genuine relationships. But the rewards, in terms of audience reach and feedback, are well worth the effort. By understanding and embracing this digital approach, indie authors can create their unique space in the world of literature.

Do you have bloggers or influencers you enjoy working with? We’d love to hear about your experiences.