There’s nothing better for a new author than finding out that their book has been picked up by a book club. Not only does that mean his or her book will be read (and discussed) by everyone in the club, but it means that there’s some buzz starting to surround the book. Hopefully everyone in the book club will like the book, tell their friends, and so on.
But just how does an author increase his or her likelihood of being selected by a book club? Here are a few ways, courtesy of our author friends on LinkedIn…
1. Find — and reach out to — the right book clubs.
“Finding book clubs that will review your particular book/genre is a time consuming task – but worth it. The only caveat I have is to be aware that some ‘book clubs,’ and some ‘book reviewers,” are fronts for selling the books you send them for review. As to legitimate book clubs and book reviewers, I’ve been told that your book’s website is where (book clubs, in particular, look up info about the author, etc. On my website for a forthcoming book (Sweetie’s Song – A love story) I added a few press releases. Based on website traffic, this seems to have helped.”
—James Ignizio
“There are plenty of book clubs online. Make a list of the one’s interested in in your genre and send out emails and invite them to read and review your book. You might want to send a synopsis or a few sample chapters, but only if you get a response.”
—Winfred Cook
2. Create author profiles on various sites.
“Do you have your book available through Amazon? If so, do you have an Amazon home page? I put my books on Amazon and have received positive feedback. Book clubs view your home page usually before they view your books. We learn what makes you click just from viewing your writing style – kind of a test drive.”
—Bob Bryan
“DVW Book Club is a great place who will put your bookcover and your book description up on there website for free. It’s a great place. ”
—Charliann Roberts
“As far as fb and Amazon are concerned, both are good to be on. The more exposure you can create, the better. On fb you will want to get connected with other like-minded authors who share your interests, beliefs, etc. The goal is to make your name and book(s) known to the public. It is a lot of work and it never ends. Success will only come by having a plan (purpose), working the plan, and sticking to it. You may have to tweek the methods you use from time to time, but that comes from time and experience.”
—Jim Hughes
3. Apply for as many reviews and awards as possible.
“Even with glowing reviews, as I have on my latest book, Wayfarers, it’s only the beginning. I even thought with the finalist award in the Indie Excellence Book Award, for my first book Uncle Otto, that they would be beating down the door, not. Don’t misunderstand me, it helps but I think the more reviews you get, ie; bookclubs, the better.”
—Winfred Cook
4. Get creative with bonus materials and free stuff.
“A couple of tips you might consider are: 1) send a copy to the Library Journal to review, 2) Write a discussion guide for your book to be sent to book discussion groups, many prominent writers are doing that now, and 3) if you know any librarians, give them a copy to review. The objective is to have them submit it, not to you, but to Amazon or Barnes & Noble, etc. where it will do some good.”
—Roy Alonzo
“Re: Does anyone ever give bulk discounts for book clubs? Sure. I did it with a Bartending book, for bulk orders (over 10 copies). The book had a cover price of $18.95 and I sold it for $15. That said, I’m not sure I would do it if the cover price was $9.95 or less. Unless it was a large quantity. It depends on your margins.”
—Roy Alonzo
Did you get your book picked up by a book club? What worked? Share your advice in the comments box below!