Requesting Books from Australian Publishers


Part of the fun of being is a book blogger is getting the privilege to read books before their release date, review it and help hype it up. However, no one really tells you how to contact publishers on getting the chance of receiving advance reader copies (arcs). Especially since the book blogging community is dominated by people who live in the USA.

I feel that in Australia publishers are more willing to work with book bloggers without an insanely massive following. As someone who was once part of the American market I can hands down say that getting to know publishers in Australia is easier than in the states.

When reaching out to publishers you must remember that no reply back is not necessarily a bad thing. I’ve gotten requests from books that I asked but got no reply back to.

Make sure to be clear about what you want and don’t be greedy.

On my emails to publishers I always make sure to include:

  • Name of the book with an explanation why you’re interested. (Don’t make it too long, 2-3 sentences tops)
  • Where you publish your reviews. Publishers prefer blogs or Instagram platforms rather than just Goodreads.
  • Example of your work. (Include 2 -3 links to review you’ve written, I personally try to send them examples of books from that particular publisher or a similar genre.)
  • Your stats. This includes following, insights and reach (they are easy to find on Instagram)
  • Link to your social media (try to hyperlink it on your text)
  • Your mailing address. Most publishers do not send to P.O Boxes so you must be comfortable giving them your residential address

Here is an example of an email I would send:

Hi (put person’s name if possible!)

My name is Ally Gil of SimplyAllyTea and I enjoy reading Young Adult, Middle Grade, and fantasy/sci-fi books.

I was wondering if I can receive a review copy of The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern? The Night Circus is one of my favorite novels of all times. I have read it at least six times and keep it nearby bed because the story and book as a whole brings me comfort. I write about books on my blog www.simplyallytea.com I post reviews on my blog which has over 200 and gets an average of 2,500 views per month. I also promote books on my bookstagram (@simplyallytea) which has over 500 followers. I have an average reach of 500 – 600 and over 2,000 impression every week. I would be completely honored if there is any way I can help make The Starless Sea successful.

You can see some example of my work below. I am still trying to find my voice. I wish to find a perfect balance between professional book reviewer (my dream is to be an NYT book reviewer) and a bookworm who gushes as she eats breaths, and talks books.

The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman
Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Ally Gil

www.simplyallytea.com
Instagram: @simplyallytea
Twitter: @simplyallytea
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Publisher’s contact information:

I don’t feel comfortable giving you all the direct emails of publicists I work with because I don’t know if they would like that. However, here are the emails that I would reach out to before I got to know the publicists.

Obviously this is not a complete list, but it’s mostly because I don’t work with all the publishers. A great way get the publicity emails for publishers is by looking at the contact us page or media/publicity page.

Some publishers, like Hachette, have certain requirements to be part of the lists so make sure you have a good following going. Hachette in particular asks for more than 1,000 followers in one platforms. But don’t let this discourage you, I only had about 600 followers on Instagram when I started reaching out to publishers and receiving review copies!

My number one advice though it to start through Netgalley. It’s a great way to get a few advanced copies and review them — it also shows publishers that you actually read and review books sent to you. You want to build that trust! It is easy to forget that advance copies are expensive to produce and distribute which is why publishers don’t give them away silly nilly.

If you have any more questions or need any help drafting and email or something just email me or DM me on Instagram 🙂


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