Review/Guest post requests: Do you have a review request policy? Has it changed over time? How do you handle requests that don’t meet your criteria?In the past, what types of "pitches" have caught your attention? Are there any (non-specific) examples of requests that are off-putting to you as a blogger?
I do have a review request policy and yes it has changed over time. I have become more picky with books being asked to read. I am very particular with getting my name , because if there is an April in there I know that they didn't read the policy. I also have put that I am no longer accpeting review requests at this time.
Well I have gotten pitches for a sweatshirt which I used and gave away. But I also still get some mommy blogger pitches and last week I got something about diapers. I don't have any kids in diapers and nor would I use it. Another pitch I got was for a book review, and I quote : only positive reviewers of the book. I deleted it. I also get pitches for dog, and food too. I can understand the food because I have some posts about Smart and Final a while back.
Lately its been those emails that say Dear Blogger...that is turn off to me. I understand that they need to get it to the most people, but take the time to read my policy. I love it when they have taken the time to get to know me through the blog to find out if I am a good fit for the book or not.
I have asked for guest posts while I was on vacation one year..but last time I didn't do a thing with the blog. I took a vacation and all media and blog posting.
I don't care for author requests through twitter. I did it once and then that was it. I also don't friend authors on goodreads, because I know that soon they will ask me to review their book.
As I have been blogging I have gotten more picky about I do review or even pitches. Please use my name and read over my all about me...Please.
Thanks Karen and Tiger for this topic
Wonderful answer! The ''Dear Blogger'' thing annoys me too and it's been happening a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteRequests through Goodreads annoy me because I have my requests organized in folders in my email and when they're spread out in places like GR it's impossible to keep track. I actually had an author request on Goodreads that I review their book... and they gave me links to where I can go buy it if I wish to review it. Seriously. I just had to laugh- it was so weird!
Wow. Dog food? Diapers? Positive reviews only?! Crazy times. I've had some weird questions and things that irritated me, hah, but nothing quite that extreme. It's a wonder you're always so good-tempered, Julie. ;)
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
I just created a review policy and am hoping it will help. I even put in a sentence stating that I may not respond to every request, but I will get back to you if I am interested. I get annoyed when I get those generic requests addressed: Hello or Dear Blogger. If you took the time to get my email address, you could at least find out my name or the name of my blog.
ReplyDeleteYeah - I'm getting a lot of Dear Blogger's and really long emails about how wonderful bloggers are. Thanks but what the heck is your book about??
ReplyDeleteGreat answer. I completely agree about pitching through GRs and twitter. I had a girl I barely know tell me "I released my book. Read it, okay?" I didn't even answer her. And i specifically say on my GRs profiile, if you ask me to review through her, I will delete you. I have a blog, read my review policy, then ask.
ReplyDelete