This will be a weekly discussion post every Sunday. A new question every week, to help new book blogger’s share their ideas and help each other with their blogs.
I have been debating for awhile on whether or not to post this for numerous reasons. For one, I am still new to the whole book blogging world and I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. So if I do, I am sorry and that is not my intention.
I thought it would be a great idea to help new bloggers on their road to establishing their blog. I know I am still learning, and their are probably better tips, hints, and tricks that I don’t know of. So feel free to add to this in the comment section.
Where do book blogger’s get their books?
For me, I started using my own books. Either books I have bought at stores, yard sales or thrift stores. I would also include reviews on my library books that I had checked out and read. Now I haven’t had my blog long, but I work very hard to keep it going. In my town, we don’t have much choice for new releases. I am dependent on wait lists at our library(which has the same selection as 20 years ago) or traveling out of town to get my books. I have surfed the internet as best as I could to find out where everyone gets their copies early, also known as ARCs or Galleys, and wanted to share what I have found. Alot of what is in this list, I learned from asking other bloggers. Alot of bloggers don’t like to give up their sources, but alot are willing to help out. Me personally, I try to help anyone I can because I love to share my passion for books. Here are some helpful sites to request review copies and get your foot in the door. Feel free to leave me a comment if you know of any others that would help newbies out!
1. Book Blogs on Ning
2. Library Thing
3. Net Galley
4. Barnes and Noble First Look
5. Bostick Communications
6. FSB Media
7. Thomas Nelson
8. Good Reads
9. Authors on the Web
I am sure there are more out there but I have not been fortunate enough to find anymore.
I have also requested some books from authors and from publishing companies as well, but that is more of a hit and miss.
One of the other things I have learned is, POST POST POST! The more reviews you do, the more companies will see you as a serious reviewer. I try to post at least 2 reviews a day, but sometimes I can only get one done. But I do make the effort to post everyday.
Any thoughts or comments?
If you have a discussion idea for Sundays, feel free to email me!
L. Diane Wolfe
I will make sure my publisher knows about your book blog!
Anna
Joining the Shelf Awareness newsletter is one: http://www.shelf-awareness.com/index.html You’ll find some ads on there offering ARCs or galley’s.
WaterBrook Multnomah has a Blogging for Books program. http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blogging-for-books/
and I’ve come across these two articles, you might find helpful:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2009/02/14/how-to-get-free-books-to-review-on-your-blog/
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-do-book-bloggers-get-advance-copies.html
ladystorm
There are places like Paperback Swap or Book Mooch where you can trade paperbacks. You post your books online and get credits towards getting books on the site the more books that people want of your books the more credits you can get. Its pretty cool I use Paperback Swap and sometimes you can get some really new popular books. 🙂 Its also a good way of getting rid of some old books to make room for new ones.
Michelle (Red Headed Book Child)
All of your listed ideas are ones that I can think of. This is a great post. We should help each other out. It really is all about the passion for books, right? Atleast it is for me.
Oh and your question about book challenges. I just find them through some of the blogs I follow. I’ve seen a lot more than I have signed up for. The mystery one was the first one that sounded like I could handle.
Patti
This is very interesting information – I always wondered how people got advance copies! I usually just buy, library, borrow, or try to win books to read. Thanks for sharing this information.
Amy
L. Diane Wolfe- Thank you so much!
Anna- Thank you for sharing some sites with all of us! It is very kind of you!
LadyStorm- PBS is so addicting! I love that site. I haven’t tried Book Mooch yet.
Michelle- I do believe it is for the passion of books. I am not one who is in it for free books, just the passion of entering a new world when you read a book!
Patti- I am glad you liked the post! I hope it helped you!
StephanieD
You must be quite a fast reader to post reviews twice a day, not to mention a prolific writer!
Lori
I think this is a wonderful idea, Amy!
I haven’t been book blogging long myself but one thing I have discovered is that everyone has been very helpful as far as tips to not only acquire books but to make your blog more user friendly.
Keep up the great work!
Emily
What a great idea! I am definitely interested in reading more posts like this and sharing information with everyone.
Another aspect of blogging that I think bears mentioning and that can also lead to getting books to read/review is to read other peoples’ blogs and to leave comments. Using a social networking site like Twitter is helpful for this too, as I find out about a lot of memes, contests and features from people tweeting them for extra entries. Comments especially connect you with other bloggers and also make it worthwhile for people to post new material- it makes pushing to get stuff written and posted much more worthwhile when you know someone out there besides you is actually reading it.
Keep up the great work with this feature, I’m interested to read more for sure!
Emily
@heynocupcake on Twitter (might as well put my money where my mouth is)
What Book is That?
Michelle
thank you for this post! it was a lot of help for a newbie like me 🙂
~Mary
Love this post! I’m in it for the love of reading. I really don’t care much about getting free books. It’s not where my blog is headed for me, getting free books I mean. I just want to share the great books I read with others! It is nice when I do have the opportunity to give some books away at the publisher’s expense! And is is nice when they want to give me a copy too. But I would be satisfied if I didn’t get those. I barely get any….and I am ok with that! I LOVE THE LIBRARY!!!