Getting your book in the hands of influencers is a key part of any book marketing strategy. While it’s important to promote your book on your own social media channels and platforms, having someone else, especially a well-known, respected book influencer in the community with an audience of their own, is crucial.
Now you’re probably wondering: How do I get these influencers to review and share my book?
Well, let’s dive into it.
Here are 7 tips for to get Bookstagrammers and BookTokers to review your book.
1. Research influencers who are your ideal reader
The number one tip for getting influencers to review and share your book? Do your research! Make sure you’re finding influencers who showcase books similar to yours and are actively sharing social media posts and reviews. If you really admire a book influencer but they only talk about horror books, while you’ve written an epic fantasy, it’s probably not a good match—and you likely won’t get a bite. Not only is it a poor fit, but you’re wasting both their time and your own!
Find your ideal influencers by researching hashtags like #epicfantasybooks, #fantasybooks, and #fantasyreader on Instagram and TikTok. Look at who’s been posting recently to find influencers who are actively reviewing and sharing books. Once you’ve found a few potential matches, click on their profiles to see if they have a contact email. If not, send them a DM!
2. Have your digital and/or physical copies ready to go
Make sure you have a reviewable version of your book ready to go, whether that’s an EPUB, PDF, audiobook, or even a physical copy. If an influencer responds to your inquiry and says they’re interested, it’s important to send them the book as soon as possible. So, make sure you have your book ready in the format they’re looking for!
TIP: When researching potential influencers, take a look at their social media posts. Are they highlighting physical books, ebooks, or maybe a mixture of both? This can give you a good indication of which format they’re likely to prefer.
3. Craft personalized pitches for each influencer
When reaching out to an influencer, don’t just copy and paste the same surface-level request. Add some personalization! Mention a specific post of theirs that caught your eye or let them know you’ve been following their account for a while. This makes your pitch feel more genuine and gives them a reason to keep reading past the opening line. It also shows that you’ve actually taken the time to look at their account.
TIP: Before reaching out, follow them and give a couple of their posts a like! I’d even leave a comment or two to help you stand out.
4. Design a media kit that shows off your book
While your personalized email should include an engaging pitch for your book, a media kit is a great way to showcase it even further. Keep it simple, visually appealing, and around 4–5 pages long.
Here’s a simple format you can follow:
- Page 1 – Book title and cover: Include your book cover and a one-line hook to grab their attention!
- Page 2 – Book synopsis: Give influencers a little more insight into your book and include clickable buy or pre-order links.
- Page 3 – Book tropes/themes: If your book is fiction, highlight its tropes. If it’s nonfiction, this is a great place to showcase its main themes.
- Page 4 – Reviews: If you already have some reviews, showcase three of your best ones!
- Page 5 – About the author: Introduce yourself and include links to your social media accounts and website.
5. Determine your ask: social media post or review?
Before contacting a specific influencer, figure out what you’re hoping to get from the collaboration. Are you looking for a social media post, a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads, or perhaps both? This can depend on what the influencer specializes in, as well as their availability and schedule. If they don’t have the time to fully read and review your book, a social media post is still a great way for them to help promote it.
TIP: Mix up your ask! Don’t request a review from every influencer or a social media post from every single one. A combination of social media buzz and reader reviews is a great recipe for success!
6. Ask about a timeline but don’t require it
Lots of Bookstagrammers and BookTokers have busy schedules, especially since they often create social media posts and reviews for free. While it’s important to ask about their expected timeline, don’t make it a strict requirement. Instead, treat it as more of a guideline. This way, you have a general idea of when to follow up about their social media posts or reviews without putting unnecessary pressure on them.
TIP: If you’re doing influencer outreach ahead of a book release, start contacting influencers at least 3–4 months in advance. The more time you give them, the better your chances of receiving social media posts and reviews ahead of or during launch week.
7. Always show gratitude!
Last but not least, always show your appreciation. As I mentioned above, many book influencers create social media posts and reviews for free simply because they love reading and supporting authors. Make sure you thank them for their time and support, and continue connecting with them online. It’s a great way to build relationships and grow your book community!
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