An individual wrote me asking this in pretty much these words. They had a children’s book out, a month or more old and hadn’t garnered a single review. They asked how to get reviews and how to get their book on a list that others would see.

So many writers push to get a book out then look around stymied and wonder, What now? Then a few weeks later when they hear nothing but crickets, they wonder, What happened?

I didn’t read the book. That horse is out of the barn, and I didn’t want to pass judgment on quality of work. I had to assume the book was edited and formatted properly and came off as professionally done. The cover was great. Then I replied with the following (no name listed because they don’t need this kind of attention from the general public).

Dear Friend,

Afraid you didn’t even tell me the book title so I could look it up on Amazon. I had to search for it using your name. Anyway, here you go on what to do from here.

1) Never write anyone without mention of the book (and link) in your byline/signature block.

2) Where is your website?

3) Where are you writing online to give attention to yourself?

4) Where are you speaking?

5) What makes you an expert and the right person to write this book?

6) Are you following other children’s authors on social media/newsletters?

7) Once you develop an online presence, have you requested already published authors to review the book?

8) Have you asked teachers and parents to review the book?

9) Are you giving out enough (free) copies of the book to reviewers? (Do not give the book to friends and relatives unless you are sure to receive a review. Unfortunately, those closest are the least likely to review.)

10) Have you tried to put the book up for sale at local venues?

11) Are you writing articles for publications?

12) Have you tried to draw attention to yourself in local news and publications and chamber of commerce?

Think of it like any other business. The book isn’t going to sell itself. You have to sell the book.

I had to do a search for your book on Amazon. I found it. The cover looks appealing, but we have no idea what the book is about. You TELL us how it’s a good book in the narrative, but you do not SHOW us by divulging part of the tale.  You also don’t have an Author Central page on Amazon. As a minimum you need that.

Lists are fine, but if you don’t have an online voice, a website or schedule of appearances, they aren’t going to want you. Lists want authors that promote the list in return, and have a reach. It isn’t just about the book these days. You have work ahead of you. I see the book but there are no links to who you are, what people say about the book, where you will be presenting.

Start here.

1) Do an Author Central page.

2) Get reviews. (There are a ton of teachers and librarians out there!)

3) Develop an online site via web and social media.

4) Set up appearances.

Hope this helps.
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Here’s hoping this list to this individual does you, dear FFW reader, a bit of good, too.