Bloggers helping bloggers #6

My final Bloggers Helping Bloggers contributor is Kathy from A Glass of Wine. Thanks for being part of my first blog series, Kathy!

My name is Kathy and I run the book blog A Glass of Wine. I have been blogging for around a year and half now. I love YA novels with some adult titles thrown in. I have a cat named Aria who tends to try to eat my books, and work as a travel agent when I am not reading.

  What are some things an aspiring book blogger needs to consider when setting up a blog?

I think most people underestimate the amount of work that goes into something like this.  The usual refrain from new bloggers (and I still consider myself a newer blogger as I have been blogging for about a year and a half now) is how much more involved it is than they were expecting. Most bloggers spend over an hour a day either writing reviews, using social media to promote the books they review (and their blog), and that does not even include reading time.

Always do this for the love of books and sharing the word about books you really enjoyed. The other stuff is just a bonus that happens when you’ve put in the effort. Doing this because you love it is really the most important advice I can give.

What social networking tools do you use to promote your blog? Is there one that seems to work better than the others?

I mainly use Twitter to promote my blog. I swear by Twitter. You have access to send your review links right to the publishers twitter feed and they often retweet them. Not to mention authors are always happy to retweet and mention reviews they come across as well. Other bloggers will often retweet reviews from fellow bloggers, especially if it’s for a book they enjoyed.

It is a fine balance between promoting and spamming though. I think a few tweets throughout the day for the various time zones is sufficient otherwise people may grow tired of seeing your reviews pop up constantly.

I know a lot of bloggers have set up Facebook pages for their blogs. I think this is fantastic idea. While I haven’t set one up myself, it is something that I am considering. It all comes down to what works for you, and your blog.


In your opinion, what's the sweet spot for review length? How often do you post reviews? What other things do you post about (if any)?

I don’t think there is a certain length that they should be. I tend to write between 500 – 800 words depending on the book. Some have been shorter. I find the more I love a book the longer the review tends to be.

I post 3 reviews a week at a minimum. I have a set schedule that I rarely deviate from which helps me keep on track. I use Google Calendar to keep track of what I am reviewing and on which date.

I also post a Waiting on Wednesday pick each Wednesday. It’s a book blogger meme that is very popular. It helps promote books that we are excited about and has caused me to add numerous books to my ‘to be read’ pile.  I also do a post highlighting my weekly obsessions on Saturdays. This is where I put newly unveiled covers that have caught my eye, book trailers that stood out, or book sale news I am excited about. It’s also a place where I talk about my other interests (TV, movies, etc). It helps people get to know ME, the blogger behind the blog, a little and that’s important.

I think the most important thing is creating a schedule you enjoy. Try to balance it with reviews, topic posts, and other fun things. Above all else, make sure your blog reflects YOU.


In your opinion, does a blogger need a certain number of followers or reviews before he/she can start writing to PR departments asking for free books? Is there a particular format she should use to email these people that will make them take her seriously?

I think it depends on how long you have been blogging. Most publishers would want you to wait until you've been reviewing more than six months. I think they want to see that it is something you are serious about doing, and something that you didn't start up on a whim. Some publishers may have specific follower totals, or page views that they would like you to have, but I don't think there is a set rule they go by. My advice is to simply make the best blog you can and have a clear voice that is your own. If you are using social media, and have a healthy following most publishers will be happy to work with you.

What I found worked for me was introducing myself to the publisher via their media contact email that most publishers have available on their website. Telling them about your blog, your stats, what type of novels you review, and your contact information is a good place to start. Most publishers have a person that handles blogger requests and will get back to you.

Just for fun: Congratulations! You were the last tribute standing at this year's Hunger Games. What fictional boy (doesn't have to be Gale or Peeta) do you hope is waiting to welcome you home? Why do you like him so much?

Hmm....I think I would like Noah Shaw from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer waiting to welcome me back. He's British, loves animals, a little on the bad boy side, and did I mention the accent?!


This concludes my Bloggers Helping Bloggers series. A huge thank you to Brooke, Nikki, Sarah, Monica, Julie, and Kathy for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer questions for me. You guys rock!

Bloggers helping bloggers #5

It's time for another Bloggers Helping Bloggers post! Today we're hearing from Julie over at Bloggers[heart]Books. Julie, thanks a bunch for participating!

 Julie, being a recent high school graduate, has been told she's now an adult. She's sincerely doubtful about this. She's also well on her way to being a crazy cat lady. Julie's goal is, apparently, to have worked in every aspect of publishing before actually getting a paycheck or a college degree. While also being a YA book blogger and amateur writer. It's possible she's a workaholic.
  

What are some things an aspiring book blogger needs to consider when setting up a blog?

Time. Time is a HUGE factor in blogging. You never realize how much time it's going to take you to write reviews, format them, repost them elsewhere, read the books, network, set up reviews and guest posts and every other little thing you need to do until you start doing it. Especially in the beginning, you need to be able to dedicate several hours every week to your blog.

Another thing to consider is how involved do you want to be. There are plenty of bloggers who post every day, multiple times a day. Some post a few times a week. Some bloggers are on twitter, facebook, tumblr, pinterest, all in the name of promoting their blog and talking to other bloggers, authors, etc. Some bloggers prefer to stay in their own little bubble. These are the kind of things it helps to decide early on.

But I think mostly you should consider why you're blogging. Whatever your reason is, the sooner you know, the better your blog will be.

What social networking tools do you use to promote your blog? Is there one that seems to work better than the others?

I love twitter. I can post links and share links for other blogs that I love and it gets shared with the people who follow me, which is awesome. But my favorite thing about twitter is that it allows me to make a lot of friends. It let's me share my passions and feelings with people so we can connect. And I really think that forming some kind of connection with someone makes them more likely to want to read your blog and help your blog grow. It gives them a reason to want to see you be successful beyond just liking your blog.

Discuss the format of your reviews. Do you include the book jacket synopsis? Your own synopsis? Do you make a point to always discuss plot, characters, theme? High points and low points? Covers? Hot boys? Or do you write more unstructured free-form reviews?

I always grab my synopsis, cover, release date, and publisher from Goodreads, as well as the title and author. I'm horrible at summarizing, so I don't try. I always touch on the plot, characters, and writing. From there, it's I feel the need to comment on. The love interest? What I didn't like? The narration style? What I loved? World building? All possibilities that vary with each book.

In your opinion, does a blogger need a certain number of followers or reviews before he/she can start writing to PR departments asking for free books? Is there a particular format she should use to email these people that will make them take her seriously?

When it comes to PR departments, the general belief I've had is at least three months (hopefully more like six) and over 100 followers. The time shows your serious, the followers show you have a readership. But followers don't really prove anything, they just give an idea. So also look at your comments and your twitter/facebook/tumblr followers. Look at Goodreads friends. If it's related to your blog, look at it. Ask others if you think you're ready.

As for the email itself, you always introduce yourself. Name and blog. I always talk a bit about what book(s) I'm requesting and why I want it/them. Just a sentence or two. Then I talk about how long I've been blogging, followers on various sites, where I repost, page views, unique views. I include that I'm happy to do interviews, blog tours, guest posts, etc. I conclude with my address, saying I understand if they can't send it, and then sign with my name and blog link again. It's the way that works for me, but it won't work for everyone.

Just for fun: Congratulations! You were the last tribute standing at this year's Hunger Games. What fictional boy (doesn't have to be Gale or Peeta) do you hope is waiting to welcome you home? Why do you like him so much?

There are generally two options for me with this question. I mean...there's plenty more, but I'll stick with two. Either Mr. Darcy or Michael Weaver. Mr. Darcy is a gentleman, handsome, always willing to help, and loyal. Sure he's quick to judge, but you can always change his opinion somehow.  Michael is just pure awesome. He's supportive and loving and caring and respectful. He accepts that his girlfriend kicks ass and does his best to stop protecting her when she wants

Bloggers helping bloggers #4

Time for more Bloggers Helping Bloggers ! Today's contributor is Monica from Cover Analysis. Thanks for participating, Monica :)

Monica's Fun Bio Thingy: I'm just an average straight-A math geek 13-year-old bookworm who happens to have a book blog. I live on the east coast and you can find me always carrying a book or two AT ALL TIMES. I hold BBQ chips and Fruit Loops very dear to my heart, tummy, and soul.



What are some things an aspiring book blogger needs to consider when setting up a blog?

Don't be like other blogs. I mean, sure, you could be inspired by them but don't try to write a professional review when you know you aren't, but have a professional-looking blog so people can actually be intrigued and come back. Make it easy to read and do some of your own stuff. Weekly memes are great to branch out your blog and be sure to get to know some of the blogging-lingo like ARC. That means Advance Reading Copy. I'm trying to think of others but I forgot! :P IT'S NOT MY FAULT! ;D


What do you care most about--individual page hits, number of followers, or number of comments? Why?

Truth be told. I care about the comments. Not the followers, page hits, etc (even though I keep track of them) but I care dearly for comments! Comments really let me know that people actually read the blog post and were kind enough to let me know or share their thoughts. Even though I still get 1, maybe 2, sometimes even 3 comments on my posts ...I know, at least, I'm writing for someone! Plus, I get this stupid grin on my face too!


Discuss the format of your reviews. Do you include the book jacket synopsis? Your own synopsis? Do you make a point to always discuss plot, characters, theme? High points and low points? Covers? Hot boys? Or do you write more unstructured free-form reviews?

These are all the things I include in my reviews:
-Author
-Release Date
-My Grade (rating)
-Trailer
-Cover Comments
-Summary/Synopsis
-My actual review
-Credit Time! (I thank whoever gave me the book if it was given.)
My actual review is pretty free-form. I just type what I feel and then edit it a bit to make it seem, yanno, readable and understandable and try to make it a little professional. I even add GIFs and use "lol" from time to time. I mostly type up what I really loved or what really irked me.

In your opinion, does a blogger need a certain number of followers or reviews before he/she can start writing to PR departments asking for free books? Is there a particular format she should use to email these people that will make them take her seriously?

YES! In my opinion, sadly, a blogger does need a certain number of followers when you start writing to publishers. I had a friend who contacted a publisher but they now only added her to their list when she hit 350 followers. I, myself, haven't tried (yet!) but don't caught up on gaining followers. Get the hang of it first and when you think your ready contact them, well contact them! I don't think there is any particular format to use when emailing these people except to be professional BUT be yourself and don't worry! Plus, some publishers have their website ready to tell you what to include in the email so make sure to check that out first! There are TONS of Indie authors who would love for you to review their book and you don't need to be given an ARC to review.

P.S. I kind of lied. I did contact one publisher. Philomel/Penguin for an ARC of a certain book. (In fact, the author runs this very blog) and I am still waiting to hear back. To be perfectly honest ..I don't expect a "Yes" but all of us still hope, don't we? [Fiona sez: Monica wrote this post back before she killed one of my blog contests and won herself a whole set of Breathless Reads. Congrats again, M :)]

Just for fun: Which of Divergent's five factions would you choose to join? Why?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I DON'T KNOW!! Oh wait. Yeah, I do. TEAM Abnegation! Yes, I still can't spell it right but I picked it because, truth be told, I mostly think about others more than myself and c'mon. I have a HORRIBLE fashion sense. I'm glad Abnegation wear only gray and have simple hairstyles. I always keep my hair in a ponytail or bun these days.  No more stressing. :D

Bloggers helping bloggers #3

Today's Bloggers Helping Bloggers contributor is Sarah from The Book Life. Thanks for participating, Sarah!

Sarah's bio: I'm just a nerdy gal who loves the various things life offers up. I like to call myself an extreme reader, where others like to BMX off of large hills or swim with sharks, I like to read books in large quantities :0) I like to live my large, scary adventures vicariously. I'm big into movies and music, too. Sometimes I like to watch a movie on silent, while listening to my mp3 player and reading a book! Okay, so that might have been stretching the truth just a tad... I also love coffee (a little too much) and spending time watching the ocean. It's so immense and persistent. I love that it never stops, always reaching for the shore. Most of my books are YA, even though I am fastly approaching the not even a little Y, A. The stories in YA books are always so much more creative and immersive. Sure they can have some recycled stories, but for the most part they are new and exciting. Just because you are grown, it doesn't mean you have to start reading your mom's old romance novels :0)

What are some things an aspiring book blogger needs to consider when setting up a blog?

Patience is key. There are so many amazing blogs out there that you want your blog to grow up and be like someday, but you have to remember that those bloggers put in a lot of time and hard work on their blogs, and still do. It seems simple; create a blog, post reviews, voila! That’s not the case, though, and you really have to devote a lot of time to making your blog what you want it to be. I don’t claim to be an expert by any means, but I think the best piece of advice I can give is: don’t stress. Remember that you started your blog because you love books and you wanted people to share your love with, it’s about having a good time and making new friends. There is no perfect recipe and that’s okay :0)


What social networking tools do you use to promote your blog? Is there one that seems to work better than the others? Prior to blogging, and even after I first started, I was completely anti-twitter. Honestly, I just didn’t see the point. I had a personal twitter account, but I never used it. I read some posts from established bloggers on how to get your blog out there, and twitter was the number one suggestion. So I sucked it up and created an account for my blog, and the rest is history. I’m completely hooked on twitter and can’t imagine not using it on a daily basis. It’s a great way to connect with other bloggers and with authors. I am constantly amazed by the friendships I’ve formed just by talking to people on twitter. It’s also a great forum to get your blog content out there to other bloggers, authors and publishers. I still remember the first time one of my favorite authors responded to one of my tweets, star struck would be a good word to describe me. And it’s still exciting every time, even though I now talk to authors on a regular basis.

Discuss the format of your reviews. Do you include the book jacket synopsis? Your own synopsis? Do you make a point to always discuss plot, characters, theme? High points and low points? Covers? Hot boys? Or do you write more unstructured freeform reviews?

I usually include the Goodreads synopsis, with proper credit, and the cover photo on all of my reviews. I’m a terrible paraphraser, so it’s good when I can grab it from somewhere. When I first started doing reviews, I tried to make them very uniform, but I learned very quickly that my main review points depended on my reaction to the book. So my reviews are all pretty unstructured, but I find that I like seeing where my thoughts take the review. I think it’s less boring that way, too :0)


If a blogger asks for a book and a publisher sends it to them for free, are they obligated to review it? Should they send them a link to the review? What if they HATES the book? Do they have to review it then? If they send a link will the publisher blacklist them from getting more ARCs?

I definitely believe that if you ask for a review copy and the publisher sends it to you, you are obligated to do a review on it. That was the purpose of them sending the book to you in the first place, the review is like payment for getting the book. I always send review links to publishers if they have sent me a review copy, sometimes I’ll send them even if it was a book I bought.

You aren’t going to like every book you request for review, sometimes a story just doesn’t work for you. If I manage to make it all the way through a book I didn’t particularly care for, I will still review it, but I am very constructive with those reviews. I explain what I didn’t like about the book and why, but I will also point out things that I did enjoy about it, too. If I couldn’t finish a book or can’t think of anything constructive or nice to say about it, I will email the publisher and let them know why I am not reviewing it and thank them for the opportunity to read the book. I can’t imagine a publisher would ever blacklist someone because they didn’t like a book. Not everyone is going to like the book you are publishing and as long as your review isn’t mean or tactless, the publisher shouldn’t have any problem sending you review copies in the future. WOULD

Just for fun: Congratulations! You were the last tribute standing at this year's Hunger Games. What fictional boy (doesn't have to be Gale or Peeta) do you hope is waiting to welcome you home? Why do you like him so much?

Adam Wilde from Gayle Forman’s IF I STAY and WHERE SHE WENT. I love Adam with my whole heart, he is definitely one of my most favorite book boyfriend. What’s not to love about him, I mean he’s a musician, he’s got an amazing heart, and he’s a hottie! What more could anyone want?!?

Bloggers helping bloggers #2

Today's Bloggers Helping Bloggers contributor is Nikki from Fiction Freak. Thanks for participating in my first ever blog series Nikki!

Nikki's bio:  I'm horrible at these things...I'm your average book blogger who rambles on and on and on about books and spends every penny on them. Of course, both friends and family are starting to give me the eye if I walk in with a book and a grin on my face because chances are I'll most likely be ranting and screaming at a character. I barely pass ELA and got a few 70's on writing, but eh. I never was good at that! Fun Fact: Being the teacher's pet, I was allowed to sit and read in P.E. while all the others had to do sports and still got 100. That was in elementary, but I wish that happened now!

Is your blog strictly book-related? Do you have a specific angle that makes your blog stand out from other review blogs? if so what is it and why did you pick it?

My blog is 100% for books since that's honestly all I do: read. As for does it stand out? There are millions of review blogs so honestly, I don't think my blog is all that different. The only thing I can think of that makes is different is that I'm the one who reviews it. My reviews have my personality in it and that's it. But hey, that's what matters right?

What do you care most about--individual page hits, number of followers, or number of comments? Why?

A lot of followers are awesome, but I mainly care about comments. It shows that viewers read and care about what I say. You can get a lot of followers because of your giveaways and people can always view your page by accident, but if they leave a comment, there's no way they did it on accident. And I love hearing what people have to say about books, reviews, and just random stuff. Especially if I helped them discover a new book.

How do you feel about scathing reviews that sling insults at the author, editor, publisher, etc.? How do you feel when you get a book from an author you really like but the book is just 'not for you.' Do you still review it?

I hate those reviews. It's OK to post negative reviews since, after all, not everyone will like a book and it's only an opinion. But insults are another thing completely. You can explain why you disliked the book in a neutral tone, but saying it in a hateful way is annoying to both readers and viewers. I remember an author I interviewed (Ann Stampler) saying "I have seen some bizarre, nasty stuff, but I suspect it is more a reflection of the reviewer than the book in question." And I completely agree with that.

As for if I disliked the book, yes I would review it. After all, authors expect honest reviews (I'm hoping at least. O.O) and if I didn't like it, I would say so. But it's rare when I absolutely hate a book that I wanted. I really don't ask for books from authors unless they're ones I'm dying for.

If a blogger asks for a book and a publisher sends it to her for free, is she obligated to review it? Should she send them a link to the review? What if she HATES the book? Does she have to review it then? If she sends a link will the publisher blacklist me from getting more ARCs?

Whenever I get a book from the publisher, I do my best to review it ASAP, especially if it's already been released. I guess you're not obligated, but if you want to be trusted then it's best to review it. I'm betting they're have been a lot of people who have taken books from a publisher, but never reviewed them. But the reason publishers send out books are for reviews.

If I just hated the book, I'll still try to review it with a few neutral points, and a few points that I liked. After all, I never completely hate a book. It's like against my nature. And I always send a link to the review to the publisher if they were the ones who sent me the book. Or the author in very few cases.

Just for fun: Congratulations! You were the last tribute standing at this year's Hunger Games. What fictional boy (doesn't have to be Gale or Peeta) do you hope is waiting to welcome you home? Why do you like him so much?

Oooooohhhh!!!! Too many!!! So I'll cheat and say a fictional boy from each genre? Okay, here goes:

Dystopian: Alex from Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Paranormal: Kaidan from Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Fantasy: Ren from Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
Historical: (Pshh. No competition.) Falco from Venom by Fiona Paul
No Place to Fit: Ash from the Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa

As for the why, it's because all of them are (a) mischievous (Falco, Ren, Kaidan) (b) Sacrificial (Ash, Alex) (c) Sweet even though it didn't seem like it (Kaidan, Falco, Ash) or (d) left girl with a broken heart for girl's own good (Every single one of them). Wait. There's also (e) Not surprisingly, they're also all completely gorgeous.

Bloggers helping bloggers #1

Yay! I am super-excited to start my first ever blog series. For the next 3 weeks I will be doing two posts a week by bloggers, for bloggers, all about setting up a blog and getting galleys for review. My first Bloggers Helping Bloggers contributor is Brooke from Brooke Reports. Thanks for participating, Brooke!

Brooke is a hot pocket eater and fictional boy lover. She’s prone to twirling and moonwalking naked. You can find her on twitter @brookeworm33 or on blogger at brooke-reports.blogspot.com


Is your blog strictly book-related? Do you have a specific angle that makes your blog stand out from other review blogs? If so what is itand why did you pick it?

Yes, my blog is absolutely book related—young adult books only!Although, sometimes I do throw in a music Monday! :)

I wouldn’t say I have a specific angle per se, but I do focus a lot on…ehem...fictional boys. I am madly in love with about seventy of them. *THUD* [Fiona: Seventy?? Yikes!]

What do you care most about--individual page hits, number of followers, or number of comments? Why?

Comments! I adore them! When I get a comment on a post, I know someone read it and felt compelled to respond. Somehow they connected with what I wrote! I could have a million followers and if none of them ever commented,what would be the point? Comments are how you meet/find other bloggers as well!

How do you feel about scathing reviews that sling insults at the author, editor, publisher, etc.? How do you feel when you get a book from an author you really like but the book is just 'not for you.' Do you still review it?

Negative reviews are always tricky, or at least they are for me. It’s rare I run into a book I don’t like but when I do I’m honest about why it didn’t work for me. As for slinging insults, that’s just ridiculous. I’ve said this before: it’s not about the author or the agent or the editor—it’s about the books, the world building, the characters, and THE STORYTELLING!

Where can book reviewers find information about who to contact at the various publishing houses? Are there other ways besides email to get ARCs and free books?

Netgalley is an online site that allows book reviewers andbloggers a chance to request an eARC! I highly recommend it! And to find out EVERYTHING you need to know about ARCs you should really check out The StorySiren’s Tips & Tricks! She breaks it all down! Other ways to get ARCs are to enter contests and giveaways! Until you get comfortable with requesting ARCs and just blogging in general, enter contests!

Just for fun: Congratulations! You were the last tribute standing at this year's Hunger Games. What fictional boy (doesn't have to be Gale or Peeta) do you hope is waiting to welcome you home? Why do you like him so much?
 
Oh my goodness gracious! This is a….ridiculously hard question! But I’m going to have to go with Peregrine from Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky! He’s extremely rugged on the outside yet totally compassionate on the inside and *dreamy sigh* he is so, so attractive. I'm completely in love with him and can't wait for book two!