Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. There's a new prompt each week to encourage bloggers to meet new bloggers, learn about new books, and gain followers for their own blogs.
This week's prompt: How do you turn down a review request?
Like my answer last week, I can split my response into two parts - pre-BEA and post-BEA.
Pre-BEA: Before Book Expo America, I never had to worry about turning down a request... because I never got any. I knew nothing about ARCs or review copies or contacting publishers (and I really should have, since my dad works for a publishing company & I did as well, briefly). I thought all of those bloggers who were getting books earlier than the release date had met some mysterious requirements to be so privileged. Now I know that I could have been reviewing ARCs all along.
Post-BEA: After BEA, I actually get review requests. Which feels awesome, by the way. But of course, not every book is the right fit for me. So I simply respond with a polite "No, thank you" and explain that the book isn't the right fit or isn't something I'd feel comfortable reading. And I also thank them for considering my blog.
The BEA is so much fun. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to say thanks for considering your blog. So many good answers today.
Declining is tricky, but it can be done graciously as I have seen from many answers today including mine. :)
Stop by for my full answer if you like.
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
I think being gracious is the most important part of declining a request.
DeleteThanks for commenting!
It's interesting that the BEA has affected your blogging so favorably; that's wonderful! And I like how you let authors down easy. This is an uncomfortable situation, so I admire your approach! Here's hoping you continue to blog for a long time to come!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday, and Happy Hopping!! : )
Thanks! I do try to be as nice as possible, because I know that they poured so much into writing these books. And I'd like to actually write a book someday too, so I just think about how I would feel if I was asking for reviews.
DeleteI never realized how much BEA would change things. I figured I'd meet some new people and get a few books, but I learned so much there.
Thanks for commenting!
You're very welcome, Ashling!
DeleteGee, I sure hope I can attend the BEA someday....I'd be in total heaven, surrounded by so many books and interesting people (although I do tend to be shy in large crowds...)!
It's wonderful that you're thinking of writing a book!! You go, girl!!!
Thanks for commenting back on my blog!! : )
I was very much like you in awe of those friends who had ARC's. I like the idea of thanking people for considering your blog. I participated in Armchair BEA this year and I loved it! I am waiting for BEA to come to Chicago in 2016 :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog and I hope to see you around again,
New follower!
Katelynn
literarychameleon.blogspot.com
Thanks for the follow!
DeleteI really hope you get to BEA in 2016 and love it as much as I did.
Thanks for commenting!
Glad to know BEA was helpful to you.
ReplyDeleteIt really was. I wasn't expecting all of the ways it would change my blogging, but they've all turned out to be good changes.
DeleteThanks for commenting!
It was my first time going this year, and it was amazing. If you ever have the chance to go, take it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!