ARC Essentials with Random House

ARC Essentials is a new feature here on the blog where I have interviewed several publishers about the process for requesting review copies and then what to do once your review is written and posted. Each publisher has their own way of handling things, so what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.

Today we have:

1. What should I include when asking for a review copy (Page view stats? Follower count? All social media accounts)?

UVM stats are VERY helpful, as well as social media accounts. It’s also nice if you note one or two that you’ve heard something about or why you’re requesting them, instead of a just a big list.

2. How long should I be blogging before I ask for a review copy?

Depends! We certainly wouldn’t turn down a new blog that has an impressive following.

3. Who should I contact about receiving review copies?

Feel free to contact individual publicists if you know they are working on the title, but if you’re not sure, we check our rhkidspublicity@randomhouse.com inbox daily, and those emails get forwarded to the appropriate person.

4. Should I email an author about obtaining a review copy and have them forward my request onto their publicist?

If you have a relationship with the author already (via Twitter, etc), this is fine to do. In most cases, it’s just easier to go straight to the publicist, though!

5. Do you expect me to review books I never requested, such as an ARC or finished copy I was sent but never asked for?

We never feel like we are OWED a review. If you receive ARCs that you didn’t ask for, it’s probably because we think you’ll really love it!

6. Where can I send in review links?

Usually, best to send them to the publicist working on the title. Again, if you’re not sure, the general inbox is best! rhkidspublicity@randomhouse.com

7. Do you want to see all reviews I’ve done—positive and negative?

I appreciate seeing them all, with a heads up that maybe you didn’t love the book. It’s good for us to see that you still took the time to read and review.

8. Am I more likely to get approved if I request an eARC of a book instead of a physical copy?

Definitely. It’s just a numbers game—we only print a limited quantity of galleys, but e-galleys are infinite.

9. When is the best time to request a book or be asked to be put on a list to receive a review copy?

I would say 3-4 months before publication.

10. Do you have a catalog mailing list for bloggers that I can request to be a part of?

We actually don’t make a printed catalog anymore! All info can be found on Edelweiss.

11. If I want to interview an author or ask them to write a guest post for my blog, is it best to contact the author directly?

See question #4!

12. Anything else you would like to add that you think bloggers should/need to know?

We appreciate the work you do! Bloggers are such a crucial part of building buzz for our books and introducing/recommending them to new readers. Thanks for writing!

Giveaway:

Random House is giving away a fabulous prize pack of ARCs and finished copies this week! Fill out the rafflecopter to enter!

AND WE STAY by Jenny Hubbard

BEING SLOANE JACOBS by Lauren Morrill

GATED by Amy Christine Parker

DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT by Sarah Mlynowski

LOVE ME by Rachel Shukert

THE MIRK AND MIDNIGHT HOUR by Jane Nickerson

TOXIC HEART by Theo Lawrence

THE TRAGEDY PAPER (paperback) by Elizabeth LaBan

THE TYRANT’S DAUGHTER by J.C. Carleson

WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart

a Rafflecopter giveaway