When my first book, Uphill All the Way, came out, in 2004, I don’t think I knew what a book blogger was.
Now, twelve years and nine books later, I consider a blogger/author meet up in a cellar bar in Birmingham city centre a fantastic place to spend a Saturday afternoon, not just for fun, but for the networking. I knew a lot of the bloggers personally, a lot more I’d only met online till the event (but I’m very happy to ‘make it real’), and some were completely new to me.
Book bloggers have a huge appetite for books, they read widely, they’re enthusiastic about authors, they make contacts with publishers, and they spend a lot of hours reviewing books and maintaining fabulous, interesting, well-read blogs. They also network with other book bloggers and utilise social media to get news of reviews, interviews and giveaways out there. It’s a real labour of love.
When Uphill was published, the publicist was chasing a few coveted review spots in newspapers and magazines. Now, there are enough book bloggers to go around, ‘blog tours’ can be organised to reach as many readers as possible. NetGalley is a conduit to make review copies available. The electronic world has opened these opportunities up.
What’s not to love?
But what do book bloggers get out of the deal? They get to read a lot of great books, either pre-publication or early in a book’s life, they get invited to launch parties and to events at big publishing houses, they get access to their favourite authors, they join authors’ street teams.
It’s a lovely symbiotic relationship. And, for me, a reason to spend Saturday afternoon in a bar talking about books. (As if I needed one.)
Love how you appreciate bloggers/reviewers. I’m always pleased when an author thanks you for a blog review.
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π I wanted to put quotes from good reviews on my website and in every case asked the relevant blogger for permission. They all said ‘Yes’ and several of them said ‘Thanks for asking’, so I agree there’s no harm in remembering one’s manners.
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Lovely to hear! Thank you….. π
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π My pleasure.
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Couldn’t agree more, Sue. I’m actually in awe of book bloggers and their passion and dedication. I would have been lost without their support. Fab post. See you at the next meetup! π xx
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Yes, I’ll be at the London one, hopefully! π x
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lovely to see book bloggers get recognition. A great post! Book blogging is a passion. I adore it!
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And it’s always good to meet you! π
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What a great post, thanks Sue. It was amazing to meet you! x
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Likewise, Holly. I hope we’ll cross paths again soon. π
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Great post and it was great to meet you, twice in one week!
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Likewise. I’m sure it won’t be the last time!
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Love this!! π
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π x
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Definitely, what a fantastic website and enlightening posts, I will bookmark your website.Have an awsome day!
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