Far too often, my inbox is hit with a really rough email… Some of these rough emails make me laugh out loud at how ridiculous they are, some make me a little angry with their pushiness, assumptions, or lack of research, while many simply rub me the wrong way.
To see examples of those poor emails, check out my Honest Review Requests Gone Wrong series!
However, while those emails are certainly very frustrating, they just make the good emails that much more refreshing!
Since I first posted part one of this series, I couldn’t wait to get to part two so I could share some awesome emails that I have received.
If you missed the first installment of Honest Review Requests Done Right, feel free to take a moment to check it out before popping back over here!
Here are some honest review requests done right:
“I found you on…”
I LOVE when people email me and let me know where they found me! That one line drew me in immediately!
I really enjoy when authors provide just a little bit about themselves rather than paragraphs upon paragraphs, or worse, start bragging about themselves. This quick introduction was short and sweet and totally got me!
Of course, the mention of ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ interested me as well!
Then we have the Goodreads link, where I could click to learn more about the book and check out reviews. And then there was the marketing blurb for the book, which was totally in my wheelhouse!
I also really appreciated the closing two sentences. The first gives me options, and the second is just super polite.
I emailed James back immediately.
“I checked out your About Me and discovered…”
This was my first email from Lisa Munley and I am so happy to say that I am still working with her today!
I loved that Lisa began with a note on who she was and then complimented my blog. For a first touch email, compliments are always welcomed!
Next up, we see that Lisa did her research! I was so excited to see that she took the time to check out if I would be a good fit for her book tour!
Needless to say, I checked out the book that she was offering, and emailed back right away.
“…because I know you like thrillers…”
Heck yes, I LOVE thrillers! And look, another request from Lisa!
Now that Lisa and I had worked together once before, she didn’t need to explain who she was or who she worked for. And she totally nailed this email, commenting on how she wanted to reach out because she knew I enjoy thrillers.
I read the blurb about the book and emailed right back. This book is still sitting on my shelf today!
“… thought you might be interested in this project because of your fondness for horror…”
This email intrigued me immediately. First of all, it was titled “Our Final Halloween” and it was sent to me in October, so it was perfect timing for my Halloween-themed reading search for the month!
The email began in a way that I always appreciate; taking the time to introduce himself briefly without bragging.
Next up, Mike commented on my love of horror, so he had clearly done his research. Then I got to learn a bit about the one-shot and the Kickstarter project. In this email, there were links to PR kit, which had absolutely wonderful information! If I’m remembering correctly, there was a video trailer for the story, as well as the first few pages of the comic. What a brilliant idea to add these elements!
I signed up to back the project immediately after reaching the end of the preview. I couldn’t wait for this to release to read more! To help spread the word, I created a short post about the project and emailed the link to Mike. When the comic was ready for review, Mike sent me an advanced look. I devoured it and got my review ready to roll when it was released!
Thanks for reading!
What was the last email you received from an author or publisher that drew you in immediately?
And of course, my thanks to Jim Morris, Lisa Munley, and Mike Garley for sending me these wonderful emails!
These are so satisfying. I really appreciate emails where the author or publisher or blog tour organizer not only mentions that they took a look at my site, but include a detail that shows me they looked at my site (actual info. from my about me page; a reference to my Grimm’s Fairy Tale project, etc.). It’s sort of a simple courtesy, but it’s so nice to feel like the email is actually directed at me, and not just my inbox.
<3 Agreed!!
That’s great, I’ve had a few very generic emails and some really nice thoughtful ones – it is the small details that do make a difference!
For sure! 🙂
Those are great emails. Even I know of your love for horror (brave woman!) It is really nice when they take the time to know who you are first as opposed to general “place name here” mail shots.
It also shows that you are creating a good reputation for yourself as a book blogger, so we’ll done!
<3 For sure! Customization and research is so important! It really helps weed out the people that are going to be good contacts moving forward from those that won't be a great fit. Thanks for stopping by!
Nice! I love it when people actually take a minute to see if you’re a fit for them rather than blind email!
It’s incredibly frustrating when you get all the other types of email… “Dear blogger, here’s a thriller that I know you’ll love!” Erm… I blog about romance novels and UF. *shrugs*
I agree! Research is key!!
It’s so great when someone actually takes the time to see if their book would be a good fit for you. I’ve had people say, “Based on [these] books you’ve read, you would like this!” and it’s nothing like anything I’ve ever read or reviewed.
Right?! I get those all the time as well!! My favorite was one about erotica, literally the ONE genre I don’t read! LOL!
Great post! I haven’t received that many requests, but I would like them to add where/how they found me as well. I’m always curious to know how people come across my blog.
To be honest, I accepted two requests, mentioned the books in a bookhaul, tried to read them but didn’t like it and didn’t really want to write a review about a book I DNF’ed. How would you solve this problem?
Thank you! 🙂 When I run into a book I acepted as an honest review and I just can’t finish it, I will email the person that gave it to me with something along the lines of, “I’m sorry to say but this one just isn’t up my alley. I will be DNFing the book rather than leaving a review with a lower rating. Thank you again for sending this my way!” If they gave me a physical copy, I always say that I will be passing it off to someone that I think will enjoy it.
These are good examples of polite and well informed enquiries. Better than some of the pushy demanding ones out there!
For sure!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
James Morris is always fantastic to work with. Great post, Erica.
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Thanks for sharing the emails. It’s nice to see how it’s done properly. It’s nice to see how some people take the time to research before they submit a review request.
I usually get generic emails and if it’s not done right I usually just ignore it.
Agreed!! I have started ignoring many of them… especially the ones that start with “Dear Erica Robyn Reads!” Like… if you can’t take the time to figure out my actual name form that…pass.