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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Honest Review Requests Done Right, Part 4

December 17, 2019      Erica Robyn      7 Comments

Honest Review Requests Done Right, Part 4

Welcome to part four of this series!

If you missed the first three installments, feel free to check them out below before returning here:

  • Honest Review Requests Done Right
  • Honest Review Requests Done Right, Part 2
  • Honest Review Requests Done Right, Part 3

Let’s dive in!

More honest review requests done right:

“Oh, and congrats on the house!”

This email is so spot on with what I look for with requests!

Nick greeted me, explained how he found me, and very clearly did research before reaching out as he learned that I was technically closed for review requests but still open to anything horror, and that I had recently bought a house.

He also provided a link for me to learn more about the book that he thought I may be interested in, and offered a free copy.

Wonderfully done, Nick!! Also readers, I LOVED the book! Check out my review for Human Flesh here!

I emailed Nick back as soon as I was able to read the email! Unfortunately with our house buying and the move, it sat in my inbox for a bit.

“And if not interested, no worries at all!“

First things first, this author had already started a conversation with me on Twitter about a short story of his that I had read. That started the relationship off wonderfully! So when I saw this message come through, I was so excited! Not only was it horror, but we had already started chatting so this wasn’t just another “cold” offer.

I also loved that he gave me options for the review copy, gave me an out if I wasn’t interested, and then added the book details!

I responded right away, and of course, accepted the review copy!


“I wanted to touch base to see if there are any upcoming ARC’s you’d be interested in checking out.”

Shout out to Sarah for doing her research!

This request was so spot on for me! I loved that she greeted me and then introduced herself perfectly. I also love that she provided the full catalog for me to check out, and then continued to list the upcoming books and their release dates along with just a quick sentence about them.

I wanted to read EVERYTHING that she had listed. I picked a couple and emailed back with my interests. I cannot wait to dive into the books that are headed my way!

I’d love to work with Sarah again!


Thanks for reading! 
What are some things that you look for when you are emailed by publicists or authors? I’ve love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

And of course, my thanks to Nick Clausen, Eric J. Guignard, and Sarah Miniaci for sending these emails my way.

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angela says

    December 17, 2019 at 8:00 pm

    It’s nice when people take the time to actually research your interests a little instead of just blindly emailing!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      December 21, 2019 at 9:12 am

      For sure! <3

      Reply
  2. chucklesthescot says

    December 18, 2019 at 5:30 am

    Yes those are the kind of requests that I’d respond to as well. I like polite, friendly and informed about the reader they are reaching out to!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      December 21, 2019 at 9:12 am

      100%! <3

      Reply
  3. ShootingStarsMag says

    December 18, 2019 at 8:42 am

    Using your actual name is always lovely, and giving you an out by saying “if you can’t, no worries” or something like that is always nice. I try and do that when I’m asking people for favors!

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      December 21, 2019 at 9:13 am

      Agreed!! 🙂 I love when people say “I see you’re still closed, but I’d love to get on your list if you reopen!” That’s always nice!

      Reply

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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