Reviews on children’s picture books and novels are important for many reasons – but one of the most important is that it gets your books noticed by school and public librarians. Book sales are not limited to libraries, but they are often the backbone that prepares the way for purchases by children and parents, as well as future paperback sales.
Many librarians go by the ‘rule of 3.’ They will only purchase a book from the many listed in publishers’ catalogues if they have been reviewed at least three times. When your books are purchased for libraries, the possibilities for school and library visits (and more sales) are endless. It is less important that the reviews are positive or negative, more important that your book has been reviewed. A Starred review or special mention beyond the basic listing of your book is even a bigger coup.
Book reviews give your book an advantage to perspective parent buyers. If you are planning to promote your book through school programs and book signings, placing positive comments in reviews into your promotion packet, on a flier or on your website is an extra endorsement for your book
As an author, reading reviews of children’s books is helpful even before your book is sold and published. It is a way to find out what is liked, what is needed, or what is overdone. It is also a good way to gain ideas for writing a short ‘review’ of your book in your cover letter, as well as a jacket blurb if you are asked to provide one.
Since most print review publications print their reviews the quarter or month of a book’s publication, your book must be sent to the reviewer ahead of time. Some review sources must be done through your publisher, while others will accept books from authors. Check websites or call for information well ahead of your book’s publication date.
There are numerous magazines which review children’s book. Here some of the top ones:
BUZZ WORDS (THE LATEST
Vicki Stanton, Compiler/Editor
AUSSIEREVIEWS
Aussiereviews (http://www.aussiereviews.com) is
an independently run, not for profit website which reviews Australian books of
all genres, with a special focus on children’s and young adult titles.
Reviews are written with a wide audience in mind, but many of its hits come
from education-related hosts, suggesting that they are regularly read by
educators and students. At present the site is averaging about 500 hits per day
The online website does review most books received, but
stresses that receipt of a book does not guarantee a review – most reviews are
written by the one reviewer, and so it is not possible to read and review every
book published in a year. They are more likely to review a book if they first
receive an email from the publisher (rather than the author) in the form of a
media release, with details of how it can request a review copy. This allows it
to select those titles it is most interested in. This contact between publisher
and reviewer also removes the personal contact between reviewer and author
which can make impartiality difficult. Review requests can be emailed to webmaster@aussiereviews.com
READPLUS
http://www.readplus.com.au
READING TIME
The official journal of the CBCA
is a periodical called Reading Time. Published quarterly, its brief is
to review all books for children and young adults published in Australia , many
from New Zealand ,
as well as any other high quality international publications.
Dr John Cohen
Editor
Ashmont NSW 2650
http://cbca.org.au/readtime.htm
MAGPIES MAGAZINE
Subtitled Talking about Books for Children, this magazine is
available by subscription and is published five times a year. It has an online
subject guide to children’s literature called The Source.
Rayma Turton
Editor
Email proprietor, James Turton: james@magpies.net.au
Leura NSW 2780
www.magpies.net.au
THE
BOOKSELLER+PUBLISHER
This is ‘the’ industry magazine subscribed to by most
booksellers and publishers, and many others, including authors. It has a
quarterly supplement JUNIOR BOOKSELLER+PUBLISHER which has a wide readership.
Matthia Dempsey
Editor
Port Melbourne
Vic 3207
VIEWPOINT: ON BOOKS
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Pam Macintyre
Editor
The University
of Melbourne
PRACTICALLY PRIMARY
MAGAZINE
Dr Gloria Latham
Editor
Building 220,
Level 3, Room 02
Bundoora Vic 3083
GOOD READING
The magazine for book lovers
Rowena Cseh
Editor
Balmain NSW 2041
www.goodreadingmagazine.com
AUSTRALIAN BOOK
REVIEW
Peter Rose
Editor
THE AGE
Ken Merrigan
Editor 'Education Age'
GPO Box
257C
KIDS BOOK REVIEW
Tania McCartney
15
Nugent Close
Jerrabomberra
NSW
2619
Don’t forget also to submit your review copy to the
Education Editors of major newspapers, such as Sydney
Morning Herald, The Australian, Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald and West
Australian. Local newspapers and magazines can help you promote
the word about your book, especially in your area. Many times a review may be
picked up by another newspaper. You might also consider submitting copies of
your book to writers’ centres around Australia for review in their
newsletters.
AMAZON.COM:
The
online mega-bookstore has become an important tool for writers and publishers.
Not only can book reviews from print review magazines be placed on the site
with your book, but readers can also review and rate your book. For information
on how to put your reviews on your site, go to the Help menu at Amazon.com.
From there click Send Email. In that menu go to Author & Publisher
Services. Here you can list your book in the Amazon.com catalogue, correct
information on your book’s page, and enhance your book’s detail page in many
ways. You
will also find the mailing address to submit information, as well as how to
submit through the Internet.
Dianne (Di) Bates is the author of over 100 books, mostly for young people.
Her website is www.enterprisingwords.com
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