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Book Review & Contest Insights from Real Reviews and Submissions

What separates great books from the rest? Below are articles with insights from real reviews and contest submissions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your book. You’ll also find a wide range of articles covering writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Each article has a Comments section so you can read advice from other authors and leave your own.

Why Some Books Win Awards (And Most Don’t) — Insights From Real Contest Submissions New!

What separates award-winning books from the rest? After evaluating contest submissions across a wide range of genres, certain patterns become clear. Some books consistently rise to the top. Others, even with strong ideas and clear effort behind them, fall short. The difference is rarely dramatic—it...

What We’ve Learned From Reviewing Hundreds of Thousands of Books (And Why Most Don’t Stand Out) New!

After reviewing and evaluating books across thousands of submissions over the past two decades, certain patterns become impossible to ignore. Some books immediately stand out to reviewers. Others—even well-intentioned ones—fade into the middle or fall short. The difference is rarely luck. It comes down to...

What Not To Do When Dealing With Media During Book Promotions?

If you are lucky enough to get media attention for your book or novel then you should try to make the best of it. Very popular or very lucky authors get the chance to appear in the media to promote their novel and they make sure that the maximum number of people are aware of their upcoming work. So when you get the chance to do it, you should make sure that you maximize that opportunity.

When you do get the chance, there are some things that you should never do. Keep these tips in mind to have fruitful media coverage for your book or novel.

  When you appear for the interview, make sure that you offer information and commentary about your book and other things in general rather than just promoting your book all the time. You will have time to promote your book and do it well, but if you just keep promoting the book or novel it will be annoying for the interviewer and the listeners. Make the best of the opportunity and show your intellect and subtly promote your book in your interview.

  While going for an interview and appearing in the media is very exciting, you should never ignore your deadlines. If you are noticed enough to appear on the media, know that your work ethic will be under scrutiny as well. So if you have any deadlines that you need to meet, make sure that you meet them because if you don’t, the topic will come up and it will reflect badly on you and your book.

  When you are invited to an interview, you can be sure that the interviewer will be picking up on some sore subjects, perhaps it might be about bad reviews. This is something that you need to take into consideration before you appear for an interview, especially after the release of your book. So be prepared for that. Always remain composed and calm when asked about negative reviews.

  If the interviewer gives criticism, take it gracefully and give your feedback in a respectful manner. Remember that you will be seen by hundreds of people so your reaction will be noticed too. Be careful about how you approach such questions.

Last but not the least, if you are self-publishing and self-promoting your book or novel, you should research on how to pitch an idea. Being amateurish about your approach will not leave a good impression on the media and word spreads fast, so be careful about this. You should start by educating yourself about this before you even start building your campaign so be careful.

Keep these things in mind when you are preparing for your media appearance. Know that these tips come in handy even when this is not your first time appearing in the media. Be sure of yourself, have confidence and enjoy your time. This is an opportunity that not many authors enjoy, and if you are lucky enough to get it make the most of it and enjoy it!

Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Rabia Tanveer