After Your Published You Can Still Get Reviews
by Michelle Rossi

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It is always a good idea to get reviews before the publication process begins, but if you haven’t, don’t worry, you can still get reviews. How do you get reviews? That is the big question, but everyone uses different methods. Choosing what methods work for you is the best way to go. I will share with you how I’ve been successful at gaining them.

It all started with my first book, “The Golden Locket,” a teen novel. I happened to be in the mall at the same time Mort Crim, an Author and News Broadcaster was. He was at Waldenbooks signing his book, “Second Thoughts.” I decided to go get a copy, when I did, I handed him my business card and told him that I had a book in the publication process. I then asked him if he would kindly review it for me. A few days later, Mort Crim took my husband and I out to breakfast, he gave me a review, and also gave me a signed copy of his new book. I was thrilled! I will never forget Mort Crim and what a wonderful man he truly is.

It never hurts to try something like this. I just happened to stumble across Mort’s book signing event, but it’s also possible to just look up events and attend them as well. Just remember to bring your business cards! There are many authors out there who will support you and give you a review, but you will never get it if you don’t ask.

Ask and you shall receive! This is what I did to get more reviews. While attending Oakland University, I had asked two of my professors to write a review for me on my new release, “All About Me.” They did! They read my book and gave me a great review. One thing about professors, they will tell you the truth! Now, I had three reviews for this book. Then I remembered my friend from C&G Newspapers who had written a review for me in the past for, “The Golden Locket.” I had asked her to write one for, “All About Me,” and she did! Keep all of your contacts, usually if they write a review once, they will more than likely write you another.

Another great way to gain reviews is by email. Don’t waste time and money sending media packages out, unless you get the O.K. first. There are plenty of ways to get in touch with editors and review personnel by email. Most marketing books have the names and emails of book reviewers. Sometimes you can just look them up under a specific website as well. Example: If you wanted The New York Times to write a review, just look up their website, find the editor’s email and email them. I have done this several times with several review personnel. If I receive a response, then I will proceed with sending them a package. This way you received a response, and the reviewer is expecting your package. No time wasted, and you have a better chance at gaining that review.

Don’t forget, even if you had your book published, still fight for these reviews. Reviews can be printed up in the news, announced on the radio, advertised at your book signings; you can do all sorts of things with your reviews. Once, I even made a plaque and placed it on my table at my book signing event; for all to see. I had received this review after my book had been published, so I couldn’t place it in my book, but I wanted to show it off. Reviews are a great advertising piece; get as many as you can.

Author's Bio
Michelle Rossi, (White) is a graduate from Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. She has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Michigan Teaching Certificate. She is the founder/CEO of the All About Me Program that is being utilized throughout many communities. The program is geared to teach today's youth how to build self-esteem, positive thinking, understand the creative mind, communicate better, learn about personality, friendships and how to set goals. Michelle's workbook All About Me, is the instructional tool used in the program which has been reviewed by Mort Crim and other news media. Michelle's workbook and program is by far helping today's youth grow socially and academically stronger.



Michelle has been published in Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul 2. Her story is called, "Start With The Truth." She has also been published in Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul. Her story is called, "Who's to Blame?" Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul has published her story, "The Youngest Idol Fan."



All About Me Reviews:



Michelle's book is a winner by any standard--interesting, timely and on target for its young audience. Psychologists have long recognized that low self esteem is at the root of many social problems among our youth from promiscuity to violent crime. ALL ABOUT ME is a highly readable contribution to building self esteem and providing youngsters with a healthy perspective on their place in the world."

All the best ....
Mort Crim/ AUTHOR, BROADCASTER





With it's genial tone and open-ended questions, 'Getting to Know Me' provides a good way for young people to build self-esteem by learning more about themselves and their strengths and interests. At an age when they're just beginning to come into their own, these exercises will likely give them thoughtful insights about themselves, and in an encouraging and positive fashion."

K. Michelle Moran/C&G NEWS EDITOR





"All About Me provides the young reader with an opportunity develop their motivational potential through affirmation and self-reflection. Michelle's book invites the reader to learn skills in areas such as communication, positive thinking and goal setting. A very readable and helpful guide for moving toward one's interests, goals and motivational possibilities."

Dr. Michael G. MacDonald
Assistant Professor of Education at Oakland University,
Educational Psychologist, Teacher