We have an awesome treat for you guys today: a publicist interview with Brittany (her twitter link is here)! Although she’s new to Macmillan, we already see that she’s a wonderful publicist for their Children’s division! Please enjoy our interview where we discuss everything from favourite books to how to get e-ARCs!
About Blogging:
1. Do you have any advice for bloggers looking to start requesting ARCs?
Connect with fellow bloggers! A lot of times we determine who gets ARCs based on your social media presence and of course, what your personal tastes are. If you start blogging about ARCs you’ve received from friends, that’s the kind of initiative and networking we respond to!
2. Is it easier to get approved for eARC requests versus physical ARC requests?
I would generally say it’s easier to get approved for digital galleys, but that’s not true for every case, especially if we don’t make a certain title available digitally.
3. What are some traits you look for in bloggers?
We like working with bloggers who go the extra mile! We really appreciate bloggers who personalize their tweets/ posts based on the book, and don’t just generate a generic tweet. So, passion for reading is of course an obvious must, but also an enthusiasm for sharing and a knack for spreading the word about a great book!
4. How do you sign up for tour request emails?
The short answer is you don’t! If you request to review a title, you are most likely on the short list of bloggers who will be asked to participate in a blog tour.
5. Are social media followers more important than blog followers (through email, Bloglovin’, GFC, etc.)?
I think those two things go hand in hand, the more blog followers you have, the more likely you’ll also have a large Twitter/ Tumblr/ Facebook/ Pinterest following. But we do place a high value on how many people you’re reaching, across all channels, so the more the better!
6. What is the ‘ideal’ way of handling DNF reviews of ARCs?
Not everyone will love every book, we all understand that sometimes it’s just not for you. I think you can phrase that in a way that doesn’t disrespect the author’s efforts and vision. As long as you can tactfully articulate that this book just didn’t do anything for you, there shouldn’t be an issue. And I would suggest removing yourself from a blog tour if it turned out you couldn’t get through it.
Book Talk!
1. Which new releases are you looking forward for others to get a chance to read?
Oh I am dying for people to read Winter by Marissa Meyer, and also Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, which feels like a completely new experience after her Grisha Trilogy. Also, I can’t wait for people to get their hands on First & Then by Emma Mills, it’s so fresh and young, but truly beautiful writing.
2. What is your favorite thing about working as a publicist?
Working with the authors! I still pinch myself that I get to work with and collaborate with these brilliant people who I used to obsess about and help make their journeys as an author the best they can be!
3. What are some of your favorite releases from your publishing house?
The Lunar Chronicles is definitely at the top of the list, but I have a huge obsession with The Winner’s Curse trilogy as well. It’s hard to pick favorites, there are so many I love!
What did you think of our interview with Brittany? Did you learn anything new? Don’t hesitate to discuss in the comments!
Awesome post. I really like to hear from publicist what they look for in a blogger. I know every house is different, but this is great.
Grace @ Books of Love
Fantastic interview! Loads of good info for newer bloggers for sure!
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