How many times have you heard that mainstream media outlets don\u2019t review self-published books?<\/p>\n

That statement is both true and false.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true that most mainstream media outlets aren\u2019t interested in self-published books that:<\/p>\n

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• Don\u2019t meet traditional publishing standards<\/li>\n
• Use an obviously do-it-yourself cover<\/li>\n
• Name a commonly known self-publishing company or anything else that shouts \u201cSELF-PUBLISHED!\u201d on the copyright page<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get your self-published book reviewed by the big guys, though. You just have to know what you\u2019re doing, from beginning to end.<\/p>\n

  Here\u2019s what you need to get around the “we don’t review self-published books” obstacle.<\/p>\n

  1. A well-written book that looks and reads like anything coming from a traditional publisher<\/h2>\n

  This is non-negotiable. If you want trade\/literary\/media reviews, your book has to be a good read \u2013 and look like one, too.<\/p>\n

  If you\u2019re not a good writer, hire a reputable ghostwriter<\/a>. Association of Ghostwriters members need documented experience to qualify.<\/p>\n

  Pay a professional editor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

  Work with a cover designer with experience in your genre.<\/p>\n

  2. A publishing company name that disguises the fact that you\u2019re self-published<\/h2>\n

  <\/a>The publisher\u2019s name is printed on the copyright page and in the product details on retail sales pages.<\/p>\n

  It\u2019s common knowledge that Lulu, BookBaby, Xlibris, and \u201cIndependently published\u201d (that’s what Amazon is now using instead of its defunct CreateSpace), among others, mean the book is self-published.<\/p>\n

  Create a publishing company for your book, using a name with no connection to you, your book title, or your family. Make it as generic as possible.<\/p>\n

  Do not use:<\/p>\n

  \n
  • References to where you live (I live across the street from the Erie Canal, but I\u2019d never use \u201cErie Canal Press\u201d)<\/li>\n
  • Anagrams of your first or last name<\/li>\n
  • Your book\u2019s topic (a book about spiritual guides by \u201cSpiritual Guide Publishing\u201d)<\/li>\n
  • A combination of family names<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    When you create your publishing company name, make sure it fits the types of books you write. If you plan on publishing several children\u2019s books, you want your company name to be light and fun. Writing business books? Let law firm or consulting company monikers inspire you.<\/p>\n

    3. Bookstore and library distribution<\/h2>\n

    A friend who reviews books for the Christian Science Monitor<\/em> told me recently that books he reviews for that media outlet \u201cshould be widely accessible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    He went on to say, \u201cThe Monitor won’t like it if I review a book and readers go to their local B&N and can’t find it.\u201d<\/p>\n

    <\/a>