Working with Book Influencers and Bloggers

Readers trust other readers. Book bloggers, reviewers, teachers who share book recommendations, and "BookTok" and "Bookstagram" creators can introduce your graphic novel to exactly the right audience. Here's how to approach them well — and within the rules.

Find the right people

Look for creators who already cover books like yours: graphic novels, classics, middle-grade reads, homeschool resources. A small creator whose audience loves illustrated classics is often more valuable than a huge one who reviews thrillers.

Before you reach out

• Follow and read their work for a while.
• Check whether they accept review requests, and how (many have a page with guidelines).
• Make sure your book suits their audience's ages.

A good request is short and personal

Say who you are, what the book is in one sentence, why you think it fits their audience specifically, and offer a free copy — print or digital. Include the cover and a link to preview pages. Then accept that many people will say no or not reply; they get a lot of requests.

Honest reviews only

• Never pay for a review or require a positive one in exchange for a free copy.
• Don't ask for reviews on Amazon in exchange for anything. Amazon has strict review rules, and violating them can get reviews removed.
• Accept that an honest review might be mixed. That's what makes reviews trustworthy.

Disclosure rules

If you give a creator something of value — a free book, payment, or a gift — they generally need to disclose it to their audience (for example, with a clear note that the book was gifted or the post is sponsored). In the US, the FTC has guidelines on this. Make it easy for them: say in your message that you're happy for them to mention it was a gifted copy.

Paid partnerships

Some creators offer paid promotional posts. If you pay for promotion, it must be clearly labeled as an ad by the creator. Start small, and track whether it actually brings readers — see measuring what works.

Say thank you

Share their post (if they're happy for you to), thank them publicly, and keep in touch for your next book. Good relationships last across a whole series.