Today's Interview Topic: Partnering with Publishers and Independent Authors
About Diayll:
Diayll began her online presence as MotherGamerWriter ten years ago, taking to the Internet to discuss her interests in everything from manga and video games to books and interviews with indie game developers. Five years into her journey, she merged MotherGamerWriter with her other blog, Lasers~N~Lipstick, and you can now find her blogging about DIY projects, subscription box reviews, and touring debuts across Bookstagram. Needless to say, she knows her stuff.
Hello Firebirds!
I’ve had the most fantastic time interviewing bookstagrammer, product reviewer, and literary blogger @mothergamerwriter! She was kind enough to speak with me about the ins and outs of partnering with publishers and independent authors for promotional content. If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite bookstagrammer landed that cool subscription box partnership or how literary accounts partner with independent authors for book tours, you’re in the right place! We’ll be talking shop and covering the basics of developing professional partnerships inside the bookstagram community, with some (fun) bonus questions thrown in between!
Hello, Diayll! Thank you so much for chatting with me today! As an ice breaker, what book on your TBR are you most excited to read this year?
Hey, Liz! It’s always good chatting with you. And 2021 is such an amazing year for books. There are a ton of sequels coming out, such as Rule of Wolves, Chain of Iron (so good, by the way), and We Free the Stars. However, my favorite read of 2021 so far is the debut novel Winter’s Orbit. Classic science fiction with a romantic twist. Who wouldn’t want that?
I remember seeing your photo of Winter’s Orbit! If I recall correctly, it was a ‘galactic space ride,’ which sounds like such an exciting read. Speaking of your Instagram, I’ve always been a fan of the floral aspect of your photographs. How did you decide what theme you were going with for Bookstagram?
Ha! I am the worst with themes. The best piece of bookstagram advice someone gave me was just to be myself. Everyone around me knows how much I love flowers, clothing, decorations, you name it. It took a while (read: years) for me to decide the aesthetic of my feed. But I always knew whatever I was going to do had to revolve around my ‘farmgirl’/country heritage (yes, I grew up on a tobacco farm), and I like showing that side of myself—no better way to do that than with flowers and a few antique props.
They certainly lend a charming touch to your feed, and I’ve noticed they often complement the covers you're photographing. On the topic of photography, what would you say a day in the life of a professional Bookstagrammer looks like for you?
Oh goodness. Seeing as I work 40 hours a week and have both a 10-year-old and a partner at home, this is hard to answer. I typically keep a running list of the books I need to read/review/post (Google Calendar is a lifesaver) and work on photographing those during the week when time permits. But most of my work is done primarily on the weekends. I try to keep at least ten pics ahead of my schedule, so I don’t stress with trying to develop content, especially on those days where life gets in the way. Balancing it all sometimes can be challenging, but bookstagram is so much fun, so I don’t mind working into the wee hours of the night.
Finding time for social media amidst the myriad of other demands on our time can be challenging, but like you said, scrolling and interacting with others in our niche makes being part of this community a lot of fun! I've noticed one great way to connect with others is through mutual appreciation for recent reads. Can you give us a brief look into your reading and review process?
I don’t have one? *shrugs* I’m totally a mood reader. Unless it’s a book I requested or an advanced copy sent to me for review, I read whatever feels good to me at the time—not because it’s a hyped release or because everyone else is reading it. Back in the day, I had a blog and was stressed out daily trying to read everything thrown at me and missing deadlines because of it.
Eventually, I started to lose my passion for blogging, for something I loved. To keep that from happening again, I don’t tend to give heavy-handed reviews anymore or try to be that ‘professional’ reviewer. I say what I feel. Either I love a book, or I don’t. My photos will reflect that.
Sharing your thoughts without worrying about conforming to a strict format is a solid approach to authentic reviews. With that in mind, since our thoughts on what we read can be very subjective, it makes sense that those looking for online reps search for individuals who suit their target audience. You’ve partnered with publishers in the past to promote new releases, offer giveaways, and more recently, to share the gorgeous ARC box for Victoria Aveyard’s Realm Breaker. At what point in their platform growth would you say it's feasible for bookstagrammers to start reaching out for similar partnerships?
There is no specific timeframe a person has to wait to reach out to a publisher. I had no experience when I started my blog, but I researched and found forums, groups, websites that offered ARC’s and just started randomly asking to be added to review lists. Bookstagram is the same way. If there is a publisher or author you’re interested in working with, then introduce yourself. Most of the time, publishers/authors have their contact information on their website or instructions on how to sign-up for their mailing/review list.
That sounds fairly straightforward! I'd also add that it's very important to read any guidelines or criteria provided. Starting off on the right foot and putting in your due diligence early can make the entire process much smoother. Considering this, are there any steps that bookstagrammers who are aspiring to work with publishers and independent authors can take to prepare their accounts for collaborations?
Have fun, but have a plan. Try to have a general idea of what you want your blog or feed to be, then use what you have around your home to create that atmosphere. Find your angles and lighting and discover what works for you. Maybe you are someone who photographs beautiful stacks, then play that up.
Be consistent. Whether it’s posting pictures or engaging with your audience, it’s crucial to remember publishers want to work with people who show up. You don’t have to have a ‘perfect’ feed or a massive following. Let yourself shine through, and people will notice and want to work with you.
Tag people/authors/brands you are featuring. My photos have been featured on FairyLoot, LitJoy Crate, and The Bookish Box. This would have never happened if I didn’t start tagging them and using their hashtags. I am a hardcore introvert, but you have to be willing to put yourself and your work out there if you want those collaborations.
Lastly, be creative, meet the deadlines, and engage with your audience. Did I say engage?
Agreed! Engagement is crucial to developing a real connection with your audience, and there’s no better way to do that than through conversation. On that note, once someone has laid their groundwork, could you give us a general overview on how the process goes for pitching and working with publishers and independent authors (or vice versa, for when they come to you)?
I think I’ve mostly given you guys an idea for publishers: research their website, send the introductory email, and show examples of your work/personality.
For me to accept a book for review, I have to connect with the story. I can tell after the first chapter if I think a book is a ‘good fit’ for me. It’s probably a crazy way to do things because I know I’m missing out on some good books. However, if I don’t feel that connection, there’s no point in wasting my time or the author's.
Well said. If there isn’t that need to see where the story goes, then the reading experience won’t be as enjoyable. That's also where authenticity comes in. Even when working with paid partnerships, sponsors, or ads, it’s important for influencers to maintain overall integrity when it comes to creating our content. Are there any guidelines for ensuring your account stays ‘brand compliant’ while maintaining your own unique voice in an overwhelming industry?
This ties in with doing your research and knowing what you want your feed/blog to be. Brands have guidelines, and it’s important to read their FAQ pages. Find the publishers and authors that fit with you and your style. If your blog/feed focuses mainly on adult titles, a publisher might reach out to someone who caters more to the YA audience before you and vice versa. And please don’t ever feel like you have to post something just because someone sent it to you. It’s your feed/blog; you can say no thank you.
But when making a request or saying no to a collaboration, always be courteous and professional while being you.
Learning how to graciously decline is a vital step in the professional development process. In a similar vein, is there anything you’ve learned since you started working with publishers and authors that you wish more people knew?
It’s easier than you think.
There is an old saying, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” Same with bookstagram. You never know if you can be a book rep or review for your favorite author/publisher unless you reach out and ask, especially if you are a small blog or just starting out. Keep at it, and don’t give up. There are many times I’ve been overwhelmed with thinking I had to be like XYZ blogger, and it blocked my own creativity. Just be yourself and answer your comments. Oh, and have fun!
It’s always refreshing to see someone embrace their creativity and voice. Not to mention, it makes the process so much more enjoyable! Now that we’ve talked shop, I do have more of a fun question: If you could catch a (socially distanced, highly sanitized) movie with one character from your 2020 reading list, which movie would you see, and what do you think they would say about it?
Ah, I love this question! Going to the theater is probably one of my favorite pastimes. If I had to pick, I’d probably say I’m taking Prince Taam and Jainan from Winter’s Orbit (seriously, the book is amazing), and I’d be the third wheel as we went to see Mortal Kombat. LOL
I saw the trailer! But I’m truly terrible at the game, so the only person I’d know in the film is Kano–shameful, I know. Finally, where can someone contact you regarding future marketing, reviews, or partnerships, and do you have any submission guidelines people should know about (preferred publishing platform [traditional, indie, or both], do you accept ARCS, any genres or content you do not read, etc.)?
You can find me on Instagram pretty much daily at @MotherGamerWriter. There is also a link on my page to request a review or feature. All my guidelines are listed there, and what you can expect from my posts should we collaborate. And you can always send a DM or email to inquiries@mothergamerwriter.com.
Thank you so much for having me today, Liz!
Of course! It’s been an absolute delight chatting with you. Thank you again for interviewing with me, and for giving us the inside scoop on how us book dragons can build professional partnerships! Your Realm Breaker unboxing was stunning, and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for your audience!
Connect with Diayll:
For those of you looking to follow an engaging bookstagram that will send you sprinting to the nearest craft store for more gorgeous photo props, you can follow Diayll on social media! Check her out at the links below:
Firebirds,
Do you have experience reaching out to publishers and authors for partnerships? If so, what tips would you share with newbies looking to get their name out there? Let's get a discussion going in the comments below!
*Disclosure: This interview is not sponsored, and neither party receives compensation for this post. As of the original date of posting, I am not earning income from any links or collaborations.