Connecting with the best book critics, like Colin Grant, brings you one step closer to gaining valuable media coverage in the literary world.
As a book PR professional, your goal is to increase exposure of the author and their books to the relevant critics at the right time.
The key to success is for PRs to reach out and build close relationships with book critics who are most relevant to the author’s work, which increases the chances of getting media coverage.
What is a book critic?
A book critic reads books, evaluates the author’s work and shares their opinions in a book review.
A book review can come in different formats, such as online, print publications, video or blog posts. This is dependent on which format works for the book critic to engage with their target audience.
Why do book critics matter?
Book critics give readers an unbiased perspective of the book, which is key to shaping the readers' decision to purchase and read the book.
A positive review from a well-credited book critic could increase book sales, generate media attention, build author credibility and drive reader engagement. This will make a positive impact to your reputation in the book PR community.
To kickstart your next book launch, connect and build relationships with…
5 Best Book Critics
*The journalist’s job title and publication are correct as of October 2024.
Colin Grant, Freelance Journalist
Colin writes for a number of newspapers and journals including The Guardian, The Observer, New Statesman, TLS, London Review of Books, and New York Review of Books. He is also the author of 6 books and the director of WriterMosaic.
Top Stories
Desks
- Books Contributor
- The Observer Contributor
Publications
Frederick Studemann, Literary Editor, Financial Times
Frederick is responsible for all the Financial Times’ coverage of books including reviews, news, interviews with authors and books essays. Also oversees the Monday book review, which runs on the opinion pages and focuses more on economics and geopolitics.
Top Stories
Topics
- Fiction Reviews
- Author & Literature News
Publications
Hephzibah Anderson, Fiction Editor, The Mail on Sunday
As a Fiction Editor, Hephzibah Anderson reviews books across various genres, including biography, crime, comedy, romance and many more.
Top Stories
Topics
- Fiction Reviews
- Biography Reviews
- Non-Fiction Reviews
Publications
Johanna Thomas-Corr, Chief Literacy Critic, The Sunday Times
Johanna Thomas-Corr has been a Literary Critic since 2008 and has become a Chief Literary Critic at The Sunday Times in 2023.
Due to Johanna’s wealth of experience, she reviews fiction books and reports on literature news.
Topics
- Fiction Reviews
- Author & Literature News
- Biography Reviews
Publications
Patricia Nicol, Freelance Journalist
Patricia covers mostly Arts and Books. She is The Sunday Times’ Audio (radio and podcasts) reviewer, and Best Books columnist at the Daily Mail Inspire. Patricia also works for the Sunday Times as a Fiction reviewer.
She also contributes to the Daily Mail Femail section and The Evening Standard on culture and books. On audio, especially keen to hear about new programmes & channels, returning series and podcasts.
Top Stories
Topics
- Podcast Reviews
- Radio Reviews
Publications
Key Takeaways
Contacting the book critics most relevant to the author's work increases your chances of getting media coverage.
However, don’t just contact book critics with an agenda. Reach out and invite them to go for a coffee, for example, to start building relationships with them.
Once you established a close rapport with relevant book critics, introduce them to the author and the books you would like them to review. This will increase your chances of book critics agreeing to review the books and generating more media coverage.
Build Rewarding Media Connections. Faster.
Expand your media relations with book critics using Roxhill's PR software and media database.
Build Rewarding Media Connections. Faster.
Expand your media relations with book critics using Roxhill's PR software and media database.
