Johanna Draper-Carlson explains how to get yourself added to review comp lists:
You look cheap and greedy if you start asking for review copies before you have a substantial body of reviews to show your ability and dedication. Write well, a lot, and regularly.
When you put up your site, there’s nothing wrong with including a brief notice in the sidebar, something to the effect of “Review copies may be sent to me at (address)” or “Please email me for information on where to submit review copies” (if you don’t want to publish your address; if you do, I suggest using a PO Box). But don’t start asking everyone and their dog for free comics until you’ve been doing this a while and can show consistent publication.
Worth noting is the first of her “other tips” on the subject: “You won’t get on DC or Marvel’s comp list.” No free copies of every issue of Avengers for you, sadly…
March 27th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I made the mistake of sending Joanna free comics that she asked to review — only to find out that she didn’t intend on reviewing the material. She only wanted free comics.
This blog post of her’s is the reason why EVERY self-publisher should not send her any comics to review.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Wasn’t Johanna at the center of some controversy about how she wanted publishers to *stop* sending her comps?
And for her to suggest that people who want comps should “write well” is kind of ironic, since she never has.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Wow. Johanna has haterz.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Anyway, a real comment. It is true that writing reviews and doing well gets you free comics at times. Best is to just concentrate on the books and when the door opens take it. DC does send free review books, but they are what they are wanting some attention for, so it is a grab bag type recieving. When I left reviewing, I actually had trouble getting off the DC list as I felt wrong taking free books when i would not get a review out. I did get a nice hardcover book from them as it ended.
The free stuff comes from giving credible comments on books and the creators recognizing the work in my experience. Top Cow sent me some nice convention versions of books. It happens. Just not from constant begging.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Just what the internet needs. More comics reviewers.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Craig, sometimes material looks a lot better during promotion than it does once its in your hands. Would you have preferred I told people I thought your books were crap and why, in glorious detail? I have more “free comics” than I know what to do with — I don’t need more, especially from bitter unprofessionals.
Alan, yeah, the price of “fame” — the jealous sound off every chance they get.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Yay! More comics blogging feuding! Boredom was starting to set in…
FIGHT!
FIGHT!
FIGHT!
March 28th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
“Hurf durf you’re just jealous!”
Please.