Bookbub is the king of paid eBook advertising. If you have an eBook and you want to sell or give away hundreds or even thousands of copies, this is the site that will allow you to do that.
| | Unfortunately, it’s damn hard to get them to take your money. You don’t get to be the best by accepting every dull book or manuscript that comes your way, after all, and that’s why BookBub sends out far more rejection emails then they send out acceptance emails. |
But can struggling authors that are trying like hell to get a BookBub ad read anything into those rejection emails? Can you learn why your book was rejected, and what you can do to make sure it doesn’t suffer that same fate in the future? I think you can.
BookBub's Home Page. Wouldn't you love to have your cover on there permanently?
Here's a typical rejection email from BookBub:
Thanks for submitting an order with BookBub. Unfortunately, the editorial team has not selected your book for a listing at this time.
Due to the volume of orders we receive, we’re only able to feature 20% - 30% of the titles that get submitted to us. BookBub employs an editorial team to choose the books they feel fit best with our subscribers’ unique tastes.
This is the email you get when BookBub thought your book was alright but they just didn't have room. It could be that it came down to a tough decision with some other book, and yours just didn’t make it. Maybe it even got within one vote! Who knows? BookBub does, and they’re not telling you.
Here's one I got awhile ago:
Thanks for submitting an order with BookBub. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept your listing at this time.
In order to preserve a consistent experience for our subscribers, BookBub employs an editorial team to review all listing submissions and approve those they feel are the best fit for the daily deal email. They base their decision upon a number of factors, which are outlined here:
Now this submission was for a non-fiction book that I don't even think made their length requirement. That's an automatic disqualification. They say they only want books that are 50,000 words and I don’t think my book met that. If you see this email, chances are this book will never get chosen, so you may as well just stop wasting your time.
BookBub's requirements, which I think favor fiction over non-fiction.
Don’t Give Up
I’ve been rejected by BookBub so many times it’s not even funny. I’m sure I’m up to about 12 rejections now, although I didn’t keep an accurate count when I first started submitting months ago.
I’ve tried 5 different books, and none of them have made it through. One time I even mentioned to them that I should probably stop wasting their time. They rejected me.
The site says you should wait 2 weeks before submitting again, but I usually go 4 to 6 weeks. It always feels bad when you can’t even pay for advertising, but you have to believe that they’ll eventually take your money.
I’ve tried 5 different books, and none of them have made it through. One time I even mentioned to them that I should probably stop wasting their time. They rejected me.
The site says you should wait 2 weeks before submitting again, but I usually go 4 to 6 weeks. It always feels bad when you can’t even pay for advertising, but you have to believe that they’ll eventually take your money.
A portion of BookBub's pricing page. It's costly, but you get the best results out there.
What Can You Do Until Then?
While you’re waiting to get rejected again…er, sorry, accepted, then you need to think of some different advertising options. Check out other sites – there are plenty. Perhaps my article on 75 Websites That Promote Your eBook will help.
Sites like BookBlast, Kindle Fire Department, eReader News Today, and a lot more will get you the sales and reviews you need before BookBub finally takes an interest in you. If you can find success with those sites, BookBub advertising options shouldn’t be far off.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you wish me some as well. After all, if you’re submitting to BookBub, you’ll need it, and so will I!
Sites like BookBlast, Kindle Fire Department, eReader News Today, and a lot more will get you the sales and reviews you need before BookBub finally takes an interest in you. If you can find success with those sites, BookBub advertising options shouldn’t be far off.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you wish me some as well. After all, if you’re submitting to BookBub, you’ll need it, and so will I!
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