Dear Editor,
I am writing to request galley/advance review copies of [genre, age range] books.
[Insert credentials - years as a librarian, relevant coursework, and review experience.]
Recently, I joined the reviewers at the Hip Librarians' Book Blog (http://hiplibrariansbookblog.blog-city.com) and am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to such a noteworthy site. It has been featured in School Library Journal (http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6302221.html) and registers upward of 10,000 hits a month--and growing! In order to ensure that our readers remain engaged and excited about reading new books, we (the reviewers) need to keep pace with current releases.
Although publishers are always generous with advanced reading copies at industry conferences, such as the American Libraries Association Conference, it is only an annual event and publishing is a year-round business. I'd like to request to be placed on your mailing list for any review copies you are willing to distribute. If you do not maintain a list of outlets that receive advance copies on an ongoing basis, is there an alternate method for requesting individual titles?
I can provide a portfolio of recent book reviews to assure you of my sincerity and standards concerning the review process. (You can also check out my work online at the HLBB.) I would be happy to provide any additional information or answer any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!
Very truly yours,
[Name]
[Position]
[Library]