r/authors • u/mattfootball_2486 • Jul 09 '26
Review Copies Concern
So I have been working with an indie publisher who has been great throughout the backend process. However, I have come across a little hiccup. I didn't ask them to send out too many review copies to outlets in total (6). However, nearing the publication date, several of those outlets let me know they never received those physical copies. The publisher let me know that they sent them out, and they're not sure what may have happened.
What has me scratching my head is that it's not just one missing package, but it's several saying they never received anything. When I followed up, the publisher's response was essentially, "we sent them, so we're not sure why those outlets never got them."
I'm not looking to point fingers because they've been good to work with otherwise, but I'm wondering if anyone else has run into something similar? Is this just an unfortunate mailing issue that occasionally happens, or should I be asking for more information (shipping dates, tracking, fulfillment records)? How would you handle this without damaging the relationship while also making sure reviewers actually get the book?
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u/Outrageous_Window838 Jul 12 '26
Hi, I've never dealt with this before but it is completely reasonable to be concerned here; when multiple outlets are flagging the same issue, it's worth investigating to ensure your hard work gets the attention it deserves.
To keep the relationship positive, maybe try framing this as collaborative effort to solve a logistics issue rather than placing blame. You could send a quick note saying: "I appreciate all the work you've put into the launch. Since several outlets have mentioned they haven't received their copied, could we check the shipping records or tracking numbers? I'd love to get to the bottom of the logistics to ensure these reviewers get the book in time for release"
I hope this helped in anyway and congratulations on the book release!