Get Book Reviews: How to Promote a Book Idea
What’s the best way to get book reviews? Book reviews provide social proof, enhance your credibility, and directly influence potential readers’ purchasing decisions. Whether you’re a self-published author or traditionally published, knowing how to get reviews can make all the difference in your book’s visibility and sales.
This article explores proven strategies, tips, and platforms to help you get book reviews, including insights on how to get books reviewed on Amazon and other critical channels. It’s part of a free guide called How to Promote a Book Idea, created by a former literary agent who’s helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional book publishers, as an author coach and consultant.
Table of Contents
- Why Book Reviews Are Essential
- How to Get Book Reviews
- How to Get Book Reviews on Amazon
- Platforms to Get Books Reviewed
- Tips for Getting Quality Book Reviews
- What to Avoid When Seeking Book Reviews
- Case Studies: Successful Book Review Campaigns
- The Role of Advanced Review Copies (ARCs)
- The Impact of Reviews on SEO
- How Reviews Boost SEO
- Statistics About Book Reviews
- FAQ: Get Book Reviews
Why Book Reviews Are Essential
- Build Credibility
Positive reviews establish trust, making readers more likely to purchase your book. According to a study by BrightLocal, 91% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (source).
- Improve Search Rankings
On platforms like Amazon, more reviews can boost your book’s visibility in search results, making it easier for potential readers to find your title.
- Drive Sales
Books with numerous reviews are more appealing to buyers. Readers often perceive highly reviewed books as worth their time and money.
How to Get Book Reviews
- Reach Out to Friends and Family
While it’s tempting to start with those closest to you, ensure they leave honest and unbiased reviews. Overly promotional reviews may deter potential readers.
- Leverage Your Author Network
Connect with fellow authors, writers’ groups, and literary communities to exchange reviews or ask for honest feedback.
- Use Social Media
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are excellent for engaging with readers. Ask your followers to review your book and share their thoughts.
How to Get Book Reviews on Amazon
Amazon is one of the most influential platforms for book reviews. However, their strict review policies require a careful approach.
- Encourage Verified Reviews
Verified reviews are given more weight by Amazon and readers. Encourage buyers to leave reviews after purchasing the book directly from Amazon.
- Create a Call-to-Action
Include a note at the end of your book politely asking readers to leave an honest review. For example:
“If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback means the world to me!”
- Run Amazon Giveaways
Use Amazon’s giveaway feature to distribute free copies in exchange for reviews. Make sure to comply with Amazon’s review policies (source).
Platforms to Get Books Reviewed
- Goodreads
Goodreads is a thriving community of book lovers, making it an excellent platform to solicit reviews.
- How to Use It: Host giveaways, join relevant groups, and engage with readers to encourage reviews.
Website: Goodreads
- NetGalley
NetGalley connects authors with librarians, booksellers, and reviewers who provide feedback in exchange for a free digital copy of your book.
- Best For: Reaching influential readers in the publishing industry.
- Cost: Starting at $399 for a single-title listing.
Website: NetGalley
- Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery offers a platform for independent authors to showcase their books to avid reviewers.
- Best For: Indie authors seeking professional feedback.
- Cost: $50 per listing.
Website: Reedsy Discovery
- Book Blogger Networks
Reach out to book bloggers who specialize in your genre. Many bloggers have dedicated followings and are happy to review books in exchange for free copies.
- Popular Networks: The Book Blogger List, YA Books Central.
Tips for Getting Quality Book Reviews
- Target the Right Audience
Focus on readers who are genuinely interested in your book’s genre or subject. A mystery reader is unlikely to appreciate a romance novel, and vice versa.
- Offer Free Copies
Provide complimentary copies of your book to reviewers in exchange for honest feedback. This is a common practice and often yields excellent results.
- Be Professional in Your Approach
When reaching out to potential reviewers, write a personalized email. Include:
- A brief introduction.
- Why you think they’d enjoy your book.
- A free copy in their preferred format (eBook, paperback, etc.).
What to Avoid When Seeking Book Reviews
- Buying Fake Reviews
Purchasing fake reviews is against the policies of most platforms, including Amazon. Violating these rules can result in severe penalties, such as account suspension.
- Pressuring Reviewers
Avoid asking reviewers to leave only positive feedback. Reviews should be honest and reflective of their genuine experience with your book.
- Ignoring Negative Reviews
Negative reviews are inevitable. Use them as constructive feedback to improve your writing or marketing strategy.
Case Studies: Successful Book Review Campaigns
- Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us
Colleen Hoover leveraged social media and book review platforms like Goodreads to generate buzz for her book, resulting in thousands of reviews and a spot on bestseller lists.
- Andy Weir’s The Martian
Weir initially self-published The Martian and garnered reviews through online communities and blogs. The overwhelming positive feedback led to a traditional publishing deal and a movie adaptation.
The Role of Advanced Review Copies (ARCs)
What Are ARCs?
ARCs are pre-publication copies of your book sent to reviewers, bloggers, and influencers to generate early buzz.
How to Distribute ARCs
- Use platforms like NetGalley or BookFunnel.
- Reach out to bloggers and bookstagrammers directly.
- Offer ARCs during pre-order campaigns to loyal readers.
The Impact of Reviews on SEO
Book reviews don’t just boost credibility—they also enhance search engine optimization (SEO). Positive reviews can help your book rank higher on platforms like Amazon and Google, increasing visibility and sales.
How Reviews Boost SEO
- Keyword Integration: Readers naturally include keywords like your book’s title, genre, and themes in their reviews.
- Higher Rankings: Books with more reviews often appear higher in search results.
- Social Proof: Reviews generate click-throughs and conversions, signaling relevance to search algorithms.
Statistics About Book Reviews
- Books with over 50 reviews on Amazon are 4.5 times more likely to be purchased (source).
- 68% of readers trust online reviews when deciding to buy a book (source).
- Goodreads has over 125 million members, making it a vital platform for gaining reviews (source).
FAQ: Get Book Reviews
Understanding Book Reviews
- What are book reviews?
Reader opinions or critiques about a book’s content and quality. - Why are book reviews important?
They boost credibility, attract readers, and improve book visibility. - Who writes book reviews?
Readers, bloggers, professional critics, and fellow authors. - Do book reviews impact sales?
Yes, positive reviews often lead to increased book sales. - Can reviews help with SEO?
Yes, reviews improve your book’s visibility on search engines.
Getting Started
- How do I get book reviews?
Ask readers, use review platforms, or send out ARCs. - What are ARCs?
Advanced Reader Copies sent to reviewers before a book’s release. - Should I hire a professional reviewer?
Yes, but ensure they provide ethical and unbiased reviews. - Can I ask friends and family for reviews?
Yes, but platforms like Amazon discourage biased reviews. - Are giveaways a good way to get reviews?
Yes, they encourage readers to leave honest feedback.
Platforms for Book Reviews
- What platforms should I target for reviews?
Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and professional review sites. - Is Amazon the best place for book reviews?
Yes, it’s the largest online retailer and heavily influences sales. - Can Goodreads reviews boost my book’s exposure?
Yes, Goodreads is a trusted platform for avid readers. - Are social media reviews effective?
Yes, posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can go viral. - What about niche review sites?
Niche sites connect with targeted readers in specific genres.
Best Practices for Getting Book Reviews
- How do I approach reviewers?
Be polite, personalize your message, and provide all necessary details. - Should I send physical or digital copies for review?
It depends on the reviewer’s preference and your budget. - Can I offer incentives for reviews?
No, reviews should always be unbiased and voluntary. - How long does it take to get a review?
It varies; some reviewers respond within weeks, others take months. - Should I respond to reviews?
Yes, thank reviewers for their feedback but avoid engaging in disputes.
Overcoming Book Review Challenges
- What if I get negative reviews?
Learn from constructive criticism and focus on positive feedback. - How do I handle fake reviews?
Report them to the platform and provide evidence if necessary. - What if no one is reviewing my book?
Promote it more actively and reach out to targeted reviewers. - Are paid reviews ethical?
Only if they are disclosed and unbiased, following platform guidelines. - Can reviews disappear from platforms?
Yes, platforms like Amazon remove reviews that violate their policies.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Getting Book Reviews
Book reviews are an integral part of any successful book marketing strategy. By leveraging platforms like Goodreads, NetGalley, and Amazon, engaging with your audience, and offering ARCs, you can generate the reviews needed to boost credibility, visibility, and sales.
Now that you’ve read “Get Book Reviews,” click here to read “Amazon Book Marketing,” which explores the ins and outs of Amazon book marketing, covering promotional tactics, optimization tips, and best practices for success.
Book Marketing Strategies – The Bestselling Author, LLC
This guide about how to promote a book idea was created by The Bestselling Author, LLC, a coaching and consulting company established in 2011 that’s helped 400+ writers get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Mark Malatesta, the founder, is a former: literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts.
Writers Mark has worked with include Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, published by Thomas Nelson and now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker; Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; and Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob’s Life, which is being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek. Click here for Mark Malatesta reviews by authors Mark has worked with, and publishing industry professionals.
