Securing reviews for book is one of the most critical steps in the book marketing process. Book reviews serve as social proof—a way to build credibility and trust with potential readers. Positive reviews can increase visibility, improve your ranking on online platforms like Amazon, and boost sales.
However, getting people to leave reviews isn’t always easy. Many authors struggle with securing reviews, especially when they are just starting out. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the strategies and best practices you can use to secure reviews for your book and help ensure your success in the competitive world of publishing.
1. Why Book Reviews Matter
Before diving into the process of getting book reviews, it’s important to understand why they are so crucial. Reviews have several key benefits:
- Credibility: Positive reviews from readers help establish your credibility and increase your book’s trustworthiness.
- Visibility: Amazon and other online platforms use reviews to determine how visible your book is. Books with more reviews often get ranked higher and are more likely to show up in search results.
- Social Proof: Readers are more likely to purchase a book with positive reviews because it reassures them that others have enjoyed it. Reviews provide social proof that your book is worth reading.
- Marketing Leverage: Having reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon allows you to promote your book more effectively in your marketing campaigns.
As a self-published author, securing reviews is one of the best ways to establish your presence in the book market.
2. Start by Building Relationships with Readers
One of the easiest ways to secure reviews for your book is by building relationships with your readers before your book is even published. Here are some ways you can connect with potential readers and start building relationships:
a. Engage on Social Media
Social media is an excellent platform for connecting with readers, and many authors use it as a tool for book promotion. Engaging with readers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter gives you the chance to showcase your personality and build a loyal following before your book is even released.
- Share updates about your writing process, cover reveals, and sneak peeks of your book to keep followers interested.
- Interact with readers by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and participating in book-related conversations.
By interacting with your followers and making them feel like part of your journey, you’ll have a pool of readers ready and willing to leave reviews once your book is available.
b. Build an Email List
Creating an email list is one of the most powerful ways to connect with readers directly. You can engage with your email subscribers, share updates about your book, and offer exclusive content in exchange for their interest in leaving reviews.
Consider offering your email list subscribers:
- Free samples of your book (such as the first chapter or a preview) to entice them to read and review it.
- Early access to your book launch in exchange for a review.
Building a loyal email list helps foster a community of readers who are more likely to leave reviews once they’ve read your book.
3. Offer Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)
One of the most common ways to get reviews is by offering Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) to potential readers, bloggers, and influencers before your book is officially launched.
a. Distribute ARCs to Influencers and Bloggers
Book bloggers, influencers, and reviewers are often willing to read your book in exchange for an honest review. Reach out to influencers in your book’s niche or genre and ask if they would be willing to review your ARC.
- Personalize your request by explaining why you think they would enjoy your book and how it aligns with their audience’s interests.
- Provide clear instructions on where to leave the review (Amazon, Goodreads, etc.).
b. Send ARCs to Your Email List
Send your email subscribers an ARC before your official release date. This will encourage early reviews and build momentum for your book launch. You can also provide links to where they can leave their review (Amazon, Goodreads, etc.) when they’ve finished reading.
c. Use ARC Distribution Platforms
If you want to streamline the process of distributing your ARCs, consider using platforms like BookSprout or NetGalley. These platforms make it easier to get your ARCs into the hands of reviewers and gather feedback.
4. Make It Easy for Readers to Leave Reviews
The easier you make it for readers to leave reviews, the more likely they are to do so. Here are some strategies to simplify the review process:
a. Provide Direct Links
When asking readers to leave a review, make sure to provide direct links to the relevant sites, such as Amazon and Goodreads. This makes the process of reviewing as simple as possible.
- Email Follow-Ups: After a reader has purchased or received your book, send them a polite reminder with links to your book’s review page.
- Social Media and Website Links: Include review links on your website, in your social media posts, and at the end of your eBook.
b. Make Your Request Personal
When asking readers to leave a review, a personalized request is much more effective than a generic message. Explain why reviews are important to you as an author and how their feedback helps others discover your book.
5. Incentivize Reviews Without Bribing
It’s important to incentivize book reviews ethically. Offering incentives in exchange for a review is allowed, as long as it’s done correctly. Here’s how you can incentivize reviews without crossing any lines:
a. Offer a Free Gift or Bonus Content
Instead of offering money or free copies of your book, offer exclusive content as an incentive. This could be anything from:
- A free chapter from your next book
- Bonus material, such as behind-the-scenes insights or an extended epilogue
- Exclusive access to a private author Q&A or webinar
b. Enter Readers Into a Giveaway
You can also enter readers who leave reviews into a giveaway for a signed copy of your book, a gift card, or other prizes. Just be sure to emphasize that the giveaway is for participation, not in exchange for a positive review, as it’s important to remain compliant with Amazon’s guidelines.
6. Engage with Your Reviews
Once your reviews start rolling in, take the time to engage with them. Respond to positive reviews, thank your readers for their feedback, and address any concerns or questions raised in less favorable reviews.
a. Show Appreciation
Take the time to thank readers who leave positive reviews, whether it’s in a social media post, a thank-you email, or a simple comment on a review. This shows that you value their feedback and builds goodwill within your reader community.
b. Use Constructive Criticism to Improve
While negative reviews can be tough to handle, they provide valuable insights. Use constructive criticism to improve your writing for future books and shows readers that you’re dedicated to growing as an author.
Conclusion: Securing Reviews for Your Book
Getting reviews for book is crucial for gaining visibility, credibility, and increasing sales. By building relationships with readers, offering ARCs, and making the review process easy, you can steadily build a collection of positive feedback that will help you stand out in the crowded literary market.
At Book Planets, we offer book marketing services that can help you secure reviews, increase your book’s visibility, and ultimately achieve success. Whether you need help distributing ARCs, running book giveaways, or engaging with readers, we’re here to support you in building your author platform.
FAQs
- How do I ask readers to leave reviews?
- Politely ask readers to leave a review after they’ve read your book. Provide links to the review platforms (Amazon, Goodreads) and make the process as simple as possible.
- Politely ask readers to leave a review after they’ve read your book. Provide links to the review platforms (Amazon, Goodreads) and make the process as simple as possible.
- Can I offer incentives for reviews?
- Yes, but you should offer incentives like exclusive content or giveaways instead of offering money or free copies in exchange for positive reviews, as this could violate guidelines.
- Yes, but you should offer incentives like exclusive content or giveaways instead of offering money or free copies in exchange for positive reviews, as this could violate guidelines.
- How long does it take to get reviews for my book?
- The timeline can vary, but typically you can start getting reviews within a few weeks to a month after your book is launched.
- The timeline can vary, but typically you can start getting reviews within a few weeks to a month after your book is launched.
- What should I do with negative reviews?
- Respond professionally and use constructive criticism to improve. Thank readers for their feedback and show that you’re open to growing as an author.
- Respond professionally and use constructive criticism to improve. Thank readers for their feedback and show that you’re open to growing as an author.
- How do I get my book reviewed by influencers?
- Reach out to book bloggers, influencers, and reviewers in your genre with a personalized pitch. Offer them a free copy of your book and ask if they would be willing to review it.