10 Proven Ways to Get More Book Reviews

As an author, getting reviews for your book is essential for building your brand and connecting with readers. Reviews not only help to boost your book's visibility on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads but also provide valuable feedback that can help you improve your writing. In this article, we'll explore ten practical tips and hints for getting reviews, all while following Amazon's guidelines and ensuring that reviews are honest and genuine.

1. Start with your network: Reach out to your family, friends, and colleagues who have read your book and ask them to leave a review on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or your own website.
2. Offer advance review copies (ARCs): Provide ARCs to readers in exchange for an honest review. ARCs are typically given to readers before a book is released, and they offer an opportunity for readers to read the book early and provide feedback.
3. Leverage social media: Use social media to connect with readers and ask them to leave a review after they finish reading your book. Consider offering a prize or incentive for those who leave a review, but make sure to follow Amazon's guidelines and avoid offering incentives in exchange for reviews.
4. Call to action: Make sure to put a call to action at the back of your book, so when they finish reading it they are reminded to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
5. Offer free copies: Consider offering free copies of your book in exchange for a review. This can be a great way to get reviews from readers who might not have otherwise considered your book.
6. Run a giveaway: Run a giveaway on social media or your website, offering a free copy of your book to winners who agree to leave a review.
7. Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers: Research book bloggers and reviewers in your niche and reach out to them, offering a free copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
8. Provide a review link: Make it easy for readers to leave a review by providing a direct link to the review page on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.
9. Follow up with readers: Send a follow-up email or message thanking readers for reading your book and asking if they would consider leaving a review.
10. Be active on Goodreads: Goodreads is a popular platform for book reviews and recommendations. Be active on the platform by engaging with readers and asking for reviews. You can also consider running a Goodreads giveaway to encourage reviews.

When asking for reviews, it's crucial to follow Amazon's guidelines and avoid any tactics that could be perceived as paying for reviews. Offering incentives in exchange for reviews or buying reviews is against Amazon's guidelines, and authors should avoid any service that promises to provide positive reviews in exchange for payment.

It's also essential to ensure that reviews are honest and genuine. Reviews should come from readers who have read your book and are providing their feedback based on their experience. Avoid any language that suggests you are asking for positive reviews and instead focus on asking for honest and constructive feedback.

In conclusion, getting reviews for your book is a critical part of building your brand and connecting with readers. By following these ten tips, you can get more reviews while ensuring that they are ethical, genuine, and helpful. Remember to engage with your readers, provide a great reading experience, and always ask for honest feedback.

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Mary Turner Thomson is the author of two international best-selling books (both memoirs) with over 24k reviews between them.