You wrote a book. Great! Now you need readers. One of the fastest ways to reach them is simple: book reviews. In this guide, we’ll show the importance of book reviews for authors, and we’ll teach you getting book reviews the right way.
You’ll see how to get reviews for your book, how to ask for book reviews, and a calm, clear book review marketing strategy you can trust.
We’ll also cover Amazon book reviews tips, a Goodreads reviews strategy, and ethical ways to get reviews without stress.
What Counts as a “Book Review”?
A book review is a short note from a reader who has read your book and shares what they think. It can be one line or many lines. It can be a star rating plus a few words. It can be a longer review with details on what they liked and why. Reviews live in many places: Amazon, Goodreads, your website, retail stores, library sites, and blogs. Reviews can be “reader reviews” (from everyday readers) or “editorial reviews” (from media, trade publications, or pro reviewers).
Key Types of Reviews
- Retail reviews: On Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble.
- Community reviews: On Goodreads or StoryGraph.
- Editorial reviews: From magazines, newspapers, trade journals, or pro bloggers.
- Influencer reviews: From creators on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
- Library and educator reviews: From librarians, teachers, and academic sites.
- Advance reviews: From early readers who get the book before launch.
Why Book Reviews Matter?
Reviews are social proof. Social proof means people trust a thing more when they see others trust it. Reviews tell new readers, “You’re safe to try this.” Reviews also teach stores and sites that your book is worth showing to more people. More reviews can push the book into lists and emails. Reviews grow trust fast, and trust helps sales.
Why book reviews matter, in plain terms?
- They help reach new readers. Readers search by topic and star rating.
- They have a lower risk. Reviews reduce the fear of wasting time or money.
- They guide the store. Stores boost books that get attention and love.
- They improve the book. Feedback shows what to fix in the next edition.
- They fuel marketing. You can quote reviews in ads, pages, and emails.
This is how book reviews and book sales connect. Reviews help readers find and trust your book. Trust brings clicks, trials, and buys.
How many Reviews do you Need?
There’s no fixed number. Even five honest reviews help. Ten is better. Hundreds are amazing. Don’t chase a number only. Chase helpful and honest feedback from real readers. Aim for steady growth each week and month. Today five, next month twenty, then keep going. A slow, stable stream is best.
What makes a Good Review?
A good review is clear and honest. It names what worked and why. It may also name who the book is for. It may point out a small gap or a wish. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a human note that helps other readers decide.
Good reviews often share:
- The one big result the book gave
- The chapter or tool they liked most
- Who the book is perfect for
- One thing that could be better (optional, but useful)
Set your Review Goals and Rules
Before you start, make simple goals. This keeps you calm and focused.
Sample goals
- Weeks 1–4: Get your first 10 reviews on Amazon and 10 on Goodreads.
- Weeks 5–8: Add 20 more retail reviews, 5 editorial blurbs, 5 blog posts.
- Weeks 9–12: Keep the weekly review rhythm going and add 10 more.
House rules to stay ethical
- Never buy fake reviews.
- Never offer money or gifts for a positive review.
- You can give a free copy with no strings attached.
- You can ask for an honest review, not a good one.
- Always follow the rules of each site. (Amazon, Goodreads, and others have clear policies. Also read the FTC’s Endorsement Guides on disclosures.)
These rules build long-term trust. They also protect your account.
Getting Book Reviews: A Simple Plan
Here’s a friendly system you can use. Repeat it each week.
- Build a list of likely reviewers.
- Offer a free copy (called an ARC) with no strings.
- Invite honest feedback after they read.
- Follow up once, kindly.
- Thank them, no matter the outcome.
- Share the best quotes (with permission where needed).
- Keep going with a steady rhythm.
What’s an ARC, and Why Does it Help?
ARC means Advanced Review Copy. It’s a free copy you share before or at launch. It can be a PDF, ePub, paperback proof, or audiobook. ARCs help you build early buzz. They also help you catch typos before the final print.
ARC best practices
- Share ARCs with people who like your niche.
- Include a simple note on how to post a review.
- Make it easy: share direct links to your book’s pages.
- Ask for honest thoughts when they finish.
How to get reviews for your book: the outreach list
Make a simple list with these groups:
- Past clients/readers: People who already trust you.
- Newsletter subscribers: Fans on your email list.
- Peers and partners: Authors and creators in your space.
- Influencers: Hosts of podcasts or channels that fit your book.
- Book clubs: Groups that read in your niche or genre.
- Librarians and teachers: They love helpful, clear books.
- Industry groups: Slack groups, forums, and pro communities.
- Local shops: Indie bookstores sometimes share staff picks.
Keep notes in a spreadsheet. Track who you asked, when, what they said, and if they posted.
How to Ask for Book Reviews? (scripts you can use)
Keep your ask short and warm. Ask for honesty, not praise. Make the next step easy.
Script 1: Ask a client or reader
“Hi [Name], thanks again for [how they used your book or idea]. I’d love your honest thoughts on the book. If you’re open, here’s a free copy: [link]. When you’re done, would you post a short review here? [Amazon link] and/or here [Goodreads link]. Two or three lines are perfect. Thanks so much!”
Script 2: Ask your email list
Subject: A small favor?
“Friends, the book is out! If you read it, I’d be grateful for an honest review. Two lines help more than you think. Here are links: [Amazon] [Goodreads]. Thank you for your support.”
Script 3: After a podcast or talk
“Hi [Name], thanks for having me on. If you enjoyed the book, a short, honest review on [Amazon/Goodreads] would mean a lot. It helps new readers find it. Thank you!”
Script 4: One kind of follow-up
“Hi [Name], quick nudge from me. No rush at all. If you finished the book and have two minutes, an honest review here would help: [link]. Either way, thanks for reading!”
Use each script once. Don’t spam. One follow-up is enough.
Book Review Marketing Strategy: The 90-day Plan
A plan keeps you steady. Use this 90-day map. Adjust for your schedule.
Days 1–14: Prep and early asks
- Make your reviewer list.
- Send 25–50 ARC offers to warm contacts.
- Post a “what you’ll learn” thread with 3–5 tips on LinkedIn.
- Add a page on your site with review links and FAQs.
Days 15–30: Soft launch, early reviews
- Thank early reviewers by name (with their OK).
- Share one quote per week with a short story.
- Pitch 10 podcasts and 5 blogs in your niche.
- Ask your email list for honest reviews with direct links.
Days 31–60: Main launch push
- Run a small price promo for 3–5 days.
- Announce in 3–5 partner newsletters.
- Host a live Q&A or webinar.
- Share three short clips or graphics with review quotes.
- Keep asking for honest reviews with gentle notes.
Days 61–90: Keep the flywheel turning
- Post one reader case study.
- Teach a free mini-workshop from a chapter.
- Share one tool or checklist from the book.
- Invite book clubs to read and discuss.
- Keep the weekly review rhythm: two new reviews a week.
This is your book review marketing strategy. It’s calm, simple, and repeatable.
Amazon Book Reviews Tips
Amazon is the biggest retail site for most authors. Treat it with care.
Tips for Amazon reviews
- Share your direct review link so readers don’t have to search.
- Remind readers they can leave a review even if they bought elsewhere.
- Ask for honest reviews only. Never ask for “five stars.”
- Don’t offer gifts or money for reviews. That can break rules.
- Add a “Dear Reader” note in the back matter with review links.
- Don’t reply to every review. If you reply, be kind and brief.
- Keep your author page updated with a bio and photo.
Note on policy
Platforms update rules. Check Amazon’s current Community Guidelines and the FTC Endorsement Guides. Be safe and transparent.
Goodreads Reviews Strategy
Goodreads is a big reading community. Many readers check it first. Treat it like a friendly book club.
Goodreads basics
- Claim your author profile. Add your photo and a short bio.
- Link your website, newsletter, and other books.
- Add quotes or short notes from the book.
- Join groups that match your topic or genre.
Goodreads reviews strategy
- Run a giveaway if it fits your budget and genre.
- Share short updates about your writing and events.
- Thank readers in a group post (where allowed), not in DMs.
- Don’t argue with bad reviews. Let readers talk.
- Share a reading guide or discussion prompts for book clubs.
Goodreads helps with discovery. It’s also a great place to listen.
How to Use Reviews in your Marketing?
Reviews are not just stars on a page. They’re tools you can reuse.
Ways to reuse reviews
- Pull one line for your book’s website.
- Add two lines to your Amazon description.
- Use a quote in a social media graphic.
- Add a few lines to your email signature.
- Put two lines on the back cover in later prints.
- Read a short review line in your audiobook bonus.
- Share a “review of the month” in your newsletter.
Always ask if you need permission to use a reviewer’s name. If the review is public, quote and link. Use initials if they prefer privacy.
Reviews and your Sales Pages
Your sales pages should show reviews near the top. Make it easy to see the trust signals fast.
Trust elements to show
- Star rating and count (where allowed)
- 2–4 short quotes with names and roles
- A logo wall of media mentions (if you have them)
- Clear buy buttons and links to major stores
Keep the page clean. Use short lines. Let the reviews shine.
How to Handle Negative Reviews?
Bad reviews happen. It’s okay. Take a breath before you react. Don’t argue. Don’t send a defensive note. Don’t call in friends to fight back. Read the feedback. If it’s fair, learn from it. If it’s rude, let it be. People can see tone. Your calm and kind response (or silence) says a lot about you.
What you can do?
- Look for patterns across many reviews.
- Fix clear issues in the next edition.
- Add an FAQ to your site to explain tricky points.
- Thank your readers in your next email for honest feedback.
Ethical Ways to Get Reviews
Be honest and transparent. That’s the rule. Here are ethical ways to get reviews that work.
- Give a free copy with no strings attached.
- Ask for an honest review when they finish.
- Use ARC teams (a small group of early readers).
- Invite book clubs and study groups.
- Reach out to review blogs that fit your topic.
- Run a Goodreads giveaway with clear terms.
- Share a “review request” in your back matter.
- Never demand a review. Always invite. Respect “no.”
This simple path keeps your name clean and your book safe.
Inside the Book: Ask Once, and Ask Well
Your book can ask for reviews in two places:
- Front matter: A soft note that says, “If this book helps, please leave an honest review.”
- Back matter: A stronger ask with links. Place it after the last chapter and before the notes or index.
Keep the ask short. One or two lines are enough. Include direct links for print and ebook versions on your site’s book page.
Build a Small “Street Team”
A “street team” is a small group of fans who help spread the word. Keep it warm and light.
How to build it?
- Invite 10–25 people from your list.
- Give them an ARC and a one-page guide.
- Ask for one honest review on launch week.
- Share a few social graphics they can post.
- Thank them by name (if they agree) in your acknowledgments.
Don’t push. Keep it fun.
How to Reach Blogs, Podcasts and Media?
Pick places your readers already trust. Be a good guest. Offer real value.
Pitch email template
Subject: Idea for your audience on [topic your book solves]
“Hi [Host], I’m the author of [Book Title], a book about [topic]. Your audience cares about [two needs]. I can share three simple steps to [result]. If it fits, I’d love to join you. If you’d like a copy, here’s a free ARC: [link]. Thanks for your time either way.”
If you join a show, share real tips. Don’t do a long pitch. At the end, ask for an honest review if they read your book. Keep it kind and short.
Libraries and Educators
Librarians love well-made books. They also love helping readers find the right book fast. Send a polite note with your book’s details, the ISBN, and a short summary. Offer a free copy for review. If you teach, share a simple lesson plan or reading guide. Be respectful of their time.
Retailers Beyond Amazon
Go wide if your readers buy outside of Amazon. Kobo, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble also matter. Ask for honest reviews there, too. Some readers don’t use Amazon. Make everyone feel welcome.
International Reviews
If your book is for a global audience, list review links for each region. Reviews don’t always cross regions on Amazon. Use a tool or a simple country dropdown on your site to send readers to the right page. Keep an eye on your top countries and grow from there.
Use Reviews to Improve your Next Edition
Reviews tell you where readers get stuck. They point to gaps you can fix. Keep a document named “Second Edition.” Paste helpful notes there. When patterns appear, plan your updates. Add a new chapter. Fix unclear lines. Update examples. Readers will notice the care.
Make it Easy to Leave a Review
People are busy. Remove friction.
Friction busters
- Add big buttons: “Review on Amazon” / “Review on Goodreads.”
- Share short instructions on how to post.
- Provide direct links that go to the review box.
- Remind readers that short reviews are fine. Two lines help.
Tracking your Reviews
Use a simple spreadsheet.
Columns to track
- Name
- Email or social handle
- Date offered ARC
- Date sent ARC
- Date followed up
- Status (Posted / Not yet)
- Link to review
- Notes
Update it weekly. Don’t chase people. Keep it light.
Book Reviews and Book Sales: How they Connect
Reviews don’t replace marketing. They make your marketing work better. When a reader lands on your page and sees stars and kind words, they feel safe. Trust leads to clicks. Clicks can lead to sales. Reviews also help with algorithms. Stores show books that readers engage with. A steady stream of reviews sends that signal.
Keep in mind
- Quality beats quantity, but both matter.
- Steady wins over spikes.
- Real readers leave real signs of life: highlights, quotes, shares.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t ask for only five-star reviews. Ask for honest reviews.
- Don’t offer money or gifts in return for reviews.
- Don’t copy and paste the same request 50 times in a day.
- Don’t argue with reviewers.
- Don’t write fake reviews for yourself or others.
- Don’t panic when a bad review appears. One or two won’t sink you.
Build Goodwill: Give Before you Ask
Share a free worksheet from your book. Teach a short class. Offer a sample chapter. Give real help first. People will want to help you back. When you ask for an honest review, they’ll feel glad to do it.
Special Notes for Non-Fiction and Business Authors
If you write business books, link reviews to outcomes. Ask readers to share a result, like time saved or money saved. These details help future readers. They also help you improve your book review marketing strategy for your niche.
Special Notes for Fiction Authors
Fiction reviews can speak to mood, pace, world, and character. Ask readers to share a feeling or moment they loved. Invite book clubs to discuss themes. Offer discussion questions at the back of the book to spark talk and reviews.
Back-of-Book Review Request (copy this)
“Thank you for reading. If this book helped you, a short, honest review on your favorite store would mean a lot. It helps new readers find the book. Two lines are perfect. Review links live here: [yourbooksite.com/review]. Thanks again!”
Your Weekly Review Rhythm (15 minutes)
- Monday: Invite two people to read.
- Wednesday: Share one review quote on social.
- Friday: Thank one reviewer.
- Any day: Add one review link to a page or profile.
Small, steady steps beat big, rare pushes.
How to get Reviews for your Book from Book Clubs?
- Offer a discussion guide and Zoom Q&A.
- Give 10 free ebooks to the club.
- Ask for honest reviews after their meeting.
- Share their review quotes (with permission).
- Send a thank-you note and a bookmark design.
How to Ask for Book Reviews in Person?
When someone tells you they liked your book, smile and say, “Thank you! If you have two minutes, would you post an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads? It helps a lot.” Then hand them a small card with your review links.
Special Outreach: LinkedIn and Email
LinkedIn post idea
“I wrote this book to help [reader type] do [result]. If it helped you, could you leave a short, honest review? Two lines are great. Link in comments. Thank you!”
Email P.S.
“P.S. If the book helped, an honest review here would be amazing: [link]. Even two lines make a big difference.”
When to Follow Up
If someone says “Yes” to an ARC, you can follow up after two weeks. Keep it kind. People are busy. If they never post, that’s okay. You want happy readers, not pressure.
Using Editorial Reviews and Blurbs
“Editorial reviews” are quotes from media, trade outlets, or respected voices. They can build trust fast.
How to get them
- Send early copies to relevant media and trade sites.
- Ask partners and peers who read the book for a two-line blurb.
- Place 2–6 strong lines on your Amazon page and website.
Keep blurbs short. Edit only for clarity, and always get approval.
A Note on Paying for Reviews
There are paid editorial review services. Some are respected for honest, independent takes. Others are not. If you use a paid review service, be sure it is transparent, independent, and allowed by your retail sites. If a review is paid, you must follow disclosure rules. Don’t pay for user reviews on retail platforms. That can break rules and harm your book.
Audiobook Reviews
Audiobook listeners often leave separate reviews. Make it easy. Share a direct link to the audiobook page. Ask early listeners for honest notes on the narrator, pace, and clarity. Quote those lines in your audiobook ad copy.
Translations and Editions
If you have editions in other languages, you can ask for reviews in those markets. Share the right links. Work with local partners who know the community. Keep your ask in simple, friendly language.
Measure and Learn
Track your progress each month.
Metrics to watch
- New reviews posted
- Average star rating
- Keywords used by reviewers
- Which posts drove reviews
- Which outreach channels work best
Use what you learn. Double down on what works. Try new channels slowly.
Amazon Categories and Reviews
Reviews can help you rank within a category. Choose categories that match your book. Update if needed. When more reviews come in, your book may surface in “also bought” lists. This can lift reach without extra spend.
Goodreads Shelves and Lists
Ask readers to add your book to their “to-read” shelf. Shelves help the book show up in more places. Invite readers to add your book to relevant lists. Be polite. Don’t force it. The community vibe matters.
Keep your Author Brand Clean
Your name is your brand. Reviews shape it. Be kind. Be honest. Be steady. If you make a mistake, fix it and move on. Readers can tell when an author cares.
Optional brand proof (replace with your facts)
- Years writing: [X years]
- Books published: [Y titles]
- Readers served: [Z+]
- Notable features: [Media or awards]
Add a simple proof block like this to your site and author pages. It builds trust.
Review Request Timing
Ask for reviews soon after someone finishes the book. That’s when details are fresh. If your ebook allows, add a link on the last page that goes to the review form. Make that moment count.
A short checklist before you ask
- Is your ask honest and kind?
- Are you offering a free copy with no strings?
- Are your links easy to click?
- Are you clear that this is optional?
- Did you follow each platform’s rules?
If yes to all, you’re good to go.
A Gentle Close for your Ask (copy this)
“If the book helped, would you leave an honest review? Two lines are perfect. Your note guides future readers. Thank you.”
Conclusion: Build Reviews the Right Way
Now you see the importance of book reviews for authors. Reviews build trust. They help stores and readers find your book. They also help you learn and improve.
Use the simple steps in this guide to get honest reviews the right way. Ask with care. Make it easy. Be steady. Your book will reach more people, help more readers, and grow your author brand.
Ready to turn reviews into real sales?
Arkham House Publishers is here to help. We publish and market books that win readers and maximize sales. Share your audience, your book links, and one sample review request. Our team will send back clear, friendly notes you can use right away—plus a plan to grow reviews the ethical way.
At Arkham House Publishers, we handle everything from start to finish. We plan, publish, and market your book and we run your full review program so you can focus on writing and readers.
What we do for you?
- Build your review strategy and timeline
- Create ARCs (print/ebook/audiobook) and deliver them
- Find the right reviewers, book clubs, and media
- Write all outreach emails and follow-ups
- Set up and optimize Amazon & Goodreads pages
- Track reviews, report results, and refine weekly
- Keep everything ethical and policy-compliant
Ready to maximize sales and grow your author brand?
Book a free consult with Arkham House Publishers. We’ll help you launch your review engine and keep it running.
