Honest Ways to get More Book Reviews

I think anyone in the publishing industry can agree that reviews are one major way to get more sales. The more reviews you have, typically the higher your book goes on the Amazon scales. When bloggers review it, it pops up on their blogs, and if an author reviews it, it could pop up on their website, just like this one.

But how do you get these reviews?

Maybe you’re not well known, and the truth is that you can’t just buy reviews. Not only is that wrong and shady, but Amazon says that’s a huge no-no. Though, I’m not entirely sure what the consequences are, I personally am not willing to find out.

Here are a few honest ways to get book reviews.

Ask

That sounds incredibly simple, but it seems to be something a lot of authors struggle with. Simply reaching out to anyone you know has read your book, leaving a review request in the back of your book, or reaching out to people in the book community.

Often times the average person forgets to leave a review. Reviewing isn’t important to the average reader. It’s an extra step after the scattering of the mind that comes after finishing a good book.

Before becoming a writer, I had no idea how important reviews were. Now, I review every single book I read. But, just like I didn’t know, they may not know.

A simple ask is all it takes to remind a reader, “Hey, I need your opinion to keep going.” Because if a reader loves your work, they will want you to keep going.

Find Book Bloggers In Your Genre

If you are writing in a recognized genre, there are book bloggers who read your genre. Simple as that. And, if you’re having trouble finding them, think of a sub genre. For instance, I write fiction, but not every blogger reviews the type of fiction I write. Because not every blogger is interested in LGBT+ fantasy stories full of tropes.

Doing a quick search online should give you enough results to get a list started. And I suggest making a long list. Out of all the requests you send, you’ll only get a small number of yeses, and a good deal of them will be a few months out.

Be in mind that book bloggers get hoards of requests, in addition to the books they’ve chosen to read for personal pleasure. They aren’t getting paid for their reviews. There are many reasons they might say no, but it never hurts to ask.

Also, make sure you read up on their submission instructions, and follow accordingly. Don’t send them your book without being asked, and don’t hassle them about their time.

Submit Your Book To Authors

Authors read books? Heck, yeah they do!

A good number of authors devour books. When I’m on a book binge, I can finish an entire series in a month. Which I totally did in January.

Reaching out to an author, maybe not even a majorly famous one, to read and review your book could be a great way to attract new readers. Especially if that author is kind enough to review it on their personal blog as well as your book’s Amazon page.

Even better, you could develop a friendship with that author, which is worth more than gold. I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, fellow authors are your friends and allies. For the most part, they want you to succeed, and within reason, are typically willing to help.

Submit to Newspapers and Magazines

Okay, okay, I know this one is far fetched, but hear me out.

Even small name newspapers usually do book reviews from time to time. It isn’t just the NYT who have that sort of section.

You can check your local paper, or maybe a larger city near you, to see if they have a section for book reviews. Find their submission guidelines and submit.

You can also find magazines that focus on your subject matter. A ton of magazines review books. It’s all about making sure your book fits in with their overall message. Again, find their submission guidelines and submit.

Again, it’s as simple as asking. The worst they can do is ignore you or say no.

Trading Book Reviews

This is one practice that is overall seen as shady, but I’ve done it before, and I don’t regret it. Personally, I don’t see a thing wrong with trading reviews so long as they are honest.

The catch with this is that, while you might truly enjoy the book you’re reading, and leave a great five star review, there is a chance the person reading your book won’t like it, and you’ll be left with a negative one. But, there’s that chance with any review request you submit.

But, in the book industry, there’s always a chance for negative reviews, that’s why it helps to write a killer book. Or, at least one you’re proud of.

What matters is that you stand by what you’ve written. I’ve received several poor reviews on a book I released that has been called “tropey,” by people who didn’t realize I had written it that way on purpose. They don’t like it. That’s okay. Because I’m still proud of my work.

One last thing that I think is incredibly important. Don’t read the reviews.

I’ve done it, tons of other authors do it. But, it will do almost nothing to improve your writing, and 9 times out of 10, it will negatively impact your outlook on your books. It just isn’t worth it.

I hope you guys can find your next review honestly. Building up those reviews before you publish is incredibly important, that way you can launch with a pile of great reviews.

Good luck, and happy publishing!

xoxo,
Ellie,