Let’s Review How to Get Readers Talking About Your Book

Building a strong foundation of reviews is crucial for establishing your book’s credibility, enhancing its visibility, and boosting sales. For aspiring authors, securing genuine and insightful feedback can make all the difference in a competitive market. In this straightforward guide, let’s explore effective strategies you might use to gather reviews, and let’s kickstart your book’s success.

The best place to begin seeking reviews for your book is with friends and family. Politely ask those who’ve read your book to leave an honest and authentic review. These individuals are often your first readers and are usually eager to support you. If required by the review platform (e.g., Amazon’s guidelines), ask them to disclose their relationship to you for transparency. You can also reach out to fellow authors, coworkers, or trusted contacts who might appreciate your book’s genre or topic, and ask them for a review.

If you have an email list, send a review request to your subscribers with a direct link to the review platform (e.g., Amazon or Goodreads) and explain how reviews benefit authors. Then, politely ask them to leave a review. This is a straightforward way to reach your existing audience and encourage them to leave a review for your book: “If you enjoyed the book, would you consider leaving a quick review? It only takes a few minutes and helps tremendously!” You might even offer a free digital copy of your manuscript to subscribers who haven’t read it yet in exchange for an honest review.

Utilize your social media. Create posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X , TikTok and the like asking followers who’ve read your book to leave a review. Be clear about how much reviews help authors like you, and be sure to provide easy-to-follow instructions on how and where to drop their reviews.

Another way to garner more honest assessments of your book is to join book-related groups in places where your target audience hangs out (Facebook groups, Goodreads communities, or Reddit threads). Always respect the review guidelines of platforms like Amazon, which have strict policies on soliciting reviews. Ensure your approach aligns with their requirements to avoid policy violations.

You can share a free digital copy of your manuscript for a limited time with select readers and kindly ask for feedback, ensuring this approach complies with the group’s rules. You can also share stories, reels, clips or images of reader testimonials, your book’s success, or your gratitude for reviews, and encourage readers to leave their own. 

Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers by researching those who specialize in your genre. Look for bloggers with clear submission guidelines on their websites and follow them carefully when pitching your book. Be sure to personalize your message by mentioning why your book fits their interests, and provide them with a free copy (ebook or paperback). As with all adult interactions, be polite and professional.

Websites like NetGalley or BookSirens connect authors with readers who are willing to leave honest reviews.

You might host a Goodreads giveaway to generate interest and encourage reviews from winners. Additionally, join relevant Goodreads groups and participate in discussions, sharing your book when relevant. You can also increase visibility by adding your book to relevant Goodreads lists.

You can build a review team from your existing audience and distribute advance review copies (ARCs) before the book’s release to gather early feedback. Provide review copies in various formats, including ebooks and paperbacks, to cater to different preferences.

Send a polite email reminder to those who’ve read your book but haven’t left a review,. This can be something as simple and brief as: “Hi [reader’s name], I hope you enjoyed [Book Title]! If you have a moment, I’d really appreciate a quick review—you’ve no idea how valuable this is!” After book clubs or events, follow up with attendees and kindly ask if they’d consider sharing their thoughts in a review.

Whenever someone mentions they enjoyed your book, be bold and don’t hesitate to ask them to leave a review. In conversation you might say something like, “Thank you so much! Reviews really help me reach more readers. Word of mouth and reviews are the best advertisement available to writers like me and if you have a moment, I’d truly appreciate it if you left one.” Again, be specific in directing where to leave their review.

Lastly, there’s a common misconception among young authors that Kirkus Reviews are only positive because authors pay for them. This is simply not the case. When you pay for a Kirkus Review, you’re paying for the reviewer’s time and expertise to provide an honest and professional critique. You are not guaranteed glowing feedback.

Kirkus prides itself on objectivity and independence, delivering unbiased assessments of books, whether traditionally or self-published. Reviews can be positive, critical, or neutral, depending on the reviewer’s evaluation of the book’s quality. The fee for this service ($425–$575, based on turnaround time) covers the reviewer’s time to read, analyze, and critique your book.

A positive Kirkus review can boost credibility; it might even be featured in their “Best Indie Books” section. However, authors should weigh the cost and the possibility of receiving a critical review carefully. If you’re confident in your book and have the budget, a Kirkus review can add prestige and provide professional insights, but it’s not a requirement for success.

Let’s be clear: at the end of the day, the best reviews come from a well-written, compelling and engaging book. No amount of marketing magic can compensate for a story that doesn’t resonate. Focus on crafting a compelling narrative, and the positive reviews will follow.

Let’s review how to get readers talking about your book. Building a strong base of reviews takes time, so stay patient and fearlessly tenacious. By leveraging your network, engaging with readers, and strategically offering free copies, you can steadily build the reviews needed to boost your book’s success. Politely remind readers to leave reviews, and keep promoting your book to attract more readers. If your budget allows and you’re confident in your book’s quality, a Kirkus Review could add credibility and value to your books reputation. The more people who read your book, the more reviews you’ll naturally gain over time.  

What approach have you found success in in collecting reviews? Have you invested in a Kirkus? How was that experience? Drop your comments below and be sure to sign up to be notified for updates and news.

Happy review-hunting!

~Dani