Book Review Basics
What authors really need to know.
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There are three questions I hear often from authors who are new to the Poppy Patch:
In this post, we discuss question number three, to which I have a lot of answers. Here are a few:
Be patient. Be strategic. Don't make reviews an idol.
Be patient. Be strategic. Don't make reviews an idol.
Let's discuss.
It's true that book reviews can be very helpful for authors — they boost visibility on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub, build credibility, and can help sell more copies. The more honest reviews you have (especially 10+), the easier it is for new readers to trust your book. But getting them isn't always easy, especially as a new or indie author.
Here's a simple, ethical list to get you started:
1. Start with your own network
• This can include colleagues, your newsletter subscribers or social media followers.
• Many authors say their newsletter subscribers at the #1 source for early reviews. - they’re invested in you. Do you have an author newsletter? Flodesk is a wonderful platform to start with and it's what I use for The Next Write Thing my newsletter where my focus is on making progress on your writing and publishing goals.
2. Utilize your book's back matter
• Add a gentle note at the end of your book (in the back matter): "If you liked this story, please consider leaving a quick, honest review. Thank you!"
• A QR code works great for this.
• Need help getting this formatted? I know people. Check out The Golden Editorial or The Coffey Edit for your formatting needs.
3. Build and use an ARC Team (Advance Reader Copy)
• Give free early copies of your book {digital is most cost effective} encouraging honest reviews.
• Create a small team of enthusiastic readers (start with 10-50).
• Use free tools like StoryOrigin to distribute digital copies easily.
• Be clear: Ask for honest feedback only — this is imperative.
• Timing: Send ARCs 2-4 weeks before launch. {Just a lil' patience}
4. Reach Out to Book Bloggers and Reviewers
• Find people who review books like yours.
• Search for "book review blogs [your genre]" or use directories like Booksirens Book Review Directory or Reedsy’s 200+ book review blogs list.
• Check reviewers of similar ("comp") books on Goodreads or Amazon — see who reviewed them and pitch those bloggers.
• Send a short, personalized email: Introduce yourself, mention why your book fits their blog, offer a free copy, and ask for an honest review.
• Always say "honest review" — never ask for positive ones or offer payment {that's against Amazon's rules and I highly recommend you review their guidelines.}
5. Try Legit ARC & Review Platforms and Communities
These connect authors with eager readers who like leaving reviews. To be clear, you are paying the service and not the reviewer. Make sure you’re not in KDP Select while giving away ARCs, as it’s against Amazon’s terms. {Have you reviewed their guidelines yet?} Be prepared for the "honest" reviews. They may not all be glowing.
• BookSirens — This paid ARC service will match your book to genre readers.
• Booksprout — Another paid ARC service claiming a community of 80,000 active reviewers.
• Reedsy Discovery — Paid editorial review, acceptance is hit and miss. Submit for professional-style reviews; readers can discover and review your book.
• Facebook ARC groups, Goodreads groups (like "Goodreads Reviewers Group") or Reddit communities (r/selfpublish tips). These are ethical because reviewers read for free and post honestly — no buying reviews.
6. Encourage Reviews After Launch - Keep the momentum going!
• Run occasional free or discounted promotions (e.g., KDP Select, Goodreads Giveaway, BookBub deals) — more readers = more potential reviews.
• Post thank-you notes on social media: "Thanks to everyone who's read [Book Title]! If you haven't left a review yet, it'd mean the world."
• Engage in reader communities (Facebook groups, Instagram) without spamming — share value first, then gently ask for a review {if it's allowed}.
Quick Do's and Don'ts
• Do: Always ask for honest reviews.
• Do: Review Amazon's KDP Select guidelines.
• Don't: Pay for reviews, don't offer gifts for positive ones, don't incentivize in any way. Don't.
• Focus on quality over quantity — a few thoughtful 3-5 star reviews beat tons of fake ones. Don't feed the greed. When I skim through book reviews, I can spot a fake one a mile away, and it leaves a bad impression. Consider what your potential readers will think.
• Be patient — Reviews trickle in. Obsession takes your attention away from building your author brand or writing your next book.
Getting reviews takes time, but consistent effort pays off. Start small today: Ask your newsletter list or your inner circle today. Your book's visibility (and sales) will thank you!
Ready to try one of these steps? Which method sounds easiest for you?
Do you need help? Contact Lenora for details HERE.
Here are a few resources that could be helpful to you:
• StoryOrigin {an all around author's platform}
• Flodesk {a newsletter platform}
• Booksirens {ARC service}
• Booksprouts {ARC service}
• Formatting - The Coffey Edit or The Golden Editorial {make your back matter review-friendly}.
It's true that book reviews can be very helpful for authors — they boost visibility on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub, build credibility, and can help sell more copies. The more honest reviews you have (especially 10+), the easier it is for new readers to trust your book. But getting them isn't always easy, especially as a new or indie author.
Here's a simple, ethical list to get you started:
1. Start with your own network
• This can include colleagues, your newsletter subscribers or social media followers.
• Many authors say their newsletter subscribers at the #1 source for early reviews. - they’re invested in you. Do you have an author newsletter? Flodesk is a wonderful platform to start with and it's what I use for The Next Write Thing my newsletter where my focus is on making progress on your writing and publishing goals.
2. Utilize your book's back matter
• Add a gentle note at the end of your book (in the back matter): "If you liked this story, please consider leaving a quick, honest review. Thank you!"
• A QR code works great for this.
• Need help getting this formatted? I know people. Check out The Golden Editorial or The Coffey Edit for your formatting needs.
3. Build and use an ARC Team (Advance Reader Copy)
• Give free early copies of your book {digital is most cost effective} encouraging honest reviews.
• Create a small team of enthusiastic readers (start with 10-50).
• Use free tools like StoryOrigin to distribute digital copies easily.
• Be clear: Ask for honest feedback only — this is imperative.
• Timing: Send ARCs 2-4 weeks before launch. {Just a lil' patience}
4. Reach Out to Book Bloggers and Reviewers
• Find people who review books like yours.
• Search for "book review blogs [your genre]" or use directories like Booksirens Book Review Directory or Reedsy’s 200+ book review blogs list.
• Check reviewers of similar ("comp") books on Goodreads or Amazon — see who reviewed them and pitch those bloggers.
• Send a short, personalized email: Introduce yourself, mention why your book fits their blog, offer a free copy, and ask for an honest review.
• Always say "honest review" — never ask for positive ones or offer payment {that's against Amazon's rules and I highly recommend you review their guidelines.}
5. Try Legit ARC & Review Platforms and Communities
These connect authors with eager readers who like leaving reviews. To be clear, you are paying the service and not the reviewer. Make sure you’re not in KDP Select while giving away ARCs, as it’s against Amazon’s terms. {Have you reviewed their guidelines yet?} Be prepared for the "honest" reviews. They may not all be glowing.
• BookSirens — This paid ARC service will match your book to genre readers.
• Booksprout — Another paid ARC service claiming a community of 80,000 active reviewers.
• Reedsy Discovery — Paid editorial review, acceptance is hit and miss. Submit for professional-style reviews; readers can discover and review your book.
• Facebook ARC groups, Goodreads groups (like "Goodreads Reviewers Group") or Reddit communities (r/selfpublish tips). These are ethical because reviewers read for free and post honestly — no buying reviews.
6. Encourage Reviews After Launch - Keep the momentum going!
• Run occasional free or discounted promotions (e.g., KDP Select, Goodreads Giveaway, BookBub deals) — more readers = more potential reviews.
• Post thank-you notes on social media: "Thanks to everyone who's read [Book Title]! If you haven't left a review yet, it'd mean the world."
• Engage in reader communities (Facebook groups, Instagram) without spamming — share value first, then gently ask for a review {if it's allowed}.
Quick Do's and Don'ts
• Do: Always ask for honest reviews.
• Do: Review Amazon's KDP Select guidelines.
• Don't: Pay for reviews, don't offer gifts for positive ones, don't incentivize in any way. Don't.
• Focus on quality over quantity — a few thoughtful 3-5 star reviews beat tons of fake ones. Don't feed the greed. When I skim through book reviews, I can spot a fake one a mile away, and it leaves a bad impression. Consider what your potential readers will think.
• Be patient — Reviews trickle in. Obsession takes your attention away from building your author brand or writing your next book.
Getting reviews takes time, but consistent effort pays off. Start small today: Ask your newsletter list or your inner circle today. Your book's visibility (and sales) will thank you!
Ready to try one of these steps? Which method sounds easiest for you?
Do you need help? Contact Lenora for details HERE.
Here are a few resources that could be helpful to you:
• StoryOrigin {an all around author's platform}
• Flodesk {a newsletter platform}
• Booksirens {ARC service}
• Booksprouts {ARC service}
• Formatting - The Coffey Edit or The Golden Editorial {make your back matter review-friendly}.
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