Most readers, myself included, look up the reviews of a book before buying it. If the reviews are great, they’re likely to buy it as they have ample assurance that they’ll have a good time reading it. If the reviews aren’t good, they likely won’t buy the book. And when a book has very few or no reviews, readers are often on the fence and have to take a gamble as to whether they’ll buy the book or not.
Such is the power of book reviewers. Without reviews, selling your book becomes an uphill battle. This is because people are more likely to believe what other people say about your work than what you say about it. Because of this, book reviews have become a cornerstone of an author’s book marketing strategy.
However, unless you’re Stephen King or Margaret Atwood, you’ll need to venture out and find book reviewers who will read and leave honest reviews of your work. In this article, you’ll learn who book reviewers are, why they’re important, where to find them, and how to get reviews on sites like Amazon. You’ll also get some handy email templates for asking book reviewers to read and review your work.
Learn everything you can about finding book reviewers:
Who Are Book Reviewers?
Book reviewers are individuals who read and analyze books across different genres, sharing their opinions and assessments with the public. They offer insights, critiques, and recommendations that can influence readers’ choices and shape the reception of a book.
Book reviewers can be amateurs who share their thoughts on platforms like blogs or social media, or they can be professional critics employed by newspapers, magazines, or dedicated book review websites and publications.
Why Are Book Reviewers Important?
Book reviewers are important for the following reasons:
- Informed decision-making. Readers often rely on reviews to make informed decisions about which book to read. Book reviewers give reviews that provide insight into the quality, style, and content of your book, helping readers decide if it aligns with their interests and preferences.
- Promotion and visibility. Positive reviews contribute to the success of your book by increasing its visibility and promoting it to a wider audience. With the help of reviews left by book reviewers, you can build credibility and attract potential readers for your book.
- Quality assessment. Book reviewers evaluate, analyze, and critique various elements of a book to determine your work’s overall literary quality, worth, and artistic quality. Their evaluations provide constructive feedback to you (the author), guidance for readers, and recognition for literary achievements.
- Objective evaluation. While individual preferences vary, skilled book reviewers aim to provide objective evaluation based on literary criteria. This objectivity helps potential readers gauge your book’s merits beyond personal tastes and preferences, which helps them make balanced and informed decisions.
- Constructive feedback for authors: Book reviewers’ reviews provide you with valuable feedback on your work. Their constructive criticism highlights your strengths and areas for improvement—both of which will help you improve continuously at your craft.
Five Ways to Find Book Reviewers
If you’re looking for people to review your book for you, here are some places you can find them:
1. Social Media Platforms
You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to find credible book reviewers. Search for hashtags related to book reviews, reading, or your book’s genre. Engage with professional reviewers and reach out to those who express interest in reviewing your work.
2. Professional Review Service
Consider using professional review services or websites that connect authors with reviewers. For instance, with NetGalley you can provide advance reader copies (ARC) to potential reviewers in exchange for online reviews.
3. Amazon and Goodreads
Look at reviews of books similar to yours on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviewers who have enjoyed books in your genre might be interested in reviewing your work as well. You can reach out to them through these platforms or search for them on social media. Remember to be respectful when reaching out to them.
4. Book Review Community
Join online book review communities and forums. Websites like LibraryThing have active communities where readers discuss books and share reviews. Engaging in these communities can help you connect with potential reviewers.
5. Local Bookstores and Libraries
Many avid readers often frequent libraries and are part of book clubs. You can attend book club readings, author events, or library programs to network with these readers, who can also leave reviews about your book when they read it. If you have good relationships with local librarians, they can recommend your books to potential reviewers in your community.
What Is a Book Review Website?
A book review website is an online platform that publishes reviews and information about books. These websites help readers discover new books and make informed decisions about what to read next. They typically feature summaries, ratings, and reviews written by individuals or a dedicated team of reviewers.
Here are some popular book review websites:
1. Amazon Kindle
While Amazon is mainly known as an online retail platform, it does have a platform that allows authors to upload and sell their books, as well as get book reviews.
With millions of readers frequenting the site, Amazon Kindle offers a significant opportunity for exposure. The platform’s built-in review functionality allows readers to share their opinions directly on the book’s product page, especially if they bought the book through Kindle.
Although this platform allows readers to leave reviews, it does have strict review guidelines that readers have to follow for their reviews to be considered valid. This is because Amazon Kindle reviews, both positive and negative, can significantly impact a book’s reputation and influence potential readers.
2. Goodreads
With a vast community of over 120 million bibliophiles, Goodreads allows users to search its extensive database of 3.5 billion books to find new books to read, and to provide detailed feedback and ratings on books that they’ve already read. Goodreads uses these ratings to provide personalized recommendations on what users can read next.
In addition to being a book review website, Goodreads also allows authors to register on the platform, have direct conversations with readers about their books, publish blog posts, run marketing campaigns, and build a supportive community.
3. Online Book Club
OnlineBookClub is a free online community of over 5 million book lovers. It’s known for its active community of reviewers and readers who find the gems out of the millions of books that are published each year.
As an author, you can submit your book(s) for review on the website. If selected, your book will be read and reviewed by members of the Online Book Club community. This allows you to receive honest feedback on your work and gain exposure with the platform’s 5 million members who visit it frequently to find new titles to add to their To Be Read (TBR) pile.
4. Social Networking Sites
While social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) are not, in any way, dedicated book review sites, readers often share their thoughts about books they’ve read on these platforms.
On the flip side, social media platforms allow you, an author, to connect directly with your audience, creating a space for open dialogue and feedback. Through these channels, you can share insights into your creative process, discuss themes in your book, and encourage readers to share their opinions.
Leveraging the viral nature of social media, you can reach a wider audience and tap into diverse perspectives, which help you garner valuable feedback that can contribute to the refinement and promotion of your work.
5. Book Review Publications
Book review publications are specialized outlets or periodicals that focus on providing reviews and critical analyses of books. These publications often feature reviews written by professional critics, scholars, or knowledgeable people who evaluate a book’s merits, style, content, and overall impact.
Book review publications can take various forms, including print magazines, online journals, and newspapers. They serve as valuable resources for readers, helping them discover new books, stay informed about literary trends, and make good decisions about their reading choices.
Some popular book review publications include:
- The New York Times Book Review
- Chicago Review of Books
- London Review of Books
- Booklist
- Kirkus Reviews
- The Paris Review
- The Guardian Books
- Publisher’s Weekly
- Quill & Quire
- Crime Fiction Lover
How to Get Reviews on Sites Like Amazon
If you plan to publish your book through Kindle Direct Publishing (KPD), you will need to get reviews on Amazon to help increase your credibility and convince people to buy your book. Here are some ways to get reviews on sites like Amazon:
- Form a launch team of beta readers. Before launching your new book, form a team of beta readers who will read the ARC of your book in exchange for leaving honest reviews on Amazon. These reviews will serve as an important part of your book marketing strategy.
- Incorporate a call-to-action in your book. At the end of your book, include a polite request encouraging them to leave a review on Amazon if they enjoyed the book. Provide a direct link to your book’s Amazon page to make it easier for readers to leave their feedback.
- Participate in exchange groups. You can join online communities or groups where authors exchange reviews, and ask the members to read your book and leave a review about it on Amazon. These groups mostly exist on Facebook and Goodreads, so you can start there with your search. When you get accepted into a group, follow the rules and guidelines, and prioritize honest and constructive feedback. Also, be aware that Amazon will sometimes penalize review swaps, so be sure to check Amazon’s current guidelines on this before engaging.
- Leverage your author platform. If you have a website or a sizeable online following, use those channels to announce your book’s release. Encourage your followers and larger audience to leave reviews on Amazon, emphasizing the impact their reviews can have on the book’s success.
- Connect with book bloggers and reviewers. Reach out to book bloggers, influencers, and reviewers in your genres. Many of them cross-post their reviews on Amazon. Personalize your requests, and provide a professional copy of your book for their consideration.
How to Find Review Submission Information for Book Review Websites
Some websites offer reviews for self-published authors. So if you plan to self-publish your book, here are some ways to find review submission information for those book review websites:
- Explore book blogger directories. Look into directories or lists of book bloggers and reviewers. Websites like The IndieView and The Book Blogger List” provide directories of book bloggers who may be open to reviewing books, especially indie or self-published books.
- Look for the Contact or Submissions page. Many review websites have a specific page or section dedicated to submissions. Check for tabs like Contact Us, Submissions, or Review Policy on the website. There, you’ll find details on how to submit your book for review, the submission guidelines, and any specific formatting rules. Some websites may require cover letters, book summaries, or even ARCs.
- Connect with fellow authors. Other self-published authors in your genre or niche may have recommendations for book reviewers. Networking within writing communities, such as online groups, forums, or writer associations, can help you glean details into the submission information for popular book review websites.
- Use social media. Book reviewers and bloggers often share their review policies or submission guidelines on their social media profiles. So keep an eye out for that information as you build out your own community on those platforms.
Email Templates to Ask for a Review from Readers
If you plan to ask your readers (including bloggers and book reviewers) for reviews, here are some email templates you can try:
1. Casual and Appreciative
Subject: Your Thoughts Matter!
Hi [Reader’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to personally reach out and express my gratitude for your support in reading [Book Title]. Your opinion means a lot to me, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the book.
If you have a moment, could you please share your honest review on [platform]?
Thank you so much for supporting my work!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Website link]
[Link to social platforms]
2. Specific Feedback Request
Subject: Could you please share your insights into my new book?
Dear [Reader’s Name],
I trust you enjoyed reading [Book Title]. Your insights are important to me, and I’d love to know what specific aspects resonated with you the most. Could you take a moment to share your thoughts on [specific element]?
Feel free to share your feedback on [platform].
Thank you for being part of my writing journey!
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Website link]
[Link to social platforms]
3. Brief and Direct Request
Subject: Quick Favour?
Hi [Reader’s Name],
I hope you enjoyed reading [Book Title]. If you could spare a moment, would you mind leaving a review on [platform]? Your feedback means a lot to me.
Thanks a bunch!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Website link]
[Link to social platforms]
Find Your Ideal Book Reviewers Today
The key to finding credible book reviewers is to take a strategic and personalized approach to your search. Leverage online platforms, including your website, social media platforms, and book review websites, to find people who are willing to read your book and write honest reviews about it. When you do, craft a compelling, concise, and personalized outreach message that highlights the unique aspect(s) of your book and why it would resonate with the person. Then request for a review.
Remember to be genuine and sincere, and to show true appreciation for the reviewer’s work. Not only will this make them more likely to accept your request to review your book, but it will also confirm that what they do is important and worthwhile in the literary community.
