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You can’t even give a book away for free without at least one good review.
Here are seven different ways to get reviews. Some of them are fast, some of them are very effective, all of them work. Some of them are free (if you don’t count the hours you will put into it) and others require an investment.
Each of the links below takes you to a post with MORE information along with the how-to details.
When you first get started, it’s a good idea to try out each review generating technique. Over time you will find your favorites and return to them with each new book.
I’ve also included links to some review do’s and don’t s because following the “asking” protocols could make a HUGE difference in your results.
Here goes …
Seven Ways To Get Book Reviews
ARC or Advance Reader Copy Book Reviews
An ARC, or Advance Reader Copy, is an early, pre-publication version of a book that is produced by a publisher and distributed to a limited number of readers, often prior to the official release date of the book. ARCs are typically used to obtain reviews and to generate buzz and publicity for a forthcoming book. This article includes a list of ARC services.
This one should definitely be on your review getting resources list. Whether you decide to send out ARCs yourself or use an ARC service (highly suggested) ARCs will get your book sales off to a good start.
ARC or Advance Reader Copy Book Reviews: What, Who, Where and HOW
Review Exchange Services
YES these are legitimate and pass Amazon’s rules.
REVJUS
This is one of the services I use for MY books. While it takes a bit of work … it is well worth the effort because the quality of reviews YOU get are from good to fabulous!
Three big benefits:
#1 You get VERIFIED reviews
#2 Reviewers BUY your book, so that helps bump up your Amazon stats and gives you a royalty payment.
#3 The reviews you get are NOT generic one-liners, they are relevant with some substance.
FAST REVIEWS
My next suggestion is a service that can help you get reviews FAST. But be very careful. Some people love this service, some people absolutely hate it. Read the article carefully before you proceed.
Editorial Reviews Are a MUST!
Editorial Reviews can be (should be) a HUGE part of your book promotion strategy, so along with getting Amazon reviews you should also steadily work at getting at least one or two editorial reviews.
Many new self-publishers don’t understand the difference between Amazon Reviews and Editorial Reviews so be sure to check this out: Editorial Reviews: How To Get Them, How to Use Them
There are thousands of magazines and newspapers that publish book reviews. The trick is in finding them and convincing them to read and review YOUR book. Here is a great starting point: Where To Find Magazines & Newspapers That Review Books.
BOOK BLOGGERS are another great source of Editorial Reviews.
Here’s WHY and HOW to get Blogger Reviews.
And here’s WHERE to find them. The BOOK REVIEWER DIRECTORY has a list of over 1000 book blogger sites. It is up-to-date, easy to use and can help you drill down to your specific book categories in minutes.
How To Get More Book Reviews: Purchase Reviews
I have my ears covered and am hiding under my desk. Many of you are morally outraged. It is against Amazon rules isn’t it? Yes … and NO! Keep reading, because reviews are being purchased every day. Not only are these reviews legitimate according to Amazon’s rules, but they are being used by many (if not all) of the main-stream publishers and by many top Kindle authors.
Goes without saying … you NEED a budget. But, you might be surprised that even a small budget can take you a long way.
Here’s how to buy reviews without getting slammed by Amazon.
The next review snagging tips take some advanced planning. Delaying the publication date of your book can pay off in reviews coming in quickly and “relatively” quickly. Being in too much of a hurry to hit the publish button can have a lasting negative impact. No matter WHERE you are in your publishing cycle get your email list started NOW and then get started on your website!
Your Author Website:
Your Website or Author Blog is your MOST important marketing resource.
You NEED an author website. If you don’t have one … start building today!
You should be building your website or author blog with two things in mind:
The first is to build your email list.
The second is to engage your followers.
Start promoting your book two to three months in advance. Let your followers know the new book is coming and …ask for both beta readers and critique partners.
Here’s how to start promoting your book ON your website.
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How To Get More Book Reviews: Author Groups
Author groups and affinity groups are small to large gatherings of “like minded individuals,”
These include in-person and on-line author support groups, readers groups, advertising and book announcement groups and masterminds.
Affinity Groups are people with specific interests. For example math teachers, orchid growers, soccer coaches or homesteaders.
Here’s more on how to find and create groups.
re’s even MORE information on creating helper groups:
Beta Readers: What You Need to Know
Critique Partners: What You Need to Know
Review Exchange Services
Here are a Few Articles that can help you ASK for Reviews the RIGHT WAY
Asking for Book Reviews
Self-publishing a book and then successfully SELLING it, is made up of two essential components: your book package and your marketing plan. Both of these need to be in place before you publish.
Your book package includes your book, as well as everything that comes along with your book, like an author bio and your category selections.
Your marketing plan is a monthly, weekly and daily action plan … in detail. Getting reviews is one of the most important components of that plan.
Here are details on what you need in your book package and how to set up a marketing plan.
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How To Ask Bloggers For A Review
Guest Editor, Kasey Giard has posted over 500 reviews on her blog, The Story Sanctuary and has rejected many review requests for good reason! Take a look at some of the review requests she has rejected and then make notes on the best ways to make YOUR approach.
Still want MORE information on getting reviews?
Get Dale L. Roberts Book:
This is great advice, especially for writers of Literary Fiction. From my experience, it’s a much tougher crowd to crack than for many other genres.
I’d say I spend most of my time pitching to bloggers (Step #5). From my perspective, literary fiction requires a certain “snob appeal” that only reviews from Indie-Lit influencers can bring. Still, my literary novel isn’t moving nearly as quickly as books I’ve written in other genres (under pseudonyms), and I spend more time promoting it than any other. I think of it as a long-term investment.
Thanks for adding to the conversation James. YOU’VE hit the nail on the head … it IS a long term investment. You’ve already spend countless hours writing your book which is a huge investment … now you have to make sure to constantly give your investment some juice to keep it going!
Thank you – very helpful for a first time author to see how to properly get reviews, even if you have to spend some $$ to make some $$