In the last few days, I’ve had several newer authors ask me to review their books. What shocked me was the approach some of them used.
“Read my book and then give me a review,” is not the best approach.
A better approach would be to make sure the person you’re asking has an interest in the genre.
Prepare to Ask
Before approaching someone to review your book, be prepared. A few of the items you should have available are:
- Your author bio
- A book description
- Contact information
- Author photo
- Book cover photo
- Press kit
- Video book trailer
3 Top Ways to Get Reviews
1.Those who have already reviewed on Amazon
One way to do this is do a search on Amazon for books in your genre. Check out the reviews. Contact top reviewers to let them know you read their review and feel they would enjoy reviewing your book based on the genre. Of course, ask them rather than tell them to review.
Also check out Amazon top reviewers. They’ve earned the position of top reviewers because they love reviewing books. To find out who they are go to https://www.amazon.com/review/top-reviewers. Create a spread sheet on who they are, the types of books they review and what their reviewer position is.
As with anything, the more well known they are, the more they are asked to review books. Be prepared by giving them enough information to make the right choice. (see list above)
2. Members of Facebook Groups
There are plenty of Facebook Groups filled with members eager to review books. Do a search on Facebook with the words Book Review Groups. You’d be amazed at how many groups there are.
Do your homework on the groups. Some are highly active, while others… a waste of time.
3. Ask your existing readers or fan base
If you have a strong social media following, you have a built in group of reviewers. The more visible you are in the groups, the easier it is for people to say yes.
Additionally, if you belong to associations, writers groups, or online communities, you have potential reviewers.
Be prepared to send a copy of your book to those you ask to review for you. Often, a PDF will suffice. In some cases the reviewer will want a physical copy.
It’s a Process
Keep in mind, getting reviews is a process. You have to be organized, focused and consistent. Be sure to thank those who do review based on your request.
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But, of course, if they don’t ask, they don’t get either. So, one has to find the right way to do so.
Thanks, KG!
So true Roy. The key word is “right.”
One way not to get someone to review a book is to ask the person to buy a copy of the book and then review it. Sorry! If you want me to take the time to read your book and review it, you can provide me with a comp copy, even if it’s a pdf. Any time I’ve wanted someone to review a book of mine, I’ve sent them a comp copy.
You hit the nail on the head Nancy. I feel the exact same way. It’s a bait and switch to ask someone to review your book and then say, “Oh by the way, here’s the buy link.” No, no, no. If you approach someone to review your book, give them a copy. If they request a printed copy, you best be prepared to send it.
Ideally, a PDF will work, but some reviewers prefer to hold the book in their hands. Unless of course, it’s a Kindle book. Thanks for your input Nancy.
I often get asked to review books some in a generic, sent to everyone email kind of way which I don’t like. However, some authors have clearly read other reviews from me on Amazon and Goodreads and then send me a personal email. I always review their books. LinkedIn is another way that I receive reviews generally by first chatting with a member of a group.
I think, as you say, treating getting reviews as a process is important and will lead to greater success when approaching reviewers
Like you Sarah, when someone has done their homework, I’m much more inclined to say yes.