Getting reviews for your self-published book is tough. Most authors start strong, sending out review copies to friends and family, then hit a wall. This guide breaks down what works, based on real experiences from successful indie authors.
Why Reviews Matter for Your Book
Reviews sell books. They boost your Amazon ranking and convince readers to take a chance on an unknown author. Without them, even brilliant books sink into obscurity. But here’s what nobody tells you: getting those first 10 reviews is harder than getting the next 50.
The good news? You can build momentum if you know where to look. Forget mass-emailing hundreds of reviewers or begging for feedback on Twitter. Those tactics died years ago. Today’s review landscape needs a smarter approach.
Start with a Strong Foundation
Your author website matters more than you think. Before chasing reviews, make sure you look legitimate. You need a clean, professional site with an obvious way for reviewers to contact you. Skip the fancy graphics – focus on making it easy for people to find your book information and review policy.
Social media works too, but pick your battles. Instagram and TikTok drive book sales now. Facebook groups still help, but they’re not the powerhouse they once were. Pick one platform and do it well instead of spreading yourself thin.
Getting Those First Reviews
The secret to those crucial first reviews? Personal outreach. Not mass emails, not social media blasts – individual messages to people who actually read your genre. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, it’s awkward. But it works.
Start with genuine readers you know. Don’t ask your aunt who reads one book a year. Instead, message that colleague who always talks about fantasy novels at lunch. Tell them why you thought of them specifically. Offer the format they prefer. Make it easy to say yes.
Book Bloggers Still Work (If You’re Smart)
Book bloggers, which nowadays are found most commonly on Instagram and TikTok, get hundreds of requests. Most get ignored because authors don’t do their homework. Read their reviews first. Notice what they love and hate about books like yours. When you email them, show you’ve done this work.
Keep your pitch short: “I noticed you loved [specific book] for its unusual take on time travel. My novel [title] plays with similar ideas, but from a different angle. Would you be interested in reviewing it?”
That’s it. No life story. No marketing speak. Just one reader talking to another about books they might enjoy.
The Social Media Game
BookTok and Bookstagram changed everything. Videos sell books better than text reviews ever did. But here’s the trick: don’t ask for reviews right away. Comment on reviewers’ posts first. Share their stuff. Build actual relationships.
When you do reach out, give them something to work with. Share a compelling hook for their video. Maybe your romance novel features a chef and you’ve got recipes to share. Maybe your thriller was inspired by a real cold case. Give them content their followers will love.
Paid Reviews: Worth It?
Kirkus Reviews costs a fortune. Publishers Weekly’s BookLife might pick you for free. Both can help, especially for library sales. But for most indie authors, that money’s better spent elsewhere.
Consider mid-tier review services like BookSirens or Story Origin instead. They cost less and connect you with real readers. Plus, those readers often cross-post their reviews to multiple platforms.
Working the Amazon System
Amazon’s algorithm loves fresh reviews. Use KDP Select’s free days strategically – not just randomly making your book free and hoping for the best. Plan these around newsletter promotions or social media pushes.
Add Amazon’s “Follow” button to your website. When readers follow you, they get new release notifications automatically. These followers often become your most reliable reviewers.
Your Review Kit
Make reviewing easy. Prepare:
- Your book in PDF, MOBI, and EPUB formats
- A sharp cover image
- A quick bio
- A short, catchy description
- Clear posting instructions
Skip the long synopsis and detailed character lists. Reviewers want the basics, not a doctoral thesis.
Building Real Connections
Thank every reviewer personally, even if their review isn’t entirely favourable. Share their reviews. Keep talking to them after they post. These people become your biggest supporters for future books – if you treat them right.
Dealing with Bad Reviews
Bad reviews happen. Sometimes they even help – perfect ratings look fake. Respond by writing better books, not arguing in the comments or sending a hostile email. This will make you look sensitive and unable to take criticism. Use valid criticism, but ignore trolls.
Getting Reviews from Bookshelfie
Looking for reviews from a credible source? Here at Bookshelfie, we review three to six indie books weekly. We read submissions carefully and pick books we can genuinely recommend to our readers. Want a guaranteed review? We offer that too for a small payment, ideal for authors who need a little recommendation from a reliable source. Free submissions are always welcome, but our guaranteed review service ensures your book gets covered when you need it. Either way, we focus on honest, useful reviews that help readers find their next favorite book. Feel free to check out our submission page here!
This Post Has One Comment
I appreciate your book reviews! Such thoughtful commentary are a blessing to authors. Thank you!