Mastering Book Reviews
I believe getting reviews for a book is harder than selling a book. Your average reader won’t leave a review. Not because they didn’t enjoy the book but because they don’t enjoy writing reviews, or they never consider writing one.
In this issue, we will focus on trying to convince those who never considered writing a review. I will share five ways to invite this reader to write a review for your book.
#1 – Create A Review List
As a new author I always recommend creating a review list. If you are online, you probably will come across reviewers in your feeds. It’s not an easy task, but as you publish more books, your review list will grow.
Do social media searches for reviewers.
Find those who are reading your genre.
Check for their contact information.
Reach out to them and ask them how they like to receive review copies and how long it takes them to review a book.
Create your list with this information.
When you are ready to send out advance copies or review copies, you’ll have a list to start with.
#2 – Start in ARC team
ARC team stands for advance review copy team. Readers receive an advanced copy of your book to read it before it comes out and provide a review on the day of release.
This isn’t a guarantee for reviews, however, most readers who sign up usually provide a review on release date.
I recommend starting with inviting 10 to 25 readers to be on your team. If you can get more that is a blessing.
Start with your friends or fellow authors who read your genre. Be selective when it comes to your book because you want people who read what you write, not someone who just wants a free book.
Invite your social media community to be a part of your team. Again, be selective with who you choose.
Decide if you’re going to send out print or e-copies of your books. I recommend e-copies is very cost effective.
Send out books to readers with a set date for them to post their reviews.
Send a reminder email the week before release date and the day of release.
Send thank you emails to everyone who posts a review or say thank you inside your newsletter.
#3 Create A Social Media Campaign – Ask For The Review
The social media campaign is all about reminding the reader to write a review. In this campaign, you are thanking them for reading the book and asking them to write a review on their favorite review platform.
Goodreads
Netgalley
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
It’s important to send out reminders because sometimes readers forget to write a review after they’ve read a book. I recommend doing this one a month or quarterly to increase your reviews.
In the campaign, you can create graphics of some of your best reviews. This is a nice way to highlight your reviews and show the reviewer you appreciate their reviews.
You can create a review goal and share to your community as you get closer to this goal. This lets the reader know that you are getting reviews and other readers are enjoying your book and reminds those who haven’t written a review they can still write one.
#4 Ask At The End Of The Book
Are you including a call of action at the end of your book to write a review?
Provide a link or instructions for the readers when they finish reading the book.
Explain why reviews are important for your book then ask them to click the link to write one.
#5 – Personal Request
Sometimes a reader will write you and tell you how much they enjoyed your books. This is a good time to ask them if they would write a review about your book. This is also a good time to see if they would be interested in joining your review team.
Most readers will be happy to get books before the world sees them. I started my literary career as a reviewer. I looked forward to receiving the advance copies before anyone else would. I also enjoyed creating a buzz about the book before it released. Other readers always wanted to know how I’d read the book before it was in stores. I was happy to share I was on the author’s review team.
Remember book reviews are slow process. Don’t get discouraged if it takes sometimes to get a few reviews. The wait it worth it because they are valuable content you can use promotions. They are proof the readers are reading your books.
Are you ready to start asking for reviews?
Action Steps:
Pick one of the below and start increasing your reviews.
#1 – Create A Review List
#2 – Start in ARC team
#3 – Create A Social Media Campaign
#4 – Ask At The End Of The Book – Ask For The Review
#5 – Personal Request
Remember book promotion starts with YOU! Make sure to subscribe to get the next issue.
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See ya on the net,
LaShaunda Hoffman
P.S.
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