Book reviews help sell your book in many ways and they hold a ton of marketing power. I’ve found that most new indie authors know this, but have no idea how to get book reviews so they don’t really put any effort into getting them. You can get them though, if you know how, and there are tactics you can use to harness their marketing power.
So, let’s talk about book reviews, why they’re so important, and how you can get them and use them to your advantage.
Why Book Reviews Have So Much Marketing Power
A review is social proof. A good review tells potential readers that someone liked your book, so they may too. They also establish trust and credibility with your audience. Professional reviews can even grant a sense of prestige, much like a book award.
Without reviews, readers feel like they’re walking into unknown territory. Even a few reviews are sometimes enough to convince readers to buy, especially when those reviews align with their interest in your book.
Book reviews help sell your book whether they are from readers or trusted sources and known names. Of course, the more good reviews the better, and when they’re from trusted sources like influencers and professionals they’re especially powerful. These types of reviews also provide visibility.
I’m sure you’ve checked reviews and ratings for everything from clothing to restaurants, and rely on them to make your purchasing decisions. The same is true for books.
Types of Book Reviews and How to Get Them
There are many types of book reviews, from reader reviews to critical reviews in publications large and small. There are even paid professional and industry reviews. But all these book reviews help sell your book on some level.
So, don’t fret if you can’t swing a review in the New York Times. Now, let’s talk about the types of book review opportunities indie authors can take advantage of. I’ll start with reader reviews, because they’re often the easiest to get.
Reader Reviews are More Powerful than You Think
Never underestimate the power of reader reviews! New readers trust the opinions of other fans of the genre. Many people even trust reviews from their peers more than reviews from professional sources. These types of reviews will be the most commonly read and they’re found everywhere from Amazon to Goodreads to spaces like Reddit and other social platforms.
These types of book reviews will be the most prolific. But how do you get them? You have to ask! Sure, someone could happen upon your book and love it and decide to leave a glowing review. But the best policy is to send out advanced reader copies(ARCs) and ASK your intended audience if they would kindly leave a review.
You can do the same with influencers you’ve built relationships with. An endorsement from even one influencer can give your book sales a big boost. You can also ask friends, colleagues and family for reviews. Because the more early reviews you get, the bigger selling power they have. This in turn will lead to more reviews from happy readers.
Want to know how to reach out to influencers for reviews? Learn from someone who’s done it.
So the method to get these book reviews to help sell your book will require:
- ARCs. You can read about that process here.
- Asking for them.
- Reaching out to your community.
Publishing Industry/Trade Book Reviews Help Sell Your Book to Book Sellers
Industry and trade reviews will help your book get noticed by book buyers and sellers, aka, the people who decide which books will be stocked on store shelves and libraries, etc. These book reviews help sell your book to the people who sell books.
These types of book reviews may not end up directly in front of your audience’s eyes, but you can use them on your book, your website, your author platforms and socials. These reviews hold prestige. Most of these types of reviews are free, but some are paid opportunities. There is also a process involved.
To get these types of reviews you can:
- Do your research.
- Submit your book for review.
You can read more about these industry reviews and how to submit to them, here.
Critical Reviews Hold Prestige and Access to a Wider Audience
I already mentioned, you don’t need a review in the Times to benefit from these types of reviews. Even a review in a local paper, or a popular book blog can be beneficial and help sell your book. Smaller publication related to your genre or topic are another possibility.
This type of review may be harder to get, but if you have any connections, or are working with a publicist you’ll have a much better chance. These types of book reviews help sell your book to a wider audience who may have not been otherwise looking.
For this type of book review opportunity you may need:
- ARCs
- Connections
- The chance to ask for them
- To do some research
How You Can Use the Marketing Power of Book Reviews to Help Sell Your Book
Now that I’ve explained the different ways these different types of book reviews help sell your book, I’d like to talk a little bit about how YOU can take advantage of these reviews you’ve collected to harness their marketing power. Remember, these reviews entice readers, offer social proof and trust, and even hold the power of prestige.
1.Press/One Sheets, Etc.
Adding quotes from the best and most positive book reviews will add that extra layer of trust and authority in what you have to offer.
2.Your Amazon Author Page
If readers, critics, influencers, or publications have given you great book reviews, or you have a blurb from a recognized source, add them to your Amazon marketing copy.
3.Your Website
Add the best reviews to your website’s Book page or landing page. Let your website visitors know what everyone is saying about your book.
4.On Your Book Cover
Book reviews help sell your book when they’re right there on the cover. Use snippets of quotes to make the most impact and save space.
5.Share them on Social
Create some eye-catching designs and include reviews that target your intended audience and share them on your platform of choice.
6.In Paid Ads
Use the same designs, including your book cover for your paid ads. A great book review quote will grab attention.
It’s Never too Late to Get Reviews for Your Book
It should be noted that though it’s best to get reviews early, it’s never too late to start. If your book has been out for awhile and you feel like you missed the boat, you can always do giveaways and submit(depending on policy and guidelines) to industry journals now.
Then use them to your advantage! Shamelessly include the best ones in all your marketing materials and across platforms.
Book reviews help sell your book and hold a lot of marketing power, so don’t skip on this part of your book marketing strategy.
Do you have something to add to the conversation? What strategies for getting reviews worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
