The Almighty Book Review – How to Get Them and How to Give Them
Writing a book review is one of the best ways to support your favorite authors. And, as an author yourself, you understand the value of book reviews. They can be the lifeblood of your writing success.
One of the most important things to know about giving an author a review is that your comments not only lift the spirits of the author but also count in Amazon’s and Google’s rankings. Those books with more than 50 reviews on Amazon, for instance, tell the algorithm that this author is worth noticing. This could mean you show up in the “people also bought this” column, where Amazon suggests other books or products to people.
Let’s start with how to get book reviews if you’re an author.
Beta Readers or Your ARC Team
At Master Book Builders, we recommend authors start early gathering beta readers, also known as your Advanced Reader Copy team. These are the people who will be taking the journey of sharing the book with the world along with you.
I don’t differentiate between the two as some folks do. Some folks consider the ARC team the group that will help promote the book. They know they are also expected to write a review, so they are prepared.
Some folks consider beta readers as the group of people who help the author chapter by chapter, offering insight into the storyline or the plot. They also, when the book is launched, usually write reviews.
Because we combine the concept of these two groups into one, called beta readers, we are careful to make sure they know their role in helping the author produce a stellar book. We tell them that their role, above and beyond commenting on writing, the story, the plot, the characters, the flow of the book, the message or purpose of the book, is to please write a review after they buy the digital copy during launch.
I recommend gathering at least 30 beta readers, who will be given a PDF uncorrected galley proof before publication presenting the book in its almost final state, to read and comment on before launch. They will then be asked to attend the launch, whether it’s attending a live Zoom launch party or just interacting with the announcements on the author’s social platform. At launch, we ask them to buy a digital copy and make a note to write a review in the next two or three days. Read more about beta readers on my post, Understanding, Creating, and Tapping into Beta Readers.
In the Book Itself
Every book should have a call to action at the end of the book, asking readers to do something. One of the best things is to include Chapter One of your next book and say, “Visit my website for updates on the launch of my next book. Meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek.”
The next best thing is to ask for reviews. And there is no reason you can’t do both! Do this in a short, non-influencing way: “If you’ve enjoyed this book, I would be honored if you would write a short review. One or two sentences are all that’s needed. Thank you.”
And if you really want to get the reader to write that review, do what Kae Wagner of the Bold Authors Network does: put a QR code in the book that links to your website’s book page, where there will be a link to the place you would like the review to be. If necessary, show people in a simple video where on Amazon (or Barnes & Noble, or wherever) the book review should be.
Kae goes even further by creating simple bookmarks with a QR code to the review sites (yes, we mostly mean Amazon) and gives them to people with a free copy of her book as she networks or is out speaking.
Be Bold. Just Ask.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a review. People generally want to help authors. They often forget the easiest way to do so is by writing a review.
Ask on your social platforms. “If you’ve read my book (include a 3D image), I would be honored if you’d write a review. Reviews help other people understand why they also might like the book. Thank you.”
Ask in networking groups. When you mention having written a book, don’t be afraid to get bold, “If you’re interested in my book, I’d love it if you would write a note to yourself to do a review after you’ve read it. They’re so important!”
Ask family and friends – again and again, if you need to. Asking daily is a bit much, but once a month, as a reminder, is not. People get busy. They forget. I’ve been guilty of this myself.
A reminder is a nice touchpoint, as well as a way to say thank you for all the help they gave you as you wrote the book. Thank them before you nudge them to do a review, but nudge them as needed.
Now, how to give a good review.
I will put this out there first – if you didn’t like the book, if it just wasn’t your cup of tea, don’t review it. Leave it be. Kindness dictates that you not put out a slashing review just because it might make you feel better. The author will get the message when there are no book sales.
To write a good book review, you need to have these three things in mind: (fiction and nonfiction alike)
- Why did you like it? Don’t just say you liked it. Say why. Were the characters so real you could feel their tears and laughter? Did the message of the book resonate with you from the first word?
- Be concise. Again, don’t just say, “Good book. I liked it.” Was the story great? Did you lose yourself in the storytelling? Was the message one you needed to hear? Did the author do a good job of convincing you adopt his methods or join his community?
- Don’t give away any plot twists. Be fair to others who land on the page and read the review. Spoiler alert is not the way to go here.
I cannot say this loud enough: Don’t review the author. Even if you know the author, leave them out of the review. Be subjective and stick to talking about the book and its value to you. And don’t complain to the author if your book was delivered damaged! Authors have no control over that.
Your review can be one sentence: “This book spoke to me from the very first word, and I couldn’t put it down – it’s a real page-turner.”
Your review can be more detailed: “I was mesmerized by the way the characters came to life! I felt more and more as if I were with them on this journey, chapter after chapter. I especially liked the antagonist and how he wasn’t all bad – he had a soft spot for – no, I won’t tell you! Read the book and find out yourself.”
Of course, in nonfiction, you’ll stick to the points like this: “This book was exactly what I needed right now to help me create better products for my business and market them to the world.”
Or, “I felt that Chapter Two on Business Development made the whole book worth my time. It’s an area I struggle with, and it’s actually the reason I bought the book. I was not disappointed.”
When I do a review, I include a picture of me holding the book. I’ve seen video reviews that were under a minute and so well done, I think I might try one next time I do a review. To learn more about how to write a great book review, visit my blog post, How NOT to write a book review, where I share actual examples of good book reviews.
Your purpose in writing the review isn’t to praise the author as much as it is to praise the author’s work. Writing a book is a big accomplishment. Authors deserve the accolades they get in reviews. And, if the book isn’t worth a review, it’s best not to say anything. Silence also speaks to an author.
You can do reviews on your social channels like Instagram or LinkedIn. Or another way to support authors is by sharing other people’s reviews on your social channels. Or on your blog.
The last bit of advice on getting and giving book reviews is to be that reader who supports authors by taking the five minutes it takes to write a review. I promise it will get easier over time.
As an author, be that reader who supports the authors of the books you read.
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