Publishing a book is a huge achievement, but getting reviews can feel like a mystery. Reviews are critical because they build trust, influence new readers, and give your book social proof. However, getting them the right way — ethically and within Amazon’s guidelines — is essential. In this guide, you will learn how to earn real reviews from real readers without falling into any of the common traps.
Why Reviews Matter Reviews act as a vote of confidence. Readers are far more likely to buy a book that has multiple honest reviews. Reviews also affect your book’s visibility on Amazon and other retailers. Books with more positive reviews are more likely to be recommended by algorithms and featured in “also bought” and “customers also viewed” sections.
How to Get Your First Reviews (the Right Way)
1. Build an Advance Reader Team Before your book even launches, assemble a small team of “advance readers” or “street team” members. These are people who agree to read your book early and leave a review once it is live.
How to find them:
- Reach out to friends, family, or writing groups who understand the importance of honest feedback.
- Post in Facebook groups or reader communities inviting early reviewers.
- Use your email list, even if it is small, to offer an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Remember never require a positive review. Ask for honest feedback.
2. Offer Free Copies Through Reader Platforms There are services designed to connect authors with readers willing to review books, such as:
- StoryOrigin
- BookFunnel (with reader magnets and ARC campaigns)
- Booksprout
These platforms allow you to distribute advance copies securely and collect feedback.
3. Ask Inside Your Book One of the most overlooked opportunities is right inside your own book. At the end of your story, include a short, polite request encouraging readers to leave a review.
Example:
“Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this book, a short review on Amazon or Goodreads would mean the world to me and helps other readers discover the story.”
Make it easy by including a direct link if possible.
4. Engage Personally with Early Readers When a reader emails you or messages you about enjoying your book, thank them and kindly ask if they would consider leaving a review. Personal interaction builds goodwill and makes readers more likely to take action.
Sample message:
“Thank you so much for your kind words about [Book Title]. If you have a moment, leaving a short review on Amazon or Goodreads would help other readers find the story too.”
5. Use Social Media Carefully You can absolutely post on your social media accounts asking for reviews, but keep it casual. Avoid sounding desperate or repetitive.
A few good approaches:
- Share a milestone: “We just hit 25 reviews! Thank you so much, readers! If you enjoyed [Book Title] and have a moment, your honest review would mean a lot.”
- Celebrate readers who leave reviews by sharing their words (with permission).
What NOT to Do When Getting Reviews It is just as important to avoid common mistakes that can put your book or account at risk.
1. Do not Pay for Reviews Buying reviews, even indirectly, violates Amazon’s terms of service. This includes paying for “review packages” that promise positive feedback.
2. Do not Trade Reviews with Other Authors While it might seem harmless, swapping reviews with other authors can be seen as a conflict of interest by Amazon.
3. Do not Pressure Readers Never make readers feel obligated to leave a certain kind of review. Always ask for honest feedback.
4. Do not Use Family Members’ Reviews Amazon specifically discourages reviews from close family and friends who have a financial interest in your success.
Building a Long-Term Review Strategy Getting reviews should not be something you only focus on at launch. Make it a part of your long-term author strategy.
- Continue building your email list and offering reader magnets.
- Keep engaging readers personally and thanking them.
- Create a culture around your books where reviews are seen as part of supporting you.
Helpful Resources for Getting Book Reviews
- StoryOrigin: https://storyoriginapp.com
- BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com
- Kindle Direct Publishing Guidelines: https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200386300
Earning honest reviews takes time, patience, and a commitment to treating readers with respect. Focus on building relationships, offering value, and showing genuine appreciation for your readers. Over time, those authentic reviews will not only grow in number but in strength, helping to carry your book to more and more new readers.