How to Get Book Reviews
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Are you a new writer hoping to enjoy similar success to those big names in the publishing world? Sales may not come overnight, but you can make a start by promoting your own work.
Whether you're a traditionally published author or an independent one, book reviews are critical to your success. They are the lifeblood of your sales. A good book review can be worth hours or even weeks, of social networking. This article looks at some of the methods you can use to increase your book's profile and gain more reviews.
Thank Those Who Have Already Purchased Your Book.
Make sure you leave a thank you at the end of the book. Adding a polite request for a review, with a link to the book on Amazon and Goodreads, is one way to help increase your reviews.
Reach Out To Book Bloggers
You can search online for book bloggers that cover your genre and ask them if they would be interested in reviewing your book. Here are two great book blogger databases: BookBlogging.net and The Indie View. Keep in mind you would need to provide them with a complimentary copy of your book to review. Most book bloggers have a page on their site that explains their review policy, make sure to read this before contacting them. Book bloggers will provide an honest review of your work, so you can’t expect that just because you gave them a free copy of your book that they are going to give you a 5 star review. The more reviews you have, the better. And you have to take the good with the bad. Plus studies show that readers aren't usually put off by reviews which have both good and bad points.
Offer Free Review Copies
On your website, Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook announce that you are willing to offer free copies of your book in exchange for a review. Let readers know you're looking for feedback to help improve your work. People love to know their opinion is being sought and taken on board, or that they've had a hand in shaping a creative work. Once readers realize you're not likely to be put off by their comments, they're going to be more interested in reviewing your book.
Reach Out To Book Clubs
Reach out to your local book clubs and ask if they would be interested in reading your book or having you come speak. You will need to provide complimentary copies of your book, but the amount of reviews you will get from the book club members will make it a good return on your investment. Meetup is a great site to use to search for book clubs in your area.
Conscience Reviewing
Make sure that you thank each reviewer personally; it doesn't matter how bad the review is. Sometimes you have to simply grit your teeth and look carefully at the points they've raised. Try to address their concerns as if you've written them yourself.
Acknowledge your reviewer and give it a few days for them to respond. Maybe they will even edit their review. And if they don't respond, other potential readers will see your mature approach to the review which can't hurt.
Bear in mind that ultimately, building reviews isn't going to be an overnight process. It can take a reviewer any where from 1 week to 1 year to review your book. It takes time, but with some networking, a few freebies, and willingness to take critique on board, you should see a noticeable difference in your book sales and reviews!