How to get reviews of your self-published book

Congratulations! You've finally self-published the book you've been telling everyone about! You put everything into this book, so you think it's fantastic, but how will you find out whether other people feel the same way? 

Do your readers actually like it? 

Getting readers to leave reviews is one of the most important tasks in the self-publishing process. Reviews have a massive effect on book sales as they increase a book's credibility and influence potential customers. However, how do you entice users to write reviews and how will those reviews increase your online presence? 
 

Why reviews matter for self-published authors

For self-published authors, reviews are essential. Without the backing of traditional publishers, you will need to rely heavily on reader feedback to build your book’s reputation. Reviews act as social proof, helping potential customers decide whether to purchase. 

Reviews make your book look more appealing and improve its ranking on platforms like Amazon. Reviews influence the algorithm, making your book more likely to appear in searches, eventually leading to increased sales. 

Want to go back to basics? To be successful in receiving reviews for your book, you first need to learn how to self-publish your book. 

 

How to get good reviews of your self-published book 

You don’t want any old reviews. You want positive, well-written reviews. And getting good reviews for your self-published book doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. With the right strategies, your readers will be champing at the bit to leave a review the moment they close that final chapter.  

 

Engage with your readers early 

The best time to ask for a review is when your readers are most excited about your book, which is usually right after they finish reading. Build relationships with your readers through social media, email newsletters, or a dedicated reader community (such as a Facebook group or chat forum). Readers who are engaged are more likely to want to support you. 

One approach is to add a short note at the end of your book. This could be as simple as, 'Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed the book, I would really appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave it a review on X.'

 

Make It easy for readers to leave reviews 

Sometimes, readers need a nudge to leave a review, and the process should be kept as simple as possible. Provide direct instructions on where and how to leave a review, whether it’s on Amazon, Google, or another platform. Include links to these platforms in your newsletters, social media posts, and at the end of your ebook. 

To make the journey as easy as possible for readers, create a dedicated page on your website with links to the review sections of these platforms. 

 

How do I get reviews on Google? 

Google reviews are a great way to establish credibility, especially if you sell your book through your own website. Getting Google reviews follows similar steps as other platforms but with a few added tips: 

 

1. Set up a Google Business Profile – Even if you don’t have a brick-and-mortar store, setting up a profile for your brand or book will provide a platform for readers to leave reviews. 

2. Ask via email – If you’ve collected the email addresses of your readers through a newsletter, follow up with a personalised email asking them to leave a review. Make sure to include a direct link. 

3. Offer an incentive – While you can’t pay for reviews, offering readers a perk, like a free chapter from your next book, can encourage them to leave feedback. 

 

How can I use social media? 

Social media is a powerful tool for gathering reviews. After you’ve published your book, create posts to engage your readers and create conversation. Encourage them to share reviews on their own social media profiles, tagging you, or using a specific hashtag. 

Incentivising reviews with social media giveaways will also motivate readers. Host live Q&As or Instagram story takeovers to help your readers feel like they are communicating with you. 

 

Will reviews affect my book sales? 

Reviews don’t just make your book look popular – they will influence how well it sells. Here are several ways that reviews can impact your sales. 

 

1. Increase in credibility and trust 

When potential buyers see positive reviews, they’re more likely to purchase as they’ll trust that your book is worthwhile. This is massively important for self-published authors, as some readers might be wary of independent publications. A group of positive reviews will help build trust and demonstrate that your book is worth a read. 

 

2. Rank higher on platforms 

Platforms like Amazon and Google rely on reviews to choose which books to promote. A book with more reviews – especially positive ones – stands a better chance of being recommended to other readers.  

 

3. Word-of-mouth promotion 

When readers leave reviews, they often share them with their network, both online and offline. This word-of-mouth promotion is priceless. Wherever a review is shared, it will help you maximise that buzz and keeps your book in readers’ minds. 

 

How do I encourage reviews? 

We understand on a day-to-day basis, most people are super busy! So, we know that sometimes, even if a reader loved your book, they might not think to leave a review. Here are some ways to encourage them to share their thoughts: 

 

1. Follow-Up Emails 

If you have a mailing list, follow up with your readers after their purchase. Send an email a week or two after they’ve had time to read the book, thank them for their support, and encourage them to leave a review. Remember to include the links to the platforms where you’d like them to review your book. 

 

2. Remind readers at the end of the book 

A reminder at the end of your book can be an effective way to prompt readers to review. They’ve just finished your book and (hopefully) enjoyed it—now is the perfect time to ask them to share their thoughts. A simple note like, 'If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review!' will work wonders. Maybe even add a QR code to take them straight to a platform of your choice. 

 

3. Create a review challenge 

You can turn the process of leaving reviews into a challenge. For example, you could set a goal of 50 reviews and offer a bonus once you hit the target. Something like an exclusive interview or a free short story—once you hit that milestone. This creates a sense of community and motivates readers to help you reach your goal. 

 

4. Invest in our Self-Publishing Guide

Purchasing our self-publishing guide will provide you with the knowledge needed to get the absolute most from your self-published novel. The easy-to-follow expert advice will guide you through all the steps. The Self-Publishing Guide covers everything you need to know, from editing, formatting, and cover design through to publishing digitally and in print, marketing your book and maximising your income, and publishing across multiple platforms. 

 

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Asking readers to share their thoughts on your self-published book is essential for growing your audience and boosting sales. By engaging with your readers, simplifying the review process, and offering gentle reminders, you can encourage more people to leave reviews. 

Positive reviews help build credibility and improve your book’s visibility on major platforms. This will lead to more sales in the long run. 

So, don’t be afraid to ask for reviews—it’s one of the best ways to ensure your book reaches its full potential. 

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