FOUR STEPS TO GETTING BOOK REVIEWS BEFORE YOU PUBLISH YOUR BOOK 

Book reviews are essential for building credibility and buzz around your upcoming release. Securing reviews ahead of publication can provide your book with momentum and help it gain traction once it’s out in the world.

Here are four tactics to help you get book reviews before your book hits Amazon and other retailers:

1. Create an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)

An advanced reader copy (ARC) is a pre-published version of your book, often shared with potential reviewers. These copies allow reviewers to read and evaluate your book before its official release, giving them time to provide thoughtful and considered reviews.

Here’s how you can leverage ARCs effectively:

• Choose your format: Decide whether you want to provide physical copies or digital copies of your ARC, or both. Digital ARCs are easy to distribute and can be less expensive.
• Target reviewers: Identify potential reviewers in your genre. This could include book bloggers, social media influencers, genre-specific book clubs, and online book review sites.
• Distribute strategically: Contact your targeted reviewers and offer them an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Make sure to personalize your requests and provide a clear deadline for the review.
• Vet your ARC reviewers. Make sure that your ARC reviewers are legit and have a proven track record of posted reviews. Look for reviewers who are active on GoodReads and can (and will) post a review on Amazon once your book goes live. I had the (unpleasant) surprise to send a paperback ARC to a reviewer only to find out that she couldn’t afford to buy stuff on Amazon therefore she couldn’t leave a review during the launch day.

2. Use Review Request Websites and Services

There are many websites and services that connect authors with potential reviewers. These platforms allow you to reach a wider audience and increase your chances of receiving reviews before your book is published. Two of our favorites are NetGalley and ReadersFavorite.

Here’s how to make the most of review request websites and services:

• Research platforms: Identify the best platforms for your genre, such as NetGalley or BookSirens. Both platforms require a fee but offer exposure to a large pool of reviewers. BookSirens offer a free trial, and if you are selected you can test run their platform for up to 30 days. They also give you a free of charge option where you can personally query the book reviewers. It’s more time consuming, but if you are on shoestring budget, this option is probably best for you. Plus you get to create a personal connection with that book blogger/reviewer.
• Create an appealing profile: Your book’s cover, description, and information on your profile should be engaging and accurate to attract reviewers.
• Monitor your requests: Stay organized and keep track of who has requested your book and who has provided reviews. This will help you build relationships with potential long-term reviewers.

3. Leverage Social Media and Online Communities

Social media and online communities are powerful tools for connecting with readers and reviewers. By engaging with these platforms, you can create buzz around your book and encourage early reviews.

Follow these steps to leverage social media and online communities:

• Engage consistently: Be active on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Goodreads. Share updates about your book and your writing journey.
• Participate in discussions: Join genre-specific groups and forums. Offer insights and opinions, and engage with others’ content to build relationships.
• Ask for reviews: Once you’ve established a presence, directly ask for reviews from your followers. Create posts offering ARCs in exchange for honest reviews.

4. Network with Other Authors

Connecting with other authors, especially those in your genre, can help you build a supportive community that may be willing to review your book before its publication.

Here’s how to network effectively with other authors:

• Attend writing workshops and conferences: Meeting authors face-to-face can help you build relationships and establish connections for potential reviews.
• Join writers’ groups: Local or online writers’ groups offer a space to connect with other authors. You can exchange ARCs with each other for reviews.
• Collaborate on promotions: Partnering with other authors for joint promotions can expand your audience and create opportunities for reviews.

Conclusion

Gathering reviews before your book is published can greatly benefit your launch and help generate excitement for your work. By creating and distributing ARCs, utilizing review request websites and services, leveraging social media and online communities, and networking with other authors, you can increase your chances of securing valuable early reviews. These tactics will help establish your reputation as an author and set your book up for success.