You’ve written your book, polished it to perfection, and hit “publish.” Now comes the hard part: getting readers to actually leave a review.
If you’re a self-published author, you already know that reviews are the lifeblood of your book’s success. They boost your visibility, build credibility, and can really influence buying decisions. But how do you get them, especially if you don’t have a huge budget or a massive fanbase?
Here are some proven, cost-effective ways to start building your review count today.
1. Offer Advance Review Copies (ARCs) to the Right Readers
Sending free copies to readers before launch can help you gather reviews early. The key is to target the right audience. A fantasy ARC in the hands of a thriller-only reader isn’t going to do much for your ratings.
You can connect with ARC readers through:
- Genre-specific Facebook groups (just check their posting rules).
- BookSirens – A well-known platform that matches your book with readers who enjoy your genre, helping you find reviewers beyond your existing audience.
- Communities like Review Free Books where ready-to-read reviewers are actively looking for their next book to fall in love with can put your story straight into the hands of people eager to leave honest feedback.
Rebecca Hamilton, New York Times bestselling author and Seven Figure Author Coach, knows exactly how tough it is to land those first few reviews. That’s why Review Free Books was created, as a place that connects authors with eager readers who are ready to leave honest feedback.
2. Post in Relevant Subreddits
Reddit can be an overlooked goldmine for indie authors. Many subreddits allow ARC offers or review requests, as long as you follow their rules.
Some to check out:
- r/FreeEBOOKS
- r/KindleFreebies
- r/selfpublish (for advice and networking)
When posting, be clear about your genre, include a short blurb, and tell readers exactly how they can leave a review.
3. Build a “Launch Team” or “Street Team”
A launch team is a small group of dedicated readers who agree to read your book and leave an honest review during launch week. This can be as simple as inviting your newsletter subscribers or recruiting through your social media channels.
Give them:
- A free ARC copy.
- A specific launch date reminder.
- Easy links to review pages.
4. Make Reviewing Easy
Sometimes readers want to leave a review but forget or don’t know where to start. In your book’s back matter or in follow-up emails, include direct links to review pages and a gentle reminder.
Example:
“If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even one or two sentences makes a huge difference!”
5. Network With Other Authors in Your Genre
This isn’t about swapping reviews (which can violate platform policies) but about sharing resources. You might cross-promote ARC calls, participate in group giveaways, or guest post on each other’s blogs.
A great place to connect is the The Book Marketing Hub, where authors share opportunities, advice, and support. Communities like this can open doors to collaborations you might never find on your own.
The Bottom Line
Getting reviews as a self-published author doesn’t have to be an uphill battle or something that drains your budget. With the right strategy, and the right connections, you can create a steady flow of honest, impactful reviews that boost your book’s visibility and help grow your author career.