Why book reviews are so valuable
Book reviews have several advantages:
- Build trust: An authentic book review from readers conveys credibility and increases the willingness to buy.
- Increase visibility: Reviews improve your ranking on platforms such as Amazon, Goodreads, StoryGraph and LovelyBooks. The more positive reviews, the better your ranking.
- Use social proof: When others read and recommend your book, the interest of other potential readers increases.
- Generate reach: Bookstagram posts, Booktok videos and YouTube reviews can introduce your book to a large audience.
- Influence on algorithms: Online stores such as Amazon or Thalia rate books with many positive reviews better. This means they are suggested to potential buyers more often.
Especially for self-publishers who are not supported by a large publisher, book reviews are an important success factor. They can determine whether your book is discovered or overlooked by many readers.
Who writes book reviews?
- Book bloggers and book critics
Many book lovers share their opinions on blogs, social media or literary platforms. They often have a loyal readership and enjoy great trust within their community. LovelyBooks in particular has an active community of reviewers who regularly discuss books.
Tip: Book bloggers often specialize in certain genres. Search specifically for people who love your genre to have a higher chance of getting a review.
- Bookstagram and Booktok - the new multipliers
Platforms such as Instagram (Bookstagram) and TikTok (Booktok) are crucial for book marketing today. Viral trends are emerging there that can catapult books into the bestseller lists. For self-publishers in particular, it is an opportunity to make their work known.
- Bookstagram: High-quality images with appealing book covers and creative story formats attract readers.
- Booktok: Short, emotional or humorous videos about your book can increase awareness enormously.
- YouTube Booktubers: Book reviews and "reading vlogs" are particularly popular for presenting books in more detail.
- Amazon reviewers & online reading groups
Amazon reviews are still important, as many readers base their purchase decisions on them. You can organize reading groups on LovelyBooks or NetGalley to get reviews.
How do you find book bloggers and reviewers?
NetGalley - reviews from professional readers
You can register your book on NetGalley and make it available to book bloggers, librarians, bookshops and journalists as a review copy. This allows you to reach a professional audience that publishes reviews on various platforms.
NetGalley is particularly valuable for authors because many of them are professional reviewers. Their reviews are often shared on multiple platforms, which further increases your reach.
Tip: NetGalley offers statistics on your reviews. This allows you to track exactly how often your book has been requested and how many reviews have already been published.
LovelyBooks - reading rounds for more book reviews
LovelyBooks offers you the opportunity to organize reading groups. This means: Interested readers are given your book free of charge and then write their opinion.
Advantages of reading rounds:
- Active exchange with your audience
- Direct feedback on your book
- Several reviews within a short period of time
Tip: Ask specific questions about your book in the LovelyBooks group. This way you can encourage readers to write more detailed reviews.
Make targeted use of social media
- Search for #Bookstagram, #Booktok, #Bookblogger on Instagram and TikTok.
- Get in touch with bookstagrammers and TikTok creators who read your genre.
- Be active on Goodreads and StoryGraph to engage with readers.
How to ask for a review
If you write to a book blogger or bookstagrammer, make sure your message is personal and polite. Important are:
- Individual approach - Avoid mass emails.
- Show interest - Mention what you like about his/her reviews.
- Give all the important information - genre, topic, what it's about.
- Offer a sample or review copy.
- Make your book exciting: A creative short description can help to arouse curiosity.
Tip: Some reviewers only accept printed books, others prefer e-books. Ask beforehand which format they prefer.
The right way to handle reviews
As soon as you receive your first reviews, you can use them specifically for your marketing:
- Share positive reviews on social media.
- Link to them on your website.
- Thank the reviewers.
Critical reviews are part of this. It's important not to get into discussions - everyone has their own opinion. Use constructive criticism to develop yourself further.
Conclusion: Use book reviews as a marketing tool
Book reviews are an indispensable tool for promoting your book. Whether via NetGalley, LovelyBooks, Goodreads, Amazon Reviews or Booktok - the more honest reviews you collect, the greater your reach.
Use the power of social media, actively approach book bloggers and build long-term relationships. This way, you can bring your book into the spotlight step by step!
