Book reviews help you sell your book — and it’s easy to see why. There are more than 1,000,000 titles — both traditionally published and self-published — released every year. It’s a vast understatement to say that readers simply don’t have time to read them all. An intriguing synopsis can help draw readers in, and praise from an objective source assures them that they will enjoy the book and encourages them to take the leap.
A good review may make for a tasteful centerpiece on your mantel or look great hanging on your refrigerator, but there are better places to feature your piece of positive publicity. Below, we offer suggestions on how to use your review to its fullest potential.
Feature your review on book sales sites:
Everyone should list their book review under the Editorial Reviews tabs on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Here are complete directions on how to do this:
Amazon
Amazon allows authors to post their BlueInk Review in the Editorial Reviews section of their author page. This spot is distinguished from customer reviews, as only reviews from credible, objective sources are allowed. Here’s how to post your BlueInk review:
- Log in to Author Central.
- Click the Books tab at the top of the page and select the book for which you would like to add an editorial review.
- Click Add and follow the instructions at the top of the “Add review” window to enter the text of the review and the review source.
- If you need to edit a pre-existing review, click Edit and make the desired changes to the text.
- Click Preview to review your entry
- When you’re satisfied, click Save changes. Amazon will make the updates for you.
In regard to customer reviews: Anyone can post their thoughts about a book in this section.
Barnes & Noble
- Send the ISBN of the book and a fair-use excerpt of the review you want entered to [email protected]. Make sure the source of the review is cited in the email.
- That’s it. The site administrators will take care of the rest. Turnaround time may vary, but be sure to check back to see if your page has been updated to reflect your changes.
Other online sites that will help you get the buzz going
Also consider using your review on the following websites. There’s a thriving community for self-published authors online, and these sites are great places for getting the buzz going.
- Apple Books: Do not miss out on listing and promoting your book in the Apple bookstore, formerly ibooks. You must, however, work on Mac to upload your book.
- Kobo: Don’t forget about this ebook site which was originally associated with Borders Book Store. When the store went out of business, the company went to work establishing one of the most dynamic ebook stores around. The biggest advantage: Canada. 25% of Canadian ebook sales come through Kobo.
- Goodreads: This hugely popular site for readers has over 75,000,000 members. You cannot afford to overlook this.
- Google: A must for listing your book. Google Books is becoming the premier source for buying ebooks through independent bookstores. It also has a fabulous “Preview” option which we offer with all of our reviews, so that readers can look right inside the book.
10 more ways to make the most of your review
- On social media: Professional reviews are an invaluable source of content for social media. Posting your review on your Facebook page, for example, gives you another way to remind your friends that you have a book out there. You might say, “Just got a great book review from XXX. They praised my ‘keen sense of setting and character development’!”; then include a link to the full review. And while you’re at it, do the same on Twitter and other venues.
- On your author website: The more professional reviews you post on your author website, the more readers will take your book seriously. Include a tab for “Book Reviews” at the top of the site and run excerpts or links to full reviews on that page.
- On your book jacket. While many authors include excerpts from friends on the back of their books, this can backfire, as readers will know immediately that you likely couldn’t find anyone else to vouch for the book. Professional reviews carry far more weight here. Post excerpts from these reviews on the front or back of your book jacket.
- On press releases: All authors should send a press release with their books when querying bloggers, mainstream press, bookstores and librarians. This is a time-saver that allows industry insiders to learn about you and your book at a glance. A compelling excerpt from a review at the top of the press release is sure to be eye-catching. And if you have many glowing reviews, attach a separate page to the press release with a full list of tantalizing excerpts.
- On bookmarks: Take a praiseworthy line from one review (or more) and print it on your bookmark. This works as an eye-catcher for potential readers.
- To make advertisements: A simple way to create an advertisement for your book is to take a thumbnail picture of your book cover and pair it with a praiseworthy line from a review. It takes little design expertise and is effective in its simplicity.
- To get more reviews. One great review is terrific. Three are better. You’re much more likely to get positive attention from a review source if you already have a glowing review to send with the package. Use the first positive review as leverage when contacting other reviewers, as in: “My book just received a rave review from XXX, which called me ‘the modern generation’s Jack Kerouac.’ Can I send you a copy?”
- On your email signature: Take an excerpt from the review and place it under your name on your email signature with a thumbnail copy of your book cover. Every person you email will see your book!
- To improve your work: If your review didn’t bring the results you’d hoped, it’s never a total loss. Set it aside and read it again once you’ve had time to absorb the disappointment. Try to consider the reviewer’s points as dispassionately as possible. The reviewer is an uber reader who knows the genre; his/her comments are sure to help you when you tackle a revise or start a new writing project.
- To boost your confidence: Authors often tell us a positive review helped them gain confidence and feel validated – which is no small thing. Writing is, by nature, a solitary endeavor. It’s easy to let self-doubt worm its way into your daily thoughts. A positive review from a professional source can give you the confidence to submit your book to contests and to promote it elsewhere with all your heart.
