How Self-Publishers Can Get Book Reviews: Tips and Tools

Mastering Book Reviews with Owen Hawthorne

Uncover the strategies to get your book noticed by the right audience. Join us as we delve into insider tips for submitting to book review sites and blogs, and explore free review services that can boost your book's visibility. With expert advice and real-life success stories, our podcast aims to equip authors with the tools needed to successfully navigate the world of book reviews. Don't miss out on learning how to make the most of your book review submissions.

How to Get Your Book Reviewed as a Self-Published Author

Hey, so if you’ve just self-published a book or you’re thinking about it, one thing you’re probably wondering is, “How do I get people to actually read what I wrote?” Well, one of the smartest moves you can make is to get your book reviewed. Yeah, I know, it sounds a bit scary—letting strangers critique your hard work—but honestly, good reviews are like gold when it comes to building credibility and reaching new readers.

Let’s keep it casual—think of this like I’m telling you what I’ve picked up from my experience and what I’ve seen work for other self-publishers.

Why You Should Care About Reviews

First up, reviews help with exposure. They give potential readers a reason to trust your book before they even open it. When you submit your book to book review sites or use book review services, you’re basically handing your work to someone with a platform and a following who says, “Hey, this author’s stuff is worth your time.” That’s huge, especially when you don’t have a big marketing budget.

Plus, these reviews often end up on big retail sites and social media, boosting your visibility. A good review can even help you refine your writing because constructive criticism from bloggers or reviewers gives you a fresh perspective on what’s working and what’s not.

Where to Start? Exploring Your Options

One easy starting point is exploring book review blogs. There’s a whole world of bloggers who specialize in reviewing indie and self-published books. The cool part is a lot of them genuinely love reading new stuff and want to support authors. Search for blogs that align with your genre and see what kind of submission process they have—many offer free book reviews.

Another way is to check out established book review sites. These are more formal, and some may charge a fee, but they can be trusted and deliver results. The key is to pick such services thoughtfully—look for those with honest reputations, solid readership, and clear guidelines.

The Submission Process

Okay, here’s the nuts and bolts.

• Step 1: Find sites, blogs, or services that accept book review submissions. Most have a page that explains the process.
• Step 2: Prepare your book—usually reviewers want a digital copy, like a PDF or EPUB. Some prefer physical copies, but digital is standard.
• Step 3: Write a short, polite pitch or cover letter. This isn’t a full-blown sales pitch. Just introduce yourself, your book, its genre, and why you think it might be a good fit for their readers.
• Step 4: Submit your request according to their guidelines and then be patient. Reviewers get a lot of requests and might take weeks before they get back to you.

Sometimes, you’ll find free book reviews that don’t guarantee a positive write-up (and honestly, no one should guarantee that). Remember, the point is honest feedback, so keep an open mind.

Making the Most of Reviews

Once your book gets reviewed, share the heck out of it! Post the reviews on your website, social media, and even on your Amazon page if possible. Reviews lend you social proof, meaning new readers will take you seriously.

Also, take any criticism as an opportunity to improve your future work. A book review is a dialogue, not just a one-way street. If readers say your pacing was slow or your characters didn’t feel real, you can use that insight to level up your craft.

Don’t Forget About Feedback Frontier

If sorting through all the options sounds overwhelming, there’s a tool that can make your life easier—Feedback Frontier. It’s a great platform made specifically to connect authors with trusted reviewers and services. It streamlines the entire book review submission process and helps you find the right match for your genre.

Seriously, check them out if you want to get your book reviewed today without the headache of hunting down reviews yourself. They make it smooth and simple, which every busy author appreciates.

Final Thoughts

Getting your book reviewed isn’t just a checkbox on your publishing checklist—it’s a powerful way to grow as an author and connect with readers. Whether you go the route of book review blogs, professional book review services, or use platforms like Feedback Frontier, the key is to be genuine, patient, and open to feedback.

So, if you haven’t already, start looking up some sites to submit your book for review—you’ll thank yourself later. Just remember, behind every great book is a chorus of voices helping to lift it up. Don’t be shy about seeking those voices out.

Alright, catch you later—and hey, if you want easy access to great reviewers to help boost your self-published book, check out Feedback Frontier today. Get your book reviewed, get feedback that helps, and get your work into the hands of readers who will appreciate it!

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