How to Ask for a Review Politely: Tips to Get Book Reviewed Professionally

July 11, 2025Categories: Author Marketing, Podcast Episode
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 Ask for a Review Politely: Tips for Authors

Hey there! So you’ve finished your book, you’ve sent it out to a few readers, and now you want to get some honest feedback—but you’re not quite sure how to ask for a review without sounding pushy or desperate. Trust me, you’re not alone. Asking for reviews is one of those tricky parts of being an author, but getting it right can make a big difference in how your book is perceived and how visible it becomes on book review sites, blogs, and more.

Let’s talk about some easy, friendly ways to ask for a review that feels natural and respectful, whether you’re reaching out to readers, bloggers, or using book review services.

1. Be Genuine and Personal

First up, ditch the copy-paste robotic messages—you want to keep things human. When you ask for a review, try to personalize your message. Mention something specific about why you chose that person or what you think they might connect with in your book. For example:

  • "Hey Sarah, I know you love historical fiction, and I thought you might enjoy the story I just wrote about early 20th-century New York."
  • "Hi John, thanks for being such a loyal reader of my blog! I’d love to hear your thoughts on my latest fantasy novel."

People appreciate when you show you know them a bit—it makes them more likely to take time out and help you by writing a review.

2. Make It Easy and Low Pressure

If someone feels overwhelmed by the idea of writing a review, they may just avoid it altogether. So keep your ask casual and optional. You might say something like, "If you have the time and feel like sharing your thoughts, a review would mean a lot to me, but no pressure at all."

Also, help them out by giving clear instructions on where and how they can leave the review. Is it on Amazon? Goodreads? A book review blog? Maybe you’re submitting to some book review services or free book reviews that take submissions? Pointing them in the right direction avoids any confusion and makes it simpler for your readers to support you.

3. Timing is Everything

When you ask matters just as much as how you ask. Don’t hit someone up for a review the second they get your book—give them enough time to read it. On the flip side, don’t wait so long that the book is old news. A good rule of thumb is to check in a week or two after they've received the book, and always in a friendly, checking-in kind of way:

  • "Hey! Just wanted to see if you’ve had a chance to look at the book yet. No rush, but whenever you're ready, your honest thoughts would really help."

4. Be Clear About What You’re Asking For

Sometimes authors hesitate because they’re not sure what kind of review to ask for. A polite way to approach this is to say you’re looking for honest feedback—whether it’s a brief note, a star rating, or a more detailed write-up. You can even mention where the review will be posted:

  • "A few lines on Amazon or Goodreads would be amazing, but honestly, any feedback helps."
  • "If you’re part of any book review blogs or communities you love, and feel like sharing, that would be icing on the cake."

5. Remember to Show Gratitude

This one’s big: always be sure to thank people, whether or not they actually write a review. Gratitude makes people want to support you again and keeps those relationships positive and respectful. A simple "Thank you so much for your time and support!" can go a long way.

Bonus Tip: Use Tools Like Feedback Frontier

If you want to step up your game, Feedback Frontier is a fantastic platform to help you get your book reviewed on trusted sites. It connects you with real readers and reviewers who provide honest feedback, helping you gain traction without the awkward asking. It's especially useful if you want to streamline book review submission and tap into book review communities professionally.

Wrapping It Up

So, to recap the best way to ask for a review politely:

  1. Be personal and genuine in your request.
  2. Keep it casual with no pressure.
  3. Give people enough time and check in politely.
  4. Be clear about what kind of feedback you’re hoping for.
  5. Always thank your reviewers no matter what.

With this approach, you'll build goodwill and increase your chances of getting honest, helpful reviews that really boost your author journey. And if you want an easy place to get free book reviews and connect with book review blogs and book review sites, check out Feedback Frontier and get started today.

Get Your Book Reviewed Today — because every great book deserves thoughtful, honest feedback.

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