Positive, detailed reviews are essential for self-published authors to attract new readers and establish credibility. However, many readers may need guidance on how to write reviews that help promote your book effectively. This guide will help you ask readers for reviews that are genre-specific, include a star rating, and feature title and trope-oriented content.
A well-written review matters because it builds credibility, boosts your book’s visibility on your website as well as platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Good reviews help attract the right audience by mentioning relevant tropes and genres.
When and How to Ask for Reviews
Ask for reviews at the right moment, such as at the end of your book, through your mailing list shortly after a launch, or on social media posts. Use a friendly, professional tone and express genuine gratitude for their time.
What to Ask Readers to Include in Their Reviews
Encourage readers to give a star rating from 1 to 5, explaining that ratings help other readers quickly gauge the book’s quality. Suggest creating a short, catchy title for their review that summarises their thoughts, such as “Loved this heartwarming tale of second chances!” Ask them to mention the tropes or themes they enjoyed, which makes their review more appealing to the right audience. For example, for romance, they might write, “The ‘enemies to lovers’ dynamic was so well done, and I couldn’t put it down!” For thrillers, they could note, “The twisty plot kept me guessing until the last page!” Optionally, invite readers to share constructive feedback on what worked or what could improve.
How to Provide Guidance Without Being Overbearing
Offer readers a simple review template:
For example, for a romance novel:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “A Heartwarming Tale of Second Chances!”
I absolutely adored this small-town romance with a single-mum protagonist. The ‘friends-to-lovers’ trope was perfectly executed, and the emotional depth was spot-on. Fans of Abby Jimenez will love this book!
Jane Gibbons
Thriller Novel
🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Twists You Won’t See Coming!”
“I couldn’t put this book down! The pacing was relentless, and the ‘hidden identity’ trope kept me guessing until the very end. A thrilling ride from start to finish.”
Jack Carson
Fantasy Novel
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “An Epic Journey Worth Taking!”
“The world-building was phenomenal, and I loved the ‘chosen one’ trope woven into such a unique storyline. Fans of epic fantasy will devour this book!”
Jerry Mungo
Mystery Novel
🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Kept Me Guessing!”
“This gripping whodunit had me turning pages late into the night. The twists and turns were so clever, and the small-town secrets added great depth to the story.”
Alicia Teens
How to Make the Process Easy
Provide direct links to review pages on Amazon or other marketplaces. You can also ask them to send you a review by email for your website. Use a clear call to action like, “Your feedback helps readers like you find their next favourite book. Click here to leave your review! (or reply if using email)”
With their consent thank readers publicly on social media or in your newsletter to encourage others to join in.
What to Avoid
Avoid offering incentives, as platforms like Amazon prohibit incentivised reviews. Don’t demand 5-star reviews; instead, ask for honest feedback. Keep your request simple to avoid overwhelming readers.
Example eMail Request
*Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading [Book Title]! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it.
Reviews are essential for helping other readers discover my work. If you have a moment, I’d be incredibly grateful if you could reply with a short review for me to use on my website.
Here’s a quick guide to make it easy:
Your support means the world to me. Thank you so much for helping my books reach more readers!
Warm wishes,
[Your Name]*
P.S. would you also let me know if it’s ok to use your review on my social media channels and newlsetter as well?
Conclusion
Encouraging readers to write compelling reviews doesn’t have to be daunting. By guiding them with clear, polite instructions and examples, you’ll not only gather useful feedback but also attract the right audience to your book.
