So your book is finally out! Yay! Now I bet you’re seeking reviews to help your hard-won publication make a splash in the marketplace. You may have asked your author pals to review your work on their blogs or Facebook pages, or you may have paid Kirkus to do the job. So, how else do you get your book reviewed?
What kind of book review do you hope for?
Before you set out to get your book reviewed, it helps to understand what kind of review you’re looking for.
Reader reviews are the opinions of people who’ve read your book. You’ll find them on sites like Amazon and Goodreads, where readers share their reactions, offer recommendations, and sometimes assign star ratings. These reviews can help potential buyers decide whether your book is right for them.
Editorial reviews, on the other hand, are typically written by professional reviewers, critics, or publications. They may offer a more formal assessment of your book’s content, style, and overall merits. Authors can sometimes use excerpts from favorable editorial reviews in promotional materials, on their websites, or on their book covers.
Some editorial review services charge a fee, but remember: You’re paying for an independent evaluation, not a guaranteed glowing endorsement!
So how do you decide where to get your book reviewed?
Start by thinking about your audience. A romance novel, a business book, and a literary memoir may benefit from very different kinds of reviews. Look for reviewers and publications whose interests align with your book’s subject or genre.
And don’t overlook the value of building relationships with readers, bloggers, and other members of the writing community.
Getting published is a tremendous accomplishment. Getting your book reviewed is another important step toward helping readers discover all that hard work!
Merry, Happy, Joyous Everything, to you.
Ready to get your book reviewed? A thoughtful review can help introduce your work to new readers, but first you need a manuscript you’re proud to put into the world! If you’re working on a book and would like editorial guidance or support, visit my contact page, and let’s connect. You might also be interested in my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.