Engage with Reviews — Building Credibility, One Word at a Time

This month, the focus is all about engaging with reviews and using them to build your credibility as an author.

Here’s the truth: Reviews are more than just validation. They are social proof. They help readers decide whether to invest their time and money in your story. They boost your book’s visibility on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. And perhaps most importantly—they foster trust.

Why Reviews Matter

Imagine you’re browsing online for a book. You see two titles in your favorite genre—one has three reviews, the other has 203. Which one do you click on? Reviews are the modern-day word-of-mouth. They create buzz, spark curiosity, and instill confidence in readers, bookstores, and even the media.

So, how do you get those precious reviews? Let’s dive into the action steps for this month’s marketing challenge: 

✅ 1. Request Reviews from Bloggers and Influencers in Your Genre

Start building relationships with book bloggers and influencers who already speak to your target readers. Craft a compelling pitch and personalize it. In it, mention why your book might resonate with their audience. Many reviewers have submission guidelines, so take the time to read and follow them.

Pro Tip: Focus on micro-influencers too, those with smaller but highly engaged audiences. Their readers trust them deeply.

✅ 2. Use Platforms for ARC Distribution

NetGalley is the gold standard for distributing Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to librarians, booksellers, and passionate readers who love reviewing. If the cost is a barrier, look for co-op programs through small publishers or author collectives.

Other ARC services include BookBub, BookSirens, Hidden Gems, Muted Muse and StoryOrigin. These platforms connect you directly with readers who are actively seeking new books to review.

✅ 3. Launch a Social Media Campaign Encouraging Reviews

Get creative. Share fun graphics or quotes from your book with a simple call to action: “Have you read [Your Book Title]? Leave a review! It makes a world of difference!”

Consider doing a giveaway. Enter readers who post reviews into a drawing for a signed copy, swag, or a 15-minute Zoom chat. Incentivize without buying reviews (which violates most platform guidelines).

Use hashtags like #bookreview, #bookstagram, or #readersofinstagram to widen your reach.

✅ 4. Share Positive Reviews Across Platforms

Every great review is a chance to celebrate—and to share social proof. Feature reviews in your newsletter, on your website, and across your social media channels. Turn them into Instagram Stories or quote graphics. Tag the reviewer when appropriate (with their permission), and always say thank you.

By highlighting the voices of your readers, you show new audiences that your book is making an impact, and that builds momentum.

Final Thought

It’s not just about getting reviews, the key is engaging with them. Your readers are taking the time to respond to your words. Meet them there. Celebrate them. Show them their voice matters.

Because when a reader says, “I couldn’t put it down,” or “This book changed me,” that’s not just a review, it’s a legacy in the making.

What creative ways have you encouraged or shared reader reviews?

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!