In my last post, we learned how to request book reviews. Now let’s look at where to find and interact with reviewers – the different review platforms. Today, we’ll sail through the sea of review platforms, discussing the pros, cons, and best practices for each.
Goodreads
As a social network centered around books, Goodreads is an indispensable platform for authors.
Pros: With its vast, engaged community, Goodreads provides a perfect opportunity to interact with passionate readers, participate in or create book clubs, and gather reviews. Goodreads’ giveaway program can also generate buzz around your book.
Cons: Goodreads’ users are known for their honesty. While this is usually a good thing, it also means that negative reviews can be particularly harsh.
Best Practices: Engage actively with your audience, join relevant groups, host Q&A sessions, and respond graciously to reviews, even negative ones. Remember, you’re a part of a community, so be respectful and authentic.
Amazon
Amazon is likely the first place a potential reader will look for your book, making its review system incredibly important.
Pros: High-rated books with numerous reviews are more likely to appear in Amazon’s recommendation system, leading to increased visibility. Amazon also allows ‘Editorial Reviews’ on your product page, where you can feature professional reviews.
Cons: Amazon’s review policy is strict. Reviews from close personal connections or paid reviews are prohibited and can result in penalties.
Best Practices: Encourage your readers to leave reviews on Amazon by including a polite request at the end of your book or in your newsletters. However, remember to comply with Amazon’s guidelines at all times.
Social Media Platforms
Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram aren’t traditional review platforms, but they play a crucial role in gathering reviews and promoting your book.
Pros: You can connect directly with your readers, building a loyal fanbase. Reader reviews can be shared, potentially reaching a large audience.
Cons: Managing several social media accounts can be time-consuming. There’s also the risk of negative feedback becoming highly visible.
Best Practices: Post engaging content regularly, interact with your followers, and consider running giveaways or competitions to encourage reviews. Always respond to comments and reviews in a professional, polite manner.
Book Bloggers and Influencers
Established book bloggers and influencers have dedicated followers who trust their opinions, making them powerful allies.
Pros: A positive review or feature from a respected blogger or influencer can bring substantial attention to your book. It can also expose your work to different audiences.
Cons: The most popular bloggers and influencers are often inundated with review requests, so it might be challenging to get their attention.
Best Practices: Research to find bloggers or influencers who align with your genre. Approach them respectfully and professionally, just as we discussed in our post on requesting book reviews.
Final Thoughts
Remember, these platforms are tools to connect you with your readers and potential reviewers. Each platform has its unique charm, and using them in tandem can help you reach a broader audience. In our final post of this series, we’ll discuss how to leverage these reviews for marketing success.
Keep the passion for your craft burning bright.
