Book reviews are one of the most powerful tools in an author’s marketing arsenal to boost visibility, credibility, and discoverability. For readers, they offer insights to help make informed choices. They promote your book on social media.
One of my past clients received fabulous reviews for her memoir. Her designer created a killer, knock-them-out cover. We set it up for preorder five months before the release date and featured the best three reviews in the Ingram description. Her preorders took off from bookstores, libraries, and Amazon. KDP does not offer preorders, but if you upload through Ingram, Amazon creates a preorder. Why? Who knows, but it works.
Visibility and Sales - Positive reviews can increase your book’s visibility, especially online. More visibility means more sales.
Credibility - Reviews act as social proof. A book with good reviews is more likely to win over hesitant buyers.
Marketing Power - Authors can feature reviews on websites, blurbs, and social media to build buzz.
Feedback and Connection - Reviews give insight into how readers connect with your story—what’s working and what’s not.
Industry Recognition - Third-party reviews from trusted sources can attract the attention of booksellers, librarians, and publishers.
Informed Decisions - Reviews enable readers to assess the content, quality, and writing style of a book before making a commitment.
Timesaving - Instead of gambling on a book, readers can gauge in advance whether it’s worth the time.
Discovery - A strong review might introduce readers to books and authors they wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Engagement - Writing a review encourages reflection and deepens the reading experience.
These sources are professional, including magazines, newspapers, podcasts, blogs, and formal review services. They lend authority and can influence library and bookstore decisions.
These are the reviews you see on Amazon, Goodreads, or online bookstores. Written by everyday readers, they can be perceived as more authentic and persuasive.
Especially in the self-publishing world, more book sales happen online. On platforms like Amazon, reviews play a crucial role in establishing consumer trust. Without reviews, shoppers are less likely to click “Buy.” Data from PublishDrive shows books with few or no reviews perform poorly in Amazon ads. Before spending marketing dollars, ensure your book has some solid reviews.
Reviews can be the tipping point. A strong cover and description may grab attention, but good reviews close the deal faster and more reliably.
Professional reviews, such as those from Kirkus or Foreword, influence purchasing decisions in both retail and institutional settings. One author’s excellent reviews led to bookstore preorders that pushed her to #1 on Amazon and Ingram on release day.
Books with more reviews tend to rank higher on platforms, increasing the likelihood readers will discover them.
Word of mouth is still king. Happy readers often recommend books through online reviews, spreading awareness.
A steady stream of genuine, positive reviews helps establish long-term credibility. Avoid fake reviews—they can do lasting harm. Instead, seek a mix of reader and professional reviews for authenticity.
While major media outlets may be tough to crack, there are plenty of accessible review sources for indie authors.
Paid Options:
Free Strategies:
Always thank your reviewers to encourage future feedback and build goodwill.
Collect your best reviews and keep a record (screenshots, links). Repurpose them across your marketing channels:
Book reviews are more than kind words; they’re foundational to your book’s success. Make reviews a key part of your publishing plan, and you’ll be building both reader trust and long-term momentum for your writing career.
Beginning as a music journalist turned publicist, Kathleen Kaiser’s career spans over 50 years of involvement in the most exciting industries of her generation. From rock and roll in the 60s and 70s to the digital/internet revolution of the late 80s, 90s, and 00s, she has been a marketing professional for Fortune 100 companies, small startups, and conferences/tradeshows around the world. She turned her focus to the literary community in 2008 when she released her first novel. Named Publicist of the Year in 2016 by the Book Publicists of Southern California for her contributions to the literary community, Kathleen maintains a small list of clients that allow her to continue her volunteerism. She produces webinars and launched the podcast Talking Book Publishing in April 2021. Kathleen Kaiser & Associates
