How to Get Book Reviews: Where to Find Reviewers and What Actually Works

Getting people to read your book is hard. Getting them to read it, finish it, and write a review is harder.

If you're a self-published author with few or no reviews, the usual advice on how to get book reviews probably isn't helping much. Build an email list. Grow your social media following. Contact book bloggers. Ask readers to leave a review.

Fine. But where do you find those readers? Which reviewers are worth contacting? What do you say to them? And how much time and money should you spend trying to get reviews?

The practical answer is to build several sources of reviews rather than depend on one. Recruit advance readers before publication, contact reviewers who already cover books like yours, and make it easy for readers to review your book after they finish it.

You don't need a huge audience to get started. You do need a plan, a realistic understanding of the numbers, and a way to keep track of your efforts.

This guide explains how to do that, including what Amazon allows, where to find reviewers, which paid services to consider, and how to build a reviewer network you can use again for your next book.

1. Understand Amazon's review rules before you start

Before contacting reviewers, understand the difference between giving someone a book and paying someone for a review.

Amazon allows readers to review free advance reader copies (ARCs), provided you don't require a review or attempt to influence what the reader writes. You cannot pay for customer reviews, offer gift cards in exchange for reviews, or trade reviews with other authors.

Amazon also prohibits reviews from people with a close personal or financial connection to the author or book. Disclosing that connection doesn't make an otherwise prohibited review acceptable.

Read Amazon's current Community Guidelines before launching your review campaign.

Here's how the main options compare:

• Give a reader a free ARC — Yes, potentially. A review must be optional and uninfluenced.
• Pay someone to post a review — No. Compensation for customer reviews is prohibited.
• Offer a gift card for a review — No. This is an incentive, even if the review is honest.
• Swap reviews with another author — No. Reciprocal review arrangements create a conflict of interest.
• Ask a close friend or relative to review — No. A personal connection can disqualify the review.
• Buy a professional editorial review — Different category. Editorial reviews are not Amazon customer reviews.
• e other detail matters: Amazon.com generally requires reviewers to have spent at least $50 on Amazon.com using a credit or debit card during the previous 12 months to post customer reviews. Promotional discounts don't count toward that minimum. Check Amazon's current eligibility rules, because eligibility can change.

The rule to remember: Give people an opportunity to read your book. Never make a review the price of admission.

2. Recruit advance readers before your book launches

An advance reader copy, or ARC, is a prepublication copy of your book that you give to potential readers before its release.

The goal is to reach people who genuinely enjoy your genre and give them enough time to read the book before or around publication. If you're planning the whole release, our book launch plan shows where ARCs fit in the weeks before launch day.

ARCs can be digital or printed. Most independent authors start with digital copies because they're easier and cheaper to distribute.

Where to find ARC readers

Start with the people most likely to care about your book, then expand your search. For a step-by-step plan, including how to find readers when you don't have an audience yet, see our full guide to ARC readers.

Your existing readers. If you've published before, invite interested readers to join an advance reading group. Include a short invitation at the back of your previous books and on your author website.

Your email subscribers. If people have signed up to hear from you, some may want to read your next book early. Send a short invitation explaining the genre, premise, reading format, and expected publication date.

Genre-specific communities. Look for reader communities on Facebook, Goodreads, Reddit, and other platforms where readers of your genre gather. Read the rules before offering ARCs. Some communities prohibit promotional posts or unsolicited requests.

ARC platforms. Services such as BookSirens and Booksprout connect authors with readers interested in advance copies. These can help when you don't have an established readership, although results vary by genre, book, and audience.

Your own website. A simple ARC sign-up page can collect interested readers over time. Ask which genres they read and which formats they prefer. Don't collect more personal information than you need.

How many ARC readers do you need?

There is no dependable conversion rate that applies to every book. Some readers won't finish the book. Some will finish it but won't post a review. Others may review on Goodreads or a personal blog rather than Amazon.

Instead of assuming that a fixed percentage will review, start with a manageable group, track what happens, and use your results to plan the next release.

For example, if you recruit 30 readers, record how many download the book, how many confirm they finished it, and how many eventually post reviews. That gives you a starting point for estimating the effort required for your next launch.

Don't treat an ARC reader as a guaranteed review. Treat that person as a reader who has agreed to consider your book.

How to manage your ARC team

Give readers the information they need at the beginning:

• The book's publication date.
• The format and delivery method.
• A realistic reading window.
• Where they can find the book when it launches.
• A reminder that reviewing is entirely optional and their opinion is their own.

Send a reminder before publication if readers have agreed to receive updates. When the book becomes available, you can send the purchase-page link and a polite invitation to review if they wish.

Avoid repeated messages designed to pressure readers into reviewing. Thank them either way, review or no review.

Tools such as BookFunnel and StoryOrigin can help with digital book delivery and reader management. Check their current plans and features before choosing one.

3. Find book bloggers and reviewers who cover your genre

Direct outreach can work well, but only when you contact the right people.

A reviewer who regularly covers historical mysteries may welcome a well-matched historical mystery. That same reviewer is unlikely to be interested in your business book, regardless of how good your pitch sounds.

The objective isn't to build the longest possible contact list. It's to build a list of people who might actually want to read your book.

Where to find reviewers

Search for recent reviews of comparable books. Look at books similar to yours in genre, subject, audience, and tone. Find the bloggers, reviewers, and creators who have covered them.

For example, if you've written a cozy mystery featuring a small-town baker, look for reviewers covering cozy mysteries, culinary mysteries, and comparable authors. A reviewer who specializes in psychological thrillers probably isn't your best first contact.

Use book review directories. Reedsy's book review blog directory is one place to start. Treat any directory as a starting point, not a verified list of active reviewers.

Before contacting someone, check their website or profile. Are they still publishing reviews? Do they accept submissions? Do they cover your genre? Do they accept self-published books?

Look beyond traditional blogs. Some reviewers work primarily on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, or their own newsletters. Others publish reviews through reader communities or genre-specific websites.

A large following doesn't automatically make someone a good fit. A smaller reviewer with an engaged audience for your particular genre may be more useful than a much larger account covering everything.

Ask readers who they follow. Your existing readers may know reviewers, bloggers, or online communities you haven't discovered. Ask where they find books in your genre. Their answers can reveal useful places to research.

How to decide whether a reviewer is worth contacting

Before adding someone to your outreach list, check five things:

• Genre fit: Do they cover books like yours?
• Recent activity: Have they published reviews recently?
• Submission policy: Are they accepting books, and in which formats?
• Self-published authors: Do they review independently published books?
• Audience fit: Are their readers likely to be interested in your book?

Record the results. A list of 40 carefully researched reviewers is more useful than a list of 400 names with no information about them.

How many reviewers should you contact?

There is no universal number. Response rates depend on genre, timing, reviewer availability, the strength of your pitch, and whether the book fits the reviewer's interests.

Start with a small, relevant group. Track how many people you contact, how many respond, how many accept a copy, and how many eventually publish a review.

Those numbers will tell you more about your campaign than someone else's claimed average.

4. Write a review request that respects the reviewer's time

Reviewers receive requests from authors who want them to read a book, often for free and with no guarantee that the reviewer will enjoy it.

Make the decision easy.

A useful pitch explains why you chose that reviewer, what the book is about, and what you're asking them to consider. It doesn't require a lengthy biography or a full explanation of your publishing journey.

Here's a template you can adapt.

Subject: Review inquiry: [Book Title], [Genre]

Hi [Name],

I came across your review of [Comparable Book] and thought my new [genre] book might interest you.

[Book Title] is about [one or two sentences describing the premise and what makes it distinctive].

The book is scheduled for release on [date]. Would you be interested in considering a free copy for review? I'm happy to send an ebook or paperback, depending on your preference.

There's no obligation to review it, and I understand if it's not a fit for your list.

Thank you for your time.

[Your Name]
[Author website]
[Book information or sample link]

What makes this pitch work?

It shows that you researched the recipient rather than sending the same message to everyone. It describes the book without trying to sell the reviewer on how wonderful it is. And it gives the recipient an easy way to decline.

Personalization should be genuine. Mentioning a specific review is useful only if you've actually read it. Don't pretend to be a fan of someone's work just to get their attention.

If you don't receive a reply, one polite follow-up after roughly a week or two is reasonable, provided the recipient's submission policy permits it. Then move on.

Don't send repeated messages. Don't argue with someone who declines. And don't treat silence as a reason to keep pushing.

5. Consider an ARC or review platform

If you don't have an email list or established readership, a review platform can help you reach people who are already interested in reading advance copies.

But understand what you're paying for. A platform may provide access to readers, manage book delivery, or help you track activity. It cannot guarantee that readers will finish your book, enjoy it, or publish reviews.

Here are several services worth researching.

• BookSirens: Connects authors with readers interested in discovering books. Research its current fees, genre coverage, and submission requirements.
• Booksprout: Provides tools for distributing advance copies and managing reader activity. Check its current plans and how its review process works.
• Hidden Gems: Offers book promotion and ARC-related services. Review its current options, eligibility requirements, and costs.
• NetGalley: Gives publishers and authors a way to make books available to reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and other publishing professionals. It may be more relevant if you want industry exposure in addition to reader reviews. Compare its current direct and co-op options.
• StoryOrigin: Offers book delivery and audience-building tools, including features that can support reader outreach. Check which features are available on its current free and paid plans.

Before paying for any service, ask:

• Are readers in my genre active on the platform?
• Does the service require reviews, or are they optional?
• What exactly am I paying for?
• Does the price include distribution, delivery, or additional services?
• Can I see meaningful results from comparable books?
• Is the service appropriate for my publication schedule?

Don't compare services solely on the number of readers they advertise. A smaller pool of readers who regularly read your genre may be more useful than a much larger, poorly matched audience.

6. Understand paid editorial reviews

A paid editorial review is different from a customer review on Amazon.

Services such as Kirkus Indie, BookLife Reviews, and Readers' Favorite provide professional assessments of books. Depending on the service, the review may be useful in publicity materials, on an author website, in a media pitch, or in the editorial-review section of an Amazon book page.

These reviews do not count as Amazon customer reviews and do not increase your Amazon customer-review star count.

Paid editorial reviews can be expensive, so decide what you want the review to accomplish before ordering one.

It may make sense if you're approaching bookstores, libraries, reviewers, or other publishing professionals and the service has credibility with those audiences. It may make less sense if your immediate goal is simply to encourage more customers to leave reviews.

Read the service's terms carefully. A paid review isn't necessarily a positive review. Understand the publication policy, turnaround time, refund terms, and whether you can choose not to publish the result.

Also distinguish a professional editorial review from a testimonial or endorsement. They serve different purposes.

7. Get more book reviews after publication

Your review campaign shouldn't end on launch day.

Some readers discover your book months after publication. Others buy it, put it aside, and read it later. A book can continue attracting reviews as long as new readers discover it.

Build a few simple opportunities into your normal publishing activities.

Include a review request at the end of your book

Readers who finish your book are in a good position to decide whether they want to review it.

Add a short note to your back matter with a link to the appropriate review page. Keep it neutral and make it clear that honest feedback is welcome.

For example:

"If you enjoyed this book, would you consider leaving an honest review? Your feedback helps other readers decide whether the book is right for them. Thank you for reading."

Don't ask only for five-star reviews or imply that a negative opinion would be unwelcome.

Make the review link easy to find

Don't assume readers will know how to find your Amazon review page. Use a direct link where appropriate, and test it before publication.

If you have an author website or newsletter, provide clear links to the book's pages on the platforms where you want readers to discover or review it.

Keep in touch with your readers

Your newsletter can help readers learn about new releases, bonus material, and other books they might enjoy.

You can also invite readers to leave an honest review after they've had a reasonable opportunity to finish a book. Don't bombard new subscribers with review requests or make continued access to a reader group, free material, or future benefits depend on leaving reviews.

Use promotions to reach new readers, not to buy reviews

Free or discounted book promotions can help introduce your work to readers who haven't encountered you before. Some may eventually leave reviews, but that outcome is uncertain.

Evaluate a promotion based on its overall purpose and results, including downloads, readership, sales where relevant, and new subscribers. Don't assume a particular number of downloads will produce a predictable number of reviews.

And remember: offering a book for free is different from offering something in exchange for a review.

8. Track your review campaign

This is the part many authors skip.

If you contact dozens of reviewers without keeping records, you'll eventually lose track of who responded, who asked for a copy, who declined, and who might be interested in a future release.

A simple spreadsheet is enough to start.

Track these fields:

• Reviewer name: Identifies the person or publication.
• Website or profile: Lets you return to the original source.
• Genre: Helps you evaluate fit for future books.
• Submission policy: Records requirements and restrictions.
• Contact details: Keeps outreach information organized.
• Date contacted: Prevents accidental duplicate pitches.
• Response: Records acceptance, rejection, or no reply.
• Copy sent: Tracks which version of the book was provided.
• Follow-up date: Keeps reminders manageable.
• Review link: Records the published result.
• Notes: Captures preferences and useful details.
• ter each campaign, review the results.

Which genres or reviewer types responded? Which sources produced useful contacts? How much time did outreach take? Which relationships are worth maintaining?

Use those answers to improve your next campaign. Over time, you should spend less time searching for people you've already found and more time building relationships with relevant new reviewers.

9. How Storiad can help you find and manage reviewers

Finding reviewers isn't just a research problem. It's also an organization problem.

You may discover a promising blogger today, contact a reviewer next week, receive a reply a month later, and need to revisit that relationship when your next book comes out.

If those contacts live in scattered spreadsheets, email threads, browser bookmarks, and notes, it's easy to lose track of them.

Storiad is an Author Marketing Operating System designed to bring book marketing planning, contacts, outreach, and campaign activities into one workspace.

For review outreach, Storiad's media contacts database includes book bloggers and reviewers, along with blogs covering specific subjects that may be relevant to nonfiction authors. Its contact management and email outreach tools can help authors organize prospects, send pitches, and track responses.

The value isn't that a database guarantees reviews. It doesn't. The value is having a more organized way to identify relevant contacts and manage the work involved in reaching them.

You can also start with free resources and a spreadsheet if that suits your needs. What matters is having a process you can maintain.

Explore Storiad to see how it can fit into your book marketing workflow.

10. Frequently asked questions about getting book reviews

How do I get my first reviews if I have no audience?

Start by identifying reviewers who already cover your genre. Research their submission policies, approach a small number with a relevant pitch, and consider an ARC platform if it fits your budget. You can also begin building an opt-in reader list for future releases.

Can I give away free copies in exchange for reviews?

You can offer free copies for readers to consider. You cannot require a review in return, compensate readers for posting one, or try to influence what they say. See Amazon's Community Guidelines for current rules.

Can friends and family review my book?

Amazon prohibits reviews from people with a close personal connection to the author or book. Disclosure does not make a prohibited review acceptable.

Do Goodreads reviews appear on Amazon?

No. Goodreads and Amazon maintain separate review systems. A reader who wants to review your book on both platforms must post separately, subject to each platform's rules.

Should I pay for a book review?

It depends on the type of review and your objective. Paid editorial reviews may help with publicity or professional outreach, but they are not Amazon customer reviews. Paying for an Amazon customer review is prohibited.

How many reviews do I need before advertising my book?

There is no universal number that guarantees advertising success. Results depend on the book, its audience, the quality of the sales page, pricing, advertising costs, and other factors. Don't assume that reaching a particular review count will make ads profitable.

Why did an Amazon review disappear?

Amazon may remove reviews that violate its policies or that its systems identify as problematic. The exact reason isn't always clear to the author. Reviewers should have no prohibited personal or financial connection to the book, and reviews must reflect their genuine opinions. If you believe a review was removed in error, consult Amazon's official guidance rather than trying to recreate it through another account.

What you can control

Getting book reviews isn't about finding a trick that makes strangers praise your book. It's about finding readers and reviewers who are interested in what you've written, giving them a reasonable opportunity to read it, and making it easy for them to share their honest opinions.

Start with a manageable group of advance readers. Research reviewers who cover your genre. Write individual, relevant pitches. Track your results. Make a neutral review request available to readers who finish your book.

Then keep the useful contacts and improve the process for your next release.

You won't control how many people review your book. You can control how carefully you find reviewers, how professionally you approach them, and how consistently you manage the work.