How to ask for book reviews without being annoying

Almost every author feels uncomfortable asking for reviews. You are asking a stranger to spend time on your work and then say something about it in public. Done kindly, it is a perfectly normal part of publishing.

Who to ask

• Readers who already enjoyed the book. The people who messaged you to say they liked it are the best people to ask.
• Bloggers and reviewers who write about books like yours.
• Friends and family, but remember that readers can often tell, and honest reviews carry more weight.
• Booksellers and librarians, who see many books and have opinions.

Choose carefully. Someone who only reads thrillers is not the right person for your poetry.

How to ask

Keep it short and personal.

• Say who you are and why you are writing to them. Mention something specific, like a review they wrote of a similar book.
• Say in a line what the book is about.
• Offer a copy, free, with no strings.
• Say that you would be grateful for an honest review, whatever they think.
• Make it easy to say no, and thank them.

Avoid copying one message to fifty people. It shows.

What not to do

• Do not demand or pressure.
• Do not offer money or gifts in exchange for a positive review. It is unfair to other readers and breaks the rules of many platforms.
• Do not argue with a reviewer who did not like the book. Reply with thanks, or say nothing.
• Do not pester. If someone does not reply after a gentle reminder, let it go.

Timing

Ask people to read the book soon after receiving it, but give them time. A few weeks is reasonable. If you plan to publish a book soon, send copies ahead so that early reviews can appear around release.

Make it easy

Include a link to where reviews can be left. Mention that even a few lines are welcome. A note at the end of the book, asking readers to leave a review if they enjoyed it, is also commonly used and works well.

Thank them

When someone writes a review, thank them personally. If it is critical but fair, thank them as well. Learning from it will help your next book.

Handling bad reviews

You will get some. It happens to every author. Take a breath, and read it later. Is there something you can learn? If not, let it go. A mix of reviews makes a book look real.

Be patient

Reviews accumulate slowly. A book may have two or three in its first month and many more over years. Keep gently reminding readers, and keep writing.