If you’ve spent any time reading through our blog posts or learning about the self-publishing industry, you know how important it is to get reviews for your book. Reviews increase credibility, improve discoverability, and influence potential readers to pick up your book. In light of these many benefits, you should consider running a book review campaign, which involves strategically gathering and promoting reviews for your book. Follow the steps below to create an effective campaign that'll get your book in front of readers and increase book sales.
1. Develop and Contact Potential Reviewers
Identify social influencers you'd like to work with and approach them to see if they're interested in reviewing your book. Make your request professional and personalized, and ask for an honest review on their social media platform, YouTube channel, or sites such as Goodreads. Keep in mind that you cannot pay for reviews, and it's wise to not even flirt with incentivizing them.
- Choose book bloggers, Bookstagrammers, BookTubers, BookTokers, and any other influencers in your genre
- Join and explore Facebook groups related to reading and reviewing books, such as Book Reviews, Book Reviews & Promotions, and The Book Club Reviewing Group
- Check out Reddit communities such as r/bookreviewers, r/books, and r/bookclub
- Reach out to people on your email list and ask if they'd consider reviewing your book as well
2. Send Out ARCs
Distribute Advance Review Copies to book bloggers, influencers, and alpha and beta readers before your official launch. Be sure to choose recipients who genuinely read and review books in your genre—don't just do a mass send.
- You can distribute your ARCs in different formats: Digital (PDF, EPUB, MOBI) or Print (Paperback or Hardcover)
- Use platforms such as NetGalley, Hidden Gems, and Reedsy Discovery to facilitate finding reviewers and getting a copy of your book to them
- Send copies to genre-specific bloggers that accept indie ARCs, libraries and indie bookstores, or run an ARC giveaway on Goodreads
You can learn more about these platforms and many other marketing services and tools here.
You may also decide to send a questionnaire to your ARC readers in order to get more helpful and specific feedback. Get their overall impressions of the book, constructive criticism, and input on your plot, characters, and storyline.
Here are some sample questions to get you started:
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- What were your first thoughts after finishing the book?
- Did the ending feel satisfying and fitting for the story?
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
3. Set up a Goodreads Page
Goodreads is a hub for avid readers, making it the perfect place to connect and gather reviews.
- Start by optimizing your author profile—upload a professional photo, craft a compelling bio (mention awards, influences, and personal touches), and link your website and social media. Ensure your books are listed correctly with accurate titles, descriptions, and genres so readers can easily find them.
- A Goodreads Giveaway is a powerful tool for boosting visibility and securing early reviews.
- You can offer up to 100 eBooks or print copies, and Goodreads randomly selects winners who are encouraged to leave a review
- To maximize impact, run the giveaway for 2-4 weeks, offer at least 50-100 copies, and promote it through social media, email lists, and reader groups.
- Ready to get started? Visit the Goodreads Giveaway Page and put your book in front of thousands of potential readers.
4. Use Social Media and Book Promotion Sites
Run a campaign across your social media accounts to encourage reviews, linking people to where they can leave a review and how they can get a copy of your book. Although there is some cost associated, it’s also a good idea to submit your book to online book review sites like Reedsy Discovery, OnlineBookClub, or Kirkus Indie.
- On your social pages, feature Reader Shoutouts and highlight a reader review each week
- Use a QR code on your page directing readers to the place they should leave their reviews
- Start a Q&A thread about the book to encourage fans to share their thoughts
5. Plan and Execute a Bookstagram Tour
A Bookstagram virtual tour is a great way to boost visibility and reviews. Start by finding influencers who review books in your genre using hashtags like #Bookstagram, #BookReview, #ARCReaders, and genre-specific tags like #FantasyBooks or #ThrillerReads.
- Focus on accounts with audience engagement, not just large followings, and make sure they support indie authors
- Once you have a list, send a personalized pitch. Compliment their content, introduce your book with a quick, engaging summary, and offer a free copy (physical or digital) in exchange for an honest review or feature.
- Keep it short and friendly: “Hey [Name]! I love your Bookstagram and how you feature [genre]. I’m releasing [Book Title], a [brief hook], and would love to send you a free copy for an honest review or feature. Let me know if you're interested!”
- Plan a one to two-week tour with scheduled posts, using a custom hashtag for easy tracking. Provide influencers with high-quality book cover images, a press kit, and suggested captions.
- During the tour, engage with every post, thank influencers, and maintain relationships for future support
6. Follow Up with Readers
Following up with ARC readers is crucial to ensure they leave reviews without feeling pressured.
- Ask readers who enjoyed your book to leave a review via email, social media, and on sites like Amazon, Goodreads, Book Marks, and The StoryGraph.
- You might also print a review request in the back of your book or print separate cards to stick in your book if you personally sell or give them away.
- Send them a friendly reminder after they've had ample time to read the book and let them know you love hearing from readers.
A well-executed book review campaign can significantly boost your book’s visibility, credibility, and sales. While building momentum takes time and effort, the rewards—more exposure, better rankings, and an engaged readership—are well worth it. Stay consistent, engage with your audience, and continue fostering relationships with reviewers to keep your book in the spotlight.
