How to Get Book Reviews and Why They Matter
- Justine Martin
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
Because reviews are the bridge between your book and new readers.
You’ve done it, your book is written, edited, and published. But now comes the next challenge: getting people to actually read it. And in today’s publishing world, one of the most powerful tools for building visibility and trust is the book review.
At Morpheus Publishing, we often remind our authors that reviews are not just “nice to have”, they are essential to a book’s success. Here’s why they matter, and how you can start collecting them.
Why Reviews Matter
1. They Build Credibility
Readers trust other readers. When someone sees positive reviews, it signals that your book is worth their time and money.
2. They Influence Algorithms
On platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, books with more reviews are more likely to appear in search results and recommendation feeds. Reviews increase your book’s visibility.
3. They Provide Social Proof
Reviews act as word-of-mouth marketing. A book with no reviews looks invisible. A book with dozens shows momentum and reader engagement.
4. They Help Authors Improve
Honest reviews (even critical ones) give you insights into what readers loved — and where you can grow as a writer.
How to Get Book Reviews
1. Ask Your Inner Circle
Friends, family, and colleagues are often your first readers. Don’t be afraid to ask them to leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or other platforms.
2. Build an Advance Reader Team
Before launch, recruit a group of “beta readers” or “advance reviewers” who receive free copies in exchange for an honest review once your book goes live.
3. Leverage Your Audience
If you have a newsletter or social media following, remind your audience how valuable reviews are. Include direct links to your book’s review page.
4. Ask at Launch Events
If someone buys a copy at your book launch, encourage them to leave a review once they’ve finished reading. Make it part of your author speech.
5. Use Professional Review Services
There are services (both free and paid) that connect authors with reviewers. Just ensure they follow ethical guidelines, never pay for fake or misleading reviews.
6. Keep Asking
Reviews are an ongoing process. Don’t stop after your launch. Periodically remind readers on social media or in newsletters: “If you loved my book, please leave a review, it means the world to me as an author.”
A Word on Negative Reviews
No book is for everyone. Negative reviews are part of the journey. Instead of fearing them, remember: a mix of reviews often makes your book look more authentic. If every single review is five stars, some readers may even doubt their credibility.
Final Thoughts
Reviews are the heartbeat of your book’s success. They don’t just sell copies, they build your reputation as an author and create a ripple effect of trust, visibility, and momentum.
At Morpheus Publishing, we guide our authors through strategies to collect reviews ethically and effectively, ensuring their books find the readers who need them most.
Ready to publish with the support of a team who understands every step of the journey?
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