As a book cover designer who has collaborated with over 50 self-published authors, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to market a book effectively. One of the most powerful ways to set your book up for success is by gathering reviews before it even launches. Early reviews are invaluable—they give your book credibility, create excitement, and show potential readers that your story is worth their time. If you’re unsure how to attract those first readers and encourage thoughtful feedback, don’t worry. This guide will take you through ten proven strategies, complete with actionable steps to make the process straightforward and achievable.
#1 SEND ADVANCED READER COPIES (ARC) TO BOOK BLOGGERS
Book bloggers are often passionate about sharing new releases with their followers, making them valuable early allies. A review from a respected blogger can lend credibility to your book and generate interest among their dedicated readers.
Research bloggers in your genre: Use directories like Book Blogger List or social media to find reviewers who fit your niche.
Create a personalised pitch: Introduce your book and explain why it’s a great fit for their audience.
Send ARCs with clear instructions: Offer both digital and physical formats (if possible). Include any guidelines and your contact information, let them know the release date and provide clear instructions on where they can post their review.
Follow up a week later: If they haven’t responded, send a friendly reminder offering more info or a different format (e.g., PDF, ePub).
Engage with the review: When they post, share it on your social media and thank them personally to build lasting connections.
#2 LEVERAGE BOOKSTAGRAM AND BOOKTOK
Bookstagram and BookTok communities are highly influential for book lovers. Reviews on these platforms help your book reach a wide, engaged audience, with the added benefit of visual appeal and storytelling.
Identify influencers who cover your genre: Look for Bookstagrammers or BookTokers using genre-based hashtags to find influencers who regularly promote similar books.
Reach out with a simple message: Send a DM or email introducing yourself and offering an ARC. Be concise and genuine in your approach.
Offer physical or digital ARCs based on preference: Many influencers prefer physical copies for photos and videos, but you can also offer a digital ARC if easier.
Send your ARC: Politely ask if they’d be willing to post a review, ideally close to your release date, and mention the platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Goodreads, etc.) where you'd like the review to be posted.
Engage with their content: Like, comment on, and share their posts featuring your book to amplify its reach and show appreciation.
#3 USE NETGALLERY OR EDELWEISS+
These platforms connect your book with librarians, reviewers, and booksellers who trust the content provided. They’re reliable channels to build pre-release visibility and gain early reviews from professionals in the industry.
Create an account on NetGalley or Edelweiss+: Choose a plan that fits your budget; both offer various levels of exposure.
Create an appealing book profile: Add an engaging description, clear genre tags, and keywords to make it easy for reviewers to find your book.
Set a clear timeline: Determine how long your book will be available for requests (typically 2-4 weeks).
Promote your listing: Share your NetGalley/Edelweiss link on social media and your author website to attract more interested reviewers.
Monitor feedback and reviews: Engage with feedback, thank reviewers, and share positive reviews to gain more traction.
#4 OFFER ARCs TO YOUR EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
Your email list contains readers already interested in your work, making them a natural choice for honest, enthusiastic reviews. Early feedback from these readers helps you fine-tune your launch strategy and builds anticipation.
Send an ARC offer to your list: Write a brief email introducing your book and asking if they’d like to receive a review copy in advance.
Create a sign-up form: Use a service like Google Forms to to gather reader details, such as names, emails and preferred ARC format (ePub, PDF, or Mobi).
Distribute ARCs with a friendly note: Let readers know the anticipated release date and any specific platforms you’d love their reviews on.
Send a gentle reminder: About a week before launch, send a kind reminder to thank them for their time and request that they share their review.
Thank each reader personally: Show appreciation with a follow-up message after reviews go live, building loyalty and connection.
#5 BUILD YOUR PERSONAL ARC TEAM
A dedicated team of readers invested in your success can spread the word and review your book on multiple platforms. This team acts as your book’s personal cheerleaders, building buzz and creating lasting support.
Invite fans or interested readers: Announce the opportunity on your social media and website, or invite current email subscribers directly.
Create a simple sign-up form: Ask for each member’s email, preferred ARC format, and confirmation of their commitment to leave a review.
Share exclusive content: Keep your team engaged by sharing sneak peeks, bonus scenes, or Q&As about your book.
Set clear expectations for reviews: Ask team members to post their reviews on key sites (Goodreads, Amazon, etc.) around release day.
Follow up close to launch day: Send a friendly reminder and thank your team members for their support in helping your book succeed.
#6 UTILIZE GOODREADS GIVEAWAYS
Goodreads has a massive community of readers eager to discover new books. A giveaway builds interest among readers and often results in early reviews, boosting your book’s presence and visibility in a trusted space.
Set up your Goodreads Author Profile: Make sure your author profile is fully filled out with a bio, links, and all of your books. Add your book’s details, including cover, description, and release date.
Create a Goodreads giveaway: Choose either a Kindle or print format, set the number of copies, and decide on the entry duration (1-2 weeks is typical).
Promote your giveaway: Share it on social media, in reader groups, and in your newsletter to boost entries.
Send ARCs to winners with a review request: Politely ask winners for an honest review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Thank participants: After the giveaway ends, thank participants and encourage them to leave feedback on Goodreads on your release date.
#7 JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS FOR ARC SWAPS
Facebook ARC groups are supportive spaces where authors help one another gain reviews. Connecting with other writers allows you to exchange honest feedback and support each other’s publishing journeys.
Search for Facebook groups focused on ARC exchanges: Look for groups like “Indie Author ARC Exchange” or “Book Reviewers & ARC Readers.”
Introduce yourself and your book: Share a brief synopsis and let authors know you’re open to ARC swaps in your genre.
Arrange an ARC swap: Choose authors with similar release dates and readership interests for a mutual swap.
Set clear review deadlines: Agree on where and when to post reviews to maximise impact. Ideally close to each other’s release dates.
Follow through on reviewing their book: Provide feedback on their work as promised to build good relationships and trust in the group
#8 OFFER SAMPLE CHAPTERS ON YOUR WEBSITE
Posting a sample chapter hooks potential reviewers and gives them a taste of your story. This strategy draws in readers who are more likely to become invested and excited to leave a review.
Upload a captivating sample chapter: Post the first chapter as a PDF download or on a dedicated web page.
Create a clear call-to-action (CTA): Ask readers to contact you if they’d like to read the full ARC.
Use a sign-up form to collect info: Capture email addresses of those interested in reading and reviewing the whole book.
Follow up with those who request an ARC: Send a personal note and ask if they’d leave an honest review on launch day.
Remind them as release day approaches: Send a friendly reminder and encourage them to post their thoughts to help you spread the word on launch day.
#9 CONNECT WITH BOOK CLUBS AND ONLINE READING GROUPS
Book clubs and reading groups are perfect for in-depth feedback from engaged readers. When they choose your book, you gain insightful reviews from readers who are eager to share their thoughts.
Research book clubs in your genre: Search for reading groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or Meetup.
Introduce yourself to group admins: Politely ask if their club would be interested in an ARC for early feedback.
Send ARCs to interested members: Provide both physical and digital formats if possible, and include a personalised messages to show appreciation.
Engage in the club’s discussions: Join the group to answer questions and thank members for their insights.
Encourage reviews after the discussion: Ask if they’d be willing to share their thoughts on Amazon or Goodreads.
#10. USE BOOK PROMOTION SITES LIKE BOOKSIRENS
OR BOOKSPROUT
These sites make it easy to connect with readers who love reviewing books. They provide you with targeted readers likely to give valuable feedback, making them a helpful resource for early reviews.
Sign up on a book promotion site: Register on a site like BookSirens or Booksprout, selecting a plan that suits your budget and exposure needs.
Create a detailed book listing: Add a strong description, cover image, and genre tags to help interested readers find your book.
Specify preferred review platforms: Let readers know where you’d like their feedback (Goodreads, Amazon, etc.).
Upload your ARC with a set timeframe: Make the book available for download for 1-2 weeks to keep reader interest high.
Engage with readers and track feedback: Respond to early reviews and share positive feedback to generate more interest.
Getting early reviews might seem challenging, but with the right approach and a little persistence, it’s absolutely achievable. Each review brings you closer to reaching new readers, building credibility, and setting your book up for success. Remember, every great book started somewhere, and yours is no different. Stay confident, keep sharing your story, and trust that the right readers are out there, ready to help your book shine from the start!
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