What Every Author Needs to Know About Reviews (Weekly Roundup)
How Book Reviews Can Lead to More Sales, Visibility, and Opportunities
If you’ve ever hesitated before hitting “buy” on a book, you’re not alone. Readers rely on reviews to decide whether a book is worth their time and money. But the value of reviews goes beyond just influencing sales—they shape an author’s credibility, improve discoverability, and open doors to new opportunities.
Social Proof That Sells
“Reviews provide validation that a book is worth reading,” says
, founder of Book Launchers. They act as social proof, reassuring potential readers that they’re making the right choice. A book with a handful of strong reviews can convert a browser into a buyer, while a book with no reviews often gets ignored., author of Amazon Reviews for Books: How to Get Book Reviews on Amazon, emphasizes that reviews also tell algorithms which books should be shown to more people. “More reviews equal more exposure—Amazon and other platforms are far more likely to promote a book that has engagement.”The Hidden Power of Reviews
Beyond sales, reviews can lead to bigger opportunities:
Boosting credibility – A book with strong reviews makes it easier to secure speaking gigs, media appearances, and partnerships.
Unlocking awards and recognition – According to Hannah Jacobson, founder of Book Award Pro, “Many book awards and promotional opportunities require a book to have a strong review presence before being considered.”
Enhancing your future books – Thoughtful reviews provide insights into what resonated with readers—and what didn’t—helping authors refine their craft.
Getting More Reviews (Without Feeling Awkward)
The biggest mistake authors make? Waiting for reviews to come organically. Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur advises authors to be proactive:
Start early. Offer advance reader copies (ARCs) to your network before launch.
Make the ask. Readers often don’t think to leave a review unless prompted. A simple, non-pushy request in your book’s back matter can make a difference.
, in How to Be an Authortunist, demonstrates a tactful way to do this with a clear headline and brief message: "Did you enjoy this book?" she asks, followed by, "Word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews are critical to the success of any book. If you enjoyed this book, please tell your friends about it and consider leaving a review at your favorite bookseller or library’s website.”Engage with your audience. Readers who feel connected to an author are more likely to support them with a review.
Reviews are more than just feedback—they’re an essential tool for success. Whether you’re launching your first book or your fifth, prioritizing reviews can help your book reach more people, build credibility, and open doors to new opportunities.
📝 Have you used book reviews to your advantage? Reply and let me know!
Customer Reviews vs. Editorial Reviews: What’s the Difference?
Not all reviews serve the same purpose. Customer reviews—the ones readers leave on Amazon—help drive sales, boost rankings, and influence buying decisions. Editorial reviews, on the other hand, come from professional reviewers, book bloggers, or review services and can be used in your book’s marketing materials, inside the book itself, and even on your Amazon product page (in the Editorial Reviews section).
“Customer reviews build trust with potential buyers, while editorial reviews add authority to a book’s marketing,” says Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro. “Editorial reviews come from professionals who evaluate your book’s content, providing quotable endorsements that can be used to strengthen credibility and appeal.”
Meanwhile, Julie Broad, author of Self-Promote & Succeed: The No Boring Books Way to Build Your Brand, Attract Your Audience, and Market Your Non-Fiction Book, emphasizes that customer reviews drive reader engagement and influence sales. “Readers want to know what other people think before they invest their time and money in a book. A strong mix of authentic customer reviews helps remove doubts and increase conversions.”
eBookFairs also highlights the marketing power of editorial reviews, noting that they can be used on book covers, in promotional materials, and even inside the book itself.
By leveraging both types of reviews, authors can build trust with potential readers and enhance their book’s visibility in a crowded marketplace.
Tools to Help You Get More Reviews
📌 Book Award Pro – Beyond matching your book with award opportunities, Book Award Pro offers a review matchmaking feature. This service connects authors with qualified reviewers, including industry professionals, who provide in-depth feedback. These professional reviews can enhance your book's credibility and appeal, increasing its chances of winning awards and attracting more readers.
📌 Ebookfairs – In addition to hosting virtual book fairs, ebookfairs provides an affordable editorial review service. Authors can submit their manuscripts to a team of professional reviewers who offer honest, insightful feedback. These reviews are shared on social media platforms and can be used as editorial endorsements, boosting your book's visibility and credibility.
📌 StoryOrigin – This platform facilitates the distribution of Advance Review Copies (ARCs) to a network of eager readers and reviewers. Authors can manage ARC distribution, track reviewer progress, and ensure that reviews are posted on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub. By connecting with a community of engaged readers, StoryOrigin helps authors gather authentic reviews that can drive book sales and enhance their reputation.
Leveraging these tools can significantly increase your book’s visibility and review count, making it easier for new readers to discover and trust your work.
The Power of a Kirkus Review
Kirkus Reviews carries significant weight in the publishing world. As one of the most well-known and widely respected book review publications, a positive Kirkus review can provide credibility, visibility, and marketing value for authors—especially those in nonfiction and business categories. Many libraries, bookstores, and industry professionals look to Kirkus when considering which books to stock or promote.
That’s why it’s exciting to celebrate Nancy Ancowitz’s recent Kirkus review for her book, Business Writing: Say More with Less—and it’s a glowing one!
📖 Kirkus praises Nancy’s book as “a straightforward, well-organized guide to clear, effective business writing” and highlights how it “skillfully lays out key principles of professional writing with both specificity and clarity.”
👏 Congratulations to Nancy on receiving this recognition! I had the honor of writing the foreword for Business Writing: Say More with Less, so I’m especially thrilled to see it receive this well-deserved praise. Positive editorial reviews like this one add credibility and can attract more readers.
👉 Read the full Kirkus review here.
Book Awards That Include Editorial Reviews
For authors, book awards aren’t just about recognition—they can also provide valuable editorial reviews. That’s why I was drawn to the Literary Titan Book Awards and the Outstanding Creator Awards two competitions that deliver a professional review with every entry.
These reviews do more than just evaluate the book—they highlight key takeaways, themes, and even contributors, giving readers a deeper sense of what to expect. That’s one of the reasons I entered 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5 into both awards. I love that the reviews spotlight some of the incredible contributors who helped shape the book.
⭐ Literary Titan recently awarded a 5-star review to 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5:
“The book provides practical insights for navigating the ever-changing digital media space, catering to a diverse audience from content creators to industry professionals. It’s an invaluable resource for staying informed and making strategic decisions.”
📖 Read the full Literary Titan review here.
⭐ Outstanding Creator Awards gave the book a stellar 96/100 score, calling it:
“A fascinating read for creators and marketers… It offers deep insights into the world of live streaming and digital media, making it an invaluable guide for those wanting to stay ahead of the curve.”
🏆 Read the full Outstanding Creator Awards review here.
If you’re an author looking for an award that also delivers a professional review, these competitions are worth considering.
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