What's in a book review?
Book reviews, or opinions of a literary work shared by readers for other readers, can make a big difference in the sales and visibility of a book.
The sheer number of book review platforms can be overwhelming. There are Goodreads, Amazon, book blogs, and even popular social media hashtags used solely for sharing reviews.
It's hard to know where to begin as a reader, writer, or even a reviewer trying to get in on the action. It's even more difficult to know if it's worth your time to figure it all out.
Keep reading to learn if book reviews make a difference and which platforms matter most.
Do Book Reviews Matter?
The short answer: Yes! Despite some readers popularizing opinions to the contrary, book reviews do make a difference in which books sell.
Book reviews can boost sales of a book just by existing. The presence of reviews tells a prospective reader that others read the book and were impacted enough to say something about it. It's essentially social proof that the book is worth considering.
And if the reviews are really good? Even more of a reason to buy the book and try it out for yourself. Good reviews are free marketing.
On the flip side, however, bad reviews can tank a book's sales, sometimes even before publication. This New York Times article details a situation in which "review bombing" tanked a book months before it was even published. Crazy stuff, huh?
Bad reviews do not have to be the nail in the coffin of a struggling book, especially when the text is controversial or well-known. In these situations, the summaries and opinions provided in book reviews might still encourage other readers to pick them up - even if the reviewers themselves didn't love the work.
How Do Authors Get Their Books Reviewed?
Authors, especially indie authors, want people to review their books. As mentioned above, the more reviews, the better, especially if they are positive.
So, how do authors get others to review their books? The answer is simple: Most of the time, they simply ask. Authors frequently reach out to readers on social media or after they purchase a novel to request a review.
If you're a regular on #Bookstagram or other social media platforms, you've probably received at least one DM soliciting a review or asking to review your own book. Indie authors especially use these platforms as easy ways to connect with their readers.
Do Authors Pay For Book Reviews?
Yes, but not always in the way you might imagine.
Many authors utilize ARC readers, which are "Advanced Copy Review" readers. These individuals receive a free copy of the finished book before publishing in exchange for sharing their honest reviews on key book review platforms. This free copy is a form of payment, although it is not a direct monetary exchange.
This 2020 survey of over 1200 authors found that 49% of respondents reported paying for book reviews twice in their careers. 41% spent between $500-$1000 on reviews. 71% felt the pard reviews positively impacted their book sales.
However, other professionals report that paid reviews waste an author's time and money, and their energy is better spent on other aspects of marketing.
Can Authors Pay for Book Reviews on Amazon?
It's worth noting that many large platforms, such as Amazon, have specific guidelines about when and how you can pay for book reviews.
The gist is that authors can pay for their reviews if they are editorial reviews, meaning they are written by a professional and then shared by the author. Amazon also allows authors to use ARC readers (see above) if they welcome positive and negative reviews equally.
If an author gives a reviewer anything other than a free or discounted book in exchange for their review, Amazon reserves the right to remove it.
Do Platforms Pay For Book Reviews?
Another form of paid book reviews comes from the platforms themselves. Reedsy put together this list of platforms that will pay readers for their reviews, either on a freelance, flat fee, or tip basis.
If you're a book-lover who wants to be paid for reviews by one of these platforms, ensure your reviews provide the three key elements of a strong book review.
They are:
Summary: What was it about?
Evaluation: Did you like it?
Recommendation: Who should read it?
Which Book Review Platforms Are Most Influential?
I perused a number of "top book review platform" lists to compile a top five for authors and readers seeking the most influential book review platforms.
They are:
Reedsy Discovery (newish but growing personal favorite)
It's worth noting that these platforms do not include the growing plethora of book review blogs and social media hashtags used for this purpose. All are worth checking out.
Suggestions for Further Reading
Interested in more info? Check out the links I read to prepare this article:
The Power and Importance of Book Reviews | Barnes & Noble Press Blog (barnesandnoble.com)
Book Reviews – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (unc.edu)
How Goodreads Reviews Can Tank a Book Before It’s Published - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Get Paid to Read: 17 Legitimate Sites That Pay Reviewers | Reedsy Discovery
Amazon Book Review Policy Demystified for Authors (authorimprints.com)
The Best Book Review Blogs in 2023 • How to Get Your Book Reviewed (reedsy.com)
The 13 Best Book Review Sites and Book Rating Sites (makeuseof.com)
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