How to Get Book Reviews: A Guide to Verified Reviews

Welcome to the page geared for self-publishing, which often involves KDP.

This comprehensive guide outlines a step-by-step approach to obtaining verified book reviews on Amazon, ensuring your written work reaches its full potential. This page includes what you can do to elevate the success of your book.

Understanding Amazon's Review Guidelines:  Learn the ins and outs of Amazon's review policies to ensure your review-gathering efforts remain compliant with their rules and regulations.

The guidelines highlighted on this page translate to other publishing platforms. Amazon has specific guidelines and policies for book reviews, and it's essential to follow them to maintain the integrity of the review system. While you cannot directly purchase or solicit reviews in exchange for compensation, there are legitimate ways to encourage reviews for your book. Here are some strategies to help you get verified book reviews on Amazon:

1. Write a compelling book: The first step to getting good reviews is to create a high-quality book that readers will genuinely enjoy and find valuable. 
2. Formatting:  Formatting can be a challenge for many writers. The easiest, most accurate way I've found to achieve stress-free book formatting is by using Atticus, known as "An Author's Best Friend."  it is a one-time purchase of $147.00 for lifetime use. At this cost, I don't believe they offer an affiliate program. I find it invaluable. 

Offer your book for free or at a discount: Consider running promotional campaigns where you temporarily offer your eBook at a discounted price or for free. This can encourage readers to download and read your book, increasing their chances of leaving a review.  Below, I highlight how I am actively launching my book. This image (below) is what I use in my post to promote my latest book.

Offer advance review copies (ARCs): Before your book's official release, provide a limited number of free copies to interested readers in exchange for an honest review. You can use platforms like NetGalley or Goodreads for this purpose.

I Created My Book Launch Promo (see above) Using Canva Following These Steps:

Step 1: I designed the book cover using Canva

Step 2: I made the three image display by loading my book cover image to https://diybookcovers.com/3Dmockups/. It is free.

Step 3: I selected a custom design, set the size to 1,000X1,000

I chose the image you see above using the elements/photo option, which included everything except the chalkboard, lights, and text, all of which were added later as element graphics/text.

I then downloaded it onto my computer as a PNG ( I prefer the image quality), which I could later upload to social media pages, adding a call to action. See the actual promotion above. Follow through to see how it works and or to request your free copy of my latest book. 

My new book, “Optimal Gut Health For Women of All Ages: Achieve Weight Loss, Digestive Excellence, Radiant Beauty, Vibrant Health and Longevity With Food,” is going live on Amazon.com on October 11. I would love to give a select group of people a FREE and EARLY book copy. All I’d like in return is helpful feedback and an honest review on Amazon once it is published. 

If interested, please DM me and comment the word BOOK below. Then I’ll send you a copy of the book!

Thank You!

 DM me here:http://m.me/katie.mcmurray.75/  This Promotion Has Ended

Attention Wizzley Readers, If you are interested, follow the link, leave a message book, and I will get back to you with your free copy.

The free campaign has ended as of 10/27/23. Read below to get your copy either free with Kindle Unlimited or for a 2.99 one-time purchase eBook. 

There are a few good reasons to ask readers to include the word "BOOK" in the comment section of your post.

1. It provides a checklist of those who requested the book to prevent overlooking anyone.
2. You can refer to the list later to follow up when publishing your book.
3. It keeps the social media post viable. 
4. Many who read your pre-launch book will offer helpful feedback, point out typos, or share other ways they feel you could improve your book. You can improve your book further by utilizing this free advice. 
5. For those who offer feedback, regardless of how good or bad, thank them. Let them know you appreciate their help and will review the book, make changes, and consider their suggestions. Once you have edited the book, message those offering suggestions, letting them know you have edited it and want to share another copy with them now that you have made changes. This will make the readers feel valued and a part of the process, increasing the likelihood they will give you a better review.

After sending out requests for your free PDF/book, follow up just before publishing to let reviewers know you will be offering your book free for three days and that now is the time for them to grab their free copy of the published final. With ownership of the book, they can then leave a review that will be verified and do so promptly. It is beneficial to get reviews soon after publishing.

KDP allows publishers to offer their ebooks free for 3 to 5 days. I prefer the 3-day option.

My book is finally published! I hope you enjoy it. Get your free Kindle Unlimited Copy or one-time eBook purchase for 2.99 below.

To share links to your books, use this format: Amazon.com/dp/(insert your book ASIN number to create your custom link. remove brackets) It should appear as shown below; this is for my book Optimal Gut Health For Women of All Ages: Achieve Weight Loss, Digestive Excellence, Radiant Beauty, Vibrant Health and Longevity With Food.

 Amazon.com/dp/B0CLC4YJG1 - My custom book address

Using Wizzley with links seems tricky, so cut and paste into your browser to get your copy and see how it will work for your books. This sends you directly to the purchase page, and the one below takes readers to the review page; easy peasy!

Once you’ve done that, you can leave a review on Amazon using this format to create the link to review your own book as well. Amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=(Your books ASIN)  It should look like mine below; check it out to see the review page this link takes you to. The two links help readers find and review your book quickly and hassle-free.

Amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0CLC4YJG1 - My customer book review address

When sharing your book and request for reviews, include a note reading similar to mine below.

Please take 60 seconds to submit your review - it’s as quick as that! Let me know once it’s done. Thank you so much!

As an added touch, I would love to see a picture of you with your book in your review. I am grateful for all the reviews and appreciate YOU!

• Use social media platforms to connect with your readers and promote your book. Engage with your audience and encourage them to review your book if they enjoyed it.

• When doing so on Facebook, posting from a page or live instead of your personal account is best to avoid violations. 

Participate in online groups, book clubs, forums, and communities related to your book's genre or niche. Engage with members and subtly mention your book, asking for reviews from those interested.

Note: Always contribute to any of the above you join, adding value to the group.

 If you know other authors, especially in your genre, you can ask for reviews or cross-promote each other's books. Be sure to adhere to Amazon's policies and not use review-swapping schemes.

Remember that Amazon's policies can change, so it's crucial to stay informed about their review guidelines and always strive for authentic and honest feedback from your readers. Avoid any practices that violate Amazon's terms of service, such as purchasing fake reviews, as these can lead to severe consequences for your book's listing.

Finally, If you have tips on how to get verified book reviews, please leave a comment below to start an exchange of helpful advice.