Checklist: Getting Your First 50 Book Reviews

1. Prepare Your Manuscript

• Finish professional editing (copyedit or better)
• Format ebook and print versions cleanly
• Get feedback from beta readers and fix major issues

2. Create a Review Call-to-Action (CTA)

• Write a friendly review request message for your back matter
• Add direct review links (Amazon, Goodreads) if possible
• Prepare short, polite email/social media scripts for review asks

3. Build and Manage Your ARC Team

• Identify potential ARC readers from newsletter or groups
• Use tools like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to distribute ARCs
• Send a welcome email with clear review instructions
• Send polite reminder emails before and after launch
• Thank ARC readers, regardless of whether they review

4. Engage Your Existing Audience Without Pressure

• Send a soft launch announcement email with review link
• Share milestone celebrations and review quotes on social media
• Post gentle, open-ended prompts about reviewing habits

5. Use Review Platforms Wisely

• Claim and optimize your Goodreads author profile
• Consider running a Goodreads giveaway (budget accordingly)
• Explore ARC distribution platforms (BookSirens, Booksprout, NetGalley)
• Understand the difference between paying for platform access vs. paying for reviews

6. Follow Up Thoughtfully

• Schedule reminder emails 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month post-delivery
• Use automation tools for follow-up when possible
• Keep review requests friendly, simple, and low-pressure

7. Avoid Review Shortcuts and Risks

• Never pay individuals directly for reviews
• Avoid review swaps or “you review mine, I’ll review yours” arrangements
• Don’t rely on friends and family for reviews—the risk of removal is high
• Maintain honesty and transparency to protect your author reputation

8. Keep Building Review Momentum Over Time

• Include review requests in every book’s back matter
• Thank readers publicly and share positive reviews
• Remind new readers gently and regularly about reviewing
• Treat reviews as part of your ongoing author-reader relationship