
Can you sell a book if no one knows it? You have the book, but not the buzz. Each book needs to get seen, else it gets lost in the flood. But how do you show it to folks who care? You must push it, and that is what book marketing does.
The path is not hard, but you must know where to start. Book reviews help you do that. Each word said by fans, not bots, helps you sell more and grow your name. This guide helps you get real book reviews that work. It is plain, true, and made just for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Book marketing needs book reviews to show proof and trust.
- Pick spots that fit your book’s style and your own funds.
- True fans give real words, not fake praise.
Where to Get Book Reviews as a Self-Published Author?
You wrote the book; now what? You must show folks it is real, not just in print, but in word. So, start with book marketing that fits the small press path. Book marketing is not just ads. It is your words, the words of your fans, and the words folks want to hear. For this, you must first find book reviews from real folks, not bots, not paid blurbs. This is key. Why? Book marketing with no book reviews is like a pie with no fill. And book promotion with no buzz has no bite.
Start with groups who read your kind of work. Try sites that let folks post book reviews for free. Or give books to folks in trade for a book review. Keep it fair. Let them speak the truth. Book marketing that works must be based on trust.
Did you know?
Some top book blogs won’t charge a dime if your pitch is good.
Book Marketing: Free Places to Ask for Reviews
Now think of where you can go with no cash in hand. You want book reviews. You want truth. You want to win trust. These free spots can help with book promotion and book marketing both.
Site Name | Need Sign Up | Free Plan | Reach (Low/High) | Time for Review |
Goodreads | Yes | Yes | High | Slow |
LibraryThing | Yes | Yes | Mid | Mid |
BookSirens | Yes | Yes | High | Fast |
Reddit (r/books, r/selfpublish) | No | Yes | High | Varies |
Facebook Groups | Yes | Yes | Mid | Slow |
Each of these helps you start book marketing. Book promotion with no cost works best when you are new. But you must still plan. You must pick who you talk to and how. Ask them nice. Show you care for their time. That is how you get true book reviews, not fake ones. And you must not bribe or force. Just ask, wait, then say thanks.
Book Marketing Tips to Ask Right
For good book marketing, ask with heart. Your book is your word. So, pitch it right. Do not say “read it, love it.” Say what it’s on. Say who it’s for. Say why it’s not like the rest. Folks hate spam. You hate spam. So write each ask with care.
Start with the name. Then say you saw their past reads. Then tell them why your book fits their list. Do not lie. Do not fake a bond.
Then wait. If they say no, say thanks. If yes, send the book. Do not ask for five stars. Ask for truth. That is real book promotion. Book marketing means you must build your name. Not just sell one book.
How to Use Paid Spots for Book Promotion
Not all who pay get fame. But some do, if they plan. You can use paid blogs, paid spots, or paid fan lists. But still, your pitch must work. Some sites take cash to post your book in a list. Or send it to fans who might post book reviews.
Here’s how book marketing can work with paid tools:
- BookSirens Pro – Sends books to folks who like your type.
- NetGalley – Big reach, high trust. But it costs more.
- Booksprout – Small fee, lots of ARC fans.
- IndieReader – Paid book reviews, known name.
- Kirkus Indie – Costly, but known in the press world.
Book marketing is a mix. Paid or free, both help if used wisely. Do not just spend. Pick what fits your goal. Book promotion is more than just a flash sale. It is a slow, true way to grow your reach.
How to Track Book Reviews and Thank Fans
Each time you see a book review pop up, note it. Use one page or app. Mark who said it, where, and what they felt. Thank them. It is small, but it means much. Fans want to feel seen. And when they do, they post more. Book reviews are not just text. They are gold for your book marketing.
Now, book promotion works best when it is not one time. Keep track, stay in touch, and ask them when your next book comes out.
Also, use parts of good book reviews in your own posts. But don’t change their words. Just cite them well.
Book Reviews That Build Book Promotion Buzz
When folks read and post, they help you sell. But not all book reviews are the same. Some help more than the rest.
Look for these signs:
- Book reviews that are on top fan blogs.
- Ones with pics or long thoughts.
- Reviews that folks click and like.
- Book reviews from known book clubs.
- Posts that get shared on book forums.
- Ones that say how the book made them feel.
All these boost your book marketing. They help book promotion grow. And best of all, they cost you no more once you have them. Just use them smart.
Book Promotion on Social with Reviews
One way to make your book known is to share what folks said. Book reviews work well on your page, in reels, or as blurbs. Use one quote per post. Tag the one who said it. That shows heart.
Book marketing with book reviews helps in many ways. Folks who see praise from a peer trust more. And book promotion grows fast on these sites when done right. So pick clips that show how your book feels. Not just “it was nice.” Go with “this book made me cry.” Or “I could not stop.”
Each word can spark more sales.
Reach Out to Micro Book Blogs for Book Promotion
Big names are nice. But small blogs read more. They post fast. And they care more. So do not skip them. Find folks with less than 5k fans. Check their past posts. Send a short ask. Not more than one short para.
Tell them your book’s name, what it is on, and who it fits. Share a link. Say you read their page and liked one post. Then wait.
Small book blogs are key to book marketing. They post book reviews with care. And their fans trust them more than big names.
Final Thoughts
We know that book marketing is hard when you start. But it gets good once you know the steps. Book reviews are not just for show. They build the base. They win trust. They help with book promotion, too. So start now. Reach out. Give thanks. And let folks know your book is worth their time.
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FAQs
Where can I get book reviews fast as a self-pub author?
Try BookSirens, Facebook book groups, or Reddit. Ask with heart, not spam.
Do paid book reviews work?
Yes, if from known spots like Kirkus or IndieReader. But pick with care.
Can I use reviews in my book promotion posts?
Yes. Just use short parts, cite the name, and ask them first.
How do I ask for a review without being rude?
Be kind. Say what your book is on. Say why you think they’d like it.
What if I get bad reviews?
It’s fine. Not all books fit all folks. Take what you can from it and move on.