How to Ask for Book Reviews

 

Plot-Twist-cartoon

Heather Jackson at WriteOnSisters.com/

For every book I read, I leave a review on both Amazon and Goodreads. It’s important to let authors know the things we liked or didn’t like about their book.

 

I’m by no means, one of the top 100 Amazon Reviewers, but recently requests asking for a review has increased; most of the time, I try to help out a fellow writer, but it’s becoming more difficult as I try to focus on my current work in progress (WIP).

If you visit my Amazon page, you’ll find my reviews are, by far, on books I’ve chosen to read – for pleasure, on the craft of writing, research, or non-fiction books of interest. If you check out my blog or Bio, you can tell my preferred genre.

I’ve noticed in a few of the requests I’ve received; the author has not done the necessary ‘homework’ to find the best reviewer for their genre, and I think that’s important. Asking a fantasy author to review my crime novel is not going to get me the review I hope to receive.

So, it thrilled me to read the guest post from one of Amazon’s top reviewersGisela Hausmann over at C.S. Lakin’s, Live, Write, Thrive.

In her post, Ms. Hausmann discusses, The 5 Most Common Mistakes Writers Make When Seeking Book Reviews. If you’re looking for someone to review your book, Gisela Hausmann’s guest post is worth reading and making notes.

What do you think? Do you offer reviews? What has been your experience?  I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  PinterestBloglovinTwitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

 

17 thoughts on “How to Ask for Book Reviews

  1. Pingback: Do you know how to share your latest read? – jean's writing

  2. I’ve made a habit, over the last year or so, of reviewing everything I read on Goodreads. I’ve found the exercise to be of great personal benefit: Instead of just casting a finished book aside for the next one atop the pile, writing a review forces me to digest and interpret what I’ve written. It takes a half hour out of my day, but it’s worth it: Being able to explain what does and does not resonate with me in a work of fiction only improves my own analytical acumen.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I used to review books on my blog (and also on Goodreads, and on Amazon if appropriate), but I stopped doing that because some of the things I think are important about a book… are not at all important to most readers, it seems. (Apparently saying, “Exciting plot and relatable protagonist, but that storm couldn’t have happened, because physics” is unacceptable. *shrug*) Also, I’m not good at the whole “Say only nice things or say nothing” approach to sharing opinions.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I try to be honest with my reviews. I think not being is a disservice to both the author and the potential readers. However, I try to use laymen’s terms and focus on what I liked, what pulled me from the story, or what didn’t ring true. So glad you stopped by the Cow Pasture and thanks for joining the conversation.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I always review…everything! I love reviews when reading or purchasing a product because it helps me get a feel for a book or a new washing machine. But getting others to review my books…has been SO difficult!!! People will tell me in person that they love my book, and they will write a review on Facebook. But not on Amazon, Goodreads, Wal-mart or Barnes and Noble where they would REALLY count! Very frustrating! I really appreciated this post!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Good post. I have struggled with reviewing, though it is how I started out. I will always review for a handful of authors. They know who they are. Others, I take based on genre and interest. I do have this criteria info posted on my blog, too.

    Liked by 1 person

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