So Many Books, So Little Time: Why Your Writer Friend Needs You to Leave a Book Review and How to Write One

Book reviews absolutely help sell books. Most often it’s word-of-mouth reviews, such as telling a friend about a new novel you loved or one in a genre they might enjoy. But in today’s digital world, the reviews also need to be online. A book’s reputation and Amazon search rank are tied up in reviews. Plus, it can influence potential readers, helping them decide if they would like this book out of so many. 

How Many Reviews Does a Book Need

Amazon, one of the largest online booksellers, doesn’t specify how many book reviews are needed to get a good ranking. But Scribe Media says that 20 reviews in the first two months a book is out, is a great number. It shows that the book has the support and the interest it needs to succeed. Getting to 50 reviews is even better. A blog on livewritethrive.com claims that at 75 reviews, Amazon will send the book to customers who bought similar books. Possibly even an Amazon pop-up ad on another site. 

Arguably, reviews aren’t everything regarding Amazon’s sales ranking of books or suggesting a novel to customers. There’s a lot in their secret algorithm for that. However, reviews can’t and don’t hurt, which is the point of this blog. Some other sites and people pay attention to the reviews of a book. So, author friends of yours need reviews. 

Where to Post the Reviews

Amazon is a great place to review a book, but it’s not the only place. Another popular site is Goodreads. This site lets you put novels on your wishlist and share what you’ve read with others. It’s a great place to find new reads, too, with lists of books that fit certain categories. 

BookBub is another great place for a review, especially if the author is new. BookBub specializes in eBooks, getting new authors discovered. According to another blog I read, annerallen.com, reviews can help novels get chosen by BookBub to feature in their newsletter, which goes to 10,000 subscribers. That’s some serious new eyes. 

6 Steps to Writing a Book Review

Some of the first readers of my novel The Invisible War never wrote an online book review before. I tried to find some instructions for them but found little. So, I created my own. Of course, a great review doesn’t have to follow this format. I love the reviews I’ve gotten, even if they don’t use my “steps,” and your author friends will, too. This is helpful for those who like recipes and more instruction. Without further ado, here are my 6 steps to writing a book review:

1. Read the book. Yes, this is important. All authors want to know you liked their words. 
2. Describe the book. Ask yourself what you would tell a friend about the book, like what it’s about without spoiling it. Write that down. 
3. Identify the vibe. What struck you most about the book? How would you describe that? Cinematic? Eerie? Twisted? Irreverent? Hilarious? Think of the words Netflix gives you under the title of a show. Another way to think of this is to describe the story in three words using adjectives or adverbs. Jot these down.
4. Feel the feels. How did the book make you feel? Were you rooting for the characters? Were you on the edge of your seat? Could you not put it down? Add them to your notes.
5. Consider similar stories. What books, movies, or shows does it remind you of? Or what story fans might also like this book? Write those down.
6. Put the pieces together. Now use what you’ve written in steps 2 to 5, snipping it together until you have 75-225 words. See? It doesn’t have to be long. It’s a good idea to be honest, and nice. You’ll be signing this review, after all. 
7. Let it marinate. This is an optional, but recommended step. Wait a day, and then reread your review to double-check for typos and tone. Then post it. 

Book Reviews Help the Author

I admit that, as a reader, I never left an online book review. Sure, I told people about books but I never reviewed one online. As a published author of young adult fantasy, I am chagrined. Because reviews do help sell books. They show the novel is a good read and has a following. It can impact where a novel is displayed online, whether in a search or ads. So please leave a review for your favorite authors, especially the newly published ones. I know I will be!