Reviews matter because browsers trust other readers more than they trust any description. A few thoughtful reviews tell a potential reader that the book exists in the real world and is worth their time. But review rules are strict, and the shortcuts that promise fast results can get a book removed or an account closed. The good news is that honest methods work, especially when they start before launch.
What the rules say
Every major retailer has review guidelines, and consumer protection authorities in several countries have taken action against fake and incentivised reviews. The principles are consistent:
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Giving free advance copies to readers who may choose to review | Paying for reviews, or making a free copy conditional on a positive review |
| Asking readers to leave an honest review | Asking only happy readers, or offering rewards for five stars |
| Running a launch team of genuine readers | Review swaps with other authors |
| Quoting genuine reviews and endorsements | Writing reviews of your own book under another name |
| Paid editorial reviews, clearly labelled as such | Presenting paid editorial reviews as customer reviews |
Rules differ by platform and change over time, so read each retailer's current guidelines before you start.
1. Send advance reader copies
Advance reader copies (ARCs) are free copies sent to readers before or around publication, so reviews can appear soon after launch.
- Choose genuine readers of your genre, not friends doing you a favour.
- Send two to six weeks before launch, giving them time to read.
- Use ebook files for most readers; they are free to distribute and quick to deliver.
- Say clearly that an honest review is welcome but not required, and that reviewers should disclose they received a free copy where the platform requires it.
- Send a reminder on launch day with links to where they can review.
Expect only a share of ARC readers to post reviews. Sending to more readers than you need is normal.
2. Build a launch team from your mailing list
Your newsletter subscribers already like your work. Invite them to join a launch team that reads early, shares the book and reviews honestly if they wish. Keep the commitment small and clear, and thank them in the acknowledgements or with exclusive extras that do not depend on reviewing. See our guide on building an author newsletter.
3. Ask at the end of the book
The moment a reader finishes is the moment they are most likely to review. Add a short, sincere request to the back matter, after the final chapter:
Thank you for reading. If this book stayed with you, a short, honest review helps other readers decide whether it is right for them, and it means a great deal to me.
Keep it brief, do not ask for a particular rating, and place it before any preview of your next book.
4. Reach out to reviewers and bloggers
- Find reviewers who cover your genre: book bloggers, newsletter reviewers, reading-focused social media accounts and podcasts.
- Read their review policy and follow it exactly.
- Send a short, personal pitch: title, genre, a one-line hook, length, available formats, and why it suits their audience.
- Accept that many will decline or not reply. Keep a simple spreadsheet and follow up once, politely.
5. Editorial reviews and endorsements
Editorial reviews come from professional reviewers or publications, and endorsements come from authors or experts. They can appear in your book description or front matter, labelled with their source. Some editorial review services charge fees; these are legitimate only when clearly presented as editorial reviews, not as customer reviews, and when the reviewer is free to be critical.
6. Make reviewing easy
- Give readers a direct link to the review page where possible.
- Explain that a review can be a single sentence.
- On platforms with quick star ratings, mention that a rating alone also helps.
- Remind your newsletter once after launch, then let it rest.
Handling negative reviews
Every book that reaches enough readers gets critical reviews, and a range of ratings looks more credible than a wall of five stars. Do not respond publicly, argue, or ask friends to defend you. Instead, look for patterns: if several readers mention slow pacing or formatting problems, that is useful information for your next book or a revised edition. Reviews are written for readers, not for authors.
A simple review timeline
- Eight weeks before launch: recruit ARC readers and a launch team.
- Six weeks before: send ARCs and start reviewer outreach.
- Launch week: send review links and a thank-you to your team.
- Two weeks after: one gentle reminder to ARC readers.
- Ongoing: back-matter request and occasional newsletter mention.
Fit this into your wider book launch plan.
Ratings on BooksOasis
Readers who buy your book on BooksOasis can rate it from their library and from the reading app, including a quick one-tap star rating, and ratings show on your book's page from the first one. Mentioning in your back matter that a quick rating helps is an easy way to encourage them.
What BooksOasis does not do
- It doesn't sell, arrange or add reviews or ratings.
- It doesn't remove honest ratings because they are critical.
In short
Start before launch with advance copies to genuine readers of your genre, build a launch team from your mailing list, ask briefly and honestly at the end of the book, and reach out to reviewers who cover your kind of book. Never pay for or incentivise reviews, keep friends and family out of it, and treat critical reviews as information rather than attacks.
Questions
How many reviews does a new book need?
There is no magic number, but a handful of genuine reviews at launch reassures browsers that real people have read the book. Focus on steady, honest reviews over time rather than a single burst.
Can I pay for book reviews?
You should never pay for customer reviews or offer rewards in exchange for positive ones. Retailers prohibit it, and in some countries fake or incentivised reviews breach consumer protection law. Paid editorial review services are a separate category and must not be presented as customer reviews.
Can friends and family review my book?
Most retailers restrict or prohibit reviews from people with a close personal or financial relationship with the author. Ask them to share the book instead.
Is it OK to give free copies in exchange for reviews?
Giving advance copies to readers who may choose to review is common practice, but the copy must not depend on a positive review, and many platforms require reviewers to disclose that they received a free copy.
Should I respond to negative reviews?
Generally no. Responding publicly to criticism rarely helps and can draw more attention to it. Learn from patterns across reviews and keep writing.
Give readers a place to rate your book
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