Getting Reviews Before Your Book Launch
Getting book reviews before publishing is one of the most important steps you can take to set your work up for success. Reviews act as social proof, showing potential readers that your book is worth their time! They can also help your book stand out in crowded marketplaces like Amazon or Goodreads and give you valuable feedback before your official launch.
In this post, I’ll share practical strategies for how to get book reviews before publishing—from preparing your manuscript for review to reaching out to early readers and leveraging professional review services. By taking these steps, you’ll give your book a strong start and build credibility that lasts beyond launch day.
Why Early Book Reviews Matter
Early book reviews are one of the most effective ways to build credibility and create buzz before your book officially launches. They give readers confidence in your work and can help your book stand out in a crowded market. Here are the key reasons early reviews matter:
Social Proof
Reviews show potential readers that your book is worth their time. Seeing others’ positive feedback builds trust and encourages purchases.
Increased Visibility
Early reviews can improve your book’s ranking on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, making it easier for new readers to find you.
Pre-Launch Buzz
Sharing early reviews can generate excitement and anticipation, leading to stronger pre-orders and a more successful launch.
Constructive Feedback
Reviews provide insight into how readers respond to your story, helping you refine marketing messaging or make last-minute improvements.
Long-Term Credibility
Books with a solid base of early reviews are more likely to maintain momentum after release, attracting attention from new readers and influencers.
WATCH & LEARN!
Preparing Your Book for Review
Before you start sending your book to reviewers, it’s essential to make sure it’s ready first! A polished, well-prepared manuscript makes it easier for reviewers to provide meaningful feedback and increases the likelihood of positive reviews.
1. Choose the Right Version
Decide whether you’ll send out an advance review copy (ARC) or the final manuscript. ARCs allow reviewers to read before the official release, but they should still be carefully proofread and formatted. A sloppy or incomplete copy can reflect poorly on your book and affect the quality of the review.
2. Edit and Proofread Thoroughly
Even for ARCs, make sure the manuscript has been thoroughly edited. Typos or inconsistencies can distract readers and skew their impressions of your story. Investing time in developmental, line, or copy editing at this stage pays off when seeking early reviews!
3. Format for Easy Reading
A clean, easy-to-read format is crucial. I usually provide digital copies in formats that reviewers prefer—such as PDF, ePub, or MOBI—and ensure chapter headings, spacing, and fonts are reader-friendly. A professional-looking document signals that you value the reviewer’s time.
4. Prepare Supplementary Materials
I often include a brief author note or synopsis to give reviewers context. This helps them understand the book’s theme, intended audience, and what you hope to achieve with it. Including a polite review request at the beginning or end can also guide them without being pushy.
How to Request Book Reviews
Once your book is ready, the next step is reaching out to potential reviewers! Asking for reviews can feel intimidating, but with a thoughtful approach, it becomes much easier.
1. Identify the Right Reviewers
Not all reviewers are the same, and targeting the right ones is key. Look for:
✦ Book bloggers and reviewers who cover your genre.
✦ Social media influencers with engaged audiences interested in your type of book.
✦ Beta readers or early fans who enjoy similar stories.
By focusing on reviewers who are genuinely interested in the genre, you increase the likelihood of meaningful and positive feedback!
2. Personalize Your Requests
A generic message rarely works. It’s important to take the time to write personalized emails, mentioning why you think your book fits their interests or previous reviews. This shows respect for the reviewer’s time and increases the chance they’ll accept.
3. Provide Easy Access
Always make it simple for reviewers to get the book! Digital ARCs in PDF, ePub, or MOBI formats are convenient. It also doesn’t hurt to provide clear instructions on how to download or open the file. Convenience goes a long way in encouraging prompt reviews!
4. Be Clear (but Polite)
Include a short note explaining:
✦ You would value their honest feedback.
✦ When you hope they can read the book (if there’s a timeline).
✦ How they can leave a review once finished.
Politeness and clarity are essential; no reviewer appreciates pressure, so avoid making demands!
5. Track Your Requests
Finally, keep a simple spreadsheet of who you contacted, their responses, and when you expect reviews. This helps when you’re ready follow up politely and keeps you organized without overwhelming anyone.
By following these steps, requesting book reviews becomes a structured, approachable process, helping you build early credibility and momentum for your book launch.
Using Professional Review Services
In addition to reaching out to individual reviewers, consider professional review services as part of your strategy. These services provide expert feedback and a published review, which can help boost credibility and visibility before launch!
Understanding the Options
Professional review services vary in scope and cost. Some provide editorial-style reviews, while others focus on consumer-facing feedback on platforms like Kirkus, BlueInk, or Foreword Reviews. Research several options to determine which aligns best with your book’s genre, audience, and launch goals.
Weighing the Investment
Many authors ask, “How much does a professional book review cost?” Prices can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the service and package.
While it’s an investment, consider the credibility, exposure, and marketing value these reviews bring. A recognized review can be highlighted in promotional materials, press releases, and your book description. Using professional review services alongside personal outreach creates a well-rounded strategy for gathering early feedback and establishing credibility.
Choosing the Right Service
Look for reviews that will reach your target audience and come from reputable sources. Reading sample reviews and checking turnaround times helps ensure you get the most value for your investment!
Timing for Maximum Impact
Professional reviews are most effective when timed close to your launch. Plan requests so that the review is published just before or during the release period, providing a strong boost in visibility and confidence for potential readers.
Engaging Your Network for Reviews
Leveraging your existing author network is an effective way to secure early reviews. Friends, colleagues, beta readers, and online communities can provide valuable feedback and help generate buzz before a book is officially published.
Maintaining authenticity is essential, and early feedback from trusted contacts is a strong starting point. Clear, concise requests and easily accessible copies encourage meaningful reviews. Engaging with genre-specific forums, social media groups, or reader communities allows authors to connect with potential reviewers, but participation should be genuine—focused on building relationships rather than simply asking for reviews. Local book clubs, writing groups, and libraries can also provide early exposure and thoughtful feedback.
Coordinating reading schedules and follow-up discussions ensures feedback is constructive and actionable. Providing reviewers with clear instructions on where and how to submit reviews, along with polite reminders, increases the likelihood of timely responses.
Getting Reviews Before Publishing
Securing book reviews before a book’s official release is an essential part of a successful launch strategy. Early reviews provide credibility, generate buzz, and offer valuable insights into how readers respond to a manuscript.
By preparing your book carefully, reaching out to the right reviewers, utilizing professional review services, and engaging your existing network, it’s possible to build momentum even before publication.
For authors looking to streamline their publishing journey and ensure their work reaches its full potential, professional guidance like that offered by Atmosphere Press can make all the difference.
Find the Perfect Publishing Package for Your Needs!
Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.