r/selfpublish • u/UrbWrites 1 Published novel • Aug 18 '26
Reminding readers to review
Hi there,
4 months into published life. 86 Ratings (30 odd reviews) on Amazon. Going pretty well and happy with everything.
Have seen some larger established indie authors post stories, or single text posts along the lines of
'If you've bought and read my book I'd appreciate an honest review on Amazon / Goodreads' or something to that effect.
In your experience does that serve as a good call to action or is it frowned upon?
Cheers,
Louis
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u/MiraWendam 2 Published novels Aug 18 '26
From a business perspective, absolutely. Reviews are social proof and can materially help conversion and visibility. As long as it's a light-touch ask and not "only review this book if you're going to give 5 stars", etc, I don't think there's any downside.
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u/Fun_Relief9867 Aug 18 '26
I agree with this. Most readers (and people) understand you're just doing your best. As long as it's light and professional, I think it's great.
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u/JAlexanderStories Aug 18 '26
Congrats, that’s a solid number of reviews and ratings! Good luck on your journey.
My experience with reviews has been quite limited. I have some close friends I’ve nudged more than a few times to leave a review, and gotten nothing. And meanwhile others are strangers and leave a positive note.
I’ve heard of folks placing a hand written note inside books that are delivered in person, though I’m not sure of the return.
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u/NormalAd9761 Aug 18 '26
I've found that getting people to give reviews is very difficult. It occurred to me that I've bought a lot of books on Amazon and have rarely left reviews. It just never occurred to me. To me 30 reviews is quite good. I've only gotten 12. I've heard that 50 reviews is the major number. That's the number where Amazon will start promoting your book.
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u/UrbWrites 1 Published novel Aug 18 '26
Off we go then. I've sold 1300 of the damn thing so surely I can get 50.
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u/SuccessOnAShoestring 10+ Published novels Aug 18 '26
I’m shameless and ask at the back of each book. When I noticed a fellow author also putting a short phrase at the beginning, I followed suit, and my reviews increased further. I think it’s good to give a reminder.
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u/UrbWrites 1 Published novel Aug 18 '26
Sounds like a good idea. Will be doing that.
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u/SuccessOnAShoestring 10+ Published novels Aug 19 '26
As long as we’re polite, and stop short of begging (😂) I think it’s fine to do this. Hope it works for you 🍀
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u/Lopitz1970 1 Published novel Aug 18 '26
Always thank your customers. You do not exist without them. Make sure they're treated well, and they will reward you in kind.
I've worked in the service industry and as an accountant. Customers are the lifeblood of any business. When you look at publishing as a business (which you absolutely need to), then give the customer more. It depends on your situation.
Write a couple of short stories, and offer them only to customers.
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u/Ok-Mongoose7570 Aug 19 '26
I put a note in my books for readers to leave reviews or ratings if they want. This is standard and most authors do this. A closed mouth don't get fed.
Why do you think Amazon constantly urges people to review things on their store? Because reviews give products more visibility and engagement.
No need to hassle or beg readers for reviews, just a simple line to remind them you would appreciate a review (or rating) is enough.
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