Let’s just say it: book reviews matter. They boost your visibility, establish credibility, and influence that all-important buying decision. Whether you’re launching your first book or adding to a growing catalog, reviews help move the needle.

But if you’ve ever tried to get reviews, you know it’s not as simple as asking. Most readers finish the last page, feel all the feelings, then go about their day without thinking to leave a review. That’s where strategy comes in.

Here are some of the best ways to actually get book reviews… Consistently, authentically, and without sounding desperate.

1. Start with your launch team

Before the book even hits the shelves, you should have a small team of readers ready to go. These are your early adopters—people who believe in your voice and are excited about the message. Whether it’s 5 or 50 people, the goal is the same: hand them the book before the actual release, and ask for a review on launch day.

And here’s a pro-tip: Don’t just say “leave a review.” Be specific.

Say: “Would you be willing to leave an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads once you’ve read it? It helps more than you know.”

2. Use the back of your book wisely

The last page of your book is prime real estate. The reader has just finished your content. They’re emotional. They’re reflective. They’re in the perfect space to respond.

Add a short note at the end like:

“Thank you for taking this journey with me. If this book spoke to you, would you consider leaving a quick review on Amazon? It only takes a minute and helps others discover the message too.”

Don’t overdo it. Just a few sincere sentences can make all the difference.

3. Send a follow-up email after purchase

If you’re selling through your own site or email list, use the follow-up email automation to your advantage.

A week or two after the book is delivered, send a personal note asking if they enjoyed it, and if so, would they mind reviewing it. Keep the tone friendly and casual. You’re not begging. You’re inviting them to participate in the book’s success.

4. Offer the eBook for free. For a short time

There’s nothing wrong with playing the long game. Offer the eBook for free for a couple days and use that window to ask readers for reviews in return. You’ll often see a spike in downloads and a bump in reviews if you market the offer well.

When the eBook is free, post it on social, let people know. Generally when the downloads go up, reviews do too.

Amazon doesn’t allow you to require a review in exchange for a free copy, but you can give it freely and ask kindly.

5. Leverage your community

You already know who your people are. Family, church members, clients, supporters. Don’t be shy. Ask them to review it if they’ve read it. And don’t assume they know how.

You might have to walk them through where to go and how to do it. It’s not weird. It’s helpful. You’re giving them the tools to support your mission.

6. Use Goodreads the right way

Goodreads is a gold mine if you use it intentionally. Join groups, start conversations, and let people know your book is out. Run a Goodreads giveaway to get your book into more hands and, yep…you guessed it…ask for reviews afterward.

It takes a little more effort, but the results compound over time.

7. Follow up with love, not pressure

Last but not least, stay kind in your follow-ups. People are busy. They forget. Sometimes they don’t know what to say. A gentle nudge in the right moment, with a genuine tone, works better than a hard ask.

And always, always thank them. Whether they leave a five-star review or just say “it was good,” gratitude keeps the door open for future support.

Bottom line: Reviews don’t happen by accident. But they also don’t require gimmicks. If you consistently give people a meaningful experience with your book and make it easy for them to respond, reviews will come.

At Pinpoint Publishing, we help authors think through not just the writing process, but the strategy behind building long-term traction. If you’re stuck trying to figure out how to build momentum after your book launch, we’d love to help.

Let’s get people talking about your book.