How to Get More Reviews for Your Amazon Books

Publishing a book on Amazon is exciting. But let’s be real—no matter how great your book is, people usually decide to buy it based on reviews. Reviews are like social proof. They tell new readers, “Hey, this book is worth your time.” The more reviews you have (especially positive ones), the more trust you build, which means more sales and more visibility.

But here’s the tricky part: getting reviews is not as simple as just asking. Amazon has strict rules, and readers are busy. So you need to use strategies that are smart, ethical, and reader-friendly.

Let’s walk through some effective ways to get more reviews for your Amazon books.

Why Amazon Reviews Matter So Much

Think about the last time you bought something online. Did you check the reviews first? Most people do. On Amazon, reviews affect:

• Book visibility (more reviews often mean higher ranking in search results)

• Reader trust (a book with 100 reviews feels safer to buy than a book with 2 reviews)

• Sales conversions (reviews push readers from “just browsing” to “buying”)

Here’s a quick comparison:

So, reviews don’t just look nice. They actually drive your success as an author.

Ask Your Readers—But Do It Smartly

Yes, you can ask readers for reviews, but don’t pressure them. Amazon doesn’t allow “incentivized reviews” (like paying someone or offering gifts for reviews). Instead, you can:

• Add a short note at the end of your book: “If you enjoyed this book, a short review would mean the world to me.”

• Send a polite follow-up email if you have their contact (through a newsletter, not Amazon’s system).

It’s all about being gentle. Readers don’t like being pushed, but they often want to help if you ask nicely.

Build a Reader Email List

This is a long-term strategy that works wonders. If you have a list of readers who signed up through your website or social media, you can send them updates whenever you release a new book.

Instead of saying, “Please review my book,” try:
👉 “I’d love to know your honest thoughts. If you get a chance, leaving a quick review on Amazon helps me keep writing more stories like this.”

See the difference? It feels like a friendly chat, not a demand.

Use Amazon’s “Follow Author” Feature

Amazon lets readers follow you as an author. When they do, they’ll get notified about new releases. This indirectly boosts your reviews because loyal readers who grab your new book early are usually the ones who review it.

To encourage this: mention at the end of your book or on your social media, “Don’t forget to hit the Follow button on Amazon to stay updated on my new releases!”

Make Reviewing Easy for Readers

Sometimes readers actually want to review but get stuck because they don’t know what to write. You can help by guiding them.

For example, in your email or note, say:
“You don’t have to write an essay—just share what you liked (or didn’t like). A few lines is enough.”

This removes the pressure and increases the chances of them posting a review.

ARC (Advance Review Copies) Strategy

Before launching your book, send advance copies to a group of readers or book bloggers. These are called ARCs. When the book goes live, those readers can post reviews right away, giving your book a strong start.

Some tips for ARCs:

• Choose readers who actually enjoy your book’s genre.

• Ask for honest feedback, not just positive ones.

• Keep the group manageable—quality reviews matter more than quantity.

  

Use Social Media Communities

There are countless Facebook groups, Goodreads communities, and Instagram book clubs where readers love discussing new releases. If you’re active in these spaces (without spamming), you can build relationships. When you release a book, many of these people will gladly review it because they already know and trust you.

Pro tip: Share behind-the-scenes stories, writing struggles, or even funny mistakes during editing. People love to connect with the author, not just the book. And when they feel connected, reviews naturally follow.

Leverage Book Promotion Sites

Some websites help authors distribute free or discounted books to readers who are likely to leave reviews. Examples: BookSprout, NetGalley, or Hidden Gems. These aren’t fake reviews—they’re from genuine readers who get access in exchange for honest feedback.

This works especially well if you’re a new author without an existing audience.

Offer Something Beyond the Book

Here’s a trick that feels personal. Create a small bonus for readers (like a free short story, checklist, or printable related to your book) and share a link inside your book. When they download it, you can collect their email. Later, you can gently ask them for reviews.

It turns your readers into a community instead of just one-time buyers.

Should you join KDP Select? Find out here 👉 What is KDP Select? Should You Enroll?.

Don’t Forget About Kindle Unlimited Readers

If your book is in Kindle Unlimited, remember those readers too. They often binge books and leave reviews faster because they’re heavy readers. A small message at the end of your book saying, “Kindle Unlimited readers, your reviews mean so much and help me keep books in this program,” can nudge them in the right direction.

Consistency Builds Reviews

Here’s the honest truth: getting reviews takes time. One book might only get 10 reviews in the first month, but when you release multiple books, your reviews grow faster because readers who loved the first one will review the next.

Think of it like planting seeds 🌱—the more you write and publish, the bigger your review base becomes.

Things You Should Never Do 🚫

• Don’t pay for fake reviews (Amazon bans accounts for this).

• Don’t ask family members with your same last name to review (Amazon can detect it).

• Don’t write reviews for your own book.

It’s not worth the risk. Focus on organic and genuine reviews.

FAQs about Getting Amazon Reviews

Q: How many reviews do I need to succeed?
There’s no magic number, but 20–30 genuine reviews can make a big difference in visibility. Some bestselling authors have thousands, but everyone starts small.

Q: Can I give my book for free and ask for reviews?
Yes, giving free copies is allowed. Just make sure you’re not forcing or paying for reviews—only asking for honest feedback.

Q: Do negative reviews hurt my book?
Not necessarily. A few critical reviews can actually make your book look more authentic. If all reviews are 5 stars, readers may suspect they’re fake.

Q: How long does it take for reviews to show up?
Amazon usually approves reviews within 24–72 hours. Sometimes longer if they’re checking for authenticity.

Q: Should I reply to reviews?
It’s best not to reply directly on Amazon. Instead, thank readers in your emails or social media. Engaging too much in Amazon’s review section can look unprofessional.

Final Thoughts

Getting reviews for your Amazon books isn’t about begging or bending the rules. It’s about building a genuine relationship with readers and making it easy for them to share their thoughts.

Start small—ask politely, guide your readers, use ARCs, and build a loyal community. Over time, your reviews will grow naturally, and so will your book sales.

Remember, every single review counts. Even a three-line review like “I loved the characters and finished it in two days” has the power to convince someone else to click that Buy Now button.

So keep writing, keep connecting, and let your readers’ voices spread your work further than ads or marketing ever could.