Book Marketing

Are You a Bestseller?

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How do you know if you are a bestseller? Or more properly, whether your book is a bestseller. Well, as with many things in today’s publishing world, the answer is “that depends”. I get asked this quite often, and while this used to be a very cut and dried answer, in today’s world of Top 100 lists on every retailer’s website, that question is a bit more complex. The lists may vary by hardcover, paperback and ebook. They may vary whether they are fiction or non-fiction (it is rumored that the NY Times created the children’s book category when Harry Potter dominated). If your book isn’t in bookstores that use BookScan (run by Nielson, they provide point of sale data for books), well, that may mean you never make some lists no matter how many ebooks you sell on Amazon.

Here is a rundown of some of the most popular bestseller lists.

New York Times – the most traditional, and by far the most coveted by authors. Also, by far the most manipulated, and likely influenced by advertising dollars (says anecdotal evidence). According to official information, the data is based on a proprietary methodology, but is said to be derived from actual consumer sales. Interestingly, they state they do not track certain types of titles including self-published work – however, several self-published titles have appeared on the list, so it seems as though there is some flexibility in this rule.

“Among the categories not actively tracked at this time are: perennial sellers, required classroom reading, textbooks, reference and test preparation guides, journals, workbooks, calorie counters, shopping guides, comics, crossword puzzles and self-published books.”

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the full description of the methodology.

USA Today – another traditional media source but by all appearances more universal and less arbitrary than the NY Times. They are fairly open about their methods.

From their site: 

Methodology: Each week, USA TODAY collects sales data from booksellers representing a variety of outlets: bookstore chains, independent bookstores, mass merchandisers and online retailers. Using that data, we determine the week’s 150 top-selling titles. The first 50 are published in the print version of USA TODAY each Thursday, and the top 150 are published on the USA TODAY website. Each week’s analysis reflects sales of about 2.5 million books at about 7,000 physical retail outlets in addition to books sold online.

Book formats and rankings: USA TODAY’s Best-Selling Books list ranks titles regardless of format. Each week, for each title, available sales of hardcover, paperback and e-book versions are combined. If, for example, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice sells copies in hardcover, paperback and e-book during a particular week, sales from each format would be reflected in that week’s ranking. The ISBN for the format that sold the most copies is presented with each list entry.

Digital Book World – by far the most clear about their methods (although also up front that they do not tell us everything) and as one would surmise, focused on ebooks:

The basic methodology (according to their site):

1) Best-seller rank observed from five of six top retailers (Kindle, Nook, Google, Kobo, Sony)
2) Lists observed for seven consecutive days (Sun. – Sat.)*
3) Each appearance on a list gets an unweighted score based on the ranking
4) Ranking scores are logarithmically determined (i.e. top scores are much more valuable than lower scores)
5) Each retailer weighted by approximate market share as determined by the editors of Digital Book World and Iobyte Solutions
6) Additional appearance credit is awarded for appearing on multiple lists
7) Combined scores for the week determine final score for each title
8) Titles are ranked by final scores and also grouped into sub-lists by price (four separate price-band lists: $0 – $2.99; $3.00 – $7.99; $8.00 – $9.99; and $10.00 and above)
9) Minimum price that appeared at any point during the week on any retailer is used for determine price band (assumption that low price is an important driver of ranking)

Amazon – gives no information at all about how their lists are determined, aside from being directly tied to the sales rank. They even say as much on their own site. I can tell you from experience that book sales are not the full story. Click throughs, reviews, print vs. ebook purchases, all seem to have weight. And of course, there is a free versus paid rank to consider.

iTunes – a total mystery. They don’t even tell you how many “rankings” you need before they will display them (my own experiments say “5”). One of our authors made it to their “Top Author” list, but we have no idea why, specifically. However, if you do make it to the top somehow, you will sell more books.

Nook – this is one case where sales seem to be almost the entire driver. Sell the most, top the list. (I couldn’t even find anything on their site to link to. , if you do, please tell me in Comments!)

Kobo – simple, they don’t have bestseller lists. They don’t even have reviews.

So, how do you know if you get to call yourself a bestseller? As with many things, this is primarily marketing. For me, I say someone can call themselves a bestseller, once they have made it to #1 in an overall paid listing. In other words, I wouldn’t consider a book that was #1 on the free list on Amazon to be a best seller (nothing was actually sold). I also would not make that claim if something was #1 only in its specific category, unless you make that detailed claim i.e. #1 Bestselling Erotica Title on Amazon.

I guess the real question is, does claiming to be a bestseller improve your sales? Probably not. On the other hand, being on the actual list certainly improves your visibility and that WILL improve your sales. In other words, there are no shortcuts. Do the work, get the sales.

Happy marketing!

Will Twitter Help My Book Sales?

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Many authors start on Twitter and either feel overwhelmed or spam their book links, mostly because they’re not sure what to do. Daily I’m asked questions like:

• Who should I follow?

  

• Will it help my book sales?
• What the heck do I tweet about?

Let’s deconstruct.

WHO SHOULD I FOLLOW?

Like anyone on social media, we look for common bonds, which is why authors typically look for other authors to follow. Like begets like, right? Which is great — many of my closest friends, online and in real life, are authors.

However, typically authors are there for the same reason you are: to connect with readers, to get the word out about their latest book, to build up a following of book buyers. Which is why following only other authors will not help you.

Ask yourself this question: Who is my target audience? Of course we want readers, but how do we find them, and how do they find us?

Finding readers: I recommend using the Search or Advanced Search tools on Twitter. Enter any type of reader-centric term (use with or without a hashtag and see what comes up): #bookclub #bookworm #amreading #bookchat, etc. A more advanced application is Manage Flitter, which allows you to search by account and/or tweets, and follow up to 100 at once.

Readers finding you: There’s no one way for readers to find you, which is why we’re always talking about your ‘author platform,’ a term that encompasses marketing activities like advertising, blogging, having an optimized website, blog tours and book signings, as well as social media.

WILL SOCIAL MEDIA HELP MY BOOK SALES?

It couldn’t hurt. Kidding. Yes! It can absolutely help your book sales, both directly and indirectly.

Directly: Add a link directly to your Amazon (or other retailer) buy page on your bio. Twitter allows room for two URLs now, not just one (add the second to your 160 character bio). As I’ve mentioned before, this is useful so you can track how many clicks you get from Twitter to Amazon. I recommend using bit.ly so you can shorten and customize it. Here’s mine: bitly.com/BROKENPIECES. (A side note: be sure to add your Twitter and other social media buttons to your website and make them easy to find!)

Indirectly: By placing your link on your bio, you connect with readers in a more passive way. Instead of constantly sharing your book buy link, instead say, ‘link on bio.’ In addition, building up your following organically (see above) creates a base of readers, aka, potential buyers. It’s also a wonderful way to share info, find betareaders, garner votes for a contest or award, etc. Interaction goes far in creating good will. ‘Make a friend, make a sale,’ is an old sales adage and it plays well here also.

WHAT DO I TWEET ABOUT?

This is a longer discussion about branding than we have time for here, but I suggest making a list of five to ten keywords or key phrases that represents subjects that interest you, that you write about, that float your boat (for example, mine are authors, self-publishing, social media for my business). Pick what truly interests you — what are you passionate about?

Then set up alerts (i.e., Google Alerts) or use a site like Pluggio to enter news search criteria. There’s a massive amount of information published on the web everyday — share with others what is of interest to you instead of simply sharing constant book links to your own stuff (which is annoying).

Be authentic: if you write about social media but also collect vintage birdcages, share stories about vintage birdcages! Just don’t make it the only thing you take about. None of us is one-note — our social media shouldn’t be either.

This should help focus your efforts and get you started. Got questions? Ask below!

The Myth of Traditional Publishing

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Many aspiring authors dream of landing a traditional publishing deal, believing it’s the golden ticket to success. The assumption is that once you’ve signed on the dotted line, your publisher will handle everything—marketing, promotion, social media, and building your author platform. Unfortunately, this is a myth. In reality, the responsibility for building and maintaining an author platform falls squarely on the author’s shoulders. This is another piece of the “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” series, I suppose. Don’t be upset with me! I am just telling you what agents and publishers are telling me!

I have had this conversation with more authors, agents, and publishers than I can count, and I assure you– everyone says the same thing.  Agents and publishers say “Oh yeah, we won’t even call an author that doesn’t have all of that set up,” and authors say “publishers are going to set all that up for me.”

I’m here to shed some light on the disconnect and snap authors out of that assumption. If you are trying to get traditionally published, do not go querying a bunch of agents until you at least have your platform set up.  I’m SERIOUS!!

What is an Author Platform?

An author platform refers to your ability to reach and engage with your audience. This includes:

• A professional author website.
• Active and engaged social media accounts.
• An email list of subscribers who want to hear from you.
• Connections with your readers and a presence in your niche or genre.

Why Authors Need a Platform Before Signing a Deal

Traditional publishers are businesses. They invest in authors they believe will generate a return on their investment. A strong author platform is often seen as evidence that you can sell books. Here’s why:

1. Proof of Marketability
   • Publishers want to see that you’ve already built an audience that will likely buy your book. If you have a substantial email list or thousands of engaged social media followers, it’s a good sign that your book has a built-in readership.
2. Reduced Risk
   • A strong platform shows publishers that you’re willing and able to market yourself, reducing the burden on their marketing team.
3. Attracting Agents
   • Literary agents also look for authors with established platforms. They’re more likely to represent someone who has taken the initiative to build a presence and connect with potential readers.

What Publishers Don’t Do

While traditional publishers provide some support, there are significant gaps in what they offer:

• Limited Marketing Support: Unless you’re a big-name author, the marketing budget for your book may be minimal.
• No Personalized Social Media Management: Publishers don’t manage your social media accounts. You’re responsible for engaging with your audience.
• No Guarantees of Success: Even with a publisher’s backing, your book’s success largely depends on your efforts.

Building Your Platform: Start Now

If you’re serious about pursuing a traditional publishing deal, start building your platform today. Here’s how:

1. Create a Professional Website
   • Include an author bio, blog, book details, and a way for readers to subscribe to your email list.
2. Grow Your Email List
   • Offer a reader magnet, such as a free short story or exclusive content, to encourage sign-ups.
3. Engage on Social Media
   • Focus on platforms where your target audience spends their time. Post consistently and interact with your followers.
4. Network with Other Authors
   • Collaborate with other writers in your genre to expand your reach.
5. Write Consistently

• Publish blog posts, articles, or short stories on your website or through platforms like Medium to engage readers regularly.
• Share behind-the-scenes updates about your writing process or book progress to keep your audience invested.
• Participate in writing challenges (e.g., NaNoWriMo) and share your experience with your audience.
• Offer free content, like bonus scenes or character backstories, to reward loyal followers and attract new ones..

Again, don’t get mad at me!  You’re a writer! You should be fine writing!  I didn’t make the rules!

• What You Need to Get a Meeting with an Agent (Yes, I Asked a Real Agent About This)

  Before you even get a foot in the door with a literary agent, you’ll need:

  • A polished manuscript or book proposal.
  • A query letter that highlights your platform and marketability.
  • Evidence of your platform’s strength, such as email list numbers, social media followers, and website traffic.

  ---

  Debunking the Myth

  Believing that traditional publishing will handle everything is not only untrue but also a potentially career-damaging misconception. Today’s publishing landscape demands that authors take an active role in their marketing and promotion.

  By building a strong author platform, you’re not just increasing your chances of landing a publishing deal—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Remember, the sooner you start building your audience, the more opportunities you’ll create for your writing career.

   

  What You Need to Get a Meeting with an AgentBefore you even get a foot in the door with a literary agent, you’ll need:

  • A polished manuscript or book proposal.
  • A query letter that highlights your platform and marketability.
  • Evidence of your platform’s strength, such as email list numbers, social media followers, and website traffic.

  ---

  Debunking the Myth

  Believing that traditional publishing will handle everything is not only untrue but also a potentially career-damaging misconception. Today’s publishing landscape demands that authors take an active role in their marketing and promotion.

  By building a strong author platform, you’re not just increasing your chances of landing a publishing deal—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Remember, the sooner you start building your audience, the more opportunities you’ll create for your writing career.Share blog posts, articles, or updates to keep your audience engaged while you work on your book.

  If you have absolutely nothing, go ahead and set all of this stuff up, write and publish a short novella, and use the follower funnel method to connect with and gain new fans (or pay for Amazon Advertising to get people to join your email list).

  Share blog posts, articles, or updates to keep your audience engaged while you work on your book.

How to Use Pinterest to Sell Books (and Promote Yourself as an Author)

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Pinterest might not be the first platform that comes to mind when you think about book promotion, but it’s actually a hidden gem for authors. With its highly visual and evergreen nature, Pinterest can help you reach readers, build your brand, and even drive traffic to your books and website. Here’s how you can use it to your advantage.

Before diving into Pinterest, make sure your author platform is set up properly. This means having an author website with a professional design, a clear bio, and easy-to-find links to your books. If you have a blog, even better—you can use Pinterest to drive traffic to your posts. Don’t forget to set up an email newsletter so you can capture and connect with readers who find you through Pinterest. Having these foundational pieces in place ensures that the traffic Pinterest generates has somewhere valuable to land.

Pinterest functions more like a visual search engine than a social network. Users come to Pinterest to find inspiration, solutions, and ideas—which means they’re actively looking for content like yours. Unlike posts on Twitter or Instagram that quickly get buried, Pinterest pins can continue to drive traffic and engagement for months or even years after they’re published. Better yet, Pinterest attracts readers, educators, and creatives, making it a great platform to connect with your target audience.

Pinterest is particularly well-suited for certain types of authors and books. Genres like romance, fantasy, self-help, and cookbooks tend to thrive because they align well with Pinterest’s visual and aspirational nature. Nonfiction authors focusing on topics like productivity, home improvement, or wellness also perform strongly, as Pinterest users often search for actionable tips and solutions. The platform’s demographics lean heavily toward women (about 60%), with a significant portion of users aged 25-54. This makes it ideal for reaching female readers, book club enthusiasts, or individuals looking for inspiration and personal growth.

To get started, create a Pinterest business account so you can access analytics and advertising features. Use a professional author photo and write a clear, keyword-rich bio that includes a link to your author website or Amazon author page. Then, set up niche boards that cater to your audience’s interests. For example, if you write romance novels, you might create boards like “Romantic Reads” or “Love Stories to Swoon Over.” For nonfiction authors, try boards like “Productivity Tips” or “Best Self-Help Books.”

One of the most effective ways to promote your books on Pinterest is by designing beautiful, eye-catching pins. Use free tools like Canva to create pins that feature your book cover, a compelling tagline, and a call-to-action like “Buy Now” or “Read More.” Make sure your pins are vertical (2:3 ratio) and high-resolution. Write descriptions for your pins that include relevant keywords, such as your book’s genre or themes, and link each pin to a relevant page, whether that’s your book’s Amazon page, your website, or a blog post.

But don’t make it all about promotion. Share valuable content that complements your brand, like writing tips, inspirational quotes, book club discussion questions, or behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process. Joining group boards in your genre can also help you reach a larger audience. Look for active boards with lots of followers and contribute regularly.

Consistency is key on Pinterest. Pinning regularly—at least a few times a day—keeps your content fresh and helps you stay visible. Use Pinterest analytics to track which pins and boards are driving the most traffic, and focus on what works. You can even experiment with Pinterest ads to amplify your reach by promoting your best-performing pins. Don’t forget to leverage seasonal trends by creating pins around holidays or seasonal themes that tie into your books, like promoting your cozy mystery series in the fall or your romance novel near Valentine’s Day.

Pinterest is more than a place for DIY projects and recipe ideas. For authors, it’s a powerful tool to connect with readers, build your brand, and promote your books in creative ways. With a little effort and consistency, Pinterest can become a valuable part of your marketing strategy. Start pinning and let your books shine!

Why It’s So Important to Establish Your Author Platform First

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When it comes to marketing your book, think of it like fueling an airplane. Advertising, appearances, and promotions are the gas that powers your journey. But before you pour fuel into the tank, ask yourself: Is the airplane even built? Without a solid author platform, your promotional efforts may go to waste. Building your platform first ensures you’re ready to take full advantage of every opportunity—and here’s why.

Your Platform as the Foundation

An author platform is your home base, the essential foundation of all your marketing efforts. This includes your website, social media profiles, email list, and personal brand. If you start promoting your book without a platform, readers won’t have anywhere to go. Imagine launching an ad campaign or appearing on a podcast, only for potential readers to search for you and come up empty-handed. With a well-built platform, however, you create a seamless, engaging experience that keeps readers invested in your journey.

Creating a Place for Readers to Land

Promotions drive traffic, but that traffic needs a place to land. A professional author website serves as your central hub, featuring an “About” page, links to your books, an email signup form, and a blog or news section. Social media profiles and an email list add further touchpoints for readers to connect with you. When these pieces are in place, you can maximize the impact of your promotions, capturing potential readers and turning them into loyal fans.

Image Idea: A welcoming, beautifully designed website screenshot or template.

The Long-Term Value of a Platform

Unlike short-term promotional campaigns, an author platform builds lasting relationships. Readers who discover your work can follow your journey, subscribe to your updates, and eagerly await your next book. Without a platform, you’re relying on one-time sales. With one, you’re cultivating a fanbase that grows with you over time.

Image Idea: A tree with deep roots and branches symbolizing growth over time.

Avoiding Wasted Effort

Skipping the platform-building stage can lead to rushed, poorly executed efforts later. Imagine scrambling to design a website or create consistent social media branding while promotions are already underway. This not only creates stress but also risks losing valuable traffic. By building your platform first, you create a marketing machine that’s efficient, professional, and ready to support your efforts.

Image Idea: A busy worker juggling multiple tasks with a caption like “Don’t rush—build it right the first time.”

Defining Your Brand

Your platform is where you define who you are as an author. Are you a mystery writer with sharp wit? A children’s storyteller creating magical worlds? Your platform communicates your unique voice and personality, attracting the right audience and setting you apart in a crowded market. Readers don’t just fall in love with books—they fall in love with authors. Your platform ensures they connect with you.

Image Idea: A stack of books labeled with different genres to represent an author’s varied identity.

Marketing Without a Platform: A Costly Mistake

Running ads or attending events without a platform is like burning money. Even if your promotion succeeds, you’re only seeing one-time sales with no way to re-engage those readers. A strong platform changes that. Readers can visit your website, join your email list, and stay connected for future updates. This creates a self-sustaining system where every promotional activity builds momentum for your long-term career.

Image Idea: A pile of burning dollar bills with a caption like “Marketing without a platform is throwing money away.”

Your Platform Is the Airplane

Returning to the airplane analogy, your platform is the structure that supports your journey. The website acts as the cockpit, controlling everything. The email list serves as the communication system, connecting you directly to passengers (your readers). Social media forms the exterior design, drawing attention to your brand. Promotions, like fuel, power the journey—but without the airplane, you’re going nowhere.

Image Idea: An airplane diagram labeling each part as a component of an author platform.

Final Thoughts

Establishing your author platform before promoting your book is the most critical step in building a successful writing career. It ensures your efforts are effective, your readers are engaged, and your brand is clear. Think of your platform as the airplane—it needs to be built and ready for flight before you add fuel. Once it’s in place, you’ll be prepared to soar.

Image Idea: A plane taking off into the sunset, symbolizing success and readiness.

Weebly? Wix? WordPress? Which Website Platform is Right for You?

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So, I got into a heated debate with an author in a Facebook group the other day, and I thought I would share both the debate and my opinion on it here for your edification.   Here’s what happened (in brief, because the debate was on Facebook and went on for HOURS):

One author says “what is the best place for me to make a website?”

Another author jumps on and says: “I made mine out of Weebly and I love it.”

This is where I have to stop the presses and emphatically argue against using a platform like Wix or Weebly, simply because I want authors to OWN THEIR OWN WEBSITES and not be platform-dependent.   It has been my professional experience that building a site on a free platform like this (even if you are paying for the domain) almost always ends up in frustration and tears for the author.

Here’s the thing: I have THOUSANDS of hours of experience with this very subject, so I actually do think my opinion is really valuable here.   The debate ended up devolving into a “who is more right?” argument so I conceded just based on the subjectivity of opinion.

At any rate, I thought I would take this moment to express my opinion again to you, fellow author. Yes, it is true that some website is better than no website, but I have personally seen free platforms eat entire author websites, and I don’t want that to happen to you.

As plain and simple as I can make it, here is my opinion. I think you should have your own website, that is hosted on hosting that you pay for, and that the design should belong to you if you should ever want to switch hosting. I think you should be able to easily implement updates and changes to your website (like blog posts and minor updates, like to your author bio). I think you should be able to implement new features like email signup, giveaways, polls, and widgets with your book in them, and I think that all-in-one platforms like Wix and Weebly will start holding you back right around the time when you are motivated to grow your website and your platform (and therefore your audience/ following).

Also, I haven’t even begun to elaborate on my real-life experiences with these all-in-one platforms and SEO, which I find to be mutually exclusive. I have, more than once, had to sit a business owner or an author and tell them “Because you are using one of these all in one platforms, you are not ranking for YOUR OWN NAME in Google.”   This often prompts an expensive redesign, but at least at that point the business (or the author) can start to grow, since they are no longer within the confines of all that extraneous design code.   Again, my opinion, but backed up by hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of real-life experience.   In fact, as recently as DECEMBER, my company converted an orthodontist’s website from Weebly over to WordPress, and without exaggeration, within ONE WEEK it had multiple first page Google rankings and the business started getting phone calls. That is not an isolated experience, nor is it a coincidence. Yes, I even have this issue with the paid version of Weebly.   I’m sorry to people who love Weebly, but the “all-inclusive design” element really does slow everything down.

And with that, I will step off of my soapbox and let you go and build your author platform.  If you are at a complete loss about where to start, I have a whole course on How to Make a Website.

Is Social Media Worth It for Authors? The Real Story

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Why ‘Read My Book!’ Doesn’t Work…And What To Do Instead

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Almost daily, I receive requests from authors who want me to read and review their book. This is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks.

Not once have I reviewed a book on my author blog. Not because I don’t want to help authors (because I do, every day — more below), but because my blog doesn’t focus on books! I made a conscious choice to not focus on books and book reviews, since there are thousands if not millions of book blogs out there already. My theme, if you will, is giving authors a platform to share real-life experiences they may not want to share anywhere else.

And if the authors asking me for reviews did any type of research at all, they would know that, right? Social media and developing your author platform isn’t solely about promotion — it’s about building relationships. So here is what I recommend instead:

BOOK BLOGGERS

It can be intimidating to connect with book bloggers, particularly if it’s your first book. I feel your pain — thankfully, there are a few great options to help you.

1) BookBloggerList.com: Compiled by veteran book blogger and web consultant Barb Drozdowich (she designed my two sites and scores of others), the List is a way for authors to connect directly with book bloggers in their genre. Book bloggers are just people like you and me — who happen to love featuring books and authors! Spend some time getting to know what they review, what their submission guidelines are, and commenting on a few posts.

I also recommend connecting with them on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc. — again, not to pitch your book (ask any book blogger how to tick them off — pitching your book to them on Twitter or other social media usually does it). Be real, be human, contribute something to the conversation BEFORE you approach them. Would you walk up to someone on the street and ask for a review? NO. So don’t do it online either.

2) Do A Book Tour: There are many tour companies out there for a wide range of prices. I have the most experience with Pandora, owner of Orangeberry Book Tours — she’s reasonably priced and can tailor your tour as needed. Just remember this: book tours will sell a book here or there, but the main reason for doing them is this: visibility. If you and your book are mentioned on 30 or 60 book blogger sites, your SEO improves, as does your Google Ranking.

You do pay for a blog tour (primarily admin fees, graphics, and placement), but there’s no guarantee of reviews and if there is, that the reviews will be positive — which is fair.

BOOK REVIEWERS

Many times, book reviewers are also book bloggers, but not always. Many work full-time and don’t have book blogs, but do enjoy reviewing books, which is why I’ve listed them separately here. How to find and connect?

1) Amazon Top Reviewers: again, don’t hit these folks with pitches right off the bat. They get tons of requests every day — so how will you stand out? Here’s a great cheat sheet from Joanna Penn (The Creative Penn) who is a wonderful champion of authors.

In my own experience, I connected with three Amazon top reviewers on Twitter and just started following their recommendations, blog posts, tweets, etc. It took me awhile to ask them to review my book (and in one case, she offered). I also had them guest post for me on my business blog — not solely for relationship-building purposes, but because they could offer great free advice to all authors.

2) Books: there are many ‘how to’ books out there and even before I started writing for this site, I had purchased How To Market A Book by Lori Culwell and Katherine Fye Sears. It’s chock-full of tips about all aspects of marketing, but also specifically how to approach reviewers and get reviews.

3) Paid Reviews: No doubt you’re heard of paid sites like Midwest Book Review or Kirkus. Both cost money and they don’t in any way guarantee a positive review — and I think that’s fair. If the ‘big guys’ think your book is sub-par, it’s time to re-evaluate your book and get back to work. There are also more indie-centric options, like IndieReader. Do what works best for you and your budget.

Others disagree with me — if the review isn’t going to positive and you’ve paid for it, what’s the point? I believe that reviews must be honest and fair. Manage your expectations and you’ll do fine.

BETA READERS and/or ADVANCED READERS

We sit alone in our office for months or years, creating what we think is the perfect masterpiece. Many times, that’s it — an author runs it through spell and grammar check, formats it, slaps a cover on it, and calls it a book.

This is what people think indie publishing is all about and it’s NOT. I personally have never and will never do that.

You cannot live in a bubble! You have to show your work to others — and by others, I don’t mean your Aunt Martha who taught English during The Great Depression and did a quick check for you. After all, your book will be out there in the world — don’t you want to make it the best you can?

You need to show your work to critique partners (other writers in your genre whom you trust to give it to you straight), beta readers (non-professionals who read it for you at no cost — usually fans of your work or other interested parties), and/or advanced readers (can be similar to beta readers or others you know or who have expressed an interest in receiving an ARC (Advanced Review Copy).

Think of it as input, market research, and even pre-release marketing. All these activities (plus professional editing, proofreading,formatting and graphics) are to help your book become spectacular as well as to start creating word of mouth. Many people should see your book and give you feedback before you hit that publish button. Tip: ask them all to sign up for your newsletter (I use free Mailchimp) when you send out the beta or ARC, so when you do hit publish, they can all write their reviews!

Hope this helps you target book bloggers and reviewers in a more efficient way. Got questions? Ask below! 

Related articles

• The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers by Barb Drozdowich and Babs Hightower
• Should Authors Ever Pay For Reviews? It Depends.
• How to Pitch: Outreach Tips from Journalists
• Guest Post: A common mistake that authors make
• What My Clients Have Taught Me about Blogger Outreach
• Guest post by Barb and Babs for their blog tour
• Book Promo Feature – Just Wicked Enough by Lorraine Heath
• Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour by Donna Huber

Interview With a Book Blogger: Amber from Me, MyShelf, and I

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 You guys!   Some time ago, I interviewed my friend Amber Sweeney from the awesome book blog “Me, My Shelf and I.”   I was positive I put the interview up, but now I’m not so sure (and I can’t find it anywhere in the archive), so I’m posting it today.   It has so much good insight, I really want everyone to see it.  So, before you submit to a single book blog, be sure to read this entire interview.   Amber lays down the law, people!

Why did you become a book blogger?

 In all honestly, it wasn’t an intentional choice. I literally fell into it. When I started I had no idea that the community was so large, that authors were accessible and “real people”, and I certainly had no idea what an ARC was. Once I found everyone my focus was learning the ropes and having a solid blog that gave honest reviews and having  fun along the way. After several months, I knew there was no turning back for me. Book Blogger For-Evah!

 What do you love about being a book blogger?

I have made some perfectly amazing friends, both bloggers and authors alike. If you had told me, before I started all this, that I would have So-and-So’s phone number  (and actually use it for random chats and such) or I’d be sharing a meal with an extremely popular YA author, I would have said you were full of shit.

The bloggers I have met, man I can’t even tell you how much I love them all. It’s so great to not just have a few friends that have the same interests as me, but to have a whole army of them!

Also, I can’t lie–  the books are a major bonus. Not just the free ones, though they are a fun treat. The books I know about now because of blogging. The authors I have learned about and the things I have read that I would have otherwise not picked up make up more than half of my Read List. My reading horizon was broadened and that is NEVER a bad thing!

What do you hate about being a book blogger?

Well HATE is a strong word. I prefer, dislike, loathe or makes-me-angry-enough-to-claw-though-my-computer-and-shake-the-sense-into-people. That’s just me though. Every community, (dare I say job?) has good days and bad days, and the blogging community is no exception. Some of the things that I really loathe about blogging are:

1. Author on Blogger Hate (in this case, the use of a strong word like ‘hate’, works perfectly) Examples: Snapping at a reviewer who gave a bad review. Guess what? Not everyone is going to like your book, it happens. Move on and focus on the good ones. And P.S., your reaction makes you look like spoiled toddler and will actually lose you more readers than that review you got all pissy about! Kay, kay?

2. Blogger on Blogger Hate Examples: Helping to attack another reviewer who wrote a bad review on a book they happened to like. Hey, High School called they want their drama back. Or fighting over, or verbally attacking others online after things like BEA and ALA They got more books than me. Waaaaaah!!!! Really, you can’t read 257 books in a year…so chill out. And if you want them only for giveaways….uh…if you can’t afford giveaways…don’t do them. Seems like common sense. Right? You see, the publishers and authors out there are not there to keep your blog running. If you can’t run it without the books they sometimes give out, then your blog doesn’t have much of a future and chances are you’re in this for the wrong reasons. Truth hurts.

3. Blogger on Author Hate Example: I once watched a blogger have a full blown temper tantrum and attack an author ON TWITTER…publically lashing out at them. Wha Dafaq? The blogger apparently did something for the author, what I gathered was she had Author on her blog for an interview. This interview was asked for by the blogger, and at the time looking at her blog, it was new and small and thus the author was really doing the blogger a favor, as author was fairly popular. Well ARC time came around and blogger didn’t get one. She proceeded to spew cliché teenaged guilt ridden comments “Fine I guess I’m just not good enough” whilst tagging the author in them, thinking she was being clever about it.

Then when author responded, in a polite way this started the:“Why didn’t I get one?! I helped you!? You owe me!?”  lines. Sigh. One thing the blogger hadn’t processed was she wasn’t in the US and just FYI here kiddos – if you’re not in the US, opportunities for ARCs decrease significantly. It’s not discrimination; it’s expensive as hell shipping. And oh, when your blog has 14 followers, is a hot mess with crap all over and no structure or flow and you post once a month…guess what princess…you’re not going to be the top of an authors list to promote their book. Facts of life.

LASTLY – Authors get like 8 copies of their ARCs…..so think about this….She wants to keep one, maybe give one to her proud mommy…then have a few small giveaways for her benefit…NEVER ASK AN AUTHOR FOR AN ARC! That’s not what the copies they get are for. If you have not yet sorted out and secured contacts with publishers, chances are you’re not yet ready to be getting them any way.

4. Bloggers who are in this simply because they want free books and/or ARCs Read: having a blog does not mean that you are entitled to free books and/or ARCS. They are both GIFTS and are to be respected. Don’t hoard them. Don’t hog them. Don’t take them if you don’t think you can actually read them and for the LOVE OF GOD: DON’T EFFIN SELL THEM!

In all honesty if I have to see one more new blogger pop up asking how they can get free books, where to e-mail, and complain they don’t get them….I will scream so loud that God himself will have to cover his ears from the pain of the frequency.

5. What is the stupidest thing an author has ever done to try to get you to review a book?

A few months back a series of e-mails were going out to bloggers all around the world. (I learned this from chatting with other bloggers after it happened) The subject line was something like “Thanks for joining our tour!  Your post is enclosed”.

Panicked I missed something I scoured my calendar, my e-mails, I googled and goodreads-ed and still this book didn’t seem familiar to me. I e-mailed back, dreading having to say “Um I totally spaced out like an effin idiot and haven’t the slightest clue what you are talking about…” Don’t worry, I spiffed that up a bit before sending it off.

Turns out I HADN’T missed anything. It was a ploy by the author to generate responses. Her response back to my confused note filled with apologies was loaded with LOL’s and sentences in quotes like this: Thanks so much for “joining our tour”

My initial reaction, which I had to hold back, was to yell at her and demand to know why she thought that was a suitable way to get her book on my blog. I wasted an hour hunting down info on a make believe tour for crying out loud!! Instead I told her I couldn’t join and let it go. All was fine and great until 2 more like this arrived from other authors over the next few weeks and they DID hear my roar. I told them that this was a horrible way to go about things and that because I don’t like being lied to off the bat I will not be reviewing this or any of their novels in the future.

True or False:  A lot of the book proposals you receive about vampire books?

Sweet Jesus yes! TRUE. I would have to say that at least half of what we get asked to review is vampire related. I think that a lot of them are probably really good, but the market is over saturated with them and if I tool them all it would primarily be a vampire blog. I like vampires, I do but just not that many of them.

How to Get Reviews for Your Self-Published Book

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Getting reviews (hopefully good ones!) is a crucial part of any book’s success—particularly for self-published authors who often rely on word-of-mouth and online visibility. Reviews serve as social proof to potential buyers, help with Amazon’s recommendation algorithms, and even influence where your book ranks in search. But, where are you supposed to get them, especially if you’re a first-time author with no fan base and no email list?  Here are some tried-and-true methods for gathering honest reviews that can boost your self-published book’s credibility and readership.

Let’s talk about something that keeps many of us up at night: getting reviews for our books. We all know they’re important – they help readers discover our books, make Amazon’s algorithms happy, and give potential buyers confidence in their purchase. But how do you get them when you’re just starting out? It’s a challenge that every new author faces, and sometimes it can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are missing. Don’t worry, though – I’ve been there, and I’m here to share what actually works.

First Things First: Get Your House in Order

Before you start chasing reviews, let’s make sure you’re set up for success. You know how they say you should clean your house before having guests over? Same principle applies here. Think of it as preparing for company – you want to make a good impression and make it easy for people to stick around. The last thing you want is to finally get someone interested in your book, only to have them disappear because there’s no way to stay connected.

You need a home base – a simple website where readers can learn more about you and your books. Nothing fancy required! Just make sure you have a way for readers to join your email list (trust me, this will be crucial later). Offer them something special as a reader magnet– maybe a free short story or a bonus chapter – in exchange for their email address. This is your chance to show potential reviewers that you’re serious about your writing career and that you value their time and interest. Remember, professionalism doesn’t mean being stuffy – it means being prepared.

And please, please set up a proper way to distribute review copies of your book. Use something like BookFunnel that protects your work from being copied. I’ve seen too many authors learn this lesson the hard way. Not only does a professional distribution system protect your work, but it also makes the whole process smoother for your reviewers. When people have a good experience getting your book, they’re more likely to follow through with reading and reviewing it.

Your Secret Weapon: Advance Review Copies (ARCs)

Here’s where having an email list becomes gold. Before your book launches, you can offer advance copies to your subscribers. These folks already like you enough to be on your list, so they’re perfect candidates for early reviews. They’re also more likely to be genuinely interested in your genre and writing style, which means their reviews will resonate with your target audience. Plus, early reviewers often become some of your biggest supporters for future books.

No email list yet? No problem! Put your reader magnet and email signup in place (no, I am never going to stop saying that!), then go over and do the “Follower Funnel” method. You can still find potential reviewers in author and reader communities. Just be genuine about it – nobody likes feeling like they’re being used for reviews. Take time to participate in these communities, share your knowledge, and build real connections. The relationships you build now could lead to not just reviews, but long-term support for your writing career.

Finding Reviewers in the Wild

Let’s talk about book bloggers and social media reviewers. There are tons of wonderful people out there who love reviewing books in your genre. But here’s the honest truth: if you’re just starting out, the big-name reviewers probably won’t have time for you. That’s okay! Focus on connecting with smaller, engaged communities instead. These reviewers often have more passionate, dedicated followers who actually buy and read the books they recommend. Plus, they’re usually more accessible and eager to discover new authors.

Look for reviewers who specifically mention your genre. If you’ve written a cozy mystery about a knitting detective, find bloggers who love cozy mysteries. Keep a spreadsheet of potential reviewers, noting what types of books they prefer and their submission guidelines. Send them a friendly, personal message (not a mass email!) introducing your book. And remember – they’re doing you a favor, so be patient and gracious. Many successful author-reviewer relationships start with genuine appreciation for each other’s work and grow into lasting partnerships. The follower funnel method is the way to do this organically (although, it does take a long time).

Make It Easy for Readers to Review

Ever finish a book and think “I loved this!” but then never got around to reviewing it? Your readers are the same way. Give them a gentle nudge by adding a friendly note at the end of your book. Something simple like: “If you enjoyed this story, I’d love to hear what you thought! Your review helps other readers find books they might enjoy too.” Consider including direct links to your book’s review pages on various platforms – the easier you make it, the more likely readers are to follow through.

Think about timing too. The best moment to ask for a review is right when someone finishes your book, while they’re still caught up in the emotions of the story. That’s why including your request in the back matter is so effective. You might even want to mention what kinds of things readers could include in their review, like their favorite character or most memorable scene. Just be careful not to be too prescriptive – authentic reviews are always the most valuable.

The Power of Your Network (Without Being That Person)

We all have that friend who’s constantly pushing their business on Facebook, right? Don’t be that person. But do let your network know about your book! The key is being genuine about it. Share your excitement about your book release, and if people offer to help spread the word, take them up on it! Your authentic enthusiasm can be contagious, and people are often happy to support someone who’s pursuing their dreams.

Consider creating shareable content that your network can easily pass along – maybe some interesting facts about your research process, or funny stories about writing the book. When people feel like they’re sharing something interesting rather than just promoting a product, they’re more likely to help spread the word. And don’t forget to support other authors in your network too – what goes around comes around in the writing community.

What About Review Sites?

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: paid review services. Some are legitimate, many are not. Here’s the golden rule: if they guarantee positive reviews, run away. Fast. Amazon doesn’t allow paid reviews, and getting caught using them can cause serious problems for your author account. This isn’t just about following rules – it’s about building genuine trust with your readers.

There are legitimate services that connect authors with honest reviewers, but they should never guarantee specific ratings or results. Do your research, ask other authors for recommendations, and always read the fine print. Remember that a few genuine reviews from real readers who love your book are worth far more than dozens of paid reviews that might get removed anyway. Focus on building authentic connections with readers who genuinely enjoy your work. Oh, and always always offer your manuscript in a watermarked ePub form (rather than a downloadable pdf).  Bookfunnel has this exact service!

Goodreads is the heavyweight champion here. Picture a massive virtual book club with 80 million members. Being Amazon-owned gives it some nice perks, especially if you’re publishing through KDP. The real magic happens when readers add your book to their shelves – it’s like digital word-of-mouth on steroids. Plus, their giveaway feature can really get things moving. Think of it as the social media platform for book lovers.

NetGalley is where you go when you want to play in the big leagues. They connect you with the pros – we’re talking reviewers, journalists, librarians, the whole nine yards. It’s pricier, sure, but it’s like having a VIP pass to the industry insider club. Your book gets three months in their spotlight, which can be gold for visibility.

Now, BookSirens is pretty clever with their approach. They’ve got this pool of serious reviewers – we’re talking people who’ve proven themselves with at least 20 Goodreads ratings. Their one-book-at-a-time policy is brilliant – reviewers can’t ghost you and move on to the next book. With a 75% review rate, those are pretty solid odds.

Booksprout takes a different angle. They’ve got more users (40,000+) and a slightly higher review rate at 79%. They’re all about deadlines and getting reviews by specific dates. Plus, they’ll spread your reviews across up to eight different platforms, which is pretty handy for maximum exposure.

Choosing between these services really depends on your game plan. If you’re gunning for widespread visibility, Goodreads is your best bet. Need professional industry exposure? NetGalley’s your friend. Want guaranteed reviews from serious readers? BookSirens has your back. Looking for deadline-driven reviews across multiple platforms? That’s Booksprout’s specialty.

You might even want to mix and match – many authors do. Think of it like diversifying your investment portfolio, but for book reviews. Just remember to consider your budget, timeline, and what kind of readers you’re trying to reach.

The key is understanding that each platform serves a different purpose in your book marketing journey. It’s not about finding the “best” one – it’s about finding the right fit for your specific needs and goals.

Want my opinion? Start with one that best matches your immediate needs, then expand to others as you get a feel for what works. And don’t forget – whichever platform you choose, make sure your book is as polished as possible. Even the best review platform can’t make up for a book that’s not ready for prime time.

The Long Game

Getting reviews isn’t a sprint – it’s definitely a marathon. Keep writing great books, keep connecting with readers, and keep making it easy for satisfied readers to share their thoughts. Over time, the reviews will come. Think of it as building a foundation for your entire writing career, not just promoting one book. Each positive review is a brick in that foundation, and strong foundations take time to build properly.

Some practical tips for the long haul:

• Run occasional promotions to get your book into more hands, but make sure to space them out so they remain special
• Stay active in reader communities (without being spammy) by contributing valuable insights and genuine engagement
• Thank reviewers when appropriate (but don’t stalk them!) and consider featuring thoughtful reviews in your newsletter
• Keep building your email list for future launches, treating each subscriber as a potential long-term supporter
• Consider each review an opportunity to learn about your audience and what resonates with them

The Most Important Thing

Remember this: while reviews are important, they’re not everything. Focus on writing the best books you can and connecting genuinely with readers. The reviews will follow naturally. Don’t let the pursuit of reviews distract you from your primary job – telling great stories that people want to read and talk about.

And whatever you do, don’t let the pursuit of reviews drive you crazy. Some amazing books start slow and build momentum over time. Keep writing, keep connecting with readers, and keep believing in your work. Success in publishing often looks like a steady climb rather than a sudden spike, and that’s okay. Every review, every reader connection, and every book you write adds to your momentum.

Your turn! What methods have you tried for getting reviews? What’s worked? What hasn’t? Share your experiences – we’re all in this together! Building a supportive community of fellow authors can make the journey so much more enjoyable and successful. After all, who better to understand the challenges and celebrations of this wild publishing journey than other writers who are living it too?

Remember, every successful author started exactly where you are now – with a book they believed in and a determination to find their readers. Stay patient, stay authentic, and keep moving forward. Your reviews will come, and they’ll be worth the wait.