Book Reviews improve search engine optimisation, visibility AND sales. They matter! But asking for reviews feels so cringe. Surely if they liked it, they would say? Ummm, no. That doesn’t happen.

Six Examples of how to ask for Reviews

Book lovers

If you enjoyed [My Book Title], would you leave a quick review? It doesn’t have to be long – just a few words about what you liked. Your review helps other readers find stories they’ll love, and it means the world to me. You can leave it on Amazon or wherever you like to shop for books. Thanks so much!

If you had fun reading [My Book Title] (or felt something, or saw the world a little differently), I’d love it if you could leave a quick review. Just a sentence or two is perfect! Reviews help others decide what to read next—and they really help authors like me keep going. You can post it on Amazon or wherever you bought your copy. Thank you!

If someone wrote to you – compliments and criticisms

Thank you so much for your kind words about [Book Title], it really means a lot! Would you mind sharing a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads? Even a sentence or two can help other readers find the book. No pressure at all—just knowing it landed with you is already the best kind of encouragement. 
Here’s the link: [insert link]

Thanks so much for reading [Book Title] and for sharing your thoughts so openly. I really appreciate hearing what worked for you and what didn’t. If you’re open to it, I’d be grateful if you posted a short review. Every reader’s voice helps shape how the book is discovered.”
Here’s the link: [insert link]

Thanks again for reading [Book Title] and for sharing such thoughtful feedback. I really value your insights. It’s always so helpful (and encouraging!) to hear how different parts of the story landed. If you ever feel like leaving a short review—just a few lines—it would mean a lot. Honest reviews really do help other readers decide if it’s the kind of book they’re looking for.

Here’s the link, just in case: [insert link]

Social media post or newsletter signoff

“Authors thrive on reader feedback! If you enjoyed [Book Title], I’d be so grateful if you could leave a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few words about what you loved most. Reviews help spread the word and support indie authors like me! 💙📚” (Don’t forget your icons for social media!)

Reflective

“I really appreciated your thoughts on [Book Title]. It’s always fascinating to see what resonates differently with each reader. If you ever feel like sharing your impressions in a short review, I’d be so grateful. It helps others decide if the story might speak to them too.”

Playful

“Hey, if you’ve finished [Book Title], I’d love to hear what you think! Your review is like a high-five for authors like me, and it helps other readers decide if they want to join the adventure. Just a sentence or two would mean the world!
Here’s the link: [insert link]

Casual

“Thanks again for reading [Book Title]. I loved hearing your take on it! If you’d like to leave a quick review somewhere like Amazon or Goodreads, that would be amazing. No pressure at all, but it truly helps more than you’d think.”

Encouraging

“Your feedback really gave me something to think about—and I mean that in the best way. If you ever feel like putting a few of your thoughts into a review, I’d be so grateful. It helps readers find books that match their tastes, and helps writers keep improving.”

Simple 

“Thanks again for reading [Book Title] and for your thoughtful comments. If you feel up to sharing a short review, it’d mean a lot. I always appreciate honesty, and so do other readers looking for their next good read.”

Coffee Shop Chat

Picture us chatting over coffee, talking books. You’d probably tell me what you loved—or what caught you off guard—about [Book Title]. That’s really all a review is: a little bookish conversation, just in writing. If you’ve got a minute, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s the link: [insert link]

The Secret Mission

“Pssst… you’ve been chosen for a top-secret mission! 🎯 If you’ve finished [Book Title], your next step is to leave a short review. Why? Because every review helps other readers find this book, and you, my friend, have the power to make that happen! 🕵️‍♂️ Ready? Click here to complete your mission: [insert link]” (Social media works well with icons!)

Five Tips for asking for reviews that get results

1. Make it easy
   Provide a direct link to where readers can leave a review (Amazon, Goodreads, etc.). The fewer steps, the better!
2. Ask at the right time
   The best time to ask is right after they’ve finished the book, while their enthusiasm is high. If sending a newsletter, consider including the request a few days after their purchase.
3. Be Personal and show gratitude
   Let readers know how much their feedback means to you. A simple “Your review truly makes a difference, and I appreciate it more than you know” can go a long way.
4. Emphasize how easy it is
   Some readers hesitate to write reviews because they think they need to be long or detailed. Reassure them that even a sentence or two is incredibly helpful.
5. Incentivize (NO bribing!)
   Amazon prohibits incentivized reviews. But you CAN encourage engagement by saying, “Leave a review and let me know! I’d love to personally thank you.” Or host a giveaway where leaving a review isn’t required but encouraged.

What to do with Book Reviews when you get them!

Yes, reviews are a wonderful confidence boost, but they’re also marketing gold. You can reuse reviews in so many ways:

• Your website!
  Feedback builds credibility. Turn a set of reviews into a fun slider or a dedicated testimonials page! Make sure the reviews feel real by including names, details, or even photos of the reviewer when possible.
• Book Announcements
  Reviews provide social proof that encourages new readers to buy.
• Speaking Engagements
  Highlight endorsements when pitching yourself as a speaker. A well-placed testimonial can add authority and influence.
• Social Media
  Share reader feedback in graphics, videos, or posts to keep your audience engaged.
• Newsletters
  Drop in a testimonial at the end of your emails, and don’t forget to ask for more!
• Amazon listings & retail sites
  More reviews = more visibility, leading to higher rankings and more sales.

5 Ways to get the full power of Reviews on your website

• Create a dedicated Review Section: set up a page where potential readers can see all your best testimonials in one place.
• Use a Review Slider on your homepage: make sure glowing reviews are one of the first things visitors see.
• Incorporate Reviews into your book’s online description: add a compelling reader quote near the buy button for instant credibility.
• Video testimonials: if a reader, influencer, or industry expert has great things to say, a short video review can be incredibly persuasive.
• Encourage more reviews with a call to action panel: at the end of your book, on your website, and in your emails, kindly remind readers to leave a review.

Readers!

Please help authors by leaving thoughtful reviews for books you love. It makes a huge difference!