New Authors: How to Get Your First Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads > Likes and Comments
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Thank you! I have done one and two already. I’ll give three a try. Do you know if Amazon promotes the books you put on for free? I started yesterday and already had 50 orders by the end of the day, which has never happened before.
Lee wrote: ''Thank you! I have done one and two already. .....''You’re welcome, Lee! I’m glad to hear that. I also recently had a free book that got 109 orders, and it really surprised me. I’m not sure if it was Amazon’s promotion or Reddit that made the difference.
About Revvue... I am also a user, but with a caution.I signed up for the paid plan. I am retired, and a voracious reader, and I review everything that I read. Sadly, I tripped some internal switch at Amazon based on the number of reviews in a period of time. I am not banned from Amazon reviews (for life?), and all of the reviews that I posted were taken down.
Ouch for me, double-ouch for the authors.
My own fault, of course. I should have spaced out the reading and reviews. I entered a marathon and opened with a sprint.
Oops!
Be mindful, keep reading, keep reviewing, smile-smile-smile.
Hola, Lee. I did a free promo, posted to a handful if FB and Reddit groups, and had 70 downloads in one day. A Redditer explained to me that... Amazon does not do direct promotion, but there is an ecosystem of readers out there who scour the site for FREE reads every day. That likely accounts for the exposure, and the success.A couple of points:
1. My little book hit #3 in folk horror during free promo. Heady stuff, but good only for the screenshot and marketing - the ranking does not carry forward past free period.
2. I received 0 (zero) reviews from those downloads. I suppose that free readers are not active reviewers.
It was a real shot-in-the-arm for me, knowing so many people had downloaded some that I wrote. Happy-happy.
Best to you!
Steve wrote: ''About Revvue... I am also a user, but with a caution........''
Hi Steve, I’m sorry to hear that.
As far as I know, Amazon has a system where if you spend more than 50 USD in a year, you can write reviews for up to five non-purchased books per week for a year. My recommendation is to send one book per day from Sunday to Saturday.
Also, if you are a Kindle Unlimited (KU) subscriber, you can do seven readings per week. It’s important that with KU, the book is read completely and that you give stars from your phone first, again one book per day. The stars reflect in the system within 3 to 14 days. After the stars appear, if you write and submit your review from a PC, the review will appear within 1 to 5 days and will get the “Verified Purchase” tag.
My advice is also not to write reviews for non-purchased books while doing KU readings.
Steve wrote: '' Hola, Lee. I did a free promo, posted to a handful if FB and Reddit groups, and had 70 downloads in one day. Yes, unfortunately free book readers have a habit of not leaving reviews. I have distributed 1,500 free copies of my own books so far, but I have received only 3 reviews. Still, knowing that my ideas have reached other people is enough for me and very satisfying.
Hi! I’m a new author, and I recently released my book, Chronicles of Balance: Rise of the Sovereign.
If you’d like to check it out, here’s the link:
https://books2read.com/u/3G0r1n
Thank you so much for your time and support!
Mehmet wrote: "Steve wrote: '' Hola, Lee. I did a free promo, posted to a handful if FB and Reddit groups, and had 70 downloads in one day. Yes, unfortunately free book readers have a habit of not leaving revie..."
I agree with this completely. I’ve had readers message me directly to say they enjoyed my books, and even with a polite note asking for a review if they liked the read, many still never leave one.
I’ve come to realize it’s not about readers being dishonest. Most people just don’t think to review unless they’re already trained to do so, or unless the author is very visible and established.
From what I’ve seen, a lot of big review counts come after scale, larger audiences, newsletters, ARC teams, and repeated exposure. On the come-up, reviews are genuinely hard to earn, even when the feedback is positive.
It’s frustrating at times, but it also helps set realistic expectations early on.
Very true! Across my books, I have logged 332 downloads (mix of orders, free promos, pdfs) and gained 54 reviews. I first published on Oct 1, so I am feeling pretty good... especially compared to other new authors who bemoan their lack of downloads and reviews after a much longer period of time!
I review all of my review books. My kindle unlimited books have never rec'd a verified purchase post. Most of my review books come from NetGalley, Edelweiss+ , LibraryThing and GR giveaways. Only a few author direct contacts. I don't always accept author offers, but if I do, I will review.
Mehmet wrote: "How to Get Your First Reviews as a New Author:* Use the Revvue platform, which I also use. With a free membership, you can read 2 books per week and get 2 reviews: https://revvue.co/?ref=B0FB699L..."
Thanks Mehmet. I will do!
Eric Goldman wrote: '' Thanks Mehmet. I will do! ''You’re welcome Eric.
Best,
Mehmet
I'm new here. I started writing recently, although I wouldn't call myself an author. I'm just someone who writes. Someone who puts words on paper because they come from the heart, with no big expectations.I love reading. Always have. And I'm here for this: to read your books and leave an honest review. No lies, no fake enthusiasm. Just what I felt, page after page.
I want to help those who are just starting out, who self-publish, who try to make themselves known in a sea full of books where it's so easy to get lost. I got lost in that sea myself, at first. Then I realized I didn't want to be there chasing visibility for my own writing. I just wanted to read, and share.
I had my crisis. I went through it. Now I've accepted it. And I know how scary it is, how many doubts, how many sleepless nights. If I can, with a careful read and a few honest words, be a little light in that darkness for someone, well, it's worth it.
I'm not looking for publicity. I'm looking for stories. And if you want, I'll gladly read them.
Cynthia wrote: '' I'm new here. I started writing recently, although I wouldn't call myself an author...... ''Hi Cynthia,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I truly appreciate your sincerity and dedication to reading and writing, and your effort to support new authors is admirable. It’s wonderful to have you in our community, and we look forward to your contributions.
Best.
Mehmet
Mehmet wrote: "Cynthia wrote: '' I'm new here. I started writing recently, although I wouldn't call myself an author...... ''Hi Cynthi,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I truly appreciate your sincerity and..."
Thank you, Mehmet. I hope I can be of help to you.
Dear authors, please read the group and posting rules available on the group board : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...Mehmet
I have an unusual circumstance where I have a short book/audiobook out in the memoir/humor genre from writing I did in 2023, but I cannot currently write or read much currently due to a severe chronic illness. Therefore, I'm unable to read and review others' works. Do you know of another group or place to get honest reviews without having to be a contributor to the group (in my case, severe disability preventing me from contributing)?
David wrote: '' I have an unusual circumstance where I have a short book/audiobook out in the memoir/humor genre from writing .......''Hi David, first of all, I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you regain your health as soon as possible. For situations like this, here are some methods I know: you can share your book promotion in the free PDF section of our group; if you are a KU member, you can also share it in the Kindle + KU section of our group; you can join the giveaway system on Goodreads (paid); or on Revvue, you can subscribe to a higher paid plan to earn coins, which you can use to get reads and reviews for your book.
Best,
Mehmet
no reviews in my books still waiting for you
Hi, Dev. I am not clear on what this comment means.Have you tried the three suggestions at the top of this topic? Where are you expecting to get reviews in this forum?
And who is the 'you' in your message?
Mehmet wrote: "How to Get Your First Reviews as a New Author:* Use the Revvue platform, which I also use. With a free membership, you can read 2 books per week and get 2 reviews: https://revvue.co/?ref=B0FB699L..."
Hi Mehmet and All,
Thanks for all the helpful hints. Really appreciate the info.
Cheers,
Linda
Linda wrote: '' Hi Mehmet and All, Thanks for all the helpful hints. Really appreciate the info. ''You're welcome, Linda!
Best
Mehmet
Please note: Book promotions shared in the General section will be deleted. Kindly read the group rules and share your book promotions in the appropriate sections.Mehmet
Mehmet wrote: "How to Get Your First Reviews as a New Author:* Use the Revvue platform, which I also use. With a free membership, you can read 2 books per week and get 2 reviews: https://revvue.co/?ref=B0FB699L..."
Thank you so much for these resources, Mehmet!
As a new author, finding where to start with reviews can be tough, so these links are incredibly helpful. I’ll definitely check out Revvue and the Reddit community.
I have a quick question: Since my book is published through a traditional publisher, I don’t have the option for Kindle Unlimited 'free days.' I’ve noticed most people on Reddit share Amazon links for free ebooks. Is it common or acceptable to offer a free PDF format for reviews instead on Reddit? I’d love to know your thoughts on this.
Thanks again for all the support!
Cagla
Cagla wrote: '' Thank you so much for these resources, Mehmet!.... ''Hi Cagla,
Thank you so much for joining us—it's great to have you here! First of all, I wish you the best of success with your book.
Unfortunately, my experience with free promotions is limited to the Amazon system. I’ve seen that people share free book promotions in different ways through the Reddit link I mentioned, but I’m not very familiar with the details.
You’re also welcome to share your free book promotion in the relevant section of our group page. I believe our passionate readers will definitely be interested.
Best.
Mehmet : )
Mehmet wrote: "Cagla wrote: '' Thank you so much for these resources, Mehmet!.... ''Hi Cagla,
Thank you so much for joining us—it's great to have you here! First of all, I wish you the best of success with you..."
Thank you so much for your kind wishes and your help, Mehmet.
Warmly,
Cagla
Thank you so much for sharing these valuable insights! As a new author, navigating the world of book reviews can be quite challenging, and your tips provide a clear roadmap. I especially appreciate the advice on how to connect authentically with readers. Truly helpful!"
* Use the Revvue platform, which I also use. With a free membership, you can read 2 books per week and get 2 reviews: https://revvue.co/?ref=B0FB699LJ2
* Run free days on Amazon to reach more readers, and create eye-catching promotions on platforms like Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/FreeEBOOKS/
* Join Goodreads reading rounds and review tours to get your book noticed: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...