Steps
Build an ARC (Advance Review Copy) list
An ARC reader list is a group of readers who agree to receive your book before publication in exchange for an honest review. Build this list by:
- Mentioning it in your social media bio and posts
- Adding an ARC signup form to your author website
- Posting in genre-specific Facebook reader groups (check group rules first)
- Asking your existing email list
ARC readers receive the book 2–3 weeks before launch and post their review on or after launch day.
Use ARC platforms
BookSirens, NetGalley, Reedsy Discovery, and StoryOrigin all connect authors with ARC readers who request books in specific genres. These readers have agreed to read and review — their review rates are typically 30–70%.
Cost: BookSirens and StoryOrigin have free tiers. NetGalley is expensive ($450+ per title) and better suited to publishers.
Add a review request in your book
Add a short note at the end of your book (before the back matter, so Kindle readers see it before the file ends): "If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Even two sentences make a huge difference for an indie author. Thank you."
This simple addition consistently generates reviews from readers who would otherwise move on without reviewing.
Follow up with your email list
Email your list on launch day and 1 week later. Include a direct link to your Amazon review page (the URL ending in /product-reviews/[ASIN]). Make the request personal and specific — "I'm aiming to get 20 reviews in the first two weeks. Even a sentence or two helps."
Engage genre communities authentically
Be active in Facebook groups, Reddit communities (r/fantasy, r/romancebooks, r/kdp), and Goodreads for your genre — before you launch, not just at launch. Readers who know you as a community member are more likely to review than strangers.
Tips
- Amazon has strict review policies — never offer compensation for reviews, never ask friends/family to review (Amazon can detect account connections), and never participate in review swap groups.
- Goodreads reviews don't appear on Amazon directly, but Goodreads shelf activity (want to read, currently reading) influences discoverability on Goodreads itself — a useful secondary channel.
- The "Editorial Reviews" section on your product page can be filled with quotes from readers, bloggers, and other authors (with their permission) — these are not subject to Amazon's review policies and appear prominently on your page.
FAQ
How many reviews does a KDP book need to rank well?
There's no fixed threshold, but 10+ reviews is where Amazon begins surfacing a book in "also bought" and recommendation widgets. 25+ reviews is where the social proof signal becomes meaningful for casual browsers. 50+ reviews puts you solidly in the credible range for most niches.
Can I ask my readers to review on Amazon directly?
Yes — asking readers for honest reviews is explicitly allowed by Amazon. What's not allowed: incentivising reviews (offering payment, gift cards, free books in exchange), providing reviewers with suggested review text, or creating a family member account to review your book.