Asking readers for reviews

[Marian Perera]

I'd like more reviews (wouldn't we all?) but I was wondering something. If someone emails you out of the blue to say hi, I read your book and it was great, would you reply thanking them and then asking or suggesting that they post this as a review on Amazon, B&N, etc?

So far I've been thanking people and letting them know that I've planned a sequel to my book. It didn't occur to me to ask anyone to post a review because I figured, that's up to the reader and they might feel pressured by such a request. But today I read a suggestion to do this (in a polite non-pressuring way, of course) so I was curious as to what other writers thought of this - and of course, how readers would feel.

Marian Perera
Flights of Fantasy

[Prem Rao]

I have given the links to how my bookcan be bought on Amazon.com etc and added a comment " Would appreciate your writing a review after you have read the book". It may work, it may not. But it does drum some enthusiasm for someone who might like to leave a comment if not a whole review.

[Stormi Johnson]

I am a reviewer and I have had authors ask me if I wouldn't mind putting my review up on amazon, etc. I have no problem doing this, and actually most of the time I have already done it because I usually do to help the author.

[Marian Perera]

I've been very fortunate reviewer-wise - everyone who's commented on my book has mentioned something different that they enjoyed, and a couple of reviewers have pointed out things that could be improved. To me, that's worth much more than hundreds of comments which all say, "This is a fantastic book! Must read! An instant classic!"

[Tim Roux]

I certainly wouldn't mind that sort of request although I never make it myself.

 

I doubt very much that they would be offended. They have just spent 10 very initimate hours with you and enjoyed themselves immensely!

[Alex Ko]

Well, no I think that people understand the need for an author and their need for publicity. Anyways

 

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[William Bentrim]

Go for it.

Replying is imperative regardless of any request.  On several occasions, I have been lucky enough to be approached to autograph one of my books and found that in spite of the ubiquitous nature of the web many people are unaware they can review books.  One woman said she thought you had to "be" someone to review a book.   I told her that to me she was someone and if she would be kind enough to write a review and post it I would be thrilled.  As much as I love reviews from fellow authors and bloggers the reviews that mean the most are the ones that come from my tiny little fan base.  One woman wrote me that she used my book,  Mommy’s Black Eye to start a dialogue with her 18 year old daughter that was in an unhealthy relationship.  My target market for a picture book is significantly younger than 18 but I have to tell you, I was emotionally moved by the idea that I may have helped someone escape an abusive relationship.  Due to confidentiality issues I refrained from asking that woman to post a review but in most cases, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask someone who has taken the time to reach out to me that if they are so inclined to write a review I would be flattered. 

 

[Marian Perera]

Yes, I see what you mean. It's like the reader saying to the writer, "I loved your book" and the writer replying, "I'd love your review". A give-and-take.

[jack everett]

What does it take to make a friend? An awful long time of growing to know and trust someone but replying to a person who has spent their hard earned cash on something you created is sufficient for me to start the process. I would reply and thank them for their kindnesses but I would never ask them to write a review 'cos that could end the friendship before it gets started.

I prefer reviewers to be professionals or volunteers and leave your readers to come back for your next book.

[Russell Brooks]

It never hurts to ask. If they really enjoyed the book, many readers are more than happy to help out the author. Some might even be thrilled knowing that it came as a personal favor. If James Patterson, Joseph Finder, Barry Eisler, or JA Konrath wrote me asking them a favor, then I'd be very excited to do so. The more reviews you have on Amazon, etc, then the more visibility you have.

 

Russell Brooks

Pandora's Succesion

[Derek Lantin]

Why not ask them? They may well be flattered and pleased to be asked. I have had a few requests like that about 'Come Here and I'll Show You' and each time I have explained that I would be grateful if they would post a short comment on the publishers webpage. All of them have done so and all of them seemed happy to be involved. Derek Lantn http://dereklantin.booksabuzz.com

[Mystee]

In my opinion...and I do a lot of reviews...if I read a book just because, I generally do put a review up on my blog and link it with Shelfari and Goodreads.
Those happen to be my favorite places.
Even as a reviewer, I find that I get annoyed at busy times with authors email me back, thanking me for the review and linking me to several more places they'd like it placed at.
If they've sent you a copy of a review they've done, I'd ask if they'd allow you to post it up other places with credit and link to them.

[Marian Perera]

I'd be a little worried about putting such a review up on Amazon or B&N because it would be under my name.... even though I'd be posting someone else's feedback, readers glancing casually at the page might think I'm the author reviewing her own work. Or am I being too cautious about this?