Components of a Successful Book Review Request

If you’re an author launching a new release, don’t underestimate the importance of a successful book review request. 

Numerous, positive reviews help you sell your book, especially as a new author. However, gathering those first few reviews can be a challenge. Importantly, you want reviews from trusted members of the audience you’re writing for. So, how do you capture the right people’s attention and gain a valuable review? 

The solution is a professional, concise, and compelling book review request.

So, you’ve identified bloggers, experts, or other well-connected members of your audience. You’ve networked and found an email address to which you can send a request. What next?

When drafting an email query to potential reviewers, you are essentially cold-pitching to a stranger. Odds are, they don’t know who you are or why they should listen to what you have to say. A book review request therefore needs to read both like a friendly introduction and a professional pitch. 

Here are the key components of a book review request that will improve your chances of success:

A Personalized Introduction

To start off, it’s always great to discuss their work and how you came across it. Perhaps you read one of their books or related to one of their posts. Or maybe you have a mutual acquaintance. Sharing personal connections and impressions can make the conversation more engaging.

After establishing the connection, you can introduce your own work and the purpose of the email. It’s important to include a concise hook (1-2 sentences) that summarizes the topic and appeal of your book.

A Call to Action (CTA)

Make sure to include a simple, actionable call to action. Do not attach a copy of your book to this email—not yet. A successful book review request does not immediately assume that your contact will agree. Be respectful of their time. Moreover, you want to protect your work from undue distribution. Always gauge interest first before sending copies of your book out into the world.

Your call to action should ask for no more than an email response at this point. For example: “If you’re interested, please let me know where to send a free copy of my e-book.”

A Brief Blurb

At this point in your book’s journey, you most likely already have several versions of a blurb and synopsis for your new release. Include the most to-the-point version available, and ensure your blurb’s tone is professional. 

If you’re writing a self-help or how-to book, consider including a bulleted list of benefits to the reader. The more skimmable your blurb is, the more likely it is that the potential reviewer will absorb the information you include in your book review request.

A Short Bio

The author bio is your chance to demonstrate what makes you qualified to write and promote your book. Keep this section as brief as possible, no more than two paragraphs at most. Include only qualifications that directly relate to the book or your audience. 

The following is a book review request I recently received from author Ryan Lindner. It’s a stellar example of what a successful book review request should look like.

Hi! Happy Monday!

I noticed your review of The Four Agreements on Amazon. I appreciate what you wrote. I’ve got a new book coming out that I think you’ll like: The Half-Known Life: What Matters Most When You’re Running Out of Time.

I know you’re busy, but I’d be honored if you’d provide an honest review on Amazon. I’m hoping to help as many people as possible get “unstuck.”

If you’d be interested, I’d love to email you a free copy of the book. I can send you an ebook (.epub for many ebook readers, or .mobi for Kindle), pdf, paperback, or audiobook. Which do you prefer?

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

Ryan Lindner

Quick blurb about the book:

The Half-Known Life challenges conventional thinking of success, identity, and personal change. Most often, truly-profound life change happens following events that shake people to their core—a car accident, death of a family member, or a cardiac arrest that pulls someone into a moment of clarity. Priorities change when time becomes precious.

I draw on my experience as a behavioral coach managing a chronic health condition following sudden cardiac arrests in an emotionally-driven exploration of what matters most that is sure to resonate.

Short Bio:

Ryan Lindner is a personal development specialist who has worked as a behavioral coach for clients and top organizations all over the world. After two sudden, unexplained cardiac arrests at a young age, he began to explore different perspectives with clients that come with any profound, life-changing event. If you aren’t living, you’re dying. It wasn’t uncommon for Ryan to teeter on unconsciousness even, at times, while working with a client, requiring him to prioritize his own energy and time masterfully, and assisting clients to do the same.

Ryan has conducted over 6,000 sessions for the US military, he has led operations for a major leadership and organizational change company, and manages learning and development projects for companies to reshape their customer experience. He has appeared on dozens of podcasts, radio shows, over 400 webinars, and was a keynote speaker at over 20 corporate events on 4 continents.

Check out another great example of a strong book review request.

Takeaways

The book review request was executed excellently, with all the necessary components included in a concise and professional manner. I am truly excited to read the book and provide my honest review.

Here are some useful tips to gather reviews for your book release, following the successful example set by Ryan Lindner. By implementing these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful book launch.

Want More?