Special! Write a Great “Before You Go” Page for Your Book
Here’s something that might surprise you: the page AFTER your last chapter could be the most valuable real estate in your entire book.
It’s your review request page. And most authors either skip it entirely, mumble through it apologetically, or make it so generic that readers click right past it.
But when done well? This single page can mean the difference between your book disappearing into Amazon’s abyss and actually finding the readers who need it most.
Why This Page Matters More Than You Think
Amazon’s algorithm doesn’t care how brilliant your insights are. It cares about one thing: reader engagement. And nothing signals engagement like reviews.
Every review tells Amazon: “Hey, people are actually reading AND responding to this book.” That triggers the algorithm to show your book to more potential readers. It’s that simple.
But here’s what most authors miss: readers WANT to help you. They just finished your book. They got value from it. They’re in a generous mood. You just need to ask—and make it easy.
What Makes a Great Review Request
Look at this example:
Before you go, I’d like to request a bit more of your time. If you found this book helpful, I would be so grateful if you would please leave a short review on Amazon.
Even if you read only one or two chapters, you could mention why those insights helped you on your consulting journey or something you might avoid doing in the future. Books like this are buried in a sea of books unless kind, generous readers like you take the time to post honest reviews. When reviews are posted, the algorithms take note and promote the book to other potential readers.
Thank you in advance for this generous expression of your appreciation. Your review will encourage me to spend more time sharing my advice with the public in this way. Being able to help others through writing means everything to me.
You can also email me directly with your thoughts at roy.benford@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.
Notice what this author does brilliantly:
1. He asks directly and personally
No hedging, no apologizing. Just a straightforward, warm request.
2. He makes it concrete
“Even if you read only one or two chapters…” This removes the pressure. You don’t need to have devoured every word to leave a helpful review.
3. He explains the “WHY” without being desperate
The algorithm explanation demystifies the process. Readers understand they’re not just being nice. They’re actively helping the book reach other people who need it.
4. He lowers the barrier
Suggesting what to mention (“why those insights helped you” or “something you might avoid”) gives readers a starting point. Blank pages are intimidating. Prompts are helpful.
5. He opens up a connection
The direct email invitation transforms a transactional request into a relationship opportunity.
Another Review Request Example
Before you close this book…
I have one small request: Would you take three minutes to leave a review on Amazon?
Your review doesn’t need to be long or polished. Even a few sentences about [specific aspect 1] or [specific aspect 2] helps other [your target reader] discover whether this book is right for them.
Here’s the truth: Books like this live or die by reader reviews. When you post an honest review, Amazon’s algorithm notices and shows the book to more people who are searching for exactly this kind of help.
Your few minutes could mean [specific benefit to other readers].
You can leave a review here: [Amazon link]
And if you’d like to continue the conversation, I’d genuinely appreciate hearing from you directly at [your email]. Your insights, questions, and experiences matter to me.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for being the kind of person who helps others by sharing what you’ve learned.
The Elements You Must Include
✓ A direct ask — Don’t dance around it
✓ Permission to keep it short — Remove the intimidation factor
✓ Specific prompts — Give them something to write about
✓ The algorithm explanation — Help them understand their impact
✓ A direct review link — Make it one-click easy
✓ Personal contact info — Open the door to a relationship
What to Avoid
✗ Apologizing for asking
✗ Making it sound like a favor TO you (frame it as help for other readers)
✗ Begging or desperation
✗ Offering incentives (Amazon will remove reviews)
✗ Asking people to write reviews before they’ve read the book
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about manipulation. It’s about making it easy for grateful readers to help other people find what they need.
Your reader just spent hours with your ideas. They invested in you. Now give them a simple, clear way to extend that value to others.
Don’t bury the most important page in your book. Make it count.
Need help crafting the perfect review request for YOUR book or developing your whole manuscript? That’s exactly what I do. Let’s talk. Reach out to me here.