TIPS FOR ARC READERS: WRITING A Strong Book REVIEW

As an ARC reader, your honest feedback is incredibly valuable to authors, especially to debut authors and indie authors. Often, the number one way people hear about our books is by reviews—not only do they attract potential readers, but large booksellers (especially Amazon) rely on reviews to determine how likely they think the book will sell, which will impact how often they appear in searches.

Here are a few tips to consider when writing your review:

Be Genuine: Share your thoughts openly, whether you loved certain aspects or found parts that weren’t to your taste.

Initial reactions: Discussing your initial thoughts on the plot, pacing, characters, and overall vibes of the book adds depth to your review. What captivated you about the storyline? How did the pacing affect your reading experience? Which characters left a lasting impression? Sharing these insights gives potential readers a glimpse of what they can expect if they were to pick up the book in the future.

Avoid (or tag) Spoilers: Keep it suspenseful for future readers by avoiding major plot reveals (anything in the second half of the book). If you want to talk about the end of the book, make sure you preface it with something like ‘SPOILERS AHEAD’ so anyone who doesn’t want to be spoiled can skip that section.

Would you recommend this book? Would you recommend this book? If the answer is yes, specify the audience that would benefit most from reading it. Instead of naming individuals, opt for a more general approach. For example, consider recommending it to friends and family, suggesting it for your local book club, or mentioning it as a great pick for mystery enthusiasts. The broader your recommendations, the more helpful they become for potential readers seeking their next captivating read.

If you didn’t enjoy the book, can you think of an audience who would like it? If so, focusing on why you didn’t enjoy it and who you think would enjoy it could still be meaningful—keeping the book out of the wrong hands is just as important as getting the book into the right hands. However you choose to review, if you convey your thoughts constructively by focusing on providing specific feedback about the aspects that didn't resonate with you, the review should still be helpful to potential readers. As an ARC Reader, if you finish reading your ARC before the publication date, you can also consider writing to the author directly instead of leaving a review to point out areas where you felt the plot could be strengthened, character development improved, or pacing adjusted.

In general, leaving a negative (and constructive) review is fine, but it is best if hold off reviewing until shortly after the book is launched so it doesn’t significantly impact the book’s ratings before launch.

WHERE TO REVIEW (AND WHEN)

🌟 Social Media / Your Blog: Share your thoughts on TikTok, Instagram, or any other platforms where you connect with fellow book lovers. You could even tag a friend you think would enjoy it! If you have a blog, it's a fantastic place to post your review as well. The power of social media and blogging allows you to reach a wider audience, sparking conversations and connecting with individuals who share your passion for literature. So don't hesitate to spread the word and create a buzz around the book, potentially introducing it to new readers who would love to delve into its captivating pages.
🌟 Goodreads / StoryGraph: As soon as you finish reading, you can leave your review on Goodreads and The StoryGraph, two popular platforms specifically designed for book enthusiasts to share their thoughts and recommendations. By leaving a review on these platforms, you contribute to the book's visibility and assist other readers in determining whether it aligns with their preferences. Your reviews serve as a valuable resource for the reading community.
🌟 Amazon: If you have an Amazon account, it’s very helpful to review on Amazon, but they will not allow reviews until release day, ensuring that reviews come from genuine readers who have experienced the book firsthand. Although Amazon may require you to purchase the book to leave a review, it's a small investment that not only supports the author but also enables you to express your thoughts and contribute to the book's success on the world's largest online marketplace for literature.
🌟 Barnes and Noble: If you have a Barnes and Noble account, reviewing on their site could make a big impact! You can usually share your opinion and recommendations as soon as you finish reading the book. By providing feedback on Barnes and Noble, you add to the book's overall rating and assist potential readers in making informed decisions about adding it to their own reading lists. Your review might just be the nudge someone needs to discover a literary gem they've been searching for.

Remember most ARC readers are under no obligation to review, but authors greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing your thoughts.