You've written the book. Edited it. Designed the cover. Published it. Now you need reviews. Not from your mom, who'll give it 5 stars no matter what. Not from your college roommate, who hasn't read a book since graduation. You need real reviews from actual readers who chose your book, read it, and had opinions.
But you're a debut author. No platform. No email list. No book blogger contacts. How do you get 25 reviews—the magic number where your book starts to look legitimate—without awkwardly begging everyone you know?
The answer: Strategic outreach to readers who already review books in your genre, combined with smart use of platforms that connect authors with reviewers. It takes work. It takes 4-8 weeks. But it's entirely doable, and this guide will show you exactly how.
You'll learn where to find reviewers, how to reach out without being spammy, how to build an ARC team from scratch, which platforms to use, and how to create a review-generation system that works not just for this book but for all your future books too.
Why 25 Reviews Is the First Goal
Why not 10? Why not 100? What's special about 25?
25 reviews creates legitimate social proof. Books with fewer than 10 reviews look risky—readers wonder if anyone else has actually read it. Books with 25+ reviews look established. Readers feel safe trying it.
Amazon's algorithm favors books with more reviews. While there's no confirmed "threshold," books with 25+ reviews tend to appear more in recommendations and also-bought sections.
25 reviews provides statistically meaningful star average. With 5 reviews, one 3-star review tanks your average. With 25 reviews, occasional 3-stars don't hurt as much. The average stabilizes.
Psychologically, 25 feels substantial to readers. It's enough that scanning the reviews gives them variety—different perspectives, reading experiences, opinions. They can find reviews from readers similar to them.
25 is achievable. 100 reviews feels overwhelming for debut author. 10 feels too easy. 25 is challenging but doable in 4-8 weeks with focused effort.
Your path: Get to 25 reviews, then 50, then 100. Each milestone makes the next easier. But start with 25.
What Won't Work (And Why)
Before we get to what works, let's eliminate what doesn't. Save yourself time and potential Amazon penalties.
Friends and Family
Why it's tempting: They're accessible, they support you, they'll definitely review.
Why it doesn't work: Their reviews are obvious. "I know the author and this book is amazing!" or generic praise that doesn't mention specifics. Readers spot these immediately. They don't build genuine social proof.
Exception: If you have friends/family who are genuine readers in your genre and will write honest, detailed reviews without mentioning they know you, fine. But most can't do this convincingly.
Review Swaps with Other Authors
Why it's tempting: Other authors need reviews too. Trade reviews, everyone wins.
Why it doesn't work: Against Amazon's Terms of Service. If caught, your reviews get deleted and your book can be suspended. Not worth the risk. Also, author reviews often don't reflect typical reader experience.
Paid Review Services
Why it's tempting: Pay $300, get 50 reviews. Done.
Why it doesn't work: Most are fake reviews from click farms. Amazon catches these eventually (algorithm is good). Your book gets flagged, reviews deleted, potentially banned. Even "legitimate" paid reviews often look generic and unhelpful. Not worth it.
Offering Incentives for Reviews
Why it's tempting: "Review my book and get entered to win $50 Amazon gift card!"
Why it doesn't work: Against Amazon's TOS. You can't incentivize reviews. You can give away your book for free (ARCs) but can't offer anything additional in exchange for review.
Spamming Reviewers
Why it's tempting: Find 500 book bloggers, send same email to all, get 25 reviews.
Why it doesn't work: Response rate is near zero. You get blocked, reported, develop bad reputation. Even if you get some reviews, you've burned bridges. Personalization and relationship-building work. Mass spam doesn't.
Now that we've eliminated the shortcuts, here's what actually works.
Strategy 1: Build an ARC Team from Scratch
ARC = Advanced Reader Copy. An ARC team is a group of readers who receive your book free before publication (or shortly after) in exchange for honest reviews.
The goal: Recruit 50-100 ARC readers, get 10-20 reviews.
Yes, only 10-20% will actually review. That's normal. Plan for it.
Where to find ARC readers:
Instagram (#arcreader)
Instagram has massive ARC reader community. Search #arcreader combined with your genre:
- #arcreader + #thriller - #arcreader + #romancebooks - #arcreader + #fantasybooks - #arcreader + #cozymystery
You'll find thousands of accounts. Look for: - Active accounts (posted within last week) - Reviews your genre regularly - States whether they accept ARC requests (check bio)
How to reach out: DM (not comment): "Hi [Name], I saw you're an ARC reader for [genre]. I have a [genre] [book type] releasing [date] about [one-sentence pitch]. Would you be interested in an ARC in exchange for an honest review? No pressure if not—just thought you might enjoy it based on your recent review of [specific book they posted about]." Personalization is key. Mention specific book they reviewed recently. Response rate: 10-30% will respond, half of those will say yes. Contact 100 accounts, get 15-30 ARCs out.
Facebook Reader Groups
Join genre-specific reader groups (not writer groups—reader groups).
Examples: - "Cozy Mystery Readers" - "Psychological Thriller Book Club" - "Romance Readers Community" - "Fantasy Book Lovers" Don't immediately post asking for reviews. That's spam. Instead: 1. Join and engage for 1-2 weeks (comment on posts, join discussions) 2. Check group rules (some allow ARC requests, some don't) 3. Post (if allowed): "Hi everyone! I'm [name], and I've just finished my [genre] novel. I'm looking for ARC readers—if you enjoy [comp titles] and [tropes/themes], I'd love to send you a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Drop a comment or DM me if interested!" Some groups have specific "ARC request" threads or days. Use those.
Response: 10-30 interested readers per group. Join 5 groups, engage, post. You'll get 50+ ARCs out.
Goodreads ARC Reader Groups
Goodreads has groups specifically for connecting authors with ARC readers:
- "Making Connections" - "ARC Angels" - Genre-specific ARC groups Join these groups, follow their posting guidelines (usually specific formats/threads), and post your ARC offer.
Your Existing Network (If Any)
If you have email list or social media following, this is easiest source:
Email subject: "Be one of the first to read [Book Title]" Body: Brief pitch, what ARC means, the ask (honest review), sign-up link.
Even a small list (50-200 people) can yield 5-10 ARC readers.
BookSirens and BookSprout
These platforms connect authors with ARC readers.
BookSirens: Has free tier. Upload your book, set parameters (genres, content warnings), ARC readers browse and request. You approve requests, they download, commit to review.
BookSprout: Paid ($10-30/month depending on plan). Similar model but larger reader base.
Both are legitimate, not fake review farms. They're matchmaking services.
Expected results: 20-50 ARC readers, 5-10 reviews.
Creating your ARC signup process:
Use Google Form or TypeForm. Ask: - Name - Email - Preferred format (mobi for Kindle, epub for other, PDF) - Where will you review? (Amazon, Goodreads, both, Bookbub, etc.) - Favorite authors in this genre (helps you vet they're right audience) - Will you commit to reviewing within 2-3 weeks? Once they submit, send them: 1. The book file (via email or BookFunnel—BookFunnel is easier for readers) 2. A thank you letter 3. Clear instructions: "Please leave honest review by [date] on [platforms]" 4. Where to contact you with questions Don't demand 5-star reviews. Emphasize "honest." 3-star honest reviews are better than no reviews.
Need help writing ARC reader outreach messages?
River generates personalized outreach templates and review request letters that feel genuine and get responses, tailored to your book's genre and audience.
Create Outreach TemplatesStrategy 2: Targeted Book Blogger and Bookstagrammer Outreach
Book bloggers and bookstagrammers review books regularly. They have audiences. A review from them gets visibility beyond just Amazon.
Finding reviewers:
Google Search
Search: "[your genre] book blog" or "[your genre] book reviewer"
Example: "psychological thriller book blog"
You'll find blogs that review your genre. Visit them, read their review policy page (most have one).
Instagram Search
Search #bookstagram + your genre: - #bookstagrammer + #thriller - #bookstagram + #fantasy Find accounts with 500-10,000 followers (not mega-influencers, not tiny accounts). Mid-size accounts are most responsive.
TikTok Search
#booktok is huge. Search your genre + #booktok. Find creators who review books, check their bio for contact info or DM option.
Check Comp Title Reviews
Find books similar to yours on Amazon. Read 3-4 star reviews (not 5-star, not 1-star—3-4 star reviews are most detailed). Click reviewer profiles. Some reviewers list their blog/Instagram.
Follow that trail. If they reviewed your comp title favorably, they might enjoy your book.
Vetting reviewers before reaching out:
Don't waste their time or yours. Check: - Do they review your genre? (Don't pitch horror to romance blogger) - Active in last 30 days? - Do they accept review requests? (Check about page or bio) - What's their review policy? (Format preferences, content warnings, response time) If they say "not accepting requests," don't contact. Respect boundaries.
Outreach template:
Subject (email): Review Request: [Genre] [Book Type] for Fans of [Comp Titles]
Body: "Hi [Name], I came across your review of [specific book they reviewed] and loved your thoughts on [specific detail from their review]. It's clear you appreciate [aspect of genre]. I've just published [or: am preparing to launch] my [genre] [novel/book], [TITLE]. It's about [one-sentence hook]. If you enjoy [comp author 1] and [comp author 2], you might enjoy this. [Optional: Brief pitch—2-3 sentences about plot/characters/themes] I'd be honored if you'd consider reviewing it. I can provide ebook (mobi, epub, PDF) or audiobook [if applicable]. No pressure if it's not your thing or if your schedule is full—I know you receive many requests. [Include any content warnings if relevant to your book] Thank you for your time and for the wonderful reviews you share with readers. Best, [Your name] [Link to book page or your website]" What makes this work: - Personalized (mentions specific review) - Respects their time ("no pressure") - Clear about book content - Professional but friendly - Includes relevant info (format options, content warnings) What to avoid: - Generic copy-paste (they can tell) - Begging or desperation - Offering payment or incentives - Long-winded pitch (keep it brief) - Multiple follow-ups if they don't respond Response rate: 5-15% will say yes.
That means contacting 100 reviewers might get 5-15 reviews. Yes, it's work. But it's legitimate, sustainable, and builds real relationships.
Follow-up: One follow-up is okay if they don't respond in 2 weeks. "Hi [Name], following up on my email from [date]—totally understand if you're busy or if this isn't your genre. Just wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in your inbox."
If still no response, move on. Don't be that author who harasses reviewers.
Strategy 3: Goodreads Giveaway
Goodreads Giveaways are powerful for getting your book in front of thousands of readers.
How it works: - You offer print copies (usually 5-10 books) - Set giveaway duration (usually 2-4 weeks) - Readers enter to win - Goodreads randomly selects winners - You ship books to winners - Winners are prompted to review (though not required) Benefits: - Your book appears in giveaway listings (visibility) - Readers add your book to their "to-read" shelf (even if they don't win) - Winners often review (50-70% review rate, higher than ARCs) - Builds Goodreads presence Cost: Print book cost + shipping. For 10 books in US, budget ~$100-150.
Expected result: 3-7 reviews from 10 winners.
Not a huge number, but combined with other strategies, it helps. Plus, the visibility is worth it—hundreds or thousands of readers see your book and add it to their lists.
How to maximize giveaway success: - Run it 4-6 weeks before launch (if pre-launch) or anytime post-launch - 10 copies > 5 copies (more winners = more visibility) - 2-4 week duration (long enough for discovery, not so long people forget) - Clear description of book with genre signals - Professional cover (people judge books by covers in giveaways) After giveaway ends, message winners thanking them and gently mentioning you'd appreciate an honest review when they finish.
Strategy 4: BookFunnel Group Promotions
BookFunnel is a platform for delivering ebooks to readers. But it also hosts group promotions—multi-author collections where readers can download multiple books in a genre.
How it works: - Join a BookFunnel group promo in your genre - Offer your book free or discounted - Readers browsing the promo see your book alongside 20-100 other books - They download yours (if it appeals) - You get their email (with permission) - You can follow up asking for reviews Types of promos: - Free book promos (you offer book free for limited time) - ARC reader promos (specifically for getting reviews) - Genre-specific promos ("Cozy Mystery Lovers," "Fantasy Fans") Finding promos: Browse BookFunnel's promo listings (if you have account) or search "BookFunnel group promos + [your genre]" to find organizers who run them.
Expected result: 50-500 downloads depending on promo size, 5-15 reviews if you follow up well.
Follow-up strategy: Email readers 2 weeks after they download: "Hi [Name], You downloaded [BOOK TITLE] from the [Promo Name] promotion a couple weeks ago. I hope you've had a chance to read it (or it's on your TBR pile)! If you've finished it, I'd be incredibly grateful if you'd consider leaving an honest review on Amazon/Goodreads. Reviews help readers find books they'll love, and your opinion really matters. [Link to book page] Thank you so much, whether you review or not. I'm just glad the book found its way to you. Best, [Your name]" Not everyone will have read it. Not everyone who read it will review. But you'll get some.
Strategy 5: NetGalley (If Budget Allows)
NetGalley is the industry-standard platform for distributing ARCs to professional reviewers, librarians, booksellers, educators, and media.
Cost: $450-500 for 6-month listing.
That's steep for indie author on budget. But if you have marketing budget, it can be worth it.
Benefits: - Access to professional reviewers - Librarians discover your book (library sales) - "Traditionally published" perception - Quality reviews from experienced readers - Potential for trade publication reviews Who should use NetGalley: - Authors with marketing budget - Those targeting library market - Authors who want traditional publishing perception - Books that fit mainstream tastes Who should skip it: - Tight budget (use free methods first) - Niche genres that don't have NetGalley audience - Brand new authors testing waters Expected result: 20-50 requests, 5-15 reviews. Not guaranteed—depends on your book's appeal and how you market it.
NetGalley is nice-to-have, not must-have. If budget is tight, skip it. If you have $500 to invest in marketing, it's solid option.
Creating Your Review Request Message
Whether you're reaching out to ARC readers, bloggers, or your own readers, you need review request message. Here's how to write it.
Essential elements:
1. Thank them for reading. "Thank you so much for reading [TITLE]. I hope you enjoyed it!" 2. Make the ask clear and simple. "If you have a moment, would you consider leaving an honest review on Amazon/Goodreads?" 3. Emphasize honest, not positive. "Honest reviews—even 3-star reviews—help readers find books they'll love. I appreciate your genuine thoughts." 4. Make it easy. Include direct link to book's Amazon page and Goodreads page. 5. No pressure. "No pressure if you're busy or if reviewing isn't your thing. I'm just grateful you read it." Full template: "Hi [Name], Thank you so much for reading [TITLE]! I hope you enjoyed it (or at least found it interesting). If you have a few minutes, would you consider leaving an honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads? Reviews really help readers discover books they'll love, and your opinion matters. Honest reviews—even 3-star reviews—are valuable. I'd much rather have your genuine thoughts than anything else. Here are the links: - Amazon: [link] - Goodreads: [link] No pressure if you're busy or if reviewing isn't your thing. I'm just grateful you took the time to read the book. Thank you, [Your name]" Tone: Grateful, not demanding. Friendly, not desperate.
Timing: - For ARC readers: Request review 2-3 weeks after sending ARC - For purchased readers: Request 2-4 weeks after purchase (if you have email list) - One reminder is okay, two is pushy, three is harassment What NOT to do: - Ask for 5-star review specifically - Offer incentive for reviewing - Make them feel guilty for not reviewing - Send multiple follow-ups - Comment on Amazon asking people to review (against TOS)
Timeline: 4-8 Weeks to 25 Reviews
This doesn't happen overnight. Here's realistic timeline.
Pre-Launch Timeline (Ideal):
Week 1-2: Build ARC team - Create signup form - Post in Facebook groups - DM Instagram ARC readers - Set up BookSirens/BookSprout - Goal: 50-100 ARC signups Week 3-4: Send ARCs - Deliver books via BookFunnel or email - Include review request letter - Set review deadline (2-3 weeks from delivery) - Start Goodreads giveaway Week 5-6: First reviews come in - 10-20% of ARC readers review - Send one gentle reminder to those who haven't reviewed - Continue blogger outreach - Goal: 10-15 reviews Week 7-8: More reviews + launch - Additional ARC reviews trickle in - Goodreads giveaway winners review - Launch with 15-25 reviews already live - Organic reviews start (people buying book and reviewing) Post-launch: Momentum builds - Week 9-12: Continue outreach, run BookFunnel promos, hit 50+ reviews - Month 4+: Organic reviews increase as more people read Already Published Timeline (Damage Control):
Week 1-2: Start outreach - Build ARC team (still works post-launch) - Start Goodreads giveaway (physical copies) - Join BookFunnel promo - Blogger outreach Week 3-4: Deliver and follow up - Send ARCs to team - Follow up with BookFunnel downloads - Continue blogger outreach Week 5-8: Reviews arrive - ARC readers review - Giveaway winners review - Blogger reviews go live - Goal: 25 reviews by week 8 It takes longer post-launch because you've lost the "exclusive ARC" appeal. But it's still doable.
Need a complete review generation plan?
River creates a customized week-by-week strategy for getting your first 25 reviews, including outreach templates, platform recommendations, and realistic timelines based on your book and situation.
Create My PlanHandling Negative Reviews (They Will Happen)
You'll get 3-star reviews. Maybe 2-star reviews. That's normal and actually good.
Why negative reviews are good:
They look authentic. All 5-star reviews looks fake. Mix of 5, 4, and 3-star reviews looks real.
They provide useful info to readers. "I wanted more romance" tells romance readers this might not be for them but tells thriller readers it's plot-focused. That's good—saves everyone time.
They don't hurt as much as you think. Most readers ignore 1-2 star reviews (assume personal taste mismatch) and focus on 3-4 star reviews for useful info.
What to do with negative reviews:
Don't respond. Never, ever respond to reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. Even polite responses look defensive. Just don't.
Don't ask reviewer to change review. Against Amazon TOS and makes you look bad.
Don't report it unless it violates TOS. Legitimate critical review ≠ violation. Only report if review contains harassment, spoilers, off-topic content, or is clearly fake.
Learn from it. If multiple 3-star reviews mention same issue (pacing, ending, character development), consider addressing it in next book.
Move on. Every book gets negative reviews. Bestsellers have 3-star reviews. It's part of publishing.
Average star rating matters less than review count. Book with 4.3 stars and 50 reviews will outsell book with 4.8 stars and 5 reviews. Volume matters more than perfection.
Long-Term: Building a Sustainable ARC Team
Don't think of this as "getting 25 reviews for this book." Think of it as building infrastructure for all your future books.
Keep track of reviewers who actually reviewed. The 20% who followed through? They're gold. Create spreadsheet: - Name - Email - Platforms they review on (Amazon, Goodreads, blog, Instagram) - Date you sent ARC - Did they review? (Y/N) - Review quality (detailed/helpful?) For next book, reach out to these people first. They've proven they're reliable.
Thank reviewers. When someone reviews, send quick thank-you email. Doesn't have to be elaborate: "Hi [Name], just saw your review of [TITLE]—thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I really appreciate it!"
This builds relationship. They'll be more likely to review your next book.
Offer them first access to next book. "Hi [Name], you reviewed my last book and I really appreciated it. I'm working on Book 2—would you like to be one of the first readers when it's ready?" Many will say yes. Suddenly you have built-in ARC team for Book 2.
By Book 3-4, you'll have 30-50 reliable ARC readers. That's 6-10 reviews guaranteed on launch day. Much easier than starting from zero every time.
This is how professional indie authors operate: They build ARC teams of 50-200 readers over years. Launch day, they have 20-40 reviews immediately. You're building that infrastructure now, starting with Book 1.
What to Do While Waiting for Reviews
You've sent out 50 ARCs. You've contacted 100 bloggers. Now you wait. While waiting:
Keep writing. Next book is best marketing for this book. Start Book 2 (if series) or next standalone.
Optimize book page. Make sure description is compelling, categories are right, keywords are targeted.
Build platform. Start email list, post on social media, engage with readers in your genre. Platform makes next launch easier.
Learn marketing. Read about Amazon Ads, newsletter swaps, BookBub, other marketing strategies. You'll use these once you have reviews.
Don't obsess over review count. Checking Amazon every hour won't make reviews appear faster. Check once per day, max.
Reviews trickle in over weeks. Patience is required.
Your 25-Review Action Plan Checklist
Preparation (Week 0): - [ ] Book is published (or ready to publish) - [ ] Cover is professional - [ ] Description is optimized - [ ] Categories and keywords are set - [ ] Decided on timeline (pre-launch or post-launch) - [ ] Created ARC signup form (Google Form) - [ ] Set up BookFunnel account (if using) - [ ] Drafted review request template - [ ] Drafted reviewer outreach template Week 1-2 (Recruitment): - [ ] Posted ARC request in 5+ Facebook reader groups - [ ] DMed 50+ Instagram ARC readers - [ ] Set up BookSirens or BookSprout campaign - [ ] Started Goodreads giveaway (if budget allows) - [ ] Researched 100+ book bloggers/bookstagrammers in genre - [ ] Goal: 50-100 ARC signups + 20-30 blogger contacts made Week 3-4 (Delivery): - [ ] Sent ARCs to all signups via BookFunnel/email - [ ] Included review request letter with each ARC - [ ] Followed up with personalized messages to bloggers who expressed interest - [ ] Joined BookFunnel group promo (if using) Week 5-6 (First Reviews): - [ ] 5-10 reviews received - [ ] Sent thank-you notes to reviewers - [ ] Sent gentle reminder to ARC readers who haven't reviewed - [ ] Continued blogger outreach (contact another 50) Week 7-8 (Push to 25): - [ ] 15-25 reviews received - [ ] Goodreads giveaway ended, winners received books - [ ] Followed up with BookFunnel promo downloads - [ ] If pre-launch: Launched with 20+ reviews live - [ ] If post-launch: Continued outreach to hit 25 Ongoing: - [ ] Tracking who reviewed (building ARC team database) - [ ] Thanking all reviewers - [ ] Monitoring review count growth - [ ] Planning next book's review strategy based on what worked If you've completed this checklist, you should have 25+ reviews within 6-8 weeks.
Final Thoughts: It's a Numbers Game
Getting your first 25 reviews is hard. Harder than writing the book, honestly. Because it requires putting yourself out there, reaching out to strangers, facing rejection (most people won't respond), and waiting patiently for results.
But here's the truth: Every successful author went through this. They started with zero reviews. They built their ARC teams one reader at a time. They sent hundreds of outreach emails. They ran giveaways. They waited. And gradually, reviews accumulated.
The difference between authors who succeed and those who don't isn't talent or luck. It's persistence. It's sending 100 outreach emails when the first 50 got no response. It's recruiting 100 ARC readers knowing only 15 will review. It's running a Goodreads giveaway for 10 people when you're not sure anyone will enter.
You're playing a numbers game: - 100 ARC signups → 15-20 reviews - 100 blogger contacts → 5-10 reviews - 10 Goodreads giveaway winners → 5-7 reviews - 50 BookFunnel downloads → 3-5 reviews Total: 28-42 reviews. You've hit your goal.
It takes 6-8 weeks. It takes consistent effort. It takes following up, tracking responses, and not giving up when the first 20 people don't respond.
But it works. And once you have 25 reviews, getting the next 25 is easier. And the 25 after that even easier. Because now you have social proof. You have an ARC team. You have bloggers who reviewed your first book and will consider your second. You have infrastructure.
This isn't just about getting 25 reviews for this book. It's about building the foundation for a sustainable author career. Start now. Send that first DM to an Instagram ARC reader. Post in that Facebook group. Create that signup form. The reviews won't appear on their own. But with systematic effort, they will appear.
You can do this. Go get those 25 reviews.