Why 50 Reviews Matters
So your book is published—or almost there—and now the real question hits: “How do I actually get people to read this thing… and leave a review?”
You’re not alone. For many indie authors, those first 50 reviews can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. And sure, you could text your mom, your best friend, or that coworker who “loves to read,” but let’s be honest, chasing reviews from friends and family rarely works long-term. It’s awkward. It’s unreliable, and it doesn’t build the kind of foundation you need for a real readership.
But those 50 reviews? They matter.
They unlock your book’s potential. More reviews mean more trust from potential buyers. They increase your visibility in Amazon’s algorithm. They give you a baseline to run ads and promotions. And they show that yes, people are reading your work.
This article is your roadmap. We’re going to walk through ethical, repeatable, and scalable strategies that help you build up your review count without pressure, guilt trips, or gray-area tactics. Whether you're days from launch or already live, you can absolutely get there—and you don't have to do it alone.
Let’s get started.
Build a Review Plan Before You Publish
The biggest mistake authors make? Waiting until launch day to think about reviews.
If you want to hit that 50-review milestone, you need a plan before your book goes live. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. You just need to make a few smart moves early.
Start with a Review-Ready Manuscript
First impressions matter. If you’re asking people to take time out of their day to read your book and leave a thoughtful review, the least you can do is make sure it’s polished. This means:
- Professional editing – At minimum, a solid copy edit.
- Clean formatting – For both print and ebook.
- Readable pacing and structure – If beta readers are getting stuck or confused, fix it before you launch.
The better the reading experience, the more likely you’ll get positive, genuine reviews—and fewer one-star "DNF" rants.
Create a Review Call-to-Action
You’d be surprised how many readers enjoy a book and never think to leave a review—unless you remind them.
So, remind them.
Add a short, friendly message at the back of your book. Something like:
“If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a quick review. Just a sentence or two makes a huge difference. Thank you!”
Include a direct link if possible (for ebooks especially). You can even create a custom redirect like yourwebsite.com/review that forwards to your book’s Amazon or Goodreads page.
Set Up Your ARC Team the Right Way
If you're serious about getting reviews early, one of the most powerful tools you can use is an ARC team—a group of readers who get your book before it launches in exchange for an honest review.
But here’s the catch: sending out free copies doesn’t guarantee reviews. You need to recruit the right readers, set expectations, and follow through.
What’s an ARC Team, and Why Does It Matter?
ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy. These are pre-publication copies sent out to trusted readers so they can read your book before it hits the shelves and (hopefully) post a review shortly after launch.
The payoff?
- You start launch week with reviews already in place.
- You generate early buzz and word of mouth.
- You’re no longer begging strangers to be your first reviewer.
And when done right, your ARC team can become one of the most powerful parts of your long-term author career.
Where to Find ARC Readers (Without Spending a Fortune)
Don’t worry—you don’t need a massive email list or influencer budget to build an ARC team. Here’s where to look:
- Your existing newsletter – Even if it’s small, these are your warmest leads. Ask for volunteers.
- Facebook reader and reviewer groups – Look for groups specific to your genre (e.g., “Cozy Mystery ARC Readers” or “Romance ARC & Beta Readers”). Read the rules and post a genuine request.
- StoryOrigin or BookFunnel – These platforms help manage and deliver ARCs securely. You can also join group promos to find new readers.
- Reddit and Discord communities – If you're active in genre-specific spaces, asking for early readers can go surprisingly well, as long as you’ve built some rapport first.
Tip: Don’t just ask for reviewers—ask for people who love your genre and want to support indie authors. The wording matters.
Keep Your ARC Team Engaged (So They Actually Review)
It’s one thing to give out free books. It’s another to actually get those reviews posted.
Here’s how to increase your success rate:
- Send a welcome email – Thank them, remind them it’s an advance copy, and let them know where/when to post.
- Set expectations – Be clear (and polite!) that the purpose of the ARC is to leave an honest review. No pressure for 5 stars—just honest feedback.
- Send reminders – A gentle nudge a few days before launch, and again a week after, can double your review count.
- Make it easy – Give them direct links, post dates, and a checklist if needed. The less work they have to do, the better.
And always, always thank them—even if they don’t end up reviewing.
Tap Into Your Existing Audience (Without Guilt Trips)
You probably have more potential reviewers around you than you realize, but asking them the wrong way can backfire. No one likes feeling pressured, and nothing kills goodwill faster than “Hey, can you leave a five-star review?”
The key is to make it easy, casual, and optional. Think invitation, not obligation.
Email Your List with Value, Not Pressure
If you have a newsletter (even a small one), this is your best low-hanging fruit. These readers already care about your work. What they need is a reminder that you care about reviews.
Try something like this:
Subject: 🎉 It’s Launch Day! Want to Help Me Out? Hey [First Name], Today’s the day! [Book Title] is officially live, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. If you’ve had a chance to read it (or even just started), would you consider leaving a quick review? Just a sentence or two makes a huge difference for new readers. 👉 [Leave a Review on Amazon] Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me. I couldn’t do this without you. With gratitude,
[Your Name]
Short, friendly, and no pressure.
Use a Gentle Social Media Prompt
Social media is a great place to generate review momentum—if you do it with finesse. Here’s how to keep it light and engaging:
- Celebrate milestones: “Just hit 10 reviews! Huge thanks to everyone who's read and shared already 💙 If you've finished the book and have a minute to leave a quick review, it would mean the world: [link]”
- Share screenshots or quotes: “Got this sweet review today from a reader who said the characters stayed with her for days. That’s why we write. 💛”
- Ask open questions: “If you've ever left a review for a book, what made you decide to? Just curious!”
This creates engagement without begging. And it keeps the idea of reviewing in your readers’ minds without turning your feed into a promo machine.