Introduction – It’s Not Just About Getting Reviews, It’s About Getting the Right Ones

If you’ve ever read a review that starts with, “I don’t usually read this kind of book, but…” — you already know the problem.

Getting reviews is one thing. Getting reviews from people who actually read, understand, and enjoy your genre? That’s the game-changer.

When a reviewer is a fan of your genre, they speak the language. They appreciate the tropes, recognize the structure, and evaluate your book based on the standards of that category—not some vague, mismatched expectation. And that means better, more useful reviews for you and your future readers.

But here’s the catch: genre-specific reviewers don’t usually fall into your lap. You have to know where to look and how to approach them.

That’s what this guide is for. Whether you write cozy mysteries, dark romance, post-apocalyptic thrillers, or spicy fantasy with morally questionable fae princes—there are readers out there who want what you’re writing.

Let’s help them find you.

Start with Your Ideal Reader in Mind

Before you can find the right reviewers, you need to know exactly who you’re looking for. Not just “people who like books”—but people who love your kind of book.

This step gets skipped more often than you’d think. But it’s the key to making every review request feel targeted, respectful, and welcome.

Know Your Genre Inside and Out

This isn’t just about labeling your book as “fantasy” or “romance.” Readers and reviewers tend to organize their preferences around subgenres, tropes, and themes.

Ask yourself:

• Is it romantic suspense or small-town sweet romance?
• Is it urban fantasy with found family or grimdark sword-and-sorcery?
• Is your sci-fi space opera, climate dystopia, or cyberpunk?

Bonus tip: Write down 2–3 comp titles—books similar to yours in tone, content, or structure. This helps reviewers instantly know if your book fits their tastes.

Define Your Ideal Reviewer

You’re not just looking for anyone with an Amazon account. You're looking for people who naturally gravitate toward your genre and already read books like yours.

Think about:

• What other authors they likely follow
• What language they use in reviews (do they focus on pacing? spice level? world-building?)
• Where they spend time online (Are they on TikTok? In a cozy mystery Facebook group? Active on r/Fantasy?)

The more specific your mental picture, the easier it will be to find those people—and avoid the ones who won’t connect with your story.

Platforms That Help Match Reviewers by Genre

If you want to find readers who already enjoy books like yours, you need to go where they’re actively looking for their next read. The platforms below do more than connect you with warm bodies—they help you get in front of genre-aligned reviewers who are eager to find books that fit their tastes.

Let’s break down the best ones for indie authors.

StoryOrigin & BookFunnel

These platforms are best known for email-building and group promos, but they also offer review tools that connect you with genre-specific readers.

How to use them for reviews:

• Create a review copy landing page and share it via promo events.
• Join group promos with other authors in your genre—many readers joining these events are review-friendly.
• Readers opt in knowingly, so they’re more likely to be genuinely interested in your book.

Best for:

• Authors with even a small email list
• Genres with active indie communities (romance, fantasy, sci-fi, etc.)
• Building long-term reader relationships while collecting reviews

BookSirens & Booksprout

These two platforms were designed with genre-based review discovery in mind. Readers sign up by choosing what genres they want to read, so your book is only shown to people already into your niche.

BookSirens

• Readers must maintain a solid review rate to stay active.
• You can see stats like average review length and star ratings.
• Strong filters by genre, spice level, trigger content, and more.

Booksprout

• Offers review deadlines and reminders to keep readers accountable.
• Includes automated follow-ups and tracking tools.
• Especially useful for authors writing series or planning multiple launches.

Best for:

• Authors in romance, mystery, fantasy, and other active genres
• Those wanting a more hands-off ARC process
• Getting early, honest, genre-specific reviews

Goodreads Groups

Goodreads may be chaotic, but the groups feature is still one of the most targeted ways to reach readers by genre—especially if you’re willing to participate a bit first.

How to use them:

• Search for groups by genre, trope, or subgenre (e.g., “Paranormal Romance ARC Exchange” or “Thriller & Suspense Book Reviewers”).
• Look for threads or dedicated spaces where review requests are allowed.
• Always follow the group’s rules—no drive-by promo posts.

Pro tip:

Don’t just drop a link and run. Engage. Comment on other threads. Offer a clear, respectful pitch:

“Hi! I’m looking for a few reviewers for a [subgenre] ARC—think [Comp Title 1] meets [Comp Title 2]. Happy to provide ebook copies. Just message me if interested!”

The Niche Reviewer Blog Scene

Yes, book bloggers still exist—and many of them have incredibly loyal, genre-focused followings. Even if they’re smaller, a thoughtful review on a blog (and cross-posted to Goodreads/Amazon) can carry weight.

How to find them:

• Search “[your genre] + book review blog”
• Look for bloggers who actively review indie or self-published books
• Check if they list their review policy and contact info

When reaching out:

• Be professional and polite
• Personalize the message (mention something they’ve reviewed that’s similar to your book)
• Offer formats they prefer (usually EPUB or MOBI)
• Be clear: “No pressure—only if it sounds like a fit for your interests”

Social Media Spaces by Genre

While platforms like Goodreads and BookSirens are built around books, don’t overlook the power of social media—especially niche spaces where readers naturally gather, gush about their favorite tropes, and post reviews without needing to be asked.

These communities can be incredibly loyal once they fall in love with your work—and they’re often where trends begin.

Facebook Groups

Facebook is still packed with reader and reviewer groups, many organized tightly around genre, subgenre, or even specific tropes.

How to find them:

• Search for your genre + “readers,” “ARC team,” or “reviewers” (e.g., “Cozy Mystery ARC Readers,” “Spicy Dark Romance Reviewers”)
• Use filters to find active, engaged groups (look at number of posts per day/week)
• Read the group rules before posting

Best practices:

• Join a few weeks early and observe first
• Comment on posts, show you're a real person
• When allowed, make a clear, respectful pitch:“I’m looking for early readers for a new [genre] release. Think [comp title] with a twist. Happy to share ARCs if this is your jam!”

Reddit & Discord

Both platforms have tight-knit communities that often break out by genre, and they tend to value authenticity over sales talk.

Reddit

• Subreddits like r/Fantasy, r/RomanceBooks, r/UrbanFantasy often allow self-promo on designated days or threads
• r/IndieBookReview and r/YAwriters may allow ARC or reviewer callouts

Pro tip:
Use Reddit as a reader first. Comment on posts. Upvote others. Build karma before you post.

Discord

• Many genres have Discord servers for book clubs, indie author collectives, or fandoms
• Some servers have ARC request or review channels
• Reach out via groups you’re already part of (e.g., writing or genre-specific communities)

TikTok & Bookstagram

BookTok and Bookstagram have exploded with genre-specific communities, especially in romance, fantasy, and YA.

How to find the right creators:

• Search hashtags like:
  • #SpicyBookTok
  • #GrumpySunshineRomance
  • #DarkFantasyReads
  • #ThrillerTok
• Look for creators with 1k–10k followers—they’re more likely to respond and open to indie authors
• Check if they mention accepting ARCs or indie books in their bios

How to reach out:

• Comment on a few of their posts first (be genuine)
• Send a message that’s polite, short, and customized:“Hi! I saw you love [comp title/trope]. I’m an indie author launching a similar book next month and would love to send an ARC if you’re open to it—no pressure at all!”

Reminder: Don’t mass-message creators or comment spam. You’re looking to build a relationship, not pitch-and-run.

How to Approach Reviewers (Without Getting Ghosted)

Even if you’ve found reviewers who should love your book, the way you reach out can make or break your chances. The wrong approach gets ignored (or blocked). The right one opens doors—and sometimes creates lasting relationships.

Let’s talk about how to pitch without sounding pushy, awkward, or robotic.

Personalize Every Message

This is the single biggest factor in whether someone replies.

✅ Mention their name
✅ Reference something specific—what genre they love, a book they reviewed, or a trope they talk about
✅ Keep it short and human

Example (for a Bookstagrammer):
“Hi [Name], I saw your review of Fourth Wing and how much you love morally gray heroes! I’ve got an upcoming dark fantasy with similar vibes and would love to send you an ARC if you’re open to indie reads. Totally no pressure—just thought I’d reach out.”

Include the Essentials (Without Overselling)

📌 Book title + short genre label (e.g., “paranormal romance,” “cozy mystery”)
📌 Comp titles or tropes
📌 Format offered (ebook, paperback, ARC)
📌 Where you hope they’ll post (if relevant: Amazon, Goodreads, etc.)

No need for a press release. Keep it clean and conversational.

Make It Easy to Say Yes (or No)

Respect their time and boundaries. Say something like:

“Let me know if it sounds like a fit—totally okay if it’s not your thing!”

That one sentence removes pressure, builds trust, and makes people more likely to want to help you.

Don't Over-Follow Up

One follow-up is okay. Two is pushing it. Three starts to feel like spam.

Use this simple structure:

• Initial message
• Follow-up a week or two later (if no reply)
• Let it go if they’re not interested

Remember: silence doesn’t mean “you’re a failure”—it just means they’re busy or not a fit.

Keep Track of Who Said Yes (and Why)

Once you start pitching reviewers, it’s easy to lose track—who said yes, who ghosted, who loved your comps and might want to read your next book.

A little organization now saves you a ton of guesswork later.

Create a Reviewer Tracking Sheet

Use a spreadsheet, Airtable, Notion, or any tool you’re comfortable with. Track info like:

Why this matters:
You’ll start to see patterns—who your best genre matches are, who delivers reviews reliably, and who might be a great fit for your next release.

Track More Than Just “Did They Review?”

Look for:

• Where they posted (Amazon, Goodreads, TikTok, etc.)
• What kind of review they left (short/long, positive/critical, trope-focused)
• How much engagement it got (likes, shares, comments)

This info helps you:

• Refine your outreach
• Build a repeat ARC team
• Know who to personally thank and invite back

Make It Easy to Reconnect

When you keep notes on your favorite reviewers, you can reach out later with something like:

“Hey [Name], I really appreciated your thoughtful review of [Previous Book]. I’ve got something new coming out soon in the same genre—would love to send you an early copy if you’re interested!”

That small gesture of memory and respect can turn a one-time reader into a long-term supporter.

Focus on Fit, Not Just Volume

When it comes to reviews, more isn’t always better.

Ten thoughtful reviews from readers who get your genre are worth far more than fifty random ones from people who “don’t usually read books like this.” Why? Because aligned reviews lead to better visibility, stronger sales, and lasting credibility with your ideal audience.

This isn’t about chasing numbers. It’s about building a foundation of readers and reviewers who genuinely want what you’re offering—because once you find them, they’ll often stick around for future books, too.

So skip the scattershot strategy. Take the time to find your people.

They’re out there—reading, reviewing, and waiting for something just like your book.

✅ Checklist: Finding Genre-Matched Book Reviewers

🎯 Step 1: Define Your Genre and Reader Profile

• Identify your main genre and subgenre (e.g., paranormal romance, cozy mystery)
• List 2–3 comp titles that are similar in tone or content
• Note key tropes, themes, or content warnings
• Describe your ideal reviewer:
  • What else do they read?
  • Where do they hang out online?
  • What do they care about in a book?

🔍 Step 2: Use Targeted Reviewer Platforms

• Set up a review copy page on StoryOrigin or BookFunnel
• Join genre-specific promos to reach readers already in your niche
• Submit your book to BookSirens or Booksprout
  • Filter by genre and review habits
  • Upload your ARC with accurate metadata
• Claim your Goodreads author page and explore genre groups
  • Join at least 1–2 active, relevant groups
  • Engage before you promote

📱 Step 3: Explore Social Media Spaces

• Search for Facebook groups based on genre + “readers” or “ARCs”
  • Request to join
  • Read group rules and etiquette
  • Contribute to discussions before pitching
• Identify active subreddits (e.g., r/Fantasy, r/RomanceBooks)
  • Participate in weekly self-promo threads if allowed
• Browse Discord servers or join communities via other authors
• Search BookTok and Bookstagram hashtags
  • Look for micro-influencers who review your genre
  • Engage first, then pitch politely

✉️ Step 4: Reach Out the Right Way

• Personalize every message (use their name + reference their content)
• Keep it short, respectful, and genre-specific
• Include:
  • Book title & short pitch
  • Comp titles or tropes
  • Format available (e.g., EPUB, PDF, paperback)
  • Where you'd love the review posted
• Make it clear there’s no pressure to review

📋 Step 5: Track and Build Relationships

• Create a reviewer spreadsheet or use Notion/Airtable
• Track:
  • Name & contact info
  • Genre preference
  • Date contacted + response
  • Review link (if posted)
  • Notes for next time
• Mark favorite reviewers to invite for future launches

🔁 Step 6: Focus on Long-Term Fit

• Reconnect with past reviewers who enjoyed your book
• Follow and support reviewers on their platforms
• Thank them publicly (if appropriate)
• Keep building a genre-aligned ARC team over time

Finding the right reviewers takes a bit of research and thoughtful outreach, but it’s worth it. Connecting with readers who genuinely love your genre ensures reviews are meaningful and helpful for future readers. Focus on knowing your audience, using genre-specific platforms, and engaging respectfully—and your book will find the fans who truly appreciate it.