Let’s continue with finding the right people to review your book.

Step Three – Reach out to the people on your list, you should have a few on there by now. Send them an email or message, introducing yourself and asking them if they would mind reviewing your book and then follow up a week or two later. Keep it friendly and personal. Look for some common ground between you, them and your book; find out what their interests are and tie it to your book somehow. Whatever you do, be sincere and genuine. People know a fake pitch when they read it. If you can’t find a connection, move on because they are likely not good reviewer material. Whatever you do, do not bug people – that will turn them off very fast.

Step Four – Make it about them, not you. You can’t provide any incentive for your review request but you can gently remind people of the advantages. Maybe they have already reviewed similar work in the past and loved it, so tie that into your personal message. Tell them that your book is similar and ask if they would be interested in reviewing it. Mention books that they reviewed in the past; that way, they know you read their site or their work. Keep your messages short, sweet and to the point while keeping it personal too. You might have to do this a number of times but treat each one as if they would be doing you a massive favor. Whatever you do, make it easy for them to get your book and review it.

Once people have agreed to review your book and have submitted that review, take the time to follow up. Make sure you thank them, even if the review isn’t as good as you hoped it would be. Thank them for their time and for their honesty and maintain politeness. Bad reviews can be painful but they can also do you some good, especially if you interact with the reviewer, take on board what they say and, where necessary, make the changes.

Whenever your book is downloaded, go to that person and thank them; ask if they would mind leaving a review when they have read it. When it comes down to it, it's all about numbers. Be diligent about pursuing reviewers and you will, eventually, get what you are after. Put in as much time and effort as it takes; once you have a few reviews under your belt, good ones, then more will follow as a natural progression. People are more likely to buy a book if you have multiple good reviews on it.

A word – if you get several bad reviews and they all point to roughly the same thing, it’s an indication that something is wrong – fix it and make a point of letting those reviewers know that you appreciate their time and comments and have put things right. If people can see positive interaction between you and other reviewers, they are more likely to pick up your book and read it.