A reviewer who feels appreciated is one of the best marketing tools an author can have. A simple thank you reminds the reviewer of your book title, and how much they enjoyed reading it, so when they post it on Goodreads, one of the most powerful advertising platforms that exists, he/she is more likely to take time when the “would any of your friends like this book” box pops up to click on a lot they think might. Again, with Goodreads, it’s possible to simply post a review, or to check the box that means it will show on the reviewer’s own profile page: you benefit from your reviewers’ advertising or literary friendships. Also, when choosing a book review to post on Facebook, your reviewer will be more likely to remember you and choose your book. If you’re writing a series you might like the same reviewer to read them all. You can request it and the reviewer will be asked: he/she might be busy, but if he/she remembers a nice thank you… we’re only human.

Reviewers read and review for two reasons. We love reading, and we want to help authors succeed. Let’s be clear about this; none of us do it for money. Would you spend every spare moment for a week or more reading a book for a dollar, or even ten dollars? You might because reviewers get them free, but would you then spend an hour writing a review that must be 250 words long, minimum, and be made up of a synopsis designed to sell the book and a second paragraph on the reasons you liked it? Not judging by the ratio of Amazon reviews to sales.

Suppose you were bitterly disappointed with a 2 or 3-star review. You’re hurt, angry, and you hate that reviewer. Take a week, and start yoga classes if it helps, and then think what your reviewer has done for you. He/she has read a book he/she didn’t enjoy, and we all have the option to stop reading a book we don’t like. He/she has made extensive notes whilst reading, and then spent time writing a review aimed at helping you correct mistakes in the hope you will be able to improve the book. Now suppose you take that advice, and then resubmit the book or your next book. That thank you will pay off a thousand times over if you request the same reviewer “because his/her suggestions were so helpful”. Nothing guarantees a 4 or 5-star review, but it does mean you’ll get an interested, sympathetic reviewer. Even if it results in yet more tips, you’ll be the winner.  

The flip side of the coin is you’ve received a poorly-written review. Suppose it has no errors, but it doesn’t have the “wow” factor: e.g. good quotes. Tell your reviewer what’s lacking, and help him/her improve. Finding good reviewers is easy when your book is well written and well edited.