You send out your book, ask readers for a review, and wait. A few people promise to leave one. Others never reply. You check your Amazon book page again, hoping the number has changed... but it hasn't. After all the work you put into publishing, asking for a few sentences of feedback can feel surprisingly difficult. Actually, scratch that, asking for reviews is like pulling teeth!
So what's going on?
Actually, you’re dealing with a wider challenge. In research based on a survey of 800 consumers in late 2014, PowerReviews reported that only 3–10% of consumers asked for a post-purchase review wrote one. That is older retail research, rather than a current book-review rate, but it gives you useful context: asking for reviews does not mean getting reviews. Read PowerReviews’ findings.
You can also see the challenge discussed in an October 2025 Elite Authors press release about Amazon book sales. It cites an estimate that only about 1–2% of Amazon buyers write reviews of purchased products, including books. Ouch! So does this mean you should just drop asking for reviews? Not at all. The very same research highlights the powerful impact of positive reader reviews on Amazon book sales."
So, yes, you should ask your readers for reviews, but you should ask them the RIGHT way. How?
You can improve the way you ask. Start by removing the mistakes that make reviewing easy to overlook, difficult to do, or uncomfortable to agree to. And then use the five templates we have below to give willing readers a crystal-clear next step.
Asking for Book Reviews: Top 8 Things You May Be Doing Wrong
#1. You’re not asking at all!
It's surprising how many authors STILL do not have a system for asking for book reviews. We get it. You've worked so hard to write your book, create a great book cover, craft a sales-inducing book description, and publish it that you assume readers will be happy enough to be moved to leave a review. You may also assume that readers already know you would appreciate a review, so you don't need to "push" them.
Here's the truth: If you don't ask for a book review, they won't give one even if they truly enjoyed your book. Many will finish your book and move straight to their next read.
So, add a short Request for Review section to the closing pages of your book. If you have an ARC list or reader list, send an email reminding them to leave a review when they have had time to read your book. (You can check out the templates below for these.)
#2. You’re asking before readers have had time to read.
A download is not a finished book. A purchase is not a finished book. Give readers a realistic reading window, especially for a long novel or a workbook they need to use. If you ask too early, readers may put your request aside because they aren’t ready and forget to return to it once they’ve finished. Or worse, they may see the "early ask" as presumptuous.
#3. You’re making your review request vague or difficult to act on.
“Please support my book” does not tell readers what to do. People are busy, so don't make them guess how to leave a book review. For clarity, name your book title, ask for an honest review, and provide a direct review link to your book. Be sure to test the destination on your phone and check the marketplace. The wrong link won't make the reader look for the right one; it will make them abandon the effort.
Did You Know?
With BookMonty, you get a direct Amazon review link for each book you upload, ready to use in your reader emails and back matter.
#4. You’re making a book review sound like an essay.
You may unintentionally make reviewing feel like a bigger task than it is. Reassure your readers that a few sentences about their experience can be helpful. You can offer simple, neutral starting points, such as what stood out to them or who might find the book useful, while leaving the wording entirely to them. Sometimes your readers want to leave a review but struggle to find the words. A little guidance can help them get started without shaping their opinion.
#5. You’re asking for praise instead of an honest opinion.
Avoid requests for five stars, instructions to mention your selling points, or invitations sent only after readers confirm they loved the book. Let readers express their own opinions and welcome different experiences. Always ask for an honest review, remembering that trying to influence what it says goes against Amazon’s review guidelines.
#6. You’re using guilt, rewards, or review swaps.
Your reader does not owe you a review because you worked hard or provided a free copy. Avoid appeals that make them responsible for your sales. Don’t offer gift cards, bonuses, or a review of their book (if they have one) in return for a customer review.
You can provide a free or discounted copy, but you cannot make receiving it conditional on reviewing. Amazon KDP also states that offering additional compensation, including gift cards, invalidates a review. Check Amazon’s Customer Reviews guidance.
#7. You’re chasing too often... or never following up.
After your initial request, one gentle reminder can help, perhaps a week or two later, with more time for longer books. After that, leave the decision with your reader. Stop asking when someone declines, unsubscribes, or says they have submitted a review. If your request and reminder receive no response, don’t keep chasing.
#8. You’re treating every subscriber as a reader.
If you have a newsletter, don't assume all subscribers are buyers. For example, someone might subscribe through your author website to receive a free writing guide, a short story, or updates about upcoming releases. A subscriber is not automatically a buyer, and a buyer is not automatically a finished reader.
You can learn more about your subscribers with an optional sign-up question such as “Have you read any of my books?” You can then offer simple choices such as “Yes,” “I’m currently reading one,” and “Not yet.” If you have several titles, you can also ask which one they’ve read.
Use those answers to customize your emails: invite readers who have finished to share an honest review, give current readers more time, and introduce new subscribers to your books. For a mixed list, simply begin your request with “If you’ve read [Book Title]…”
If your real problem is finding readers interested in your book, sending the same request more often won’t solve it.
Five (5) Book Review Request Templates You Can Adapt
Replace the bracketed details below with your Book Title and tested destination (e.g., your Amazon book page). Keep the invitation relevant to people who have read the book. Your examples should sound like you, but should always preserve the reader’s choice.
The Short Backmatter Request
“Thank you for reading [Book Title]. If you would like to share your experience, you can leave an honest review on [platform]. Your thoughts can help another reader decide whether the book is right for them. Reviewing is entirely optional: [direct review link].”
Use this when you want a lasting invitation that reaches future readers as well as your launch audience. You do not need to include a review quota or an explanation of how much work the book took.
The Newsletter Request for Readers Who Have Finished Reading Your Book
Subject: Have you read [Book Title]?
“If you have read [Book Title], you are more than welcome to share an honest review on [platform]. A few sentences about your experience can help someone choosing their next read. You can post your review here: [direct review link].
There is no obligation to review, and you do not need to reply to this email.”
Use this for your existing, opted-in reader newsletter. You avoid assuming that everyone has bought or finished the book, and you give interested readers one clear action.
The ARC Follow-Up that Preserves Choice
Subject: Your thoughts on [Book Title]
“Thank you for claiming an advance copy of [Book Title]. If you have read it and would like to share your honest opinion, the published book’s review page is here: [direct review link].
No pressure. Your copy is yours whether or not you review.
Use this once the relevant retail page accepts reviews. Do NOT replace the optional invitation with “Your review is overdue.” For the wider launch workflow, see how Booksprout and BookMonty can work together.
A Reply to a Reader Who Contacts You
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts on [Book Title]! If you would like to share your experience with others as well, you are welcome to leave an honest review here: [direct review link].
Leaving a review is completely optional, but your feedback can help other readers decide whether the book is right for them.”
Use this for a genuine conversation with an independent reader. You should not rewrite their message into a ready-to-post review or suggest a star rating. Apply the same open invitation when their experience is mixed; do not make public feedback conditional on praise.
The One Gentle Reminder
Subject: An optional review reminder for [Book Title]
“If you have finished [Book Title] and would still like to review it, please share your honest opinion here: [direct review link]. If you have already submitted a review, Thank You. If you have not finished or would rather not review, no action is needed.”
Use this as a final direct follow-up, rather than the first message in a repeated chase. You can continue sending your normal reader newsletter without turning every issue into a request for the same review.
Put Your Review Request Into Practice
Ready to put what you've read in this article into practice? You can start with two simple changes: (1) add a short invitation to the back matter of your book(s) and (2) save one email template for readers who have had time to finish (if you have a newsletter). Test your link, keep the message brief, and leave the opinion with your reader!
Tip: If you're sending out newsletters, it helps to use inexpensive email marketing software like MailerLiteto track email delivery, clicks, replies, and published reviews separately. A click doesn’t prove a review was submitted, and a submitted review may take time to appear. If readers report a broken link, fix it. If they haven’t finished, give them more time.
If your main problem is reaching suitable readers, rewriting the same review request will have limited value. In this case, consider using your newsletter alongside a relevant reader community or ARC platform. This guide to book review sites explains the different routes you can take.
How to Build a System for Ongoing Book Reviews
You now have the wording, timing, and templates to ask for reviews more confidently. But even a well-written request needs someone to receive it. Once your launch ends and your initial reader list has heard from you, how will you keep reaching new readers and getting book reviews?
You need an ongoing review system alongside your review requests.
With BookMonty, you can put your books and audiobooks in front of readers interested in discovering their next title. Readers choose what interests them and share their own opinions. You don't even need to prompt them; we'll do that.
You can keep using your backmatter invitation, keep sending your reader emails and gentle reminders, while making BookMonty part of your regular book marketing routine. That gives you another way to reach potential reviewers beyond your launch audience.
Your templates help you ask. BookMonty helps you keep connecting with readers worth asking. And the best part? You build a repeatable process instead of starting from scratch with every book.
Try BookMonty free for 10 days and see how it fits your ongoing review strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you politely ask someone to review your book?
You can thank them for reading, invite them to give their honest opinion, provide a direct review link, and say that reviewing is optional. Keep your request short. You don't need to apologize for asking or explain your sales targets.
Can you ask for Amazon reviews after giving away a book?
You can always ask. Under Amazon KDP’s current guidance, you can provide a free or discounted copy of your book. However, providing that must NOT depend on reviewing, and you must not influence the opinion or offer additional compensation. The reader still needs to meet Amazon’s review rules.
Should you ask only readers who enjoyed the book?
Use a neutral invitation for your reader audience. Asking only readers who have already confirmed that they loved your book can turn your process into a filter for praise. You can welcome private feedback without directing dissatisfied readers away from public reviewing.
How many times should you ask for a book review?
You can start with one clear request and, where appropriate, send one gentle reminder. That is a practical default, not a platform rule. Stop when a reader declines or tells you they have submitted their review. Your backmatter invitation can remain available for future readers.
Why has a reader’s Amazon review not appeared or disappeared?
You may be dealing with a delay, a removal, or a visibility issue. A newly submitted review goes through Amazon’s checks, which can take from a few days to a few weeks. A review may also be rejected or removed if it conflicts with Amazon’s guidelines, or deleted by the reader who posted it. Before assuming it has disappeared, check the Amazon marketplace and book edition you’re viewing. A review visible on one country’s Amazon site may not appear on another; international review sharing isn’t guaranteed.
A missing review alone doesn’t tell you what happened. If your reader’s review still hasn’t appeared after a few weeks or was published and later vanished, ask the reader to contact Amazon’s Community team (if possible). You cannot approve, restore, or guarantee the publication of their review.
Do you need a direct review link to your book?
You do not need one, but a direct (and working!) review link makes the whole process easier. Think about it this way: if YOU want to leave a review and don't know where to go to do so, will you take time to find out how and where to leave a review?
When is the best time to ask for a book review?
You can ask when readers have had a reasonable chance to finish. Your book's closing pages (e.g., after the Conclusion) are a useful place for a standing invitation. For emails, consider the book’s length and how readers use it rather than choosing a fixed number of days after purchase.
What percentage of readers will leave a book review?
PowerReviews’ older 3–10% figure concerns post-purchase requests across retail. The October 2025 Elite Authors press release cites a general Amazon-buyer estimate of 1–2%. Keep in mind that neither tells you what your own reader list or ARC group will do.
What should you do if readers don’t leave reviews?
You can first check whether they have finished, whether your request is clear, and whether your review link works. Send a gentle reminder if appropriate, then leave the choice with them. You may need to reach more suitable readers rather than repeatedly asking the same group.
How long does a book review need to be?
Reassure readers that a few useful sentences about their experience are enough. Avoid demanding an essay or a particular word count. The platform’s review form and current rules still apply.
Is there a simpler system for getting ongoing book reviews?
Yes, because you probably didn’t become an author for the joy of sending “just a gentle reminder” emails. 😉
With BookMonty, you can make review campaigns part of your regular publishing routine. You put your books and audiobooks in front of interested readers, while built-in reminders help keep review tasks moving. You also get a direct Amazon review link for each uploaded book to use in your own emails and back matter.
You can keep using the tips and templates in this article while letting BookMonty handle more of the organization. Readers still choose what to read and what to say, and Amazon is still in charge of whether their reviews appear.
So, if you prefer less chasing and more time for your next book, Try BookMonty free for 10 days.