How to Boost Book Reviews and Keep Momentum Alive: Lessons from Get Signed

Book marketing doesn’t end at launch. In fact, keeping momentum going long after publication is one of the biggest challenges authors face. As Get Signed approaches its one-year anniversary, Lucinda Halpern, founder of Lucinda Literary, has been reflecting on a common roadblock many authors encounter: stagnant Amazon reviews.

The Challenge: Stuck at 198 Reviews

After reaching nearly 200 reviews within the first six months of release, the growth of Get Signed‘s Amazon reviews plateaued. Despite continued interest in the book and strong sales, getting over that next milestone has proven difficult. And Lucinda isn’t alone—many authors experience this exact scenario.

So what’s the solution? She turned to the writing and publishing community for ideas, and the response was overwhelming. Here are some of the top strategies shared by industry experts and fellow authors on how to keep the reviews coming.

Proven Strategies to Gain More Reviews

1. Make It Easy for Readers to Leave a Review

Jonathan Jordan, an award-winning book coach, suggests adding a QR code linking directly to the Amazon review page. While this is best done pre-publication, authors can still integrate this idea into their newsletters, social media posts, and even physical book signings.

2. Leverage the Podcast Circuit

Writer and journalist James Dobbins recommends getting booked on podcasts. Authors can use these interviews to remind audiences to leave a review and even offer an incentive for doing so.

3. Tap into Goodreads and Emerging Platforms

Brian Terence, a science fiction author, points out that being an accredited Goodreads author can add credibility and encourage reviews. He also suggests expanding to platforms like BlueSky, where active reader and writer communities exist.

4. Use Email Lists for Personalized Outreach

Poppie Johnson, a ghostwriter and PhD in Creative Writing, highlights the effectiveness of email marketing. Offering a small favor or bonus content in exchange for an honest review can motivate readers to take action.

5. Embrace Multi-Platform Success

Glen Loveland, a global HR strategist and audiobook reviewer, notes that Amazon and Audible reviews exist in separate ecosystems. Authors should recognize that success isn’t limited to a single metric but rather measured by engagement across multiple platforms.

6. Collaborate with Influencers in Adjacent Fields

Tasneem Fatehi, an editor and publishing expert, suggests cross-promotion with influencers in related fields to reach new audiences who might be eager to review the book.

7. Create a Review Incentive for Your Anniversary

Khristee Rich, a health writer and holistic healer, recommends tying book anniversaries to review incentives. Offering a prize to someone who leaves a review on Amazon could encourage readers to take immediate action.

The Big Takeaway: Keep Finding New Avenues

Kim Yesis, an author, reminds us to appreciate the progress made while also continuing to find new avenues for engagement. Whether it’s through new platforms, direct outreach, or creative incentives, the key is to remain persistent and proactive.

For authors struggling to get over a review plateau, the message is clear: reviews don’t stop at launch. With consistency, strategic outreach, and community engagement, authors can continue to build credibility and visibility for their books well beyond their initial release.

Have a creative idea for increasing book reviews? Share it with us in the comments or tag @LucindaLiterary or @LucindaHalpern on social media! If you haven’t already, please consider leaving Lucinda’s book Get Signed a review

Want more posts like this sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Download Our FREE Author Training

Join the Waitlist for Our Next Book Publishing Accelerators™ Workshop