As a children’s author and/or illustrator, one of the most important things you can do to promote your book is to gather reviews. Reviews help potential readers find your book by boosting its visibility on online retailers like Amazon and Goodreads.
But asking for reviews can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the process. So, how can you make it fun and motivating?
Reviews don’t just come from strangers. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues to read and review your book. They are already in your corner and want to help you get the word out about your book. So don’t be afraid to ask them. If you feel weird about asking for reviews, try making the process fun. Here are a few ideas.
Host a Book Review Party – Invite friends, family, and other book lovers to come together to read your book. Afterwards, everyone can post their reviews. This can be a great way to get honest feedback and build a sense of community.
Host a Social Media Contest – Exchange reviews for contest entries. The winner could receive a signed copy of your book, a personalized illustration, or virtual author visit. This can help create buzz around your book and encourage more readers to leave reviews.
Make it Interactive – Create a fun quiz or a game related to the book that incorporates your review request. For example, you could create a bingo card with things like post about book on social media, borrow from your library, and review on Goodreads in the spaces.
Give Away Goodies – Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content or merchandise for those who leave a review, such as signed book plates, stickers, bookmarks, etc.
Remember that reviews can come in many forms. Encourage written, video, or audio reviews, and thank your reviewers, no matter the format. Make it fun, interactive, and a way to connect with your readers. Happy reviewing!