Where ELSE Do Reviews Come From

Authors know that third party endorsements, otherwise known as reviews, are key to book sales. They represent the word-of-mouth push that is the most important piece of marketing. Last week I talked about many mainstream reviewers but there are other options.
Amazon reviewers might comment on your book at any time. The Amazon Top Reviewers carry quite a bit of clout, so it’s smart to pursue them soon after your book is released. When you approach them, you need to be thoughtful and courteous. You can’t assume you’re owed a review. Just send an introductory email with a little of your background and ask if they would accept a complimentary copy of your book. Ask if they prefer hard copy or an electronic copy. Just remember that you’re asking a big favor of a stranger. So be sure to send a thank you note if you do get a review.  And afterward, vote that the review was helpful.
Another group to start pitching early is bloggers. Most of them list pretty specific guidelines and you need to stick to them closely.
You can find these bloggers on several directories, for example http://www.theindieview.com/indie-reviewers, /http://bookbloggerlist.com/and https://bookrevieweryellowpages.com/. However, these lists get outdated faster than the owners can update them so it’s a good idea to Google “book bloggers” and do a search on Twitter. 
Don’t send a mass email. Bloggers appreciate emails addressed personally to them. Mention a recent review so they know you have read their blog. Otherwise, everything I said about approaching Amazon reviewers applies.Of course, reviews from readers are priceless and the more your book has, the better it will sell. But unlike bloggers or Amazon reviewers, you can’t send a note to each person who reads your book asking for a review.
Or can you?
Adding a letter to the back of your book addressed to the reader, inviting them to contact you, brings them right to you. It’s a good place to mention any awards won. And this is where you can ask them politely for a book review. In your letter, remind your reader that you need their help and they would be helping you a great deal if they were to post an honest review. Include the link to your book on Amazon so it’s easy for the reader to get directly to the right place to leave the review.
A wise reader will reach out to people in all the groups I’ve mentioned in this blog and the last. One thing no author has ever had is too many reviews.