New here - how to get review on self-published children's book

[Jim]

Liz wrote: "Hello everyone! I am new to the world of self-publishing but just managed to do it. My children's book about an octopus with a special talent went up on Amazon last weekend. Since then, I've been p..."

Liz,

Regardless of publishing method or genre, very few readers ever post a review; however, reviews may eventually appear. Be patient. That said; consumer reviews - good, bad or indifferent - do not impact actual sales nearly as dramatically as some believe.

Keep in mind that a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulation requires that any consumer review solicited, purchased, swapped, or requested in exchange for a free copy of the book by the author must include a disclaimer stating so.

I wish you success with this, your first attempt at writing, and any future published works.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Generally, for self published authors, reviews are one of the few things that aid in book discoverability which in turn aids sales and readership. A goodreads giveaway can also promote book discoverability (doesn't always result in reviews but does help book discoverability and is free except for the expense of printing and shipping the book).

LOL, I know it's the weekend with less staff activity when I see threads in the official help desk groups that mention specific books.

When staff notice, those posts tend to be removed as being a book promotion although you can ask questions like "how to get reviewers" or "do reviews help" if not mentioning your book specifically. Unless posting as a status update on your author page (or requesting help with book data in librarians group), almost anywhere on goodreads an author mentions their book is considered promotion.

You may want to repeat your posts in groups that connect authors to reviewers or allow book promotions (some groups--including groups dedicated to children's books genre --might also contain specific folders where you can get reviews or promote your book). Explore "Groups" from the top menu.

A lot of genre and group information in goodreads considered "children's books" really refers to middle grade books.

You might also try some of the book review sites that allow children to review (goodreads members are all 18+ or 13-17 with parental permission). Not all members here read children's books or review children's books they read, their children read or they read to their children. Some do; but, not sure what percentage of goodreads members review currently reading children's books versus the children's books they remember reading decades ago. Likely, you can get a good idea of how many goodreaders review children's books currently reading by looking for reviews on recently published popular/bestselling children's books--look at individual book pages or explore the genre at https://www.goodreads.com/genres/chil... to see most rated books.

At bottom of every book page will be any group discussions about the book -- which might lead you to sme children's book groups here on goodreads. Groups which may or may not allow author promotions (commonly, unless set up for that purpose, will restrict to certain folders).

Looking in giveaways for children's books to see any resulting activity (like shelving "to read") might give you an idea how much activity/discoverability might result.