Requesting Help from Other Authors about Reviews

[Katy]

Hello Everyone,
Since my memoir started its giveaway, I've been emailed quite a few requests from reviewers to review my book. Some sound like they are trying to sell me something, and others sound like they just want to review my book. How shall I proceed? Do you think this is a good pool of reviewers? Should I do some research? What would you do? Thanks. K

[Miles]

I would recommend ignoring them all. There are too many people with bad intentions around here.
I wish you the best, and congratulations on your memoir!

[Pintu]

Hello! I'm Pintu Saw, and while I'm new to ARC reading, I'm a fast reader who enjoys connecting with indie authors. I'm open to reading any genre and would love to help by reviewing your work. Feel free to reach out to me through my Goodreads profile or reply here, and I'll get back to you promptly. Thank you!

[Donna]

I completely agree with Miles. I would ignore them all. There are plenty of other great ways to get reviews. Ask anyone you know that's already read your book. Send them to friends (near and far), librarians, leaders of local book clubs and bookstore owners, well-known reviewers that are on radio and print media, etc.

[Katy]

Miles wrote: "I would recommend ignoring them all. There are too many people with bad intentions around here.
I wish you the best, and congratulations on your memoir!"



Got it. Thanks

[Katy]

Donna wrote: "I completely agree with Miles. I would ignore them all. There are plenty of other great ways to get reviews. Ask anyone you know that's already read your book. Send them to friends (near and far), ..."


Okay. Appreciate the help.

[D.]

I think you can find readers here on GR. I wouldn't trust anyone who contacts you out-of-the-blue. Anyone with a GR profile page who's been a member for a while and reads and reviews can probably be trusted.

Though someone contacted me through my website requesting a review for his new book. I ended up reading and reviewing it. Not quite the same thing.

Your memoir looks intriguing, and I'll read and review it if you want.

[J.]

Reviews can be a good promotional tool, but there are a number of ways to acquire them. For a new, small press, indie or self-published author I would always recommend starting local - send a very good press release to your local papers, radio stations (if there are any in your area) independent book stores and libraries. Local media may offer to interview you or profile your book. See if you can arrange a local author talk/book signing at the or local indie and encourage those who attend to leave (positive!) reviews on social media -Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, x, Facebook, Reddit, etc.
This can often serve you better than attempting to reply to offers for reviews.

[Judith]

I echo what has been posted here. POD has become such a racket. I ask podcasters if they would mind reviewing the book when I am a guest, and ask if I may reprint it along with their podcast and link if possible.
I also read professional reviews - like in a newspaper or magazine - and post those.

[Jacob]

Hi K,

Congrats on your memoir giveaway—sounds exciting!

With the influx of review requests, it’s smart to stay cautious. Some people genuinely want to read and support, while others may just be pitching services. I’d definitely recommend doing a quick search on anyone who reaches out. Look for:
• A Goodreads or Amazon reviewer profile
• Previous review activity or similar genres
• No pressure to pay for reviews (red flag!)

Also, if you’re open to it, you can ask if they’d like to do a review swap. I’ve found that works well with fellow authors—“You review mine, I’ll review yours.” It’s a win-win when done ethically.

Want to try a review swap? I’d be happy to exchange books and leave an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Let me know