How Do I Get My Book Reviewed by Bloggers and Influencers?

 Getting your book reviewed by bloggers and influencers is one of the most effective ways to build credibility, reach your target readers, and increase visibility—especially if you're a self-published author. These reviews can amplify your book’s exposure, influence buying decisions, and serve as powerful marketing tools across social media, websites, and even Amazon.

But how do you approach bloggers and influencers? How do you stand out among thousands of book pitches they receive? And how do you ensure the review you get actually helps sell your book?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from preparation to outreach to building long-term relationships in the influencer-review world.

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1. Understand Why Blogger and Influencer Reviews Matter

Book bloggers and social media influencers have loyal audiences who trust their recommendations. Whether they post on Instagram (Bookstagram), YouTube (BookTube), TikTok (BookTok), Goodreads, or their own blogs, a single post can generate hundreds—or even thousands—of impressions and potential sales.

Here’s what influencer and blogger reviews can do for you:

• Provide social proof for skeptical readers

• Boost Amazon and Goodreads visibility

• Increase SEO traffic to your author name or book title

• Help you get library or bookstore interest

• Lead to word-of-mouth buzz

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2. Prepare Your Book for Review

Before reaching out, your book must be 100% publication-ready. Influencers and bloggers won't read or review a rough draft. You’re essentially pitching a product to a media channel, and professionalism matters.

Checklist Before Outreach:

• Your book is fully edited and proofread

• You have a professional book cover and back blurb

• You’ve formatted your book correctly (print or eBook)

• Your Amazon or sales page is live or scheduled

• You have a press kit or media info ready (see next section)

First impressions are everything. Influencers care about quality because their reputation is on the line when they recommend something.

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3. Create a Review Kit / Press Kit

A review kit helps bloggers and influencers quickly understand your book and decide whether it’s a good fit for their platform.

What to include:

• Book cover image (high-res JPEG)

• Book description/blurb

• Author bio and photo

• Book specs (genre, word count, page count, release date)

• Links (Amazon, Goodreads, author website, social media)

• Available formats (ePub, PDF, paperback)

• Launch details (preorder, release week, availability)

• Your pitch (why this book might interest their audience)

Package this as a well-organized PDF or shareable Google Drive folder.

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4. Identify Relevant Bloggers and Influencers

Don't send mass emails. Find influencers who actually review books in your genre and engage with the types of stories or content you write.

Where to look:

• Bookstagram (Instagram) – Search hashtags like #bookreview, #bookstagram, #romancereads, etc.

• YouTube (BookTube) – Search for "[Your genre] book reviews"

• TikTok (BookTok) – Look for trending creators in your niche

• Twitter (Book Twitter) – Search for “review requests open” or #bookbloggers

• Goodreads reviewers – Check reviewers of books similar to yours

• Google Search – “Top [genre] book bloggers 2025”

• Directories – Reedsy Discovery, BookSirens, NetGalley, Indie View, Book Blogger List

Narrow down your list to people who:

• Are active in the past 60 days

• Review indie or self-published books

• Enjoy books similar to yours (themes, tone, audience)

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5. Craft a Personalized Pitch

Generic pitches get ignored. Always personalize your message and explain why you’re reaching out to that blogger or influencer.

What to include in your email/message:

• Their name and blog or social handle

• A reference to something they’ve posted (e.g., “I loved your review of X Book”)

• A short intro about you and your book

• The genre, theme, and target audience

• Why you think their audience would enjoy it

• A polite request for a review or feature

• Offer the book in preferred format (digital or print)

• Links to your website, Amazon page, and press kit

Example Pitch:

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], a debut author of a new [genre] novel titled [Book Title]. I came across your [blog/Instagram/YouTube channel] and loved your review of [Similar Book Title]—especially your thoughts on [reference something specific].

My book explores similar themes of [theme], and I think it could resonate with your audience. I’d love to offer you a complimentary copy for review. I can send it in [format options], and I’ve included my media kit and links below for your reference.

Thank you for considering it—I’d be honored to be featured on your platform.

Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Website/Social links]
[Press Kit Link]

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6. Offer Free Review Copies

Never ask bloggers or influencers to buy your book. Offer free review copies in their preferred format:

• ePub or PDF for eBook reviewers

• Paperback/ARC for Instagram photos or YouTubers (BookTubers often prefer physical books)

Tip: Use services like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to securely send digital review copies without spam risk.

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7. Follow Up Politely

If you don’t hear back within 10–14 days, it’s okay to send a gentle follow-up:

Hi [Name],
Just checking in to see if you had a chance to consider my book [Title] for review. I know your inbox must be full, but I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know if you’re still interested, and I’ll resend the review copy.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

Don’t follow up more than twice. Respect a non-response as a “no.”

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8. Track Your Outreach

Keep a spreadsheet or list of:

• Who you contacted

• Their platform

• When you reached out

• If they responded

• When (or if) the review was posted

This helps you stay organized, avoid spamming the same people, and follow up appropriately.

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9. Leverage Reviews You Receive

When someone posts a review:

• Thank them publicly (comment, share their post)

• Quote their review in your Amazon blurb, book page, or social media

• Link to the review on your website

• Ask permission to include quotes in promotional materials

Reviews, especially from micro-influencers, can have long-term value. Continue engaging with them even after the review.

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10. Paid vs. Unpaid Reviews

While most bloggers offer free reviews, some charge a fee—especially if they have large followings or are promoting your book beyond a review (e.g., giveaways, features, newsletters).

Acceptable paid options:

• Bookstagram tour packages

• Sponsored BookTube reviews

• Book promotion platforms (e.g., BookSirens, Hidden Gems)

Avoid shady services that guarantee 5-star reviews or fake praise. These hurt your credibility in the long run.

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11. Long-Term Relationship Building

The best way to grow your exposure is to build relationships with a network of book lovers, not treat them as one-time marketers.

Ways to build rapport:

• Comment on their posts regularly

• Share their content (even unrelated to your book)

• Offer giveaways for their followers

• Send ARCs of future books

• Refer other authors their way

Influencer marketing works best when it’s authentic. Be a reader before being a promoter.

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Conclusion

Getting your book reviewed by bloggers and influencers is a powerful and cost-effective strategy to reach new readers and build credibility. The key is to be professional, personal, and prepared. Find the right influencers for your niche, approach them respectfully, and treat them as valued collaborators, not tools.

By delivering a high-quality book, a thoughtful pitch, and respectful follow-up, you increase your chances of receiving not just a review—but enthusiastic support that can ripple across social media and generate real results for your book.