HOW to HELP an AUTHOR and OTHERS by WRITING a GREAT BOOK REVIEW

Good reviews are essential to the success of a book, particularly on Amazon (and Audible, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, etc.). If you really want to help an author spread a
message, write an honest, specific, and detailed review. Your singular review could
lead to hundreds of lives changed.

Before we cover ideas on how to write your review, let’s talk about what Amazon wants.

AMAZON loves ...

Verified Purchases – or an explanation if the book was received as a gift or consideration for ‘an honest review’. (BTW, a buyer must have purchased over $50 from Amazon in the past year to be eligible to write a review.)
Longer reviews containing details that help other buyers decide if this book is for them. Give buyers honest feedback on what helped you and why.
Photos and video reviews. Not everyone wants to just read reviews. Pull out your camera and share something visually.
Clear headlines highlighting what's most important for buyers to know.
Proof the buyer read the book...
- eBook pages turned
- audiobook hours heard
- eBook highlights
- audio bookmarks
- pulled quotes
- specific content references
Editorial Reviews (a/k/a Endorsements) from recognized authorities. These are listed separately from consumer reviews.
A steady pace of purchases followed by organic "natural" pace of reviews.

NOTE: Sometimes genuine reviews are mysteriously rejected … especially during the launch phase. Copy and save your review text before submitting it just in case you’ll need to try again later. The author can contact Amazon Author Central if they feel reviews are being unfairly rejected.

4 Hacks to Write a Great Review Faster

No matter how much you love a book, starting with a blank page can make writing a review feel overwhelming. Here are three hacks for creating a great review in less time:

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HACK #1 - Copy, Paste & Tweak

Find a top-ranking “helpful” review from an unrelated book and use it as a model.

Before: our Prototype

After: Our outline to fill in or send to a fan as-is to finish:

“FANTASTIC! Great book. I have been having trouble ______ and this book has helped me ______. Prior to this book, ________, but after reading this I am ______. I would highly recommend it for anyone who _______________ and needs _________. I have always known ______, but for some reason, this book just helped it click in new ways. If you purchase this book, I would highly recommend ____________ and actually doing what it says. [HOW, etc…]"

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HACK #2 - Michael Hauge’s Mini-Story Model

Follow Michael Hauge’s 6-Step Storytelling model and practice your storytelling skills.

Setup: I was struggling with… (or I was looking for help to…)
Crisis: I bought this book because… (or I’ve tried __ but, …)
Pursuit: This book helped me…
Conflict: I had to…
Climax: I tried __ and it worked!
Aftermath: Now I’m __ and I encourage you to follow the author’s advice too.

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Don’t forget you can take a photo to go with a review – or shoot a video instead. Reviewers can help the author out by sharing the review on social media too.

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HACK #3 - The Cliff Notes version

Briefly summarize the key points of the book following the Table of Contents. Bonus points if you quote content from the book and summarize your takeaway(s).

This book is a great guide through the process of…
It’s perfect for anyone who…
In Part 1, I learned… (quote)
In Part 2, the author shares… (quote)
In Part 3, the author…(quote)
Overall, I found it very ___ and my key takeaway is …

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HACK #4 - Use AI

AI can help you craft a review faster. Here's a quick guide on how to generate a draft with ease.

Tell AI you want help crafting a 150-180 word book review for Amazon.
Give AI a link to the Amazon book listing, or give AI a short summary of the book's title, and book description.
Tell AI why you purchased the book (or how you received it).
Share 2-3 things you liked about the book.
Share one way it's changed the way you think or act.
Summarize who you think would also benefit from reading it.

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Eventually Amazon reviews are also searchable by repeated words or phrases. Look for ways to incorporate a couple of buzzwords buyers might be searching for within reviews. Here are a few ideas: “easy read”, “humor”, “effective”, “highly recommend”, “must read”, “great stories”, “life changing”, etc.

CAUTION: 3 Things that Could Get Your Review Removed

Declaring a friendship or business relationship that would clearly make your review biased. “I’ve known the author since we were kids…” or “he’s my business coach” will probably cause your review to be rejected.
Attempting to submit a review too fast – before you’ve clearly consumed at least 30% of the eBook or audiobook, or received your print copy in the mail. (Unless you declare you received a copy as a gift.)
Promoting your own book or expertise. Keep it about this author and his/her book.

and NICHE PRESS™

Indianapolis, IN

Disclaimers

HOW to HELP an AUTHOR and OTHERS by WRITING a GREAT BOOK REVIEW

AMAZON loves ...

4 Hacks to Write a Great Review Faster

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CAUTION: 3 Things that Could Get Your Review Removed

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