The Truth About Book Reviews
by Joe Walters
Genre: Nonfiction / Publishing & Marketing
ISBN: 9798998657719, 9798998657702
Print Length: 247 pages
Price: $3.99 (ebook), $14.99 (paperback)
So many authors want the same thing.
They want to be read. They want people to listen, to meet their characters, engage with their ideas, or take the advice that changed their life so it could change a reader’s. (And sure, some book sales would be nice too.)
When you get book reviews, you get all of it.
So start thinking like a book review publisher and get more reviews.
Joe Walters—editor-in-chief of Independent Book Review—shares insider knowledge and firsthand experience on what makes certain pitches stand out in crowded inboxes. With 25 chapters, 10 pitch letter samples, and 40 specific tasks to complete, this book shows you how to:
- Write emails that turn into book reviews.
- Find real people and outlets to pitch.
- Use reviews to build trust, boost visibility, and turn browsers into buyers.
- Design eye-catching graphics for social media and your Amazon page.
- Organize an effective book review targeting spreadsheet.
Easy-reading, in-depth, and actually applicable—The Truth About Book Reviews is real-world book marketing advice for the determined indie author who’s ready to elevate their author career.
Joe Walters is the founder of Independent Book Review (IBR) and a publishing professional previously on the marketing teams of Sunbury Press, Paper Raven Books, and Inkwater Press. He’s the guy behind the Write Indie newsletter and The Truth About Book Reviews. When he’s not writing, assigning, or editing reviews, he’s playing with his daughters or reading indie books by Kindle light.
“Every week different publishers get in touch to say that their reviews aren’t increasing sales. Or their scattershot approach to obtaining ‘as many reviews as possible’ isn’t working. After 30 years as a publisher I am happier to hand them Walters’ book than to walk them through understanding the strategy of how to better leverage reviews towards the perpetual goal of sales.” – Joe Biel, author of A People’s Guide to Publishing, CEO of Microcosm, Publishers Weekly fastest growing publisher 2022-2024
“In an age where the book review is increasingly rare, Walters’ tome is a comprehensive look at book reviews, literary criticism, and the ecosystem that gives life to a book. The Truth About Book Reviews lays it all on the line, and, like a looking glass, reveals indispensable facts and strategies for both the writer and the critic.” – Michael J. Seidlinger, author of On Submission
“A Review Bible for authors! Very informative, very direct. I’m certain this book will help many indie (and other) authors to find more reviews.” – Jaka Tomc, author of Stop This Game and 720 Heartbeats
“Joe Walters, the seasoned editor-in-chief of Independent Book Review, delivers a refreshingly practical and comprehensive guide in The Truth About Book Reviews. Tailored for the ambitious indie author, this book is far more than a how-to, it’s a boots-on-the-ground playbook grounded in real industry experience.” – Jerry Roth, author of Ghost from a Yard Sale and Bottom Feeders
“This is a book for every author to purchase and place in a handy spot on the bookcase. There’s so much valuable information in this work… Walters’ conversational tone throughout the book made what I consider unpleasant marketing tasks seem less daunting. I look forward to incorporating many of the excellent recommendations and strategies I learned about book reviews into practice. ” – Gerri Almand, author of The Reluctant RV Wife
“Joe Walters knows his stuff, and he shares his wealth of valuable knowledge in a well-organized, comprehensive guide that will benefit all writers at any stage of their career. Its clear, accessible prose is written in a style that makes the reader feel – rightly – like they have a friend in the publishing business. Even though I’ve already published 10 books, the resources, advice, and links provided have upped my game to the next level, and I plan to re-read this one every time I get into my publishing countdown on future books.” – Gary Corbin, author of the Valorie Dawes Thriller series
Read more reviews of The Truth About Book Reviews on Goodreads!
Listen to Joe Walters with indie publishing powerhouse Joanna Penn on The Creative Penn Podcast.
Watch Joe Walters with Thomas Umstattd Jr. on the longest running book marketing podcast on the web: Novel Marketing.
And here’s the short, sweet, and to the point Write Atmosphere podcast for those writers crunched for time.
Want to interview Joe on your podcast, YouTube channel, or blog? Reach out to him at jwalters@independentbookreview.com
- How did your experience as publisher of Independent Book Review influence the writing of The Truth About Book Reviews?
- What are the differences between marketing books for small press authors than for self-published authors?
- What can book reviews teach you about publishing?
- How many reviews is enough?
- What are the three types of reviews and why do they matter?
- Do you have any tips on writing pitch letters to review publishers, blurbers, and customers?
- How do you get more reviews on Amazon without breaking their guidelines?
- How does being on KDP Select impact your ability to get reviews on Amazon?
- How do you use reviews once you get them?
- Can you get book reviews without actively pitching?
- How do you get good reviews?
- What are you supposed to do with negative reviews?
- What are your favorite books to review for free at Independent Book Review?
- What’s the origin story of Independent Book Review?
- When should and shouldn’t I pay for editorial book reviews?
- Can you debunk any book review myths?
- What does Independent Book Review look like behind the scenes?
- What strategies don’t work in helping you get reviews?
- How can you get reviews from friends?
- What are the most important elements of a book review pitch?