Write a Book Review That Helps (And Why It Matters)
If you’ve ever wondered how to support your favorite authors beyond buying their books—this is it. Writing a review, even a short one, is one of the most impactful things you can do (and share on social media - but that is another topic!)
On sites like Amazon and Goodreads, once a book reaches a certain number of reviews, it starts getting noticed by more readers through “Also Bought” lists and recommendations. Some readers—even review sites and book promos—won’t touch a book unless it’s passed the 25, 50, or even 100 review mark—not just ratings.
So yes—your review really matters. Especially to small-time authors like me.
But what makes a good review? Let me walk you through the Three R’s of Reviewer Power:
⭐ RATE
Yes, the stars matter—but they don’t always mean what you think.
Here’s how star ratings are generally interpreted across the book world:
⭐ 1 Star – I hated it. Not worth the time or money.
⭐⭐ 2 Stars – Not for me. Do not recommend.
- Though on Goodreads, a ⭐⭐ simply means “It was okay, but wouldn't recommend.”)
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars – What I like to call the twist rating: Three stars mean VERY different things depending on where you leave the review.
- On Review Sites (like Goodreads): A solid, decent read. “It was good for me. Might be great for you.”
- On Retailers (like Amazon, Apple): Considered a negative rating. The algorithm sees it as “not worth recommending” and won't push it to new readers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars – I liked it. Would recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars – I loved it! Highly recommend.
⚠️ Important Note: A 3-star on Goodreads is neutral-to-positive. A 3-star on Amazon may actually hurt a book’s visibility in search and rankings.
But don’t just drop a star rating and run—tell other readers why.
Did the book tug at your heart? Did the slow-burn romance leave you breathless—or bored? Did the plot twist make you yell at the wall in the best way possible?
Whether you rated it 4 stars or 2, specifics help. For example:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars: “The political intrigue kept me guessing, and the ending left me in tears. But I struggled to connect with the main character in the first few chapters and had to force myself to feel for her throughout the book.”
⭐⭐ 2 Stars: "After reading the entire book, I still have no idea what happened or why it mattered. The plot was all over the place, and I couldn't follow anything. Just not for me."
That’s gold for potential readers.
💬 RELATE
“I loved it!” is sweet, but let’s dig a little deeper.
What made it work for you? Was it the setting that pulled you in? A character that reminded you of someone you know—or someone you wish you knew? Was there a moment you had to reread because it hit so hard?
Here's an example of the kind of review that makes my author's heart beat faster:
“Hauntingly Beautiful: This story will break your heart and give you hope; each character is fully rendered, you 'know' them and why they do what they do. You watch some of them grow and feel sorry for the ones who willfully refuse to grow.” - Elizabeth reviewing The Curse of Beauty on Goodreads
Bonus points for using expressive words like haunting, tender, atmospheric, lyrical, gripping—they’re more vivid, which also helps the book reach new readers and helps me market the book with social proof. On places like Goodreads, if readers like your reviews, they can follow you. You can grow a following and be more likely to be accepted to Advanced Reader Groups for big-name publishers and win free books and swag kits. It's a win-win for everyone.
🔁 REREAD
Before you hit “Post,” give your review a once-over.
✅ Does it have a short, intriguing title? (Examples: Couldn’t Put It Down, Historical Magic Done Right, Emotional and Beautiful)
✅ Any typos or weird autocorrect moments?
✅ Does it make sense when read aloud?
Just a quick polish can turn your thoughts into something powerful and shareable.
Every Review Counts
At the end of the day, reviews aren’t about flattery—they’re about connection. Your words can guide other readers to their next favorite story and help authors like me keep doing what we love.
And if you're not sure where to start? Just answer these questions:
1. What did I feel while reading?
2. What stood out most?
3. Who would I recommend this book to?
You don’t have to write an essay. A few sentences filled with heart go a long way.
Advanced Readers or Readers with Review Copies
If you'd like to, you can disclaim your review with a note or something similar at the beginning or end of your review:
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Have thoughts? Questions? Favorite books you’ve reviewed recently? I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading—and for making stories like mine possible.
P.S. Would you like to join my street team and get free advanced copies and volunteer to leave a review on at least three platforms? If so, click here to learn more.
P.S.S. Have you read my books and want to leave a review? Visit my Book Review Links page to get all the book retailer sites for each book. Click and it'll take you to the retailer's site, and usually you scroll down and click Write a Review.
(This post was inspired by an article by author Talena Winters.)
