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The Power of Editorial Reviews for Authors: Top 10 Uses
We often get asked by authors why they should care about or use editorial reviews. Some authors get a bit confused by the use of the word editorial. We wrote this article to help clear that up and also to provide alternative sources of editorial reviews. We think every author should consider using them.
As an author, you've poured your heart and soul into your manuscript. You've spent countless hours crafting your story, refining your characters, and polishing your prose. But once your book is complete, how do you ensure it gets the attention it deserves? Enter the world of editorial reviews.
Editorial reviews are critiques of your book, typically written by well-respected reviewers. Unlike social customer reviews, which are written by readers and are subjective, editorial reviews offer a more objective assessment of your work's quality and its potential appeal to readers. They can be a game-changer for authors, especially those who are just starting out.
Here are the top 10 ways authors can harness the power of editorial reviews:
- Boost Your Book's Credibility on Amazon: Amazon allows authors to add editorial reviews to their book's product page. These reviews are prominently displayed and can significantly enhance your book's credibility. A glowing editorial review can sway potential buyers who are on the fence about purchasing your book.
- Feature on Book Covers: A compelling quote from an editorial review can be featured on the front or back cover of your book. This not only grabs attention but also gives potential readers an immediate sense of the book's quality and appeal.
- Enhance Marketing Materials: Whether you're creating bookmarks, postcards, or flyers to promote your book, including snippets from editorial reviews can make your marketing materials stand out. It provides an external validation of your work.
- Highlight on Author and Publisher Websites: Your personal author website or your publisher's site is a prime location to showcase editorial reviews. Readers visiting these sites are already interested in your work, and a positive review can further pique their interest.
- Incorporate into Press Releases: If you're sending out press releases to media outlets, including a few lines from an editorial review can make your book more newsworthy and increase the chances of getting coverage.
- Use in Social Media Campaigns: Share snippets or quotes from editorial reviews on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It's a great way to engage with your audience and build anticipation for your book.
- Attract Bookstores and Libraries: Retailers and librarians often look for external validation when deciding which books to stock. An impressive editorial review can make your book more appealing to these gatekeepers.
- Leverage for Book Award Submissions: Many book award competitions allow or even require submissions to include editorial reviews. A strong review can set your book apart from the competition.
- Enhance Book Descriptions on Retailer Sites: Apart from Amazon, other online retailers like Barnes & Noble or Book Depository also allow for the inclusion of editorial reviews in the book description. This can be a deciding factor for potential buyers.
- Build Confidence for Future Projects: A positive editorial review not only benefits the book in question but also boosts an author's confidence. It provides validation that you're on the right track and can be a motivating factor as you embark on future writing projects.
Now, you might be wondering, where can you get these coveted editorial reviews?
Traditional Sources for Editorial Reviews
One of the most renowned sources for editorial reviews is Kirkus Reviews. Established in 1933, Kirkus offers unbiased book reviews for a fee. As of my last update in 2021, an indie author could expect to pay upwards of $425 for a standard review from Kirkus, with prices varying based on the turnaround time.
While Kirkus is one of the most recognized names in the industry, there are other reputable sources for editorial reviews, such as NetGalley, Foreword Reviews, and BlueInk Review. Each of these services comes with its own pricing structure, and it's essential to research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Here at eBookFairs we also provide editorial reviews. Ours are not as well recognized as some of those mentioned above but they are included in your membership with eBookFairs. Our editorial reviews can be used the same ways and they are an affordable option especially for authors just getting started. We highly recommend them to our community of authors.
No matter who you use for them, editorial reviews are a powerful tool in an author's arsenal. They offer objective feedback on your work and provide numerous opportunities to enhance your book's visibility and credibility. For first-time authors, investing in an editorial review can be a stepping stone to greater recognition and success in the literary world.
