Immediate — Do Right Now
- Create a list of potential ARC readers in your genre
- Not friends or family — genuine genre readers who review regularly
- Write your review request templates using the soft-ask language from p.64
- Back matter, email newsletter, and social media versions
- Set up a review tracking system
- Spreadsheet: platform, date, star rating, key themes — track patterns not individual opinions
- Establish your review-checking boundaries before you publish
- Monday mornings only. 15-minute timer. No exceptions.
This Week
- Research and apply to NetGalley, BookSirens, or Reedsy Discovery
- 4–6 weeks before your publication date
- Identify and reach out to 10–15 book bloggers who review your genre
- Create your review request timeline — map ARC distribution, blogger outreach, and launch asks
- Set up Google Alerts for your book title and author name
This Month
- Send ARCs to your reader list 4–6 weeks before publication
- Include specific questions, no star-rating pressure, honest feedback only
- Build relationships with book bloggers — respond to their content, provide value before asking
- Create a system for thanking reviewers appropriately
- Private thank-you, not public response — and never argue with a review
- Develop perspective on negative reviews before you need it
- Every bestselling book has negative reviews. Your worth is not determined by star ratings.