# How to Get Early Book Reviews Without Breaking the Rules > How to get early book reviews the honest way: build an ARC team, use review tools correctly, follow store rules and avoid paid or fake reviews. Source: https://theauthorpublishing.com/blog/how-to-get-early-book-reviews/ Publisher: The Author Publishing Last updated: 2026-11-03 --- The honest way to get early book reviews is to give advance copies to genuine readers, ask for their honest opinion and make it easy for them to post a review when the book goes live. You may offer a free copy, but you must not pay for positive reviews, require a positive review, swap reviews with other authors or use fake accounts. Platforms such as Amazon remove reviews that break their rules and can penalise accounts that break them repeatedly. This guide explains why early reviews matter, what the rules allow, how to build a reader team and what to do after launch. It also shows what to avoid, because a few shortcuts can damage a book for good. If you want help, our [ARC reader team setup](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/arc-reader-team/) builds a team of genuine readers and sets honest rules. For the wider plan, see [a book marketing plan for authors](https://theauthorpublishing.com/blog/book-marketing-plan/). ## Key takeaways - Ask for honest reviews and never for positive ones - Do not pay for reviews, swap them or use fake accounts, because platforms remove them and may penalise you - A small team of genuine early readers is the safest way to get launch reviews - Reviewers should say that they received a free copy - Steady, honest reviews over time matter more than a burst on launch day ## Why do early reviews matter? Readers look at reviews before they buy, and a new book with none can feel risky. Reviews also unlock some promotion options, since many deal sites and advertising services expect a minimum number and a reasonable average rating. They give you feedback you can use, and they supply honest quotes for your listing. But reviews are earned, not bought. A book that readers like will gather them over time, and a few honest early reviews help it start. ## What do the platforms allow and forbid? Rules differ by site and change over time, but the principles are consistent. You may give a free copy and ask for an honest review. You may not offer money or gifts in return for a positive review, pressure readers to rate highly, trade reviews with other authors or post reviews yourself, through friends or through fake accounts. Reviewers should disclose a free copy. Retailers may also remove reviews from people with a close relationship to the author. Read the current guidelines of each store before you start. ## How do I build an ARC reader team? An ARC, or advance reader copy, is an early copy sent to readers before release. Build a team of 20 to 60 genuine readers from your newsletter, social profiles and reader groups in your genre. Give them a simple signup form, a clear promise of what you ask and a file that opens on their device. Send copies four to six weeks before release, and remind them gently a week before launch and on release day. Our [ARC reader team service](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/arc-reader-team/) sets this up. ## Where can I find readers who want to review? - Your own newsletter, which is your warmest audience - Reader groups and communities in your genre, within each group's rules - Your social media followers and website visitors - Platforms that connect authors with readers who like to review, some of which charge a fee - Library readers and book clubs that enjoy early copies Always follow each community's rules about self-promotion, and be honest about what you are offering. ## How should I ask for a review? Be friendly, brief and clear. Thank the reader, say that you would welcome an honest review once they have read the book, give the direct link and say that no review is required and that a critical review is fine. Do not follow up repeatedly. A message such as thank you for reading early, if you have a moment to leave an honest review on release day it helps other readers find the book, is polite and complies with the rules. Add the same note to the back of your book. ## What about Goodreads and professional review services? Goodreads is a place where readers shelve, rate and review books, and it can help early visibility. Our [Goodreads author setup](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/goodreads-author-setup/) service gets your profile and book records right. Some professional review services charge fees for an editorial review, which is separate from customer reviews and shown in different places. They can be useful for credibility, but they do not replace reader reviews, and fees do not buy a positive result. Check the terms before you pay. ## How do I handle negative reviews? Expect some. Not every reader will like every book, and a mix of ratings makes a review base look real. Do not argue with reviewers or ask for reviews to be removed unless they break the rules. Read critical reviews for useful patterns, since they may point to an issue with the cover, [the description](https://theauthorpublishing.com/blog/how-to-write-a-book-description-that-sells/) or the expectations you set. If many readers say the same thing, consider revising the book or the listing, and thank readers who give honest feedback. ## How many reviews do I need? There is no magic number, though many authors aim for a few dozen honest reviews in the first months. Some promotion services, such as those we describe in [BookBub and promo site strategy](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/bookbub-promo-sites/), ask for a minimum, and the rating matters as well as the count. Keep asking in your newsletter and the back of your book, and keep writing, because each new book brings readers back to the earlier ones. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I ask friends and family to review my book? Many platforms discourage or remove reviews from people with a close relationship to the author. Prefer genuine readers. ### Is it allowed to give away free copies for reviews? Yes, if you ask for honest opinions and do not require a positive review. Reviewers should say they received a free copy. ### Can I pay for reviews? No, not for customer reviews. Paid editorial review services are a separate thing and do not guarantee a positive result. ### Why was my review removed? Platforms remove reviews that appear to break their rules, such as those from people close to the author or from incentivised reviewers. The store decides. ### When should I ask for reviews? Send advance copies before launch, and ask readers to post when the book goes live and again a few weeks later. ### What if I get no reviews? Keep sharing the book with genuine readers, check the cover and description and keep writing. Reviews often arrive slowly. ### Can I thank reviewers publicly? Yes, in a general way, such as in your newsletter. Do not single out or reward reviewers for positive ratings. ## Services that can help - [ARC reader team setup](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/arc-reader-team/) - [Goodreads author setup](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/goodreads-author-setup/) - [BookBub and promo site strategy](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/bookbub-promo-sites/) - [Book launch strategy](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-marketing-services/book-launch-strategy/) - [Amazon bestseller launch](https://theauthorpublishing.com/amazon-publishing/bestseller-launch/)