Did you know that 90% of readers rely on reviews before buying a book? We often regard the power of an author’s words, but the influence of readers’ words can make a huge impact. For Christian authors, who already hold a smaller market share of readers than their secular counterparts, the benefit of reader reviews can not only bolster confidence, but pave the way to visibility, bringing new readers to that author.

New readers lead to author income, which, in turn, helps authors keep doing what we want them to do: turn out books for us to relish and devour.

You’ve read the book, now what? If you’re not sure how to write a review, pop on over to this article for my top tips. Once it’s written, check out these nine sites where you can share that very same review. Copy-paste-rinse-repeat. 

1. BookBub: The Book Lover’s Hub

Bookbub is a haven for book enthusiasts, and leaving reviews on this platform is sharing your literary insights with a community of fellow readers. Not only can you rate books, but you can also write detailed reviews that capture the essence of the story. In addition to leaving reviews, you can document what books you are reading and make recommendations.

When you drop that review on Bookbub, the author receives a notification of your review and recommendation. Another tip? Make sure you follow your favorite authors on Bookbub. Not only will this help you stay on top of discounts, it helps the author qualify for various Bookbub promotions. Win-win! 

2. Goodreads: Your Reading Diary

You’re probably already on Goodreads. If not, it’s the go-to platform for bibliophiles around the world. It’s not just a place to track your reading progress; it’s a vibrant community where readers connect and share their thoughts. Leaving a review on Goodreads is like adding your voice to a global conversation about books. Don’t forget to rate and provide feedback on your favorite author’s masterpieces.

Goodreads can be a harsh land when it comes to reviews, so having those honest, positive reviews can really help your favorite authors’ book rankings. Goodreads is also a handy site to share what new releases you’re looking forward to and what books are in your “read” pile. 

3. Amazon: The Literary Marketplace

Amazon has made itself a world-wide, central hub for book purchases and reviews. It’s pretty much inescapable at this point in time. Whether eBooks, paperbacks, or Kindle Unlimited subscriptions, the prevalence of book consumption through Amazon is universal. Leaving reviews on Amazon not only helps potential readers make informed decisions but also contributes to an author’s visibility on the platform. Those algorithms are seeking reviews.

A few kind words about the plot, characters, or writing style can go a long way in boosting an author’s presence. You can still leave a review on Amazon, even if you didn’t purchase from the site. Since your review won’t show up as a “verified purchase,” I recommend you add a statement such as, “I purchased the book directly from the author’s website,” or “I purchased the book from my local bookstore.” Whatever is accurate for you. That way, Amazon won’t reject your review and those who read your review will know it’s legitimate.

4. Personal Blogs: Your Space, Your Rules

If you have a personal blog, consider dedicating a post slot to reviewing your favorite author’s books. Share your thoughts, feelings, and recommendations with your readers. Blog owners are always looking for fresh content—create a specific category for your reader reviews. This can be for new releases as much as backlist books.

Authors always appreciate having their backlist shown some love, as those novels are usually further down on search engine returns. Your review can help bring new life to an older novel that has had sales wane. 

5. Guest Blog Posts: Amplify Your Voice

Some authors and literary websites welcome guest blog posts. Reach out to and offer to write a review for your favorite author’s book. This not only supports the author but also gives you the opportunity to share your love for literature with a wider audience. Book bloggers can appreciate the fact that they don’t have to come up with unique content on their own—a task that can get overwhelming sometimes. 

6. Instagram: A Picture-Perfect Review

Do you excel at the aesthetics of Instagram? Showcase your favorite books with graphics that reflect the book theme, genre, and book cover. Include a favorite line and a brief review. Got a cozy reading nook? Use it as a photo backdrop.

Add relevant hashtags to connect with fellow bookstagrammers and amplify the reach of your reviews. Check out the author’s own posts to see what hashtags are most commonly used. Tag the author for shares. I know I always want to comment and show my gratitude when someone takes the time to post about my novels.

7. LibraryThing: Connect With Bookworms

LibraryThing is a lesser-known gem for bibliophiles. It’s a social cataloging platform where you can organize and share your reading collection. Leaving reviews on LibraryThing allows you to connect with like-minded bookworms and contribute to a community dedicated to the love of literature. You’ll introduce your favorite authors to new readers who value your input and opinions.

8. FaceBook Reader Groups: Join the Conversation

Facebook hosts numerous book groups where readers gather to discuss their favorite titles. Joining these groups and sharing your reviews can spark conversations and introduce fellow members to new authors and books. It’s a friendly and engaging way to connect with readers who share your literary tastes. Look for groups specific to the overall genre (Christian fiction) all the way down to the niched genre (such as Christian contemporary romance).

Most of these groups and pages limit author self-promotion, so it’s really helpful when readers speak up and share about our books. When someone asks for a book that fits specific criteria, see if you can come up with lesser-known/ newer-to-market authors and show them some love by getting their names out to new readers. Your suggestion will be cherished by these authors, who struggle with visibility more than the bigger-name authors.

9. Local Bookstores: Support Offline Communities

Don’t overlook the impact of leaving reviews in local bookstores. Many independent bookshops have websites, community boards, or customer recommendation sections. Write a brief review, post it to the website, or print it out and leave it for others to discover. You might just inspire someone to pick up a book they otherwise wouldn’t have considered. Another bonus? You might create a local following for the author and encourage the bookstore to stock the author’s new releases or host author-events.

Never underestimate the impact your positive review can have on an author. It’s s a powerful way to support and celebrate their hard work. Whether you choose platforms like Bookbub and Goodreads or more personal spaces like your blog or Instagram, your words make a difference.

Drop a comment and share a review of the last book you read!