Self Publishing Tips – How to Write an Amazon Review

One of the self publishing tips I share most often is how to write a quality review on Amazon.com.

That question has a two part answer:

1. How to enter a review
2. What to put in the review

How to enter a review

The process for entering a review is really quite simple:

1. Go to http://www.amazon.com
2. Search for the book you wish to review by typing the title of this book in the search box at the top of the page.
3. Click on the image of this book on the search results page.
4. Just below the book title and author’s name, there is a link to the reviews that have already been left, if any, or the link to leave a review. Click on the link.
5. At the top of the page that opens, click on the “Create Your Own Review” button.
6. Follow the prompts to leave your own review of the book.

What to put in your review

First, and most important (in my opinion) is detailed, accurate information. Talk about what you like (or don’t like) about the book. Be specific. Share those things that make the purchase a good deal for you.

This is Amazon and it’s all about the searches. Remember the searching you did to find the book? Why not help out the next searcher – and make your review more visible in the process.

• Use the complete title of the book in your review.
• Use the name of the category or categories of the book. For instance, if a book is listed in the “business leadership” category, use those words in your review.
• If you know the actual keywords that the author used when publishing the book, use one or more of those keywords in your review.

What not to put in the review

Leaving a bad review to complain about your buying experience (delayed delivery, item arrived damaged, etc.) is extremely bad form. Keep your comments factual and focused on the book and it’s contents.