How to Add Editorial Reviews to Amazon Like a Pro

how to add editorial reviews to amazon
by David Harris // January 28  

Problem Statement: Authors and publishers often struggle to get their books noticed on Amazon, especially in a sea of self-published titles. One effective way to stand out is by adding editorial reviews, which can enhance credibility and attract more readers. However, the process of adding these reviews can be confusing.

Answer: Fortunately, adding editorial reviews to your Amazon book page is straightforward once you know the steps. Follow this step-by-step guide to easily integrate them into your listings and elevate your book’s status.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Editorial Reviews

  1. Gather Reviews
    • First, you need editorial reviews. Professional reviewers, publications, influencers, or blogs within your genre typically write these. Aim for at least three to enhance credibility. If you don’t have any yet, consider reaching out to book bloggers or industry professionals who might be interested in reviewing your work.
    • Tip: Make friends with reviewers before your book’s release. Connect with them through social media and engage with their content. A little networking goes a long way!
  2. Format the Reviews
    • Editorial reviews should be clipped like a good pair of garden shears. Keep them brief but powerful—typically one to three sentences. Include the reviewer’s name and credentials. For example: “A thrilling ride from start to finish!” – Jane Doe, Editor at Book Weekly
  3. Access Your Amazon Author Central Account
    • If you haven’t done so already, create an Amazon Author Central account. This is your backstage pass to the Amazon book world. Once logged in, select the “Books” tab.
    • Tip: If you’re a ghostwriter and your book is published under someone else’s name, ensure you have their permission to create and manage the account.
  4. Add Editorial Reviews
    • Under your book’s page, find the “Editorial Reviews” section. Click on “Add a Review” or “Manage Reviews.” Here, you’ll input the reviews you have gathered. Paste them in their formatted form. Amazon allows HTML tags, so you can make it visually appealing, too!
  5. Save and Review
    • After adding the reviews, don’t forget to hit “Save Changes.” Take a moment to review how they appear on your book’s page. Check for typos and formatting—first impressions count!
  6. Monitor Feedback
    • Once your editorial reviews are live, pay attention to how they affect your book’s sales and visibility. Do customers mention them in their reviews? Are your sales numbers improving? If not, consider seeking new reviews.

Pros and Cons of Adding Editorial Reviews

Pros

  • Increased Credibility: Praise from respected voices can greatly boost a book’s reputation, capturing the attention of potential buyers.
  • Boosted Visibility: Editorial reviews can improve your book’s chances of appearing in search results and Amazon algorithms. This can propel your book up the rankings, making it easier for readers to find you.
  • Better Engagement: Books with editorial reviews often see higher engagement rates; readers trust the insights that established entities provide.

Cons

  • Time-Consuming Process: Gathering quality reviews can take time, often requiring follow-ups and patience. Authors might feel this is an uphill battle.
  • Possible Rejections: Not every reviewer you reach out to will say yes, and that can be a bit of a bummer. Remember, it’s a numbers game.
  • Risk of Poor Reviews: Be cautious when reaching out to reviewers. A negative editorial review can do more harm than good, so pick your reviewers wisely!

Best Practices for Securing Editorial Reviews

  1. Target Niche Reviewers
    • Seek out reviewers who specialize in your book’s genre. A children’s book reviewed by a romance blogger may not resonate well.
    • Example: If your book is about solving mysteries, aim to contact mystery fiction reviewers on Goodreads or similar platforms.
  2. Create a Press Kit
    • A digital press kit that includes your author bio, book synopsis, cover images, and excerpts can make reaching out to reviewers smoother. Think of it as preparing a wonderful first date—impressions matter!
    • Tip: Use tools like Canva to design visually appealing press kits. They don’t need to be fancy, but they should be professional.
  3. Leverage Social Media
    • Don’t be shy! Promote your book and its positive reviews on your social media platforms. Consider creating posts that showcase your new editorial reviews. Celebrate your achievements with your followers.
  4. Consider a Book Launch Team
    • Assemble a group of enthusiastic readers who are willing to review your book. Give them early access in exchange for honest reviews when you publish. Their buzz can help attract more editorial attention.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Neglecting Follow-Up
    • After sending a book for review, don’t just sit back and wait. It’s perfectly fine to follow up politely if you haven’t heard back in a couple of weeks.
    • Example: “Hi [Reviewer’s Name], I just wanted to check in regarding my book, [Title]. I hope you received it and are enjoying it!”
  2. Overloading Review Section
    • While it may be tempting to add every review you receive, too many can crowd the section and deter readers from reading them all. Be selective and choose the reviews that most positively reflect your book’s strengths.
  3. Ignoring Formatting and Presentation
    • Make sure your editorial reviews look tidy and consistent. Unstructured or poorly formatted reviews can reduce the professionalism of your book’s page.

Real-World Application of Adding Editorial Reviews

Let’s break this down further with a hypothetical scenario. Meet Lucy, an aspiring fantasy author. After months of writing her first book, “The Dragon’s Whisper,” Lucy feels a mixture of excitement and dread as she gears up for publication. After extensive research, Lucy decides to collect editorial reviews.

  1. Lucy starts by reaching out to several well-known fantasy bloggers she admires. After crafting her press kit, she sends it out. One blog responds with an enthusiastic “yes”—Huzzah!
  2. She formats the review as follows: “A gripping narrative that transports you to a world of wonder and dragons! – Marissa Reads, Fantasy Reviewer”
  3. Lucy adds this review to her Amazon Author Central page. Not only does she include this quote, but she also links to the full blog post in her marketing materials.
  4. As the launch nears, she showcases her reviews on her social media. Fans start buzzing, and her email list grows.
  5. Once the book launches, the editorial reviews contribute to a 30% increase in pre-orders, which she would never have achieved without that thoughtful approach!

Free Bonus Tips

  • Engage with Reviewers: Once a reviewer says yes, keep the lines of communication open. Thank them and update them on your book’s progress—it helps build relationships for future projects.
  • Keep it Professional: When asking for reviews, always remain courteous. This is a small community, and word travels fast.
  • Adapt and Evolve: Take note of which reviews resonate most with your audience and refine your approach next time. Your journey as an author is progressive, after all!

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Adding Editorial Reviews to Amazon

Adding editorial reviews to your Amazon book listing can give your title a significant boost in credibility and interest. However, it’s not always a smooth process. Here are some common issues you might face and how to tackle them.

1. Review Not Appearing on Your Page

Scenario: You’ve successfully submitted an editorial review, but it never shows up.

Solution: Amazon’s system may take some time to update. If you’ve waited 48 hours and it’s still missing, make sure the review adheres to Amazon’s guidelines. Editorial reviews must come from credible sources like newspapers, magazines, or well-known websites. If your review doesn’t meet their criteria, it might get filtered out. After confirming it follows the right guidelines, consider re-submitting it through your Author Central account and check for any error messages during submission.

2. Formatting Errors

Scenario: You’ve added your editorial review, but it looks all jumbled or has strange spacing when you view it on Amazon.

Solution: Amazon has specific formatting rules. Ensure that you input text without any extra HTML or special characters, which can cause weird formatting to appear. Always input text in a standard format, such as plain text, and avoid using unnecessary capital letters or font sizes. If the formatting issue persists, try pasting your text into a basic text editor first (like Notepad) to strip any hidden formatting before adding it to Amazon.

3. Rejected Review Submissions

Scenario: You keep submitting your editorial review, but it gets rejected repeatedly.

Solution: This could be due to Amazon’s content filters. Reviews that sound too promotional or contain too much hyperbole can raise red flags. Stick to neutral, descriptive language without superlatives. If you’re unsure why your review was rejected, reach out to Amazon’s support team through Author Central for clarification. They can provide specific feedback on where things went wrong.

4. Conflicting Information Displayed

Scenario: Your editorial review is posted, but it contradicts the content or details of your book.

Solution: This could happen if the review references outdated information. Review your book listing and ensure all details are accurate before submitting the review. If an established publication mistakenly included bad info, consider contacting them for a correction. You can also address this in a follow-up note in your Author Central, clarifying any discrepancies to help potential readers.

5. Multiple Reviews Causing Confusion

Scenario: Several editorial reviews appear on your book page, but the texts seem repetitive or look like they’re saying the same thing.

Solution: Amazon may choose to display multiple reviews from different sources, but they should offer unique insights. If your reviews are too similar, consider editing your submissions for diversity. Try to highlight various aspects of your book’s strengths or perspectives. If you notice redundancy among established critiques, it’s worth reaching out to your editorial sources to request unique angles for future reviews.

6. Ineligible Sources

Scenario: You have a fantastic review from a local blog, but Amazon isn’t accepting it as an editorial review.

Solution: Amazon only accepts reviews from certain sources. If your review comes from a blog, magazine, or other platforms that don’t meet Amazon’s criteria, it won’t be accepted. Explore larger platforms or consider getting reviews from recognized book bloggers or traditional media outlets. Once you’ve secured a review from an appropriate source, it can greatly enhance your chances of acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Add Editorial Reviews To Amazon

Q. What is an editorial review on Amazon?
A. An editorial review is a short piece of feedback about your book, usually written by a professional like an author, editor, or journalist. It offers potential readers a glimpse of what to anticipate from your book!

Q. How do I add an editorial review to my Amazon book page?
A. To add an editorial review, you need to log into your Amazon KDP account, go to the “Bookshelf,” select your book, and then scroll down to the “Editorial Reviews” section. There, you can add your reviews!

Q. Who can write an editorial review?
A. Typically, editorial reviews come from industry professionals or notable individuals related to your book’s genre. But hey, if you know someone who can write a killer review, that’s fair game, too!

Q. Can I write my editorial review?
A. Nope! Amazon wants you to get those reviews from others. Think of it like getting someone to compliment your cooking; it’s more genuine if someone else does it!

Q. How long should an editorial review be?
A. Editorial reviews usually range from 100 to 200 words. Just enough to make readers interested but not so long that they lose interest before the end!

Q. How many editorial reviews can I add?
A. You can add as many editorial reviews as you want, but focusing on quality over quantity is key. A few well-written reviews will pack a bigger punch than a bunch of mediocre ones!

Q. Can I change or update my editorial reviews later?
A. Absolutely! You can update your editorial reviews anytime through your KDP account. Just make sure any changes still reflect the real spirit of your book!

Q. Will editorial reviews help boost my book’s visibility on Amazon?
A. You bet! Good editorial reviews can attract more readers and boost your book’s ranking. It’s like having a cheerleader for your book on the biggest stage!

Q. Are editorial reviews different from customer reviews?
A. Yes! Professionals or credible individuals write editorial reviews, while customer reviews come from general readers. Both can be helpful, but editorial reviews tend to carry more weight.

Q. Can I use excerpts from other reviews as my editorial review?
A. You can, but make sure to get permission first! It’s always best to play by the rules and respect the original reviewer’s work. Plus, it keeps things friendly in the publishing world!

Conclusion

Adding editorial reviews to your Amazon book listing is like throwing a little glitter on your already shiny cover. It not only boosts your book’s credibility but also makes it stand out in the crowded marketplace. Remember, a few well-placed, glowing reviews can entice readers just like a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning. So, take these steps, gather those reviews, and watch your book’s appeal soar! Happy publishing!

Disclaimer: This article guides adding editorial reviews to Amazon, but it’s essential to understand the nuances of Amazon’s policies, as outlined in their Vendor Central and Help resources. For optimal results, familiarize yourself with Amazon’s Review Policy and FTC guidelines on endorsements. By combining this knowledge with our expert advice, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process and maximize your product’s visibility.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.