8 Tips for Reviewing Advanced Copies on Amazon and Goodreads
If you’ve beta-read a book, been part of a street team, or just read a great book by an indie author, the best way to help them is to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thank you—readers like you are a godsend.
This process can feel intimidating and frustrating. When and how you post can determine whether your good intentions get seen or are buried by the algorithm.
Here are 8 crucial tips for helping your favorite indie author. Authors, share these tips with your ARC readers. If you want to give me a little credit, it’s appreciated.
1. Prioritize & Know the Rules for Each Platform
Amazon and Goodreads are by far the most-read and most influential sites for launching new books. Even though Amazon owns Goodreads, they have very different rules:
| Platform | Timing | Purchase Requirement | Key Rules |
| Goodreads | Post as soon as the book is listed (pre-pub reviews help build momentum). | None. | You can occasionally mention the author’s social media links. |
| Amazon | Post on or shortly after the official publication date. | Must have spent $50/year on Amazon to post reviews (Prime/KU subscribers are usually fine). | DO NOT include any external links; the review will be rejected. |
Important for readers: Always honor any specific date or platform request given by the author or publisher. More reviews in the first few days post-launch mean greater promotion by the Amazon algorithm. For example, i plan to send a note to ARC readers and early reviewers a week before the publication date so it is on their radar.
2. Check Amazon’s Review Timing Rules
Amazon is strict about timing.
- Schedule your review to be posted on or shortly after the book’s official launch date.
- The book must be published for you to post a review on Amazon.
Pro Tip for KU Subscribers/ARCs: If you read an ARC but have Kindle Unlimited, you can preorder and download the book on the publication date, flip through all the pages, and then post your review. This gives the author certified page reads and may help your review appear as a “Verified Purchase.”
3. Disclose How You Acquired the Book (Crucial for Compliance)
This is vital for FTC and Amazon compliance (transparency). Always state how you acquired the book:
- For an ARC/E-Galley: “I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.”
- For a Direct Purchase: “I purchased this copy directly from the author/publisher. My review is voluntary and honest.”
Note: If you received a free ARC, your review will not have the “Verified Purchase” badge. This is normal, and your disclosure covers it.
4. Focus on the Book’s Final Quality
Your role is to be a reader, not a proofreader.
- ARCs might contain minor typos. Ignore minor errors unless they seriously impact the story.
- The bulk of your review should focus on the story, characters, plot, and overall reading experience.
5. Write Unique Reviews for Both Sites
Tailor the review slightly for each audience:
- Goodreads: Can be more conversational and include comparisons to similar titles.
- Amazon: Be concise and focus on how the book delivers on its genre promise (e.g., “A thrilling fantasy read”).
6. Use Star Ratings Consistently
- Maintain a consistent star rating between Goodreads and Amazon for the same book to avoid sending mixed signals to readers and algorithms.
7. Avoid Spoilers Unless Clearly Marked
The goal is to help prospective readers decide to buy the book.
- If you must discuss a major plot point, use a clear [SPOILER ALERT] tag at the very beginning of the spoiler section.
8. Use Links Sparingly (Goodreads Only)
- Goodreads: You may sparingly mention the author’s social media or website.
- Amazon: Do NOT include any external links on Amazon. Reviews with external links will be rejected.
Now the shamefully self-promoting part. If you’d like to be part of the ARC reader team for The Deserter, drop me a line. There’s still time before publication day.
