A couple of months ago we bought a new TV for our front room. We went to the shop and looked at all the TVs, the different sizes and prices. And then what? We came home and looked at all the reviews on Amazon.

What better way to find out the quirks and quibbles of a range of items than by looking on Amazon at the reviews?

The views of ordinary people like you and I, with no vested interest in convincing you to buy a product, just their honest opinion on what they thought.

When readers are browsing online, they will do exactly the same for your book. They’ll look at its reviews for the social proof – should they buy it, or not. Bad or negative reviews are bound to put potential readers off.

So, can you do more to encourage positive reviews on your book? Of course you can. Here’s how.

Firstly, why are reviews important?

Well, firstly it’s great for you to get feedback on your writing. After all, that’s the reason you’re writing in the first place; so readers can appreciate and enjoy your work. It’s a fantastic boost to get positive comments, and means you’ll probably produce better writing as a result.

But the bigger reason reviews are important is because they encourage other readers to buy your book. It’s like when you’re shopping for clothes and someone pick