You already know that book reviews are essential to marketing your book—but editorial reviews carry a unique weight that can elevate your credibility and increase your book’s discoverability.
Unlike consumer reviews from everyday readers, editorial book reviews come from trusted professionals—industry experts, reviewers, bloggers, and media outlets. These endorsements can make your book stand out on Amazon, Goodreads, and in the eyes of bookstores and libraries.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what editorial reviews are, why they matter, and five proven strategies to help you get them—plus how to use them effectively in your book marketing.
Table of Contents
What Is an Editorial Book Review?
An editorial book review is a professional review written by a recognized authority in the publishing industry. These reviews are typically:
- Written by review services, media outlets, or industry experts
- Independent and unbiased
- Often included in your Amazon listing, book marketing materials, or press kits
Why Editorial Reviews Matter:
- Boost Credibility – Readers trust reviews from recognized sources.
- Increase Visibility – Many platforms, including Amazon, showcase editorial reviews prominently.
- Attract Gatekeepers – Libraries, bookstores, and media professionals rely on third-party reviews to assess quality.
5 Proven Ways to Get Editorial Book Reviews
Ready to add professional endorsements to your book marketing toolbox? Here’s how to do it.
1. Reach Out to Influential Authors and Industry Experts
If you know respected voices in your niche, ask them to read and review your book. Their opinion carries weight—especially when they have built-in audiences.
How to use these reviews:
- Include endorsements in your Amazon Editorial Review section
- Feature quotes on your website, press kit, and social media
- Repurpose unused blurbs or cover endorsements as editorial reviews
Tip: If you received praise for your book pre-publication, don’t let it go to waste. These testimonials can double as editorial reviews.
2. Submit to Reputable Book Review Services
There are several trusted platforms that offer professional book reviews, especially for self-published and independent authors.
Top editorial review services:
- Midwest Book Review
- Kirkus Reviews (fee-based, but widely recognized)
- Readers’ Favorite
- BookLife by Publishers Weekly
These services provide objective reviews you can use across your marketing channels. Some may publish your review in industry publications, increasing your exposure even further.
3. Use NetGalley for Pre-Publication Reviews
NetGalley allows authors and publishers to distribute advanced review copies (ARCs) to a network of librarians, booksellers, educators, and reviewers.
Benefits of NetGalley:
- Gain reviews before launch
- Reach industry professionals who may share or publish their feedback
- Build buzz around your book ahead of release day
NetGalley isn’t free, but many authors find the exposure and early reviews well worth the investment.
4. Leverage Media Mentions and Blog Reviews
If your book has been featured by a blog, podcast, or media outlet—even briefly—turn that mention into an editorial book review.
Here’s how:
- Quote the article or coverage in your Amazon listing or book description
- Reach out to niche bloggers or journalists who review books in your genre
- Request a full review if they’ve mentioned you in a roundup or news story
Example: If Forbes called your book “a must-read for business leaders,” that quote becomes an instant credibility booster.
5. Add Editorial Reviews to Your Amazon Book Page
Once you’ve collected editorial reviews, don’t forget to showcase them on your Amazon listing.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log into Amazon Author Central
- Select your book
- Navigate to the Editorial Reviews section
- Click Add Editorial Review and enter your quote
Formatting Tips:
- Italicize the review content
- Bold the reviewer’s name and credentials
- Use short, scannable excerpts—2–4 sentences max
Tools like Publisher Rocket can help you manage and format reviews quickly.
How to Use Editorial Reviews in Your Book Marketing Strategy
Getting editorial reviews is just the first step—now, put them to work!
Where to Feature Your Reviews:
- Amazon Editorial Reviews section
- Book description on Goodreads
- “Praise” section of your author website
- Speaker one-sheet or media kit
- Social media graphics or video testimonials
Use these endorsements to reinforce the quality of your book and persuade potential readers, librarians, or podcast hosts that your book is worth their time.
Are Editorial Book Reviews Worth the Effort?
In a word: yes.
While it takes time and effort to collect editorial book reviews, the payoff is long-term credibility and increased trust—both of which directly support your sales and marketing efforts.
These professional endorsements tell readers (and gatekeepers) that your book stands out in a crowded marketplace.
Want expert help getting reviews, promoting your book, and building your platform the right way?
Talk to a strategist at Book Launchers and discover how we help non-fiction authors write, publish, and promote books that grow their brand and their business.
