The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Episode: How To Get More Book Reviews With Joe Walters
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Host: Joanna Penn
Guest: Joe Walters, Author of The Truth About Book Reviews and Founder of IndependentBookReview.com
Introduction
In this episode, Joanna Penn delves into the critical topic of obtaining more book reviews, featuring insights from Joe Walters, an expert in book marketing and reviews. The discussion is both actionable and deeply informative, ideal for authors looking to enhance their book’s visibility and credibility.
Controversy in Memoir Writing
Joanna begins by addressing the recent controversy surrounding Raina Win's bestselling memoir, The Salt Path. An investigative article by The Observer questions the authenticity of the memoir, revealing alleged discrepancies between the book's narrative and real-life events.
Notable Quote:
“[...] what feels true to the spirit of the book is what a lot of people feel betrayed by.”
— Joanna Penn [05:45]
This incident raises important questions about the balance between factual and emotional truth in memoir writing. Joanna emphasizes that while emotional truth is essential for connecting with readers, factual accuracy remains crucial to maintain trust.
Key Points:
- Factual Truth vs. Emotional Truth: Factual truth is objective and verifiable, whereas emotional truth is subjective and based on personal experiences.
- Impact of Controversy: The allegations against The Salt Path have sparked a debate on the integrity of memoirs, highlighting the need for authors to balance storytelling with honesty.
- Memoir vs. Autofiction: Joanna discusses the distinction between memoirs and autofiction, suggesting that autofiction offers more flexibility without misleading readers about factual accuracy.
Interview with Joe Walters
Joanna transitions to her interview with Joe Walters, author and founder of IndependentBookReview.com. Joe shares his journey into book reviewing and provides valuable strategies for authors seeking more reviews.
Types of Book Reviews
Joe categorizes book reviews into three distinct types:
-
Blurbs or Editorial Reviews:
These are testimonials used for marketing purposes, often placed on book covers or marketing materials.
Notable Quote:“[...] blurbs being content. You can't be the one who calls your book spectacular.”
— Joe Walters [31:57] -
Media or Trade Reviews:
Reviews from media outlets or trade publications that focus on books. These can be leveraged for publicity and added to websites and newsletters. -
Customer Reviews:
The most common type, found on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble. These reviews contribute to social proof and influence algorithms.
Strategies for Securing Customer Reviews
For authors new to the scene, obtaining customer reviews can be challenging. Joe offers several practical tips:
- Leverage Comp Titles: Identify books similar to yours that have garnered reviews, and reach out to those reviewers.
- Build a Launch Team: Engage personal connections and past workshop participants to form a group dedicated to reviewing your book upon release.
- Utilize Automation: Implement clickable review links within your book and set up automated email sequences to request reviews from readers.
- Explore Review Services: While ethically restricted from paying for customer reviews, services like Pubby and BookFunnel can aid in soliciting genuine reviews.
Notable Quote:
“[...] make it easy to find on your website, contact for review copies is very simple.”
— Joe Walters [44:41]
Handling Negative Reviews
Negative reviews are an inevitable part of the publishing process. Joe advises authors to:
- Stay Composed: Don’t take negative feedback personally. Instead, focus on accumulating a larger number of reviews to dilute the impact of a few bad ones.
- Report Abuse: If a review is offensive or irrelevant, utilize platform-specific reporting tools.
- Learn and Adapt: Use constructive criticism to improve future works without letting it derail your confidence.
Notable Quote:
“[...] reviewers are speaking to other readers and they have personal reading experiences.”
— Joe Walters [57:53]
Navigating Paid Reviews
Joe emphasizes that while authors cannot ethically pay for customer reviews, they can invest in obtaining editorial reviews (blurbs) through reputable services. This ensures that reviews remain honest and trustworthy.
Key Takeaways:
- Ethical Boundaries: Avoid any practices that compromise the authenticity of reviews.
- Budget Wisely: Determine a budget for obtaining professional editorial reviews without overspending.
- Utilize Professional Help: Consider hiring marketing assistants or using platforms like Reedsy for streamlined review acquisition.
Resources and Further Assistance
Joe directs listeners to his website, IndependentBookReview.com, where authors can submit their books for reviews, access group beta reading, and explore additional resources to enhance their marketing strategies.
Notable Quote:
“IndependentBookReview.com is a site for readers. So if you're looking for cool indie books, that's what I try to do.”
— Joe Walters [62:35]
Conclusion
The episode offers a comprehensive guide for authors aiming to increase their book reviews, blending theoretical insights with practical advice. Joanna and Joe underscore the importance of authenticity, ethical practices, and persistent effort in building a robust review base. Whether you’re a new author or looking to sustain your backlist, the strategies discussed provide a roadmap to enhancing your book’s visibility and credibility.
Final Thoughts:
Joanna encourages listeners to engage with Jo’s work and utilize the strategies shared to foster a trustworthy and effective review ecosystem.
Connect with Joanna Penn:
- Website: thecreativepenn.com
- Email: joannathecreativepen.com
- Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram (@thecreativepenn)
Explore Joe Walters’ Resources:
- Website: IndependentBookReview.com
- Book: The Truth About Book Reviews
Happy writing, and may your books receive the reviews they deserve!