Self-Reviewing on Goodreads: An SEO Perspective

I usually don't answer Quora questions, but after reading through some of the other responses, I felt compelled to share my thoughts on the practice of authors rating their own books on Goodreads.

The Ethics of Self-Rating

There's a fundamental question: Is it ethical or fair for authors to give their own books a 5-star rating? While some might argue that it inflates the ratings, my stance is that if an author is confident that their book is exceptional, there's no harm in expressing that honestly. In my case, I rated my novel a 5-star after reading it multiple times pre-publication and being convinced of its quality.

Impact on Average Ratings

A single 5-star rating doesn't significantly boost the average rating unless you have very few ratings. Most Goodreads users will dig deeper into the reviews, blurb, and other details before making a decision. If there's only one rating, potential readers would notice this immediately and may question the rating's validity.

Marketing Benefits

Give it a try, just wait till you have about 20 ratings. While a single rating might be suspicious, a few ratings won't significantly impact the average. There are clear marketing benefits to self-ratings. For instance, by giving a positive review, you can highlight your excitement about publishing your novel, share the process you went through, and provide personal inspiration behind your story.

When I rated my novel, I leveraged this opportunity to write about the journey to publication, my inspirations, and the process. Because I gave the book 5 stars, my review often appears at the top of the 5-star reviews section. This can provide a personal touch to potential readers browsing reviews, encouraging them to read the book.

Big-Name Authors and Reputable Review Services

Let's not forget that many well-known authors, like Jennifer Armentrout, have hundreds of thousands of ratings and reviews. They've embraced the process as a standard part of marketing their work. Armentrout's Obsidian has over 280,000 ratings on Goodreads with an average of 4.15. This shows that it's a norm and doesn't necessarily devalue the ratings of others.

For those who want to ensure their books receive a positive boost, consider hiring reputable review and rating services that can help you build a solid online presence on Goodreads and other platforms. These services provide high-quality reviews that can improve your book's ranking in search results and attract more readers.

Remember, the key to a successful strategy is authenticity and consistency. While self-rating is okay, it's essential to provide genuine and informative reviews to build trust with your audience.

So, give it a try! If you're convinced, don't hesitate to rate and review your own book. It's a part of the marketing process that can significantly impact your reach and sales.