There are so many books on teaching out there—so how can an author ensure their new title stands out?
Getting quality reviews for books on teaching was something I hadn’t fully considered immediately after releasing my book, Six Steps to a Strong School Culture. Initially, I was filled with anticipation, imagining the wave of purchases and glowing reviews that would surely flood in over the next few weeks. I pictured becoming a New York Times bestseller and receiving thousands of heartfelt reviews within just a few months. After all, in my opinion, I had poured my soul into creating one of the most transformational books in the field of education!
Managing my expectations without giving up
But as of yet, reality hasn’t quite matched my dream. At first, I felt a pang of disappointment, wondering why my work wasn’t reaching the heights I had envisioned. Then, it dawned on me—my book was just one of many books on teaching. Even though Solution Tree was doing an incredible job promoting the book, I had overlooked something crucial: my own role in this journey.
I realized that I wasn’t just the author of the book, I was also its advocate. To garner genuine, authentic, and meaningful reviews on platforms like Amazon and Solution Tree, I needed to step up and take an active part. The success of my book wasn’t just about having written something impactful; it was about fostering connections, reaching readers, and inviting them to share their experiences. This wasn’t just a lesson in marketing; it was a humble reminder of the partnership between writer and reader, and the effort it takes to bring a message to life. And one way to do that is to be intentional about getting book reviews.
The importance of quality reviews for books on teaching
Did you know that as many as 97% of people check book reviews online before purchasing their next read, and that the more book reviews you have, the more likely it is that your title will appear in readers’ online searches?
Amazon’s algorithms pay close attention to reviews and ratings, so the more positive feedback they find on your book, the more likely your book is to appear toward the top of a reader’s search. Solution Tree uses book reviews to gauge reader interest, identify potential areas for improvement in future publications, and inform editorial decisions by understanding which books resonate most with educators and practitioners in the field, allowing them to prioritize topics and authors that are highly rated and sought after.
Here are five mistakes I made and quickly learned from—ones you’ll want to avoid . . .
DON’T rely entirely on the publishing company
It’s natural for authors to rely on family and friends to purchase their books and leave reviews. But beyond that, isn’t it the publishing company’s responsibility to attract attention and secure reviews? The answer is a resounding NO! As an author, your role extends far beyond writing the manuscript. You should actively participate in the publishing process by promoting your book, building your author platform, and connecting with readers of books on teaching—both potential and confirmed. This includes using social media, email, personal phone calls, podcasts and even handwritten notes to create meaningful engagement and drive interest in your book.
DON’T avoid or isolate yourself from communities or networks that could help promote your book
I initially felt uneasy about connecting with new people on unfamiliar platforms and stepping outside my comfort zone. But it’s important to remember that this process isn’t about you. It’s about the value and solutions you can offer to those facing challenges you can help solve. Prioritize engaging in online forums, such as education-focused groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, where you can contribute meaningful insights. By offering value in these spaces, you build trust and encourage members to explore your book.
Leverage platforms like X, LinkedIn, and Alignable to connect with educators, administrators, and other professionals in your niche who are interested in books on teaching. Share insights from your book, host live Q&A sessions, and post relatable content to keep your audience engaged and interested.
DON’T avoid direct engagement
People like to feel valued, so I made it a priority to show my appreciation. I personally thanked everyone who left a review. If I couldn’t find their email address, I searched for them on social media to send a message expressing my gratitude. Gracious and well-written responses to the reviews show that you value your readers’ opinions, which fosters a positive relationship between you and your audience. My goal was to let them know how much their support meant to me.
I also made the process easier by providing direct links to review pages. Many readers intend to leave a review but may find the process inconvenient. To help, I shared links to my book’s Amazon or Solution Tree pages through emails, social media posts, and newsletters.
Find your book’s readers to amplify its message and impact
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that every author’s path is uniquely challenging yet immensely rewarding. Writing a book is an act of creation, but ensuring it finds its way into readers’ hands and hearts requires equal parts strategy, humility, and perseverance. By avoiding the pitfalls I’ve shared and embracing the role of advocate, you can amplify your book’s reach and impact. Remember, the most transformative books on teaching don’t just sit on shelves; they spark conversations, inspire change, and build connections. With intention and effort, your book can do just that. The world deserves your story, so let it shine.
About the educator
Dr. Samuel Nix, EdD, has been an educator for more than twenty years with a background as a teacher, middle and high school principal, and chief of schools in a variety of school settings.
