Top Book Marketing Companies for Indie Authors: What to Know

You’ve done the hard part of writing your book. Now comes the next big challenge: getting it into readers’ hands.

That’s where book marketing companies come in. The right strategic partner can help indie authors like you grow a loyal audience, build buzz, and sell books. But not all companies are the same, and not every service is worth your time or budget.

This guide will help you understand what to look for when exploring book marketing companies—especially when it comes to one of the most powerful tools for indie authors today: book reviews.

What to look for in a book marketing company

If you search “book marketing companies,” you’ll find hundreds of options that offer everything from ad management to press releases to social media plans. Whew! How do you know which one to choose?

Here are a few top traits to look for in a company:

1. Target audience

Do they understand your genre and ideal readers? A company that knows your market will be able to promote your book in the best way.

2. Services offered

Some companies provide full-service marketing (again, think publicity, ads, and review outreach), while others specialize in one area. Make sure their offerings align with your goals.

3. Cost considerations

Look for clear pricing and packaging options. A trustworthy company will be upfront about what’s included (and won’t push services you don’t need!).

4. Experience with indie authors

Self-published authors face unique challenges and needs. A company experienced with indie writers will understand the nuances of platform-building, budget-friendly strategies, long-term growth, and more.

5. Focus on results

It’s easy to get caught up in likes and impressions. But what really matters is tangible impact: increased sales, more reviews, and higher traffic to your book’s page. Look for companies that track and report real outcomes.

6. Reputation and client reviews

What do other authors say? Reviews and testimonials can give you a window into the company’s professionalism, communication, and results.

And that brings us to what may be a key part of your decision-making process: book reviews.

Why book reviews are core to marketing

If you need convincing of the power of book reviews, know that about 97 percent of readers say reviews influence whether they buy a book. That means reader feedback often outweighs flashy covers, catchy descriptions, and even paid ads.

They’re the social proof today’s readers trust most and the kind of credibility that no amount of marketing spend can fake.

That’s also why the best book marketing companies now include review generation as part of their services. They know that books with authentic, recent reviews get better placement and sales.

How authenticity builds reader trust

So, what makes book reviews so powerful? It’s their authenticity that helps build trust in potential readers.

Think about it. A book review is not an ad company saying how great a book is and that you should read it. It’s from someone who spent money on the book, took the time to read it, and then cared enough to leave a review.

Readers can sniff out fake or overly promotional reviews in seconds. If you’ve got a book marketing company that can help you collect real, authentic ones—well, you’re gold.

But what makes a review feel real?

• Specificity: “I couldn’t put it down!” is nice but not nearly as persuasive as, “The way the author handled grief through the lens of a young teenager felt so honest and raw that I had to keep reading.”
• Emotion: Great reviews often reflect how a book made the reader feel. That connection is what prompts other readers to know that it’s something they would (or would not…) enjoy.
• Balance: Interestingly, a few minor critiques (respectful ones!) can increase credibility; suspiciously positive reviews can be, well, suspicious.

Take note; the best book marketing companies understand the importance of authenticity. If their focus is on helping you generate authentic feedback and not just high-volume ratings, you’ll know they’re worth the investment.

Tips for encouraging meaningful reviews

Whether you are or aren’t working with a book marketing company, there are things you can do to encourage more and better reviews to launch your book sales.

Here’s a start:

1. Ask your family and friends

Tapping your inner circle of friends, family, and colleagues can be one of the best ways to start getting reviews. If they’ve read your book, kindly ask them to leave a review highlighting what resonated with them, what stood out, or why they’d recommend it to others. They may be thrilled to contribute!

2. Ask at the right time

Your best chance of getting a review is when the reading experience is fresh. Consider including a gentle reminder at the back of your book or in your follow-up email to readers.

3. Make it easy

Some readers don’t leave reviews because they’re not sure what to say. Offering simple prompts like “Who was your favorite character?” or “What surprised you most about the story?” can help them get started.

Others may not leave reviews because the submission process is too complicated. If you can make it easier, such as by including a QR code linking to a form, you’re likely to get more reviews.

4. Engage with your readers

When you respond to reader comments or thank someone for a review, you build a relationship. That kind of interaction often leads to more loyal fans—and likewise, more valuable reviews.

5. Keep the conversation going

While a collection of reviews on your Amazon or Goodreads book listing page is great, don’t just let them pile up. Include them as part of the ongoing conversation about your book. For example, use them in your social media captions, highlight them in newsletters, and quote them in ads. The more you bring those reviews to life, the more valuable they’ll become.

The best book marketing companies won’t flood your listing with spammy or templated reviews. Instead, like we do at Elite Authors, they’ll focus on sourcing reviews from real readers who can provide genuine, thoughtful feedback (not AI-generated!).

If reviews are part of your marketing plan, it’s worth partnering with a company that prioritizes that authenticity.

Find your book marketing partner

For indie authors, the right book marketing company can make all the difference, especially when it comes to generating high-quality reviews you can trust to sell your masterpiece.

Because great reviews build trust, increase visibility, and drive sales. But only a thoughtful, people-first approach gets results.

That’s why Elite Authors offers reader-generated review services tailored to indie authors who want to see the book they worked so hard on take off and reach more readers.

If that’s you, learn more about our book review services and how they can power your next chapter!