How You Can Help, Why Reviews Matter (and How to Leave One)


A heartfelt ask from an indie author, and a little help for those willing to support.

Catherine Lynwood
Posted on July 6, 2025 by Catherine Lynwood
The Alpha Flame: Discovery by Catherine Lynwood
A handwritten thank-you note resting on an open book, with a coffee cup nearby — capturing the personal connection between author and reader.
Your words matter. Thank you for helping indie stories find their readers.

They say writing a book is only half the battle. The other half? Getting it seen. And in the world of indie publishing, nothing helps more than a genuine review.

If you’ve ever wondered why authors seem so desperate for reviews, or how you can actually help, here’s an honest look behind the curtain. And yes, this is my heartfelt plea, too.

Why Reviews Matter So Much

Reviews aren’t just nice words. They’re the lifeblood of indie books. On Amazon, more reviews mean better visibility. They influence the algorithm to show the book to other readers. On Goodreads, they build trust and help readers discover stories they might love but never see otherwise.

In short? Every single review helps an indie author fight obscurity.

Want to Help? I’m Offering Free Review Copies

I know books cost money, and times are tough. So I’m offering a limited number of free digital copies to readers willing to leave an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. Not everyone, I’m just one author!, but for those truly interested, I’d love to share the book with you.

There’s a contact form at the bottom of every blog post here. If you're keen, drop me a message saying you’re interested in a review copy. I’ll get back to you if I can offer you one!

How to Leave a Review (Simple as Possible)

? Amazon: You generally need to have spent £/$50 in the last year to review. Just give it a star rating and a short sentence or two. That’s it. Honest opinions matter most, no need to gush unless you want to!

? Goodreads: Anyone can review once they’re signed up. Rate it, write your thoughts, tag it in your lists. It’s one of the best ways to help new readers discover books.

My Honest Ask

I poured my heart into The Alpha Flame: Discovery. It’s raw. It’s emotional. It’s the book I wanted to write for all the girls who felt like Beth or Maggie, and for the people willing to understand them.

If you’ve enjoyed the snippets here, or if you believe in supporting indie authors, please consider leaving a review, even just a sentence. It truly makes all the difference.

Thanks for reading. And thank you, always, for helping stories like mine find their way to the people who need them.


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