🌕 The Power of a Review: Why Your Words Matter More Than You Think

When I first stepped into the publishing world, I knew writing a book would take heart. What I didn’t expect? How much placement, keywords, and reviews would matter in actually getting that book into the hands of readers like you.

So today, I want to pull back the curtain and share something that might surprise you - especially if you’re a reader who believes your review is “just one review.”

Spoiler: it’s not. Not even close.

🗝 Keywords, Categories, and Placement - Oh My

Here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way):

When a book goes live on Amazon, it isn’t just tossed into a big magical sorting hat. It’s carefully placed - first into one main category, and then into a few subcategories. These are chosen by the author or publisher at first… but that’s not where the story ends.

As reviews come in, Amazon starts paying attention to what you say - yes, you, the reader.

If your review uses keywords like “soulmates,” “enemies to lovers,” “elemental magic,” or “psychological depth,” that’s fuel for the algorithm. Amazon notices. And sometimes, it decides to re-categorize the book into other genres where it believes readers like you are searching.

In other words: your language in a review can shift where the book shows up.

📖 Real Example: Moons and Shadows

If you, as a reader, describe Moons and Shadows as having strong psychological elements or dark fantasy tones, your words don’t just live on the page - they whisper to the algorithm, Hey, this belongs here too. And just like that, it could begin to appear in those browsing categories, reaching readers who might never have seen it otherwise.

That’s powerful.

🛠 A Quick Note About Typos…

Another important piece to know: Amazon takes quality very seriously. If multiple reviews mention “spelling errors” or “grammar mistakes”- even if they’re small, like a missed space or a stylistic spelling unique to the world - the book can be flagged and temporarily pulled down.

If you ever come across an error in a book you love, consider emailing the author directly instead of listing it publicly. Most indie authors would be incredibly grateful for the heads-up (I know I would be!) - and it helps protect the book from being taken offline unnecessarily.

💬 Your Review = Visibility + Impact

The reviews you leave as a Moonlighter aren’t just for other readers. They tell Amazon what kind of book this is. They tell me what resonated. And they help Moons and Shadows find the readers who need it most.

So if you’ve read the book (or plan to), know this:

Your review doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

It just has to be honest. And if it includes keywords that reflect what the story meant to you? Even better.

You hold more sway than you realize - and that’s something worth celebrating.

💫 From My Shelf to Yours

Thank you for helping this story move. From your hands, to your hearts, to other shelves across the world. We are building this together - one echo, one keyword, one review at a time.

Let’s keep going.

With gratitude,

M.D.