QR Codes in Books: The Fastest Way to Get More Amazon Reviews
Paperback readers face too many steps between finishing your book and leaving a review. A QR code removes most of them. Here's how to create one and where to put it.
Why paperback readers give up before reviewing
Ebook readers have it easy. The review ask appears at the end of the book, they tap a link, and they're on the review page in seconds.
Paperback readers have a much harder path. They put the book down, pick up their phone, open Amazon, search for the book by title (hoping the search returns the right edition), navigate to the product page, find the "Write a review" button, and then write the review — if they haven't already given up.
Most do give up. Not because they didn't want to review. Because it was too many steps.
What a QR code changes
A QR code collapses that entire process into a single action: scan. The reader opens their camera, points it at the code, and they're on the review page.
But there's a catch. If the QR code links to a US Amazon review page, UK and Australian readers still land in the wrong place. The QR code removes the effort of searching — but it doesn't fix the international routing problem.
This is why your QR code should link to a smart review link — one that routes readers to the right Amazon store automatically based on their location. ReviewLinker generates both the smart link and the QR code together.
Where to place your QR code
The last page of your book
This is the most effective placement. The reader has just finished your book — their motivation to review is at its peak. A short ask and a QR code here converts better than anywhere else.
Keep the ask brief. Something like: "If you enjoyed this book, a short review on Amazon helps more than you know. Scan to leave one now." Then the QR code.
Printed ARC inserts
If you send physical ARC copies, include a small card with the QR code. ARC readers are often international — the smart routing matters here especially.
Bookmarks and inserts
A QR code on a bookmark or promotional insert can get to readers before they finish the book. Less effective than end-of-book placement but still useful for events and giveaways.
Generate your QR code and smart review link together — free.
Download as PNG or SVG, ready for InDesign, Word, or Canva.
What size should the QR code be?
For back-matter use, a minimum of 2cm × 2cm (about 0.8 inches) is reliable for most phone cameras. Bigger is safer — 3–4cm is comfortable.
For print, always use the SVG format rather than PNG. SVG is vector-based and stays crisp at any print size. PNG can pixelate at high resolution if the source image is small.
ReviewLinker exports both formats. Use SVG for InDesign or any professional layout tool. Use PNG for Word, Canva, or Pages.
How to create a QR code for your book
- Create a free ReviewLinker account
- Add your book by ASIN or Amazon URL
- Download the QR code as PNG or SVG
- Place it at the back of your book with a short review ask
The QR code links to your smart review link, so readers are routed to the right Amazon store regardless of where they are. Works across all 14 Amazon stores. Learn more about QR codes for print books.
Not sure what URL your QR code should point to? Here's why the destination matters as much as the code.
Ready to get more reviews from every country?
Create one smart Amazon review link for your book. Readers in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and 10 more stores all land on the right page automatically.