Did you know that almost all literary organizations require and rely on professional reviews from an accredited journal or magazine before they will add any published works to their collection? Public Libraries (including School Libraries), Indie Bookstores and even World-Wide Book Fairs look for a professional & positive review to help them make their purchasing decisions.
Most Librarians leverage Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal & Booklist to determine whether a book is right for their collection. Without such reviews, Librarians would only add an item if it were by an established author that has proven to be popular with their Library patrons. Therefore, it is imperative that debut authors solicit and obtain a professional book review.
Inquiring about such reviews can be somewhat intimidating due to potential out of budget cost and rejection. But fear no more as I have completed my research and outlined the cost benefits of each company that offers professional reviews as a quick reference guide. Be sure to choose the option that works best for your published works.
- Blue Ink Review – A fee-based review service devoted exclusively to self-published books and delivers professional, unbiased reviews written by critics drawn largely from major mainstream publications and by editors from respected publishing houses. Cost $395.00 with a guaranteed review.
- Book Life by Publishers Weekly – Will only review self-published books and a guaranteed review by a PW reviewer and a review within six weeks (or four if you purchase expedited service). Cost $399.00 with a guaranteed review.
- BookList – A pre-publication journal and only considers books submitted 15 weeks in advance of the on-sale date. Please note that BookList carefully considers self-published titles that meet their reviewing criteria. Cost $0 if considered.
- Kirkus – Will provide a professional review for fee. While we do not guarantee positive reviews, unfavorable reviews can be taken as valuable feedback for improvements and ultimately do not have to be published on our site. Cost $425.00 with a guaranteed review.
- Midwest Book Review – An organization committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. Midwest is a post-publication review institution and generally request two copies of the published book. Cost $50.00 with a guaranteed review.
- Publishers Weekly – Reviews traditionally published books, as well as a small selection of self-published books. You can submit your book for review consideration, but there is no guarantee of a review, and it can take months for a book to be reviewed. Cost $0 if considered.
- School Library Journal – The editors decide which books and multimedia materials to review based upon potential interest to SLJ readers. Submission does not guarantee review. Cost $0 if considered.
- Self-Publishing Review – One of the top online resources for self-published authors. SPR offers different packages based on where an author is within their writing journey. Cost ranges from $99- $329.00