Book reviews are one piece of the book marketing puzzle. An important piece that some authors find impossible. This article is designed to help you get those initial reviews to bring in and sales and, you guessed it, more reviews.
In this article, you will learn:
- Why book reviews matter
- How to get your book reviewed by blogs the right way
- What to look for in a good review blog
- The best book review blogs for your genre
Table of contents
- Reviews and Amazon Ranking
- Different Types of Book Review Blogs
- Professional Book Reviewers
- Blogs that Write about Books in Their Genre
- List of the Best Book Review Blogs by Genre
- Romance Book Review Blogs:
- Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Book Review Blogs:
- Contemporary Book Review Blogs:
- Erotica / BDSM Book Review Blogs:
- Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Book Review Blogs:
- Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Review Blogs:
- Horror Book Review Blogs:
- Historical Book Review Blogs:
- Young Adult Book Review Blogs:
- Middle-Grade Book Review Blogs:
- Children’s Book Review Blogs:
- Graphic Novel Review Blogs:
- Christian Book Review Blogs:
- Non-fiction Book Review Blogs:
- Memoir Review Blogs:
- Bookstagrammers
- Book Review Blog Table
- How to Get Your Book Reviewed by a Blog
- Conclusion
Reviews and Amazon Ranking
Verified purchase reviews
You’ve probably noticed Amazon has two kinds of reviews. Some have a little “Verified” tag and some don’t. Amazon implemented the verified status to show the book was purchased from Amazon so people can’t just give their book to all their friends and get dishonest or biased reviews. Of course, readers who get the book as a prize or from signing up for your newsletter can still review it, but Amazon doesn’t give as much weight to those reviews in its algorithms. Which leads us to our next tidbit…
Does Amazon put a lot of weight on verified reviews?
Yes, they do. Even if two books are selling at the same rate, a book with more positive verified reviews will rank higher than one with fewer reviews. You can still hit number one if you’re selling enough copies compared to the other books in your category, say during a promotion.
Which brings us the next piece of this crazy puzzle:
The mentality of the Buyer
There’s no doubt the publishing world changed dramatically in the last ten years. With it changed the way readers find books and make purchasing decisions. According to this post from Written Word Media readers are most likely to buy a book if it has 30 or more reviews with an average rating greater than 3.5 stars on Amazon.
For this post, I created a survey for readers. I set out to see how much weight bibliophiles put on book reviews. I got several responses from people 60-years-old and older who don’t look at reviews at all. So if you’re targeting older readers, reviews may not be as important for the readers…but, they’re still important for the algorithms.
If your readers are less than 60-years-old, reviews are a must to sell books! But how in the world do you get them?Click To TweetSo beyond getting reviews from your email list, are there other ways authors can get more reviews?
Enter book review blogs…
Different Types of Book Review Blogs
There are two main types of book review blogs:
- Professional (aka Paid)
- Blogs (aka Free)
Professional Book Reviewers
Professional reviews are ones that are paid for and cannot count toward Amazon’s ranking. You can put them in the editorial review section which can help if you don’t have any other reviews.
Kirkus –The Kirkus Review used to be the be-all end-all of editorial reviews. It carried a lot of weight in publishing. But more recently it seems they have lost their edge. Readers aren’t looking to editorial reviews as much as they once did.
IndieReader –Similar to Kirkus is IndieReader, who focuses on indie authors. Both are expensive and don’t give you as much in return as they once did.
Are Professional Reviews Worth It?
That really depends. If you just get the professional book review, and then sit on it, or don't even promote it, then you can't expect it to have a positive return on investment. However, if you add it to your Editorial Review section of your book's sales page on Amazon correctly, or use it in your book marketing tactics, then you can absolutely have a positive effect.
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Blogs that Write about Books in Their Genre
Authors and readers have filled the web with book review blogs. These bloggers are dedicated to reading and spreading the word about the books they read. They will usually review your book in exchange for a copy while others buy the books they read.
As I mentioned earlier, verified reviews hold more weight on Amazon. However, non-verified reviews hold just as much weight to most readers, so don’t discount a blog that requires you to send them a copy. These people are not getting compensation for their reviews (that would be unethical and against Amazon’s terms of service) so giving them a copy allows them to read more books.
This is also why a lot of the blogs listed below have additional things on their site.
Easily Understand Amazon's Book Review Do's and Don'ts
Watch Dave's video below that explains when and how you can give your book away in exchange for a review using direct language from Amazon's policy.
Want more videos like this? Then click HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel
Now that you are clear on the Amazon book review rules, let's jump into those blogs that review books for authors.
Later on, I'll explain the right way to ask a blog owner to review your book.
Can't find a blog to review your book? You haven't seen this list...Click To TweetList of the Best Book Review Blogs by Genre
Some on review blogs this list are a little tricky to navigate, but I wanted to include a variety. Sadly, a lot of the really well laid out review blogs are overrun with requests and no longer accepting new ones.
When looking through this list of book review blogs, make sure to look for reviews with:
- books in your genre
- reviewers who give detailed feedback
- are accepting new review requests
- constructive feedback if they did not like a book
Note: The genre lists of book review blogs below are sorted by genre for your convenience. They are numbered in no particular order.
Use the Links Below to Jump to Review Blogs for Your Genre:
Romance Book Review Blogs:
In no particular order, here are worthwhile blogs that review romance novels:
1. Guilty Pleasures Book Review
GPBR also has a lot going on for authors and reviews contemporary mainstream, erotic and dark romances, paranormal romances and romantic suspense. As well as reviews, GPBR also has opportunities for guest posting, author interviews, and an active Goodreads following.
2. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
3. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
4. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
5. Literary Titan
Literary Titan is an organization of professional editors, writers, and professors that have a passion for the written word. Literary Titan reviews romance, and all of its sub-genres, as well as fantasy, mystery, horror, science fiction, memoirs and poetry. Literary Titan also conducts author interviews, and recognizes talented authors with their Literary Book Award where recipients are announced monthly.
Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Book Review Blogs:
These blogs will review your paranormal or urban fantasy books:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Guilty Pleasures Book Review
GPBR also has a lot going on for authors and reviews contemporary mainstream, erotic and dark romances, paranormal romances and romantic suspense. As well as reviews, GPBR also has opportunities for guest posting, author interviews, and an active Goodreads following.
3. Fang-Freakin-taskic- Reviews
This site is all about horror and the paranormal but if you have a strong romance plot sub or otherwise, I’d avoid these ladies. They are very clear about their preferences in their review policy. The genre’s they read include paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, science fiction (limitedly), and epic fantasy.
4. Early Bookish Birds
Nada reads YA, NA romance, fantasy, thrillers. So if your book falls into one those categories this is the blog for you. With a search bar and a beautiful layout, this site is also an excellent place for your book.
5. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
6. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
7. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
Contemporary Book Review Blogs:
These blogs will do book reviews for contemporary books:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Raven and Beez
This two-woman show reviews books in the following genres fantasy, science-fiction (including steampunk and zombies), young adult, middle-grade, contemporary, dystopian, horror, and a HELL YES to graphic novels (of the mentioned genres).
3. FanGirl Confessions
This fangirl reads YA, NA & adult, fiction, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder/mystery, graphic novels, and children's books. She’s also open to other genres so have a look at her blog and see if she might be a good fit.
4. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
5. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
6. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
7. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
8. Dream by Day
Samantha’s blog Dream by Day is a one-woman show. What sets her apart from others on this list is her love literary fiction. She also read mysteries and things but finding a reviewer who enjoys literary books was tough. She also has an Instagram where she shares book reviews giving you two opportunities. Her Insta following is small (for now) but as bookstagram grows in popularity so will this feed. She’s got the gorgeous photo thing down to a science.
Erotica / BDSM Book Review Blogs:
If your genre is erotica or BDSM, these book review blogs are worth checking out:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
3. Romancers Rehab
Romancer’s Rehab is a great little blog with a clear-cut rating system you can count on. Be sure to check this one out if you write erotica or other romance-related plots.
4. Totally Booked
Totally booked only reads mobi files so that’s something to consider as you move forward. However, they share your review everywhere they are on the internet for maximum exposure. Definitely check them out.
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Book Review Blogs:
For suspense, thriller and mystery book review blogs, these are your best bet:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Early Bookish Birds
Nada reads YA, NA romance, fantasy, thrillers. So if your book falls into one those categories this is the blog for you. With a search bar and a beautiful layout, this site is also an excellent place for your book.
3. FanGirl Confessions
This fangirl reads YA, NA & adult, fiction, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder/mystery, graphic novels, and children's books. She’s also open to other genres so have a look at her blog and see if she might be a good fit.
4. Chapter in My Life
Sharon is all about mysteries and crime. She’ll read crime fiction, true crime, thrillers/psychological thrillers, and mysteries (darker/noir). This dark themed blog goes right along with the books she reads. In her bio, Sharon mentions she’s in a few book clubs. Offering copies to the group might get more bang for your… time.
5. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
6. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
7. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
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For all the sci-fi and fantasy authors, these are the book review blogs for you:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Fang-Freakin-taskic- Reviews
This site is all about horror and the paranormal but if you have a strong romance plot sub or otherwise, I’d avoid these ladies. The genre’s they read include paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, science fiction (limitedly), and epic fantasy.
3. Raven and Beez
This two-woman show reviews books in the following genres fantasy, science-fiction (including steampunk and zombies), young adult, middle-grade, contemporary, dystopian, horror, and a HELL YES to graphic novels (of the mentioned genres).
4. Early Bookish Birds
Nada reads YA, NA romance, fantasy, thrillers. So if your book falls into one those categories this is the blog for you. With a search bar and a beautiful layout, this site is also an excellent place for your book.
5. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
6. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
7. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
8. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
9. Aces High Joker’s Wild
This is an incredibly fun themed site that I just had to include! If you write science/tech-heavy fiction, or spy/secret government related books, this one is for you. The reviews titled “Travel Documents” and posted like a secret file make this one a blast for readers and authors alike. If you’re interested in having your book reviewed by Aces, you’ll have to head over to their facebook page.
10. Cat Pollock Writes
This is another author turning to book reviews to help her fellow authors. I love seeing authors reaching out to readers and offering up books they enjoyed. We can’t possibly write enough books for most readers so share the love and write reviews. This is also a science fiction based blog.
Horror Book Review Blogs:
Here are blogs that will review horror books:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Fang-Freakin-taskic- Reviews
This site is all about horror and the paranormal but if you have a strong romance plot sub or otherwise, I’d avoid these ladies. They are very clear about their preferences in their review policy. The genre’s they read include paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, science fiction (limitedly), and epic fantasy.
3. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
4. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
5. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
Historical Book Review Blogs:
Here are your historical book review blogs:
1. Jeri’s Book Attic
While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.
2. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
3. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
4. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
Young Adult Book Review Blogs:
These websites will review YA books:
1. Raven and Beez
This two-woman show reviews books in the following genres fantasy, science-fiction (including steampunk and zombies), young adult, middle-grade, contemporary, dystopian, horror, and a HELL YES to graphic novels (of the mentioned genres).
2. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
3. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
4. Fictional Fates
Joel of the Fictional Fates website is strictly a young adult and middle-grade reader. He enjoys books in the following genres: fantasy (high, urban & fairy tale retellings), historical fiction, science fiction (sci-fi), contemporary, action/adventure, dystopian, paranormal, and mystery/crime. Note: Joel doesn’t have an eReader yet! So he prefers physical copies.
5. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
Middle-Grade Book Review Blogs:
For middle-grade, these blogs will do reviews:
1. Raven and Beez
This two-woman show reviews books in the following genres fantasy, science-fiction (including steampunk and zombies), young adult, middle-grade, contemporary, dystopian, horror, and a HELL YES to graphic novels (of the mentioned genres).
2. Early Bookish Birds
Nada reads YA, NA romance, fantasy, thrillers. So if your book falls into one those categories this is the blog for you. With a search bar and a beautiful layout, this site is also an excellent place for your book.
3. FanGirl Confessions
This fangirl reads YA, NA & adult, fiction, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder/mystery, graphic novels, and children's books. She’s also open to other genres so have a look at her blog and see if she might be a good fit.
4. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
5. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
6. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
7. Fictional Fates
Joel of the Fictional Fates website is strictly a young adult and middle-grade reader. He enjoys books in the following genres: fantasy (high, urban & fairy tale retellings), historical fiction, science fiction (sci-fi), contemporary, action/adventure, dystopian, paranormal, and mystery/crime. Note: Joel doesn’t have an eReader yet! So he prefers physical copies.
Children’s Book Review Blogs:
If you write children's books, here are websites that will do book reviews:
1. FanGirl Confessions
This fangirl reads YA, NA & adult, fiction, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder/mystery, graphic novels, and children's books. She’s also open to other genres so have a look at her blog and see if she might be a good fit.
2. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
3. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
4. Mundie Kids
Mundie kids a great place for MG and Children’s book authors to get some exposure for their books. They are not accepting unsolicited reviews at this time but put it in your calendar to check back in a month or so.
5. Realm of Books
Realm of Books is a great review site for middle-grade and children's book authors. It contains a relatively large volume of detailed, engaging reviews across a variety of genres, and they do accept requests for reviews.
Graphic Novel Review Blogs:
For graphic novels, here are your book review blogs:
1. Raven and Beez
This two-woman show reviews books in the following genres fantasy, science-fiction (including steampunk and zombies), young adult, middle-grade, contemporary, dystopian, horror, and a HELL YES to graphic novels (of the mentioned genres).
2. FanGirl Confessions
This fangirl reads YA, NA & adult, fiction, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder/mystery, graphic novels, and children's books. She’s also open to other genres so have a look at her blog and see if she might be a good fit.
3. Reading for Sanity
Reading for sanity has multiple reviewers and accepts a variety of genres including graphic novels.
Christian Book Review Blogs:
These book review blogs will review Christian books:
1. Christian Indie Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CIBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
2. Redeemed Reader
Another great blog that accepts Christian books. They suggest your book be accessible by local libraries so if you’re on Amazon only this may not be the blog for you. If you are on Kobo or Overdrive the library can order your ebook on request.
3. Mom of Wild Things
This blog has expanded from its original book focus to one that encompeses more family and parenting. However, Bethany’s love of reading still shines through and could be a happy home for both children’s books and adult fiction.
4. Dream by Day
Dream by day is a great blog browse the reviews to see if your title would be a good fit. She enjoys a wide variety of books including christian titles and also offers author interviews.
Non-fiction Book Review Blogs:
These non-fiction book review blogs are worth checking out:
1. Kindle Book Review
This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.
2. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
3. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
4. Jessica Map Reviews
Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.
Memoir Review Blogs:
Finally, if you wrote a memoir and need reviews, here are book review blogs for you:
1. Rachel’s Reading
Rachel accepts young adult (All Genre), biography, true crime, memoirs, Christian living, non-Fiction (especially if it’s about cults), middle grade, adult fiction, thriller/mystery, comics, graphic novels, history, travel, and feminist literature.
2. Christian Book Reviews
This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.
3. Reads all the Books
This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.
Bookstagrammers
I couldn’t write this post without making a note about bookstagramers. Instagram is a unique social media platform, but one not to be dismissed by authors. The hashtag on Instagram (#bookstagram) is an amazing place to find book reviews and reviewers that are engaged with readers. Most of these blogs had no comments. And I couldn’t find ones that did. I settled for active with more than 1k followers (if they listed their followers) and blogs that were accepting review requests.
With bookstagram you would be sending a physical copy of the book (most of the time) so they can photograph it for their feed and if all goes well you can offer to do a giveaway. They host it on their page and select a winner and you send out a book. (again keep in mind media mail and international shipping costs). The buzz around the give away will help your sales and the Instagrammer can grow their following. It’s that win/win I was talking about.
Want to prove you're still young and hip? Bust out #Bookstagram in your next conversation Click To TweetHere are a few Instagram handles for you to check out:
Book Review Blog Table
For even more book review blogs, please check out the table below. And if you know of any blogs that are missing, please reach out!
Name | Notes |
---|---|
Indie Fantasy Review | |
OMG! Kaya Reads | |
Nellie's Book Nook | |
Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews | Genres include Psychological Thrillers, True Crime Romance Suspense, Medical Memoirs, Medical Drama/Fiction, Woman's Fiction/TearJerkers, LGBTQ, and #MeToo |
The Introverted Reader | |
The Queer Bookish | Genres include Romance, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Contemporary, Erotica/BDSM, Mystery/Thriller/Suspense, Fantasy, Horror, Historical, Young Adult, Non-fiction, Memoirs |
Elementary My Dear | Genres include LGBTQ+, historical fiction, sci-fi/fantasy and non-fiction |
Feathered Quill Book Reviews | |
Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews | Reviews most any genre |
Carly Rae | |
Ethereal Pages | |
Likely Story | Genres include fiction, fantasy, romance, YA, and NA |
Victoria Reviews Books | Genres include Romance, Fantasy, YA, Sci-Fi |
Shh, I am Reading | Mainly focused on fiction and main genres are fantasy, science fiction, and horror. |
Laura's Books and Blogs | Currently accepting picture books, middle grade, and YA. No fantasy or sci-fi, but they do accept paranormal. |
The Book Dragon | |
Nothing But Picture Books | |
Matt McAvoy | All genres, fiction and non-fiction |
VB Law | Genres include Romance and post-apocalyptic non-romance. Romance subgenres: contemporary, SciFi, paranormal, dark (but no BDSM), young adult, new adult, comedy, menage or reverse harem, with a special love for post-apocalyptic romance. |
Rose Auburn | |
MaryLanniReads | Genres include picture books, middle grade, young adult (fiction and nonfiction in all) |
Totally Addicted to Reading | Genres include romance, mystery, thrillers, urban fantasy, and women's fiction |
Golfwell | Review almost all genres except erotica |
JessReviews | Genres include Romance, BDSM, Paranormal Romance |
Literature Approved | Preferred genres include Young Adult (Fantasy, Contemporary, Sci-Fi, and many subgenres), Middle Grade (Fantasy, Contemporary, Sci-Fi), Children's (any), Adult (Historical, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Poetry, Literary, some nonfiction, some mystery/thrillers) |
Autumn Blog | |
Artisan Book Reviews & Promotion | Reviews all genres |
Chick Lit Café | Reviews all genres |
Kids Lit Book Café | Children's ages 0 -18, picture books, middle grade, teen, young adult, fiction, nonfiction, early readers, comics, graphic novels etc |
The Book Dragon | Reviews all genres except children's, middle-grade, or poetry. Any LGBT+ stories are highly sought after. |
The Strawberry Post | Reviews all genres of children's and YA including picture books and adult genres: fantasy, sci-fi, historical, thriller, romance, contemporary, spooky (not gory) horror, memoirs, history, and anything animal related. |
Bibliophilia Book Reviews | |
Quill and Pen Society | Reviews all genres |
Sandra's Book Club | Reviews all genres |
L. S. Popovich Book Reviews | |
The Rebel Christian | Accepting Christian fiction or fiction fit for the Christian market. Favorite genres include fantasy, science fiction, mystery/suspense, and apocalyptic books. |
Reader Views | Reviews all genres of children's books and adults, fiction and non-fiction |
Rosepoint Publishing | Preferred genres include mystery, crime, thriller, contemporary fiction, legal thrillers, paranormal, literary fiction, historical fiction, women's fiction |
Bookshine and Readbows | Reviews all genres with special interest in fantasy and mystery books |
Chick Lit Cafe | Reviews all genres |
Artisan Book Reviews | Reviews all genres |
Kids Lit Book Café | Reviews adventure, fantasy and all of the clean genres plus, middle grade, teen, young adult, picture books, chapter books, kids lit |
C.E. Clayton | Preferred genres include Fantasy (all sub genres), Science Fiction (all sub genres except hard sci-fi), Mystery & Thriller. Prefer adult fiction to YA. |
BooKecCenTric | Preferred genres include Fantasy, Literary fiction, Self-help, Contemporary fiction, YA, Women's fiction, and Christian fiction. |
Alicia Jeanne | Reviews all genres |
LucyLui's Reviews | |
Audiobookreviewer.com | |
Sarah Anne Carter | |
The Irresponsible Reader | |
World of My Imagination | Open to any genre, including nonfiction, and books for any age group, including picture books, except for no books where romance is the sole focus, and nothing that depicts Christianity in a negative or dark light |
Literary Titan | Reviewing all genres |
Yet Another Blogging Mummy | Children’s (ideally for age 10+ boys), Young Adult (ideally for teenage boys), Thrillers, Mystery, Chick Lit, Historical Fiction, Cookery, Genealogy, Environmental |
Amanja Reads | A strong library of reviews for many self published and indie novels as well as comic books, nonfiction, horror, sci fi, and YA. |
Emily the Book Nerd | All genres but mostly Romance and Thrillers. |
The Introverted Reader | Genres include Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Historical, Thrillers, and YA. |
The Wordy Habitat | Genres include romance, contemporary, literary fiction, and more |
Armed with A Book | Reviewing all genres |
Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog | |
Read & Tell Reviews | |
Independent Book Review | Genres include Romance, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Contemporary, and more |
Bookish Brews | Genres include contemporary, science fiction/fantasy, romance, young adult, and occasionally horror or historical fiction |
Ginger Nuts of Horror | Genres include horror books as well as YA and MG Horror |
Erica Robyn Reads | Horror genre |
Yecheilyah's Book Reviews | |
Digital Reads Media | Reviews any book which catches their interest. Favorite genres are psychological thriller and woman’s fiction, sometimes urban fantasy. |
Cracking the Cover | Cracking the Cover is a website dedicated to picture, middle-grade and young adult books. It features reviews, author interviews and other book news. |
The Wordy Habitat | |
One Book More | |
Only Picture Books | |
Review Tales Publishing & Editing Services | Reviews of all subjects |
Nadaness In Motion | Covers multiple genres, mainly: fantasy, cozy mystery and thriller, children's, YA, and middle grade books, and poetry. Occasionally historical fiction and is open to non-fiction books as well. |
The Crimson Books | Various genres. |
Fictionophile | Preferred genres include mystery, crime, thriller, and contemporary fiction |
Bites | Will consider indie authors who write young adult horror and horror-adjacent novels, and to a much lesser extent adult novels of the same genre. |
PublishersDailyReviews.com | Reviews all genres, fiction and nonfiction, and turnaround is typically 3 to 4 weeks |
Dr. Akua Gray | |
Benjamin X. Wretlind | Genres include Science fiction, Fantasy, Horror,Thriller/Suspense, |
Pithy Summary | |
The Spine View | |
Pithy Summary | |
Bookish Beyond |
How to Get Your Book Reviewed by a Blog
Once you’ve found a book review blog that’s a good fit, you need to dig a little deeper. The first thing you need to check is whether or not they are accepting review requests.
The Right Way to Ask
If you want to stand out among the other review requests these bloggers get, look for a way to help them. If someone says “Please review my book” and someone else says “Please review my book, and I’d like to write a guest post for your site” which one do you think will get a yes? The second. If you write a post, that frees up a week of this bloggers time, you’ll be ahead of the game. They might not accept guest posts, so just be looking for a win-win opportunity as you do your research. If you’re website savvy you might offer to help them fix a glitch. Or you could feature their site in your newsletter. Put yourself in their shoes and try to be helpful.
How to Respond if They Say Yes:
If they say yes, you’ll most likely need to send them a copy of your book.
Most reviewers accept ebooks, but some don’t. Make sure you find out before you ask for the review.
Please use some kind of third-party to deliver ebooks. As a reviewer, I’ve received PDF copies of books and they are a pain to get on a Kindle or iPhone. You can also choose to enact DRM on your books, which will help with ARC’s especially.
Digital Book:
- BookFunnel– Bookfunnel is an amazing tool to help distribute your books. For $20 dollars a year you can have one pen name, 500 downloads a month, and store 5 books. This is great for beginners. If you want to step it up a notch and use Bookfunnel for collecting email subscribers as well, you can do so for $100 a year.
- Instafreebie– Instafreebie (now Prolific Works) is another option for delivering your book to bloggers. Their free version might be a good option for those just starting out.
- StoryOrigin – When you use StoryOrigin, not only do you join a community of other authors, you basically have all the not-so-fun back end of things taken care of by using them. They help you build your email list, find reviewers, deliver lead magnets and more. Be sure to check them out!
Paperbacks:
Some reviewers require paperbacks. Bookstagrammers (book bloggers on Instagram covered later) need the physical copy for their pictures and others just prefer the physical book. Whatever the reason, be prepared for this. If you don’t want to send out paperbacks, look for how the book should be delivered in the “Review Policy” section of the blog. Most reviewers who want paperbacks will tell you right there.
NOTE: When mailing paperbacks to reviewers, select media mail at the post office. It’ll save you some money. Also, mailing things internationally is expensive. Keep that in mind when researching reviewers.
- NetGalley– If you are traditionally publishing and have not signed a contract yet, ask them to add at least 100 galley copies to the contract. These will be digital copies of the book you can send to reviewers through NetGalley. If you’re not traditionally published you can still use NetGalley, but you won’t have to worry about a limit on how many you’re allowed to give away.
How to Respond if They Say No or Don’t Respond:
Move on. Do not respond negatively. If they respond with no, thank them for their time and move on. If they don’t respond you can send one follow-up (unless noted otherwise on their site) then move on. Don’t waste time being upset.
Conclusion
The bottom line here is you need reviews. Amazon rankings and reader buying decisions are affected by them. But don’t freak out about negative reviews. Remember your book isn’t for everyone and when people leave a review saying why they didn’t like it, it will help your ideal readers find you and keep others who would leave negative reviews way.
So do your research, plan your ask, find a win/win, and get your book into the hands of the right readers to get more book reviews.
Great info! Thank you. I just published my first book and did not see Self-Help/Relationships as a genre. Who could I contact?
For book review blogs…hmm..I’m not sure.