The Self-Publishing Gig: Part Two
Validation & Visibility
Getting Editorial Reviews
I would not recommend getting a Kirkus Review. The basic level costs US$450, and an expedited option costs US$599. The Expanded Review starts at US$599, and the expedited option is US$750. At the current exchange rate, that’s between AU$668 and AU$1,113.34 for Australians. As somebody on Reddit said, ‘jaw-droppingly expensive’! But what’s worse than the exorbitant cost is the quality of the Reviews. I read one review that was downright nasty, and that completely put me off. These reviews are geared to traditional publishers who can afford it.
Literary Titan offers a wealth of helpful tips and information, creative tools and services, such as video advertisements, and writing services, including taglines, press releases, and query letters. After using some of these services, I submitted my novel for Review at US$70 (AU$113.15).
When I got my review, I was gobsmacked. It was good, with 5-stars. Yikes!
I’m using the following quote for the blurb on the back of my book:
“A flawless gem of a story. Its intriguing plot, delightful characters, and perfect settings make it an outstanding read that promises excitement, romance, and a touch of mystery.” 5-Stars Literary Titan.
Literary Titan also has an excellent free download called 12 Ways To Use A Book Review To Sell More Books.
Thrilled as I am, I wonder whether others might have the same high opinion of my book, an author’s insecurity showing! So, of course, I’m going to get more reviews.
These reviews are placed before 22,500 subscribers to their free monthly newsletter of fiction and nonfiction book reviews. The US Review of Books is in the top 25 Google search for “book reviews”. Reviewers select the books they want to review, leading to a better pairing of reviewer and book, and the review is delivered within 2-4 weeks. The cost is US$125 (AU$185.25) plus an additional US$50 to get the review back within ten days or less. I plan to get this expedited review once I have my new book cover.
I’m considering this option, but despite what their blurb says, it’s expensive!
If your title is IR Approved (4-5 stars), it will be included in IR’s “Best Reviewed Books of the Month” feature, posted to the IR site and sent to their 10,000+ subscribers. If your book receives a 4+ star review, it will be included in their monthly “Best Of” roundup on the IR website. A basic review is US$299, AU$444.36. If the book is submitted before publication, at least five weeks away, you save US$50.
Your IndieReader book review will be distributed and/or available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndiReader, and Ingram.
BookLifeReview & Publishers Weekly
https://booklife.com/about-us/booklife-reviews-faqs.html
BookLifeReview is for independent publishers and author-publishers. It has lots of helpful information for authors, such as Book Marketing 201 and DIY: How to Pitch Book Bloggers. But getting a review is expensive, especially if you live in Australia—US$399, AU$593.01. The delivery date is six weeks from the date of purchase. If required, US$150 will expedite the review to four weeks. The author can decide if they want the review made public. It’s reviewed by a Publishers Weekly reviewer and published in the BookLife section of Publishers Weekly magazine.
The review is comprehensive. It consists of three paragraphs (about 300 words) of plot summary, critique, and analysis of the book, including an assessment of the readers most likely to enjoy it. You also get an honest, positive one-sentence takeaway summarising the reviewer’s opinion of the book’s best aspects and likely audience. The author is also given comparison (comp) titles and/or authors. The reviewer also provides a grade (from A+ to C) for cover art, interior design and typography, illustrations (if applicable), editing and marketing copy. I am getting this review.
Publishers Weekly
booklife.com/about-us/publishers-weekly-reviews
Publishers Weekly is regarded as one of the most prestigious reviewers. While BookLifeReview includes information designed to help market your book, Publishers Weekly reviews are brief and condensed, about 200 words. PW primarily reviews traditionally published books and a small selection of self-published books. You can submit your book to PW (for free) for review consideration, but there is no guarantee of a PW review, and it can take months for a book to be reviewed. Reviews are published together in the same section of the PW magazine.
In addition, for US$167 (AU$247.63), you can have your book cover and synopsis displayed in front of thousands of booksellers, librarians, agents, publishers, film producers, and production companies via the Publishers Weekly print and digital editions.
https://www.booklife.com/about-us/pw-select.html
It will also appear in BookLife’s weekly email newsletter to 23,000 recipients and BookLife’s Twitter and Facebook channels.
Self-Publishing Review
https://www.selfpublishingreview.com/get-reviewed/
Four price options starting at US$99 (AU$147.92). After the book has been submitted, reviews are delivered approximately 30 days later and shared on social media, which gets 187,000 monthly views. There are also add-ons.
Dare Magazine
I have submitted an ARC to the editor of Dare Magazine here in Australia. The magazine has a bi-monthly readership that is delivered to the homes of 78,000 readers aged 50-plus and emailed digital copies to 85,000 more. My ideal reader is 45+, so this is my readership.
I also may get a review from a famous author or a celebrity, but I’ll keep that under wraps for now!
Book Sirens
https://booksirens.com/submit-book-for-review
I’m considering using this website to distribute ARCs. Here, you can ask readers from a book reviewer directory to request your ARC so you know who your readers are.
Well, that’s it until I discuss my launch, PR and advertising strategies.
Have you had experience with any of the above reviewers? Care to share?
Till next time…
Kisane xoxo