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Editorial Reviews

What are they?

An editorial review is an assessment of a book manuscript by a recognized name. Often the reviewers belong to established organization, known for giving professional reviews and therefore adept at judging quality. These reviews are often listed by sellers as a reference for customers as to what experts think about a book.


Below is an example of an Editorial Review section on Amazon for The Bullied Anthologies:


Why are they important?

Potential customers often look at a book sales landing page, such as on Amazon, to see what others have thought about a book before they make a purchase. Often times, they will look to see what editorial reviews have said about the book. Some editorial review sites, which are well recognized, can carry weight with a reader. In particular, if the editorial review is given by someone well-recognized, it may carry more weight.


How can you get editorial reviews?

If you are an author and trying to garner some editorial reviews, there are many services that offer them. Traditionally, your publisher or marketing agency would be responsible for helping you acquire them. However, if you are acting independently, there are several resources available to self-publishers and independent publishers.


Paid Review Services

Blue Ink $395

Chantireviews $425

Indie Reader $275

Kirkus Reviews $425

Neon Books $45

Online Book Club $99

Reader's Favorite $59

Reedsy Discovery $50

San Francisco Book Review $199

Self- Publishing Review $89

US Review of Books $99


Additionally, there are also free review services available. These services are often unpaid but by luck. You will have to submit often a hard copy of your book galley or finished book months in advance to the editorial team. The editorial staff will then review your submission materials and see if it fits with what they would like to review. If they decide to review, they may contact your publisher to let them know that your book has been chosen for review.


Free Review Services

Barnes and Noble Book Review

Boston Globe

Book Browse

Booklist

Book Reporter

The Bulletin

Chicago Tribune

Christian Science Monitor

Horn Book Magazine

LA Times

Library Journal

London Review of Books

The Malahat Review

Mostly Fiction

New York Review of Books

New York Times

NPR Book Review

Publisher Weekly

Rain Taxi

Women's Review of Books

VOYA

Editorial reviews don't have to come from professional services. They can also come from other authorities on books, such as other authors of repute and avid book readers. These include genre specific readers. To find a reader for your book in advance of publication, you can go to communities where readers gather.


Reader Communities

Book Sirens

Book Sprout

Good Reads

Hidden Gems

Library Thing

Reedsy Discovery


Getting some editorial reviews prior to book launch can really help you present the best case for why your book is worth looking at. It is an endorsement for future readers to give your book a chance.


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