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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