Book Review Policy for Indie Authors and Small Publishers
Book Review Policy: Supporting Indie Authors
I love sharing my passion for books through thoughtful and honest reviews. My review policy includes details on my favorite genres, how I handle DNFs, and even a special section for children’s books that I review with my kids. Here’s everything you need to know if you’d like to submit a book for review!
Genres I Read
I'm the definition of a hopeless romantic, so I’m most likely to accept books in the following categories:
- Contemporary Romance
- Sports Romance
- College Romance
- Cozy Romance
- Seasonal Books (such as Fall, Halloween, Christmas themes)
- Fantasy Romance (including some dark romance themes)
Genres I Don’t Read
While I adore romance, there are certain genres I generally avoid. These include:
- YA
- Horror
- Murder Mystery
- Non-Fiction/Self-Help (though I do occasionally make exceptions)
To keep my reviews genuine and enjoyable for me, I recommend only submitting books that align with my reading preferences. I do know some reviewers that adore these genres, so feel free to ask if you need any recommendations.
Other Books I’ll Consider for Review (Children’s Books)
In addition to my favorite genres, I also have three elementary aged children (ages 9, 6, and 4) who love reading. Here are the types of children’s books I’ll accept:
- Illustrated Children’s Books (physical copies preferred)
- Short Chapter Books or Graphic Novels for my 9-year-old daughter (eBook or physical)
I will post reviews of children’s books on the blog and share feedback from my kids in each review. My 9-year-old daughter, an aspiring reader, writer and illustrator, will also contribute her thoughts in a mini-review!
Accepted Book Formats
I accept the following formats:
- ePub
- Physical Copy (if available)
What to Include in Your Book Review Request
To help me understand your book and review goals, please include the following in your request:
- Title and Summary or Blurb
- Genre and Page Count
- Release Date
- Preferred Review Timeline
- Requested Review Platforms
Note: If you would like to be contacted with any constructive feedback, if I choose not to finish your book, please let me know in your review request.
Review Platforms
I post reviews across several platforms, sharing my thoughts with a wide audience of fellow book lovers:
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- StoryGraph
- Social Media Stories (with occasional feed posts for books I love)
- Blog (including monthly round-ups, ARC reviews, and single features for favorites)
My Book Review Style and Ratings
I aim to keep reviews short, sweet, and to the point so my readers can quickly gauge if a book is for them. Here’s a look at my rating system:
- 5 Stars – A standout that might as well become a part of my personality! These books leave a lasting impression and earn a spot on my physical shelf. Tears may or may not have been shed during reading.
- 4 Stars – A great read that I’ll likely recommend to friends and might even buy a physical copy of if I find a special edition or beautiful cover.
- 3 Stars – A good story I enjoyed but wouldn’t reread, though I may explore more from the author.
Note: Since I don’t hesitate to DNF (Did Not Finish) books I’m not connecting with, you’ll rarely see a 1- or 2-star review from me. I stand by the idea that life is too short to read books that don’t resonate!
DNF (Did Not Finish) Policy
I give each book a fair chance, usually reading 50-75% before deciding whether to continue. If I find that I’m not connecting with a story, I may choose to DNF it and will proceed as follows:
- Goodreads – I will still post a DNF’d book on Goodreads, with or without a review
- Monthly Round-Up – Each DNF will be briefly included in my monthly round-up, with a respectful note on why it didn’t work for me. The elements I struggled with may be exactly what another reader loves, so my notes are always constructive and honest.
- Constructive Feedback – If you’d like detailed feedback, I’m happy to provide constructive insights on pacing, grammar, characterization, and other story elements via email.
My goal is to provide honest, respectful feedback that supports your journey as an author and helps readers find books they'll enjoy—all while ensuring any insights shared are constructive and free of negative language about the author or book.
Thank you for considering me as a potential reviewer! If you think we’d be a great fit, I’d love to hear from you! Please fill out the book review request form here to get started. I’m looking forward to learning more about your story and hopefully sharing it with my community!
If you're interested in seeing more of my book reviews, feel free to check out my previous reviews on the blog or on Goodreads.
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