Trade Reviews From Publishers (Mostly Free!)

Reviews are important for indie authors for a number of reasons.

1. Building Credibility for you you as an author and publisher in a competitive marketplace.

2. Introducing your book to more readers + buyers.

3. Supporting your marketing activities. Reviews are great for sharing on social media and promoting your book !

I've noticed recently that a number of trade publications - like School Library Journal (SLJ) - who typically ONLY accept hardcopy books, are NOW offering to accept digital copies as well.🥳

For me, as a brand new author on a self publishing journey, this is exciting because it is both CHEAPER and more EFFICIENT for me to request credible reviews.

Below, you'll find my list of places that currently accept digital applications, linked to their policy page.

Note: Most publications require approx. 3 months in advance of the publication date for a free review, but each has their own policy you should read the details of. ( Information current as of 27.October.2020)

Digital Submissions Accepted

• Readers favorite   

• School Library Journal

• Publishers weekly

• Looking Glass Review

• The Horn Book Magazine

• Indies Today

• Book center (Canadian authors)

• CBC (Media outlet, for Canadian authors)
  

Hardcopy submissions ONLY.

• NY Times (3-4 months ahead) * Note: to the attention of the Children's Book Editor

• Barnes & Noble

• Midwest Book Reviews
  

Additional places you can submit for a review or find reviewers:

• Children's Book Reviewers

• Global Living Magazine, (digital submission, Expat focused)

Great Posts for Learning about Getting Reviews

• 5 Top Tips for Getting Indie Book Reviews

• The Indie Author's Guide to Free Reviews

• 7 Effective Ways to Get Book Reviews (Do’s & Don’ts of Requesting Reviews from Reviewers)

• 19 Legitimate Ways to Get Book Reviews (15 are free)