Monday, June 03, 2013

Getting Reviews as a Self-Published Author

* I am visiting Jessica Roach Ferguson today at her site, Praise, Prayers, and Observations, with “How to Write a Non-Fiction Book.” It’s also being cross-posted at her new site, Be a Real Writer.

Reviews for the Self-Published Book

Book reviews are tough for the independent author. With the exception of Midwest Book Reviews, none of the big reviewers accept self-pubbed titles. Many book bloggers state the same thing. Most reviewers won’t accept an e-book. Goodreads won’t even let you do a giveaway with an e-book.

Reviews before and after a book’s release are so important, and yet indie books have limited options. How are self-published books to get reviews then?

The Indie Review lists over 250 sites that review self-published books, and in every genre imaginable.

Some sample sites:

One Title Reviews
We are a quarterly publication that also reviews novels, novellas, and anthologies from indie publishers and authors. We are looking to give authors much needed exposure and readers honest and informed opinions.

The Indie Book Blog Database
I have a staff of three reviewers that help me get through my TBR pile so you won’t be waiting forever to get your review. We take just about every genre.

The Indie Bookshelf
WE ONLY ACCEPT BOOKS THE 1ST THROUGH THE 10th DAY OF EACH MONTH.
We welcome any and all self-published authors to submit book(s) for review.

Voracious Reader
I am open for review requests. All except erotica. I accept .mobi file format only. I accept both indie and trad authors.

Little Book Reviews
My specific niche is new books from emerging self-published authors preferably without reviews.

If you are a self-published author or with a small press, check The Indie Review’s listing for potential reviewers. There is a reviewer out there waiting for your book!

50 comments:

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Nice resource for finding reviewers, Diane! Thanks for sharing and have a great week. :)

Bish Denham said...

This list is a good thing to know! Thanks, Diane.

Stina said...

Thanks, Diane, for the list. :D

Unknown said...

Thanks Diane!

Stephen Tremp said...

I did not know this! Thanks for the links. I'm saving this to my Bookmarks. And Tweeting the post!

Martina Boone said...

Great list of resources! Thanks for compiling and sharing it. :)

shelly said...

Thank you, Diane. On my off day, tomorrow. I will check this out.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

J.L. Campbell said...

Useful information to have, Dianne.

Unknown said...

Heading over-- article sounds right up my alley. Thanks Dianne!

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm bookmarking this post. Thank you!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you, Stephen.

I hope this list helps a lot of authors get their books reviewed.

Heather M. Gardner said...

I love coming here and finding such great information!
Thanks for all your hard work!
Heather

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for sharing. I really didn't know where to go for my self pubbed book reviews.

Johanna Garth said...

What a great resource. I think as Indie's gain more popularity there will be an increased amount of screening/review sites.

Misha Gerrick said...

This is a wonderful resource for indie writers. Thanks for sharing!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's a good list.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Wow! Great to know!

Southpaw said...

This is a helpful list! I've hearted it.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm glad everyone has found the site and this list useful!

Karen Lange said...

Good to know! Thanks for the info!

Arlee Bird said...

This is very helpful info. Reviews are so important. Most of my reading has been the result of reading a review that has raised my interest in a book. A lot of books are vying for competition in getting reviewed by the biggies.

Lee
Wrote By Rote

Al Diaz said...

This is a very good list! I owe reviews to many but it's not easy to read e-books for me.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Diane. Looks like a really good list!

Mary Montague Sikes

Maurice Mitchell said...

Thanks for whittling down the 250 to 5. I'll pass it on to my brother!

Nigel G Mitchell said...

Very nice resource, will tweet

Jo said...

I imagine reviewing is critical to an author even if the review doesn't come back favourably.


JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

M Pax said...

It's still tough to get reviews because they all get so many requests. But it doesn't hurt to try. :)

Melissa said...

Great post! I'm bookmarking this. :)

VR Barkowski said...

Another great reference post. Thanks, Diane.

VR Barkowski

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Maurice and Nigel, thank you.

Mary, might as well try.

Jemi Fraser said...

Awesome list! I'm bookmarking - thank you :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips Diane, I self published my two books and hope to do another next year.

Yvonne.

klahanie said...

Hi Diane,

You are a wealth of information, dear lady. I have no doubt that all the links you so kindly share will be of much value to those who are confused in the myriad of choices.

Thank you, Diane.

Gary

Gwen Gardner said...

Wow, thanks for this, Diane! I'm going to bookmark this page. I have a novella coming out soon, too, so it's nice to have a review resource :)

Ella said...

Thanks Diane
You rock ;D

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this. I just added my blog to the list of reviewers.

Jay Noel said...

I bookmarked this post!

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

This dilemma indie authors find themselves in is patently unfair, but it is a situation that is getting better. My Frugal Book Promoter tells my favorite way to get a review in the bigger journals by going through a back door. I also provide an alternative review blog that I hope compensates for the fact that I can't possibly review all the worthwhile books penned by my friends. Find it at http://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, but do follow the guidelines in the left column.
Best,
Carolyn

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, L. Diane.


A wonderful list to keep on file. An author never knows when or if they will self publish.

It's good to be prepared.

You do so much to keep us informed. We really appreciate it!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diane .. I think getting your book noticed at all must be so challenging - and these links across to Indie Review's listing will be an essential resource for many bloggers, who wish to publish ..

Cheers Hilary

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Gary, I hope so!

Gwen, there are plenty to choose from on the list.

MJ, that's wonderful.

Michael, just trying to help.

nutschell said...

wow!what a great resource list, especially for folks like me who are considering self publishing.
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Intangible Hearts said...

Great stuff. Hope to get the time to read some of these wonderful posts and places that could help me!

Lisa said...

Hey, Diane! This is a great post...reminds me of your seminar you taught at SCC last week! Your info is so very helpful!

Keep it up! :)

Lisa
Www.thecourageoujourney.com

Sherry Ellis said...

This is a great resource! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

A great list, thanks for this!

Laura Eno said...

Thanks for sharing such a great list, Diane!

Anonymous said...

This is really helpful - thank you.

Linda said...

Thanks so much for the list! I found you through Elizabeth Spann Craig and I'll be following all the great info you provide in your blog.

Jai Joshi said...

Fantastic resource, Diane. So helpful.

Jai