I clearly remember screaming, “I got a Kirkus!”
My loving spouse supported me by saying, “What?”
For an author and librarian, a review from Kirkus is pure gold. It opens doors to library and school markets that primarily purchase based on reviews. It appears on your Amazon page as an Editorial Review, and it makes the publisher delighted.
It’s the same thrill to receive a review from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, or School Library Journal. Add any number of stars and the book rises to a new level of visibility and credibility.
Editorial Reviews
If you are traditionally published, the publisher will send early copies to the major review outlets. After that, there is no way to influence which editor will be drawn to a fun cover or an intriguing title.
- Kirkus will not give a bad review—it’s a good review or nothing.
HOW TO DRESS A DINOSAUR | Kirkus Reviews
- Publishers Weekly is giving fewer negative reviews, often choosing not to review a book at all.
- Booklist only reviews books it recommends for library collections.
- School Library Journal reviews usually end with one of the following: Recommended Additional purchase Optional Not recommended
Paid Reviews
Several review sources offer the option to pay for a review, but there is no guarantee it will be positive or that it will appear in print.
Kirkus
<https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-reviews/>
- Fee: roughly $350–$600, depending on format and turnaround time
- Your book is guaranteed to be reviewed
- The review is written by a professional reviewer
- You may choose not to publish the review if it is negative
Publishers Weekly (via BookLife)
- Fee: approximately $399+ for a guaranteed review
- The review is still editorial and honest—possibly positive, mixed, or negative
- You cannot hide a negative BookLife review
SLJ and Booklist
- Do not offer paid reviews
Christian Books
- Christianity Today (Books & Culture legacy/reviews section)
- CBA Retailers & Resources / Christian Retailing outlets
Children’s Books
- The Horn Book
In addition, many subject areas have journals dedicated to specific disciplines. Consider the type of library you want to reach and search for review outlets that specialize in your topic.
Robin Currie is a retired librarian and author of more than 45 traditionally published picture books.
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