Memorial Indie Book Reviews
Although I'm a writer, I am first and foremost a reader and I know that there are some seriously amazing indie books out there just waiting for their chance to shine. As a fellow indie author I know how hard (not to mention important) it is to get some honest feedback on our woks so I've decided to pay it forward by offering other writers the chance to get their work reviewed for free.
Guidelines & Important Information
Read this page carefully before sending me your query and feel free to ask me any questions! Though my book blogs include a large variety of both traditionally published and self-published books, this free review service is only available to independent authors, including self-published and small independent press books. No traditionally published books are accepted.
how much does this review cost?
Nothing! Seriously, not a dime. All reviews are completely free. All you have to pay is the cost of postage to send the book to me, no more, no less. I do not accept bribes or any other type of compensation to review your book faster or to give you a positive review. If you absolutely want to give me your money then you should buy one of my books and donate it (but of course you can keep it for yourself too) to a library, school, prison, hospital, or other charitable organization. Alternatively, you can also send me copies of my own published books so I can resell or host a giveaway with. This is by no means necessary and will not score you brownie points with me.
am i guaranteed a review?
Yes you are! If I've accepted to review your book you are absolutely guaranteed a review, you're just not guaranteed a good one. My review will be completely honest and I might not like your book. Even if I don't like it I will always remain respectful and constructive but once I post that review it is final. It's not up for dispute or negotiation and it will not be taken down from my pages once it is posted. If that's not something you're up to then you will have to go looking elsewhere for a free review. Please note that I only review books that I approve. That means that you'll have to query me about your book first and if I choose it you'll be guaranteed a review. I might not choose your book, and ultimately the choice is entirely up to me.
What formats do you accept?
I only accept physical books. That means a paperback or a hardcover or whatever other type of physical binding your book has. I do not accept ebooks or audiobooks under any circumstances. I apologize to those who worship your portable devices for reading, but I can't stand not touching actual pages and feeling the book with my hands! That means that you'll have to send me your book through good old fashioned snail mail.
Hopefully this will also help weed out junk material. Indie authors produce legendary content each and every day but there are also so many crap files floating around everywhere. Since your physical book is finished and published (or ready for publication) it should be something nice!
Hopefully this will also help weed out junk material. Indie authors produce legendary content each and every day but there are also so many crap files floating around everywhere. Since your physical book is finished and published (or ready for publication) it should be something nice!
How can I send you my book?
First you will have to wait until I approve your book before you can send me a copy. Once I agree to review your book I will provide you with my address and you'll have to send it through good old fashioned snail mail. If you're not in a position to send it yourself you can also have a copy sent to me directly through Amazon, Wordery or any other online bookstore that ships to Canada. I live in Canada! Don't say I didn't tell you that international postage can be expensive and take a long time!
I would recommend that you get a tracking number for your package to ensure that your book has indeed made it to me safely. This is not necessary, but I cannot be held responsible if your book gets lost or damaged in transit. I will email you once the book arrives so if you don't hear from me within 45 days of posting the book, it hasn't made it to my end. Or maybe you just didn't send it. If that's the case then don't pester me. If you want me to invest in your book sending it to me is a risk you'll just have to take.
Please don't try to send copies or previews of your book through the form or by email as I will not read them. I will at your book online and decide for myself if I want to read it or not based on the information I find so make sure you have an online presence!
I would recommend that you get a tracking number for your package to ensure that your book has indeed made it to me safely. This is not necessary, but I cannot be held responsible if your book gets lost or damaged in transit. I will email you once the book arrives so if you don't hear from me within 45 days of posting the book, it hasn't made it to my end. Or maybe you just didn't send it. If that's the case then don't pester me. If you want me to invest in your book sending it to me is a risk you'll just have to take.
Please don't try to send copies or previews of your book through the form or by email as I will not read them. I will at your book online and decide for myself if I want to read it or not based on the information I find so make sure you have an online presence!
what will happen to my book after the review?
Your book will not be sent back to you. No exceptions. I will not accept any money to send it back to you either. Books that I particularly like will have a permanent spot in one of my many bookshelves and other books will be donated. I will never sell or throw out a book that was given to me for a review but I cannot guarantee what will happen to your book once it is donated and out of my hands.
where will my book review be posted?
All book reviews will be posted to Goodreads, Amazon (USA and Canada only), Twitter and my blogs. For English books my blogs are hosted on Quora and LiveJournal and for French and Russian books my blogs are hosted on WordPress and Over-Blog. Note that while I only accept indie books for review here, my blogs and social media pages include a wide variety of books not limited to those that are self-published or published by small indie presses. In short, your book will be in the company of both big names and other fellow independent authors.
At my discretion, I may also share particularly good books on my other social media pages including but not limited Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram. You can find all of my online pages by clicking on the social media tab of this website.
At my discretion, I may also share particularly good books on my other social media pages including but not limited Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram. You can find all of my online pages by clicking on the social media tab of this website.
What kind of rating system to you use?
I use the good old five star rating system just like on Amazon, Goodreads and many other websites. Here is a breakdown of what the number of stars represents in my reviews:
One Star ⎯ Your book was absolutely putrid. No offense but you should pursue a different hobby instead of writing.
Two Stars ⎯ I didn't like your book and the final product was bad but nonetheless it still contained good and/or important elements.
Three Stars ⎯ I liked your book, good job!
Four Stars ⎯ Your book was excellent from beginning to end and I loved it!
Five Stars ⎯ This is a book that had a big and lasting impact on me and that will stay with me forever. In short, it was a masterpiece in itself.
Irrespective of the rating your book gets, the review will always be polite and respectful. For bad reviews I also try to be as constructive as possible.
One Star ⎯ Your book was absolutely putrid. No offense but you should pursue a different hobby instead of writing.
Two Stars ⎯ I didn't like your book and the final product was bad but nonetheless it still contained good and/or important elements.
Three Stars ⎯ I liked your book, good job!
Four Stars ⎯ Your book was excellent from beginning to end and I loved it!
Five Stars ⎯ This is a book that had a big and lasting impact on me and that will stay with me forever. In short, it was a masterpiece in itself.
Irrespective of the rating your book gets, the review will always be polite and respectful. For bad reviews I also try to be as constructive as possible.
How long will my review take?
Ah, that's the one question that doesn't have an easy answer. It all depends on how many books I have in line to be read and reviewed, how much free time I have on my hands and when your book arrives. Books are reviewed in the order they arrive in my mailbox, not in the order I get the queries. Give me between one week and one year to get through your book and have the review posted. Upon the receipt of your book in the mail I will give you an approximate time frame in which your review will be ready and I will send you the links once they are live.
which genres do you like?
Poetry ⎯ Sadly, this beautiful art form most often gets the short end of the stick when it comes to book reviews but your poetry is in good hands here! I love all types of poetry and in fact my first published book was a poetry book. Send them poems my way!
Clean Romance ⎯ I love a good love story but only if it's clean. I have quite an aversion to lewdness and immorality so I will not accept erotica or particularly dirty books but apart from that I am not fussy. The story doesn't need to have a happy ending, it doesn't need to be socially acceptable or politically correct, as long as there's love in the air I will read it! I especially love historical and military romance.
Historical Fiction ⎯ I have often been told that I have been born in the wrong era, and that is indeed reflected in my love for historical fiction. My preference is the first half of the 20th century (from the 1900s to the 1950s) but I am open to anything from the 18th century onward as long as it is realistic.
Historical Non-Fiction ⎯ Non-fiction books about the first half of the 20th century are equally welcomed from the Titanic to the Cold War and more. No topic is off-limits here. War, genocide, politics, revolutions, etc. I'm very good in history so your book better be historically accurate!
Fiction About Contemporary Social Issues ⎯ Being a human rights student I read about this kind of stuff all the time. I love reading, writing (most of my writings are about social issues in fact) and talking about hard things that affect people of all walks of life. Bullying, mental illness, suicide, domestic violence, etc. bring it on! Please note that I will not accept books that contain fictionalized scenes of incest, rape or similar disturbing crimes. More often than not these books are erroneously written and are an insult to real victims. However, I will accept real stories written by survivors.
Military ⎯ My grandfather Charlie served in both WWII and Korea, hence the military has always been something close to my heart. Fact or fiction, I love books that involve the contemporary military. Whether a soldier's memoir of Afghanistan or a love story set during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, send it my way!
Inspirational & Survivor Stories ⎯ Any piece of non-fiction written by a person who has survived a traumatic or incredible experience is welcomed. Stories of healing from dark times or mental/physical illness are also welcomed.
Young Adult & General Fiction ⎯ I enjoy fiction in general as long as it's realistic. If it's not realistic and I have a hard time relating to it, or relating elements of your story to my own life or contemporary society, I don't want to read it. Mild/secondary elements of fantasy or the supernatural are fine under this section as long as it's not the core of the story.
Mystery & Suspense ⎯ No thrillers! Mystery and suspense only. Take me on a treasure hunt, or a missing persons case, as long as you keep me on the edge of my seat I'm cool with reading this kind of stuff!
Crime ⎯ Both true crime and crime fiction are genres I enjoy reading. Memoirs written by actual current and former criminals are also welcomed under this category. I would prefer if there wouldn't be too much graphic or explicit content in these books. I understand that such come with the territory and I accept that, but I want no excess.
Clean Romance ⎯ I love a good love story but only if it's clean. I have quite an aversion to lewdness and immorality so I will not accept erotica or particularly dirty books but apart from that I am not fussy. The story doesn't need to have a happy ending, it doesn't need to be socially acceptable or politically correct, as long as there's love in the air I will read it! I especially love historical and military romance.
Historical Fiction ⎯ I have often been told that I have been born in the wrong era, and that is indeed reflected in my love for historical fiction. My preference is the first half of the 20th century (from the 1900s to the 1950s) but I am open to anything from the 18th century onward as long as it is realistic.
Historical Non-Fiction ⎯ Non-fiction books about the first half of the 20th century are equally welcomed from the Titanic to the Cold War and more. No topic is off-limits here. War, genocide, politics, revolutions, etc. I'm very good in history so your book better be historically accurate!
Fiction About Contemporary Social Issues ⎯ Being a human rights student I read about this kind of stuff all the time. I love reading, writing (most of my writings are about social issues in fact) and talking about hard things that affect people of all walks of life. Bullying, mental illness, suicide, domestic violence, etc. bring it on! Please note that I will not accept books that contain fictionalized scenes of incest, rape or similar disturbing crimes. More often than not these books are erroneously written and are an insult to real victims. However, I will accept real stories written by survivors.
Military ⎯ My grandfather Charlie served in both WWII and Korea, hence the military has always been something close to my heart. Fact or fiction, I love books that involve the contemporary military. Whether a soldier's memoir of Afghanistan or a love story set during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, send it my way!
Inspirational & Survivor Stories ⎯ Any piece of non-fiction written by a person who has survived a traumatic or incredible experience is welcomed. Stories of healing from dark times or mental/physical illness are also welcomed.
Young Adult & General Fiction ⎯ I enjoy fiction in general as long as it's realistic. If it's not realistic and I have a hard time relating to it, or relating elements of your story to my own life or contemporary society, I don't want to read it. Mild/secondary elements of fantasy or the supernatural are fine under this section as long as it's not the core of the story.
Mystery & Suspense ⎯ No thrillers! Mystery and suspense only. Take me on a treasure hunt, or a missing persons case, as long as you keep me on the edge of my seat I'm cool with reading this kind of stuff!
Crime ⎯ Both true crime and crime fiction are genres I enjoy reading. Memoirs written by actual current and former criminals are also welcomed under this category. I would prefer if there wouldn't be too much graphic or explicit content in these books. I understand that such come with the territory and I accept that, but I want no excess.
which genres will you not accept?
Erotica ⎯ This is a lewdness-free zone! I want absolutely no immorality in my library. Mild sex and suggestive themes as a part of a larger context (such as a love story) is fine as long as it's not explicit, but erotic submissions will not be accepted.
Series ⎯ I much prefer a standalone whenever I can get one. I don't like having to read six or seven books and still not get to the point. I like long books, but not a bunch of short books. Nonetheless, if you have a series on a topic I absolutely love I will consider no more than three books. You will have to submit a separate query for each book.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy ⎯ Sorry to disappoint a massive chunk of the market, but I can't stand this unrealistic stuff. I'm not enchanted by magical forests or vampires in other realms. Mild or secondary elements of fantasy as part of a bigger context is fine as long as the story is realistic. Take a look at my book "Don't Let Me Go" for how much supernatural content I will accept in a book.
Religious & Political Books ⎯ A common one on the list, I know. I already have my own religious and political beliefs (they aren't a secret either if you follow any of my pages) and I'm not interested in being converted. I'm also not interested in reading about other belief systems or ideologies being discriminated against, put down or "proved" wrong. Otherwise, secondary themes in books that include religion or politics are fine. I understand that these are normal parts of our regular lives and that's fine, I just don't want to read books that are solely about this.
Personal Memoirs ⎯ Unless you're extremely high profile, you've overcome something huge or you've done something spectacular, sorry to say but I don't really care for your life's story. You'd do better being my snail mail penfriend in this case!
Specific Non-Fiction ⎯ Non-fiction genres that are not mentioned in the previous section are not books that I wish to read. These include (but aren't limited to) sports, computer, business, health, parenting, cooking, self-help and photography books.
Overly Explicit Books ⎯ While I don't shy away from hard or taboo topics, I don't like excessive explicit content whether it be profane language or graphic violence, etc.
Series ⎯ I much prefer a standalone whenever I can get one. I don't like having to read six or seven books and still not get to the point. I like long books, but not a bunch of short books. Nonetheless, if you have a series on a topic I absolutely love I will consider no more than three books. You will have to submit a separate query for each book.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy ⎯ Sorry to disappoint a massive chunk of the market, but I can't stand this unrealistic stuff. I'm not enchanted by magical forests or vampires in other realms. Mild or secondary elements of fantasy as part of a bigger context is fine as long as the story is realistic. Take a look at my book "Don't Let Me Go" for how much supernatural content I will accept in a book.
Religious & Political Books ⎯ A common one on the list, I know. I already have my own religious and political beliefs (they aren't a secret either if you follow any of my pages) and I'm not interested in being converted. I'm also not interested in reading about other belief systems or ideologies being discriminated against, put down or "proved" wrong. Otherwise, secondary themes in books that include religion or politics are fine. I understand that these are normal parts of our regular lives and that's fine, I just don't want to read books that are solely about this.
Personal Memoirs ⎯ Unless you're extremely high profile, you've overcome something huge or you've done something spectacular, sorry to say but I don't really care for your life's story. You'd do better being my snail mail penfriend in this case!
Specific Non-Fiction ⎯ Non-fiction genres that are not mentioned in the previous section are not books that I wish to read. These include (but aren't limited to) sports, computer, business, health, parenting, cooking, self-help and photography books.
Overly Explicit Books ⎯ While I don't shy away from hard or taboo topics, I don't like excessive explicit content whether it be profane language or graphic violence, etc.
what do i do if my genre isn't listed or my book falls in between?
You'll just have to send in your query or ask a question. I'm open-minded and I won't bite so if you have any questions or concerns please do get in touch and I can clarify a few things for you if need be.
Do your reviews comply with the ftc guidelines?
Yes they do. Although I don't live in the United States, I do use American platforms and receive books from U.S. authors so everything that is reviewed free of charge will comply with the most up to date FTC guidelines and all posts will contain the required disclaimer.
is there anything else that i should know?
Yes, a couple of things. By submitting anything through the forms on this website you'll be automatically opted in to the newsletter. No worries, I don't send out spam (I rarely send out anything at all) and you can opt out at any time.
You should also know that Amazon sometimes deletes reviews for no apparent reason, claiming that they violate their terms of service even though they don't. I can't do anything about this and if my review for your book gets deleted by Amazon I cannot post it back because the system blocks is automatically. I do not delete or edit my reviews once they are posted on any platform but what these platforms do on their own is out of my control.
I also review independent films on DVD and post the reviews on IMDb and Amazon! Please contact me for more information.
You should also know that Amazon sometimes deletes reviews for no apparent reason, claiming that they violate their terms of service even though they don't. I can't do anything about this and if my review for your book gets deleted by Amazon I cannot post it back because the system blocks is automatically. I do not delete or edit my reviews once they are posted on any platform but what these platforms do on their own is out of my control.
I also review independent films on DVD and post the reviews on IMDb and Amazon! Please contact me for more information.
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Send Me Your Book
After carefully reading the above guidelines, complete all required fields of this form on the left to send me your book details. I will look at and consider your submission within 72 hours and get back to you on whether or not I have decided to accept your book for review. I do my homework investigating your book so don't try to trick me into accepting a submission that doesn't meet the above guidelines! Note that I won't accept any queries outside of this form. If you have more than one book you will have to resubmit a separate form for each book.
In Loving Memory
This book review initiative is in loving memory of my late grandmother Gertrude (1937-2018) who always supported me in my own writing career since the very beginning and who encouraged me to help others when I could.
Social Media LinksAll indie book reviews will be posted to my following online social media pages:
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Disclaimer
These reviews are posted free of charge and are solely my unbiased personal opinion. I do not endorse nor am I affiliated with with any of the books or authors featured in these reviews. All reviews comply with the rules set by the FTC and I am not responsible for for whatever may result of the review I've posted. All reviews will be respectful and polite but won't necessarily be good. I don't take down reviews once posted but I cannot promise that Amazon will not delete the review either.
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