Advice for writers
for writers
Are Paid Editorial Book Reviews Worthwhile for Authors?
Paid Editorial Reviews: Are They Worth It for Your Book?
Professional reviews, whether paid editorial reviews or otherwise, carry weight. A strong line from a respected outlet can go on your cover, sit at the top of your Amazon page, and give booksellers, librarians, and readers a reason to take a chance on your book.
Most traditional review outlets, though, review only a fraction of the books they receive, and many limit or exclude self-published and hybrid-published titles. Paid editorial review services fill that gap. For a fee, a professional reviewer reads your book and writes an independent, honest review.
Are they worth the money? It depends on your goals, your budget, and your book. This guide covers how paid editorial reviews work, what the major services cost, their pros and cons, and how to get the most out of one if you decide to buy.
What is a paid editorial review?
A paid editorial review is a professional book review that the author or publisher pays for. You’re paying for the reviewer’s time, not their opinion. Reputable services assign your book to an independent reviewer and publish what that reviewer honestly thinks, whether it’s positive or negative.
Paid editorial reviews are different from customer reviews. Amazon strictly prohibits paying for customer reviews (the star ratings readers leave). Editorial reviews from professional sources are a separate category and can be displayed in the “Editorial Reviews” section of your book’s Amazon page.
The major paid editorial review services compared
| Service | Approx. cost* | Typical turnaround | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkus Indie (Kirkus Reviews) | ~$425 standard; ~$575 expedited | ~7–9 weeks standard | One of the best-known names in reviewing. You can choose not to publish a negative review. Positive reviews may be featured in Kirkus’s newsletter or magazine and are eligible for a “Kirkus Star.” |
| Foreword Clarion Reviews | ~$500–$600 (discounts for IBPA members) | ~4–8 weeks | 400–600 word reviews with a 1–5 star rating. Reviews are shared with book databases used by librarians and booksellers. |
| BlueInk Review | ~$445 standard; higher for fast-track | ~7–9 weeks standard | Focuses exclusively on self-published and indie titles. Reviews are shared with librarians and booksellers through Ingram and other channels. |
| BookLife Reviews (Publishers Weekly) | ~$399 | ~6 weeks | A review from the Publishers Weekly family, plus an assessment of production elements such as cover, design, and editing. |
| IndieReader | ~$299 standard; ~$399 rush | ~4–8 weeks | Books that score 4+ stars earn an “IR Approved” badge and can enter the IndieReader Discovery Awards. |
*Prices and turnaround times change often and vary by package. Check each service’s website for current rates before you buy.
Lower-cost and free alternatives:
➜ Self-Publishing Review, US Review of Books, and City Book Review generally cost about $150–$350.
➜ Midwest Book Review reviews some print books for free.
➜ Readers’ Favorite offers free reviews (not guaranteed) and paid express options.
➜ Traditional trade outlets (Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, School Library Journal) are free but highly selective, have strict lead times (often 3–4 months before publication), and may exclude self-published titles.
The benefits of paid editorial reviews
Credibility. A quote from a recognized name like Kirkus or Publishers Weekly signals quality, which matters especially for debut and independently published authors.
Marketing copy you can use everywhere. A strong review gives you blurbs for your cover, Amazon page, website, press kit, social media, ads, and pitches to bookstores and libraries.
Industry visibility. Several services share reviews with librarians, booksellers, agents, and media through newsletters, databases, or wholesaler listings.
A guaranteed read. Free outlets may never get to your book. A paid service guarantees a professional reviewer will read it and respond.
Honest outside feedback. An impartial review can show you how readers and the industry may see your book, which is useful for marketing and for your next project.
Award and promotion opportunities. Some services feed into their own awards or “best of” lists, and strong reviews can strengthen applications for promotions and award submissions.
The drawbacks and risks
Cost with no guaranteed return. At roughly $300–$600 per review, the cost adds up quickly. A review on its own rarely drives significant sales.
No guaranteed praise. Reputable services publish honest reviews, and a mixed or negative review is a real possibility. Some services, such as Kirkus Indie, let you keep a negative review private, but you still pay the fee.
Perceived authenticity. Some readers and industry professionals give less weight to reviews they know were paid for, and some reviews are labeled as paid or “indie.”
Limited direct impact on Amazon rankings. Editorial reviews don’t count toward your star rating or customer review count.
Scams and low-quality services. Be wary of any service that guarantees a positive review, promises Amazon customer reviews, or can’t show who its reviewers are.
Are paid editorial reviews worth it?
A paid editorial review is most likely to pay off if:
➜ you’re pitching libraries, bookstores, or media, where a recognized review name opens doors
➜ your book is literary fiction, memoir, nonfiction, or a children’s book, where professional credibility counts heavily
➜ you’ll actively use the review on your cover, Amazon page, ads, and pitches
➜ you’re entering awards or applying for promotions where reviews strengthen your application
➜ the book has been professionally edited and designed, so it’s ready for critical attention
It may be a lower priority if:
➜ your marketing budget is limited and you haven’t yet invested in editing, cover design, or advance reader copies
➜ you write in genres where readers mainly rely on customer reviews and ratings, such as some romance, thriller, and fantasy categories
➜ your main goal is more Amazon customer reviews, which an editorial review won’t provide
For many authors, the best approach is one well-chosen paid review combined with free efforts: advance reader copies, a launch team, book bloggers, and trade review submissions.
How to get the most out of a paid review
Submit early. Many services accept advance copies. Reviews completed before launch can appear on your Amazon page, press kit, and preorder materials.
Submit your best version. Send a fully edited, professionally designed book. Reviewers often comment on typos, formatting, and covers.
Pull strong quotes. Choose short, specific lines (“A gripping, beautifully observed debut”) and always credit the source.
Add it to Amazon. Use Amazon Author Central to add reviews to the Editorial Reviews section of your book page. Print editions allow up to five editorial reviews.
Put it to work everywhere: your back cover and front matter in future printings, your website, social posts, email newsletters, ads, bookstore and library pitches, and media kits.
Share it with your network. A great review is news. Announce it, and include it when you pitch podcasts, events, and book clubs.
Paid Editorial Reviews FAQ
Are paid editorial reviews legitimate?
Yes, when they come from reputable services. Established outlets like Kirkus, Foreword Clarion, BlueInk, and BookLife assign independent reviewers and publish honest assessments. Paying for customer reviews is a different practice, and it’s prohibited on Amazon.
How much does a paid editorial review cost?
Most well-known services charge between about $300 and $600 per review, with expedited options costing more. Smaller services may charge $150–$350.
Can I put a paid editorial review on Amazon?
Yes. Editorial reviews can be added to your book’s Amazon page through Author Central, in the Editorial Reviews section. They don’t affect your star rating.
What if I get a bad review?
Some services, such as Kirkus Indie, let you choose not to publish a negative review. Even a mixed review often contains a positive line you can quote fairly. Never edit a quote in a way that changes its meaning.
Which paid review service is best?
It depends on your goals. Kirkus and Publishers Weekly’s BookLife carry the most name recognition. Foreword Clarion and BlueInk are well regarded with librarians and booksellers. IndieReader is a lower-cost option with an awards program.
When should I submit my book for a paid review?
Ideally 2–4 months before publication, so the review is ready in time for your launch. Most services also review books that are already published.
Paid Editorial Reviews: Are They Worth It?
Paid editorial reviews aren’t magic, but used strategically they can lend credibility, give you strong marketing copy, and help your book stand out to the readers, booksellers, and librarians you most want to reach. Whether one is worth it depends on your goals, your budget, and how actively you’ll use it.
Some publishing packages include professional review placement. For example, Atmosphere Press’s Flagship and Enterprise packages include a Kirkus review along with other marketing support. To learn more, explore the publishing packages or submit a manuscript for consideration.
Related reading: First Steps to Publishing a Book · What Is Hybrid Publishing?
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.