How to Get Editorial Reviews
The complete guide to editorial reviews for self-published authors — what they are, where they appear on Amazon, how to get them, and which services are worth paying for.
Editorial reviews build credibility. Reader reviews close sales. You need both.
Get Amazon Reader ReviewsEditorial Review Sources Compared
Cost, turnaround time, and what each service actually provides for indie authors.
| Source | Cost | Turnaround | What It Provides | Worth It For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkus Indie | $425–$575 | 7–9 weeks | Professional critic review, optional publication in Kirkus Reviews magazine | Nonfiction, literary fiction, library market, BookBub applications |
| BlueInk Review | $395–$495 | 5–7 weeks | Professional review, listing in BlueInk database read by publishers/agents | Authors seeking traditional publishing interest or library sales |
| Reader's Favorite | Free–$89 | 3–12 months (free) / 4–8 weeks (paid) | Star rating + written review, contest entry option | Budget-conscious authors; any genre; great free option for new books |
| Foreword Clarion | $499 | 4–6 weeks | Review + possible Foreword Reviews magazine feature | Nonfiction, academic, spiritual, and independent press titles |
| Self-Publishing Review | $49–$99 | 2–4 weeks | Star rating + written review, editorial feedback option | Fast turnaround, mid-budget, most genres accepted |
| BookLife by Publishers Weekly | Free | 3–6 months | Review by PW editors, possible print magazine publication | Any indie author — high credibility if selected, no cost to submit |
How to Use Editorial Reviews Effectively
Add to Author Central
Log in to authorcentral.amazon.com, select your book, and paste editorial review quotes under the "Editorial Reviews" tab. You can add multiple quotes from different sources and update them any time.
Use Quotes in Your Blurb
A single strong quote at the top of your book description (before the main blurb) can dramatically increase click-through rates. Choose the most genre-relevant and credible pull quote — one sentence is enough.
Include on Your Book's Back Cover
Editorial review quotes belong on the back cover of your print edition. Even a Reader's Favorite 5-star quote with the star graphic adds perceived credibility for browsers in physical retail environments.
Submit to Free Services First
BookLife (Publishers Weekly) and Reader's Favorite both accept free submissions. Submit 3–4 months before your launch date to allow time for reviews to come in. Only invest in paid services after you've exhausted free options.
Control Which Quotes You Use
You are never obligated to publish a review quote — even paid services like Kirkus allow you to decide whether to make your review public. Only use quotes that genuinely help sell the book. A lukewarm quote does more harm than no quote.
Leverage for Library Sales
Librarians making purchasing decisions pay attention to Kirkus, BookLife, and Foreword Reviews. If library sales are a goal (especially for nonfiction), a review in one of these outlets is one of the most direct routes to institutional discoverability.
Editorial Reviews + Reader Reviews = Trust
Editorial reviews establish credibility. Reader reviews drive conversions. iWrity helps indie authors build their ARC campaign so they launch with both — reader reviews on the page from day one.
Build Your ARC Team on iWrity