Book review policies

I've had an influx of review requests on my blog, which I don't mind. To manage expectations, I've penned my review policies. Please note that they're subject to change dependent on circumstances. 

Please note: I will not write snarky nor rude reviews. If I give a low rating, the review will explain why. 


Find the table of contents below: 

A. Process

B. Review locations 

C. Restrictions (including A.I.)

D. Monetary concerns


A. Process

  1. Authors must fill out the Review Request Form. 
    • The form triages requests and facilitates quicker responses. 
  2. Once I receive a request, I assess whether it's a good fit for me. 
    • If it is, I'll take into consideration the author's deadline and plan it for a particular quarter. 
    • If not, I will let the author know immediately, with at least 1 reason why.
  3. After assessment, I will follow-up via email with the author. At this point, if any information has been missed or changed, this is the best time to let me know. 
  4. Coming out the discussion, we'll have an established timeframe. 
  5. When the review is complete, I'll share the link with the author via email. 
  6. Aside from a thank you, I won't engage in conversations regarding the review (unless inherently problematic). Reviews are what they are. 
  7. In the case of a "Did Not Finish", I will give a high level summation of why. Unless the book has something the audience needs to know, I will not publish a review.
  8. Because ARC reviews are dependent on publication dates, they are prioritized over Review copies (reviews done post-publication). 

B. Review locations

  1. GoodReads (GR) is my primary repository. 
  2. Instagram posts link to the GR review.
  3. BookSprout, BookSiren, NetGalley, etc. that stores reviews as per their functionality. 
Optional: the author may request non-Amazon sites for me to post reviews. There aren't guarantees that I will, but no harm in asking. 


C. Restrictions 

  1. I do not review AI-generated content nor book covers. 
    • The Review Request Form requires author declarations. These declarations are specific for generated content, not A.I. assistance. 
    • A.I. assistance, as of now, is alright for me. 
  2. I do not review novels with numerous explicit torture and/or abuse scenes of any characters, especially minors, and animals. 
    • Backstories and tragedies can be written creatively without direct depiction. 
  3. I reserve the right to "Did Not Finish" a book with a written review if I feel audiences should know about particular things. 
  4. I will not respond to discriminatory and derogatory remarks and forms. 
  5. I will not post reviews on Amazon. 


Artificial Intelligence

  • I will not review A.I. generated content nor images (in cover and/or illustration form) used for the book.
    • If I learn post-review that the book had A.I. content and/or used A.I. images, I will retract my review. Then, I will replace it with a statement as to why I retracted. 
  1. I will not use A.I. nor A.I. assistance for my reviews. 

D. Monetary concerns 

  1. I don't request payment for reviews from self-publishing and indie authors. 
  2. I require payment from mainstream publishers. 
  3. I accept tips on my Ko-Fi page. A mechanism is available on my blog as well. This is completely optional and greatly appreciated when someone makes the decision to :)