Book Review Policy

 

I love it when I’m contacted to review a book. However, I cannot accept all review requests. While I will look into any book offered, I will not accept the copy if:

  • The book doesn’t seem like something I am interested in.
  • I don’t have the time to read and review the book in the near future. If so, I might deny the request even if I think I might enjoy the book.
  • The book is self-published.

 

JANE AUSTEN

 

What do I read?

I read a range of genres (fiction) including:

  • Magical Realism
  • Literary fiction
  • Dystopian
  • Short stories

I lean towards translated books (with a fondness for books from/set in Asia), books with The Secret History vibes, atmospheric books and also love a good, pacy entertaining read.

I do not accept review copies for erotica, poetry, non fiction, religious fiction and self-published books neither do I review non fiction books or poetry (even though I read a few over the year for my own pleasure).

If your genre isn’t mentioned here, feel free to contact me anyway. I love a good surprise. If the story sounds interesting, I might give it a go.

I do not prefer unsolicited review copies except from those publishers and publicists with whom I have a long term relationship which means they usually know what books I enjoy.

 

My Process

I receive a large number of books for review consideration, so I comb through a few chapters in each and decide on a priority stack. I like to keep this stack in a manageable size, which is why I might decline a review request if I have too many on the pile already. Also, I only accept a book if I feel I will enjoy the read. I would rather have the author/publisher send a spare copy to another writer who will enjoy the book and thus spread their love for the book to their friends and mutuals than accept one that isn’t in my interest zone for myself and let it gather dust. Keeping a priority stack also means that some books might be overshadowed by more brilliant releases. Nevertheless I go through all books I receive because all the books I accept for review consideration are in the hope that they are brilliant.

 

Where do I talk about books

I talk about books on my social media channels and/or create a blog post and/or discuss it on Goodreads based on my experience with the book. Sending a complimentary book for review consideration does not guarantee a review. Unfortunately I am unable to give a time frame in which I would feature a book.

 

If you have sent me a book and I have not talked about it either on my own platforms or in my writing elsewhere, it probably falls under the following categories:
– It did not move me in a positive or negative way.
– It did not work for me at all.
– I haven’t got a chance to look at it yet.
– It might be a negative review and you haven’t seen it yet. In this case I do not tag the author/publisher anywhere. Sometimes I would not mention the name of the book but a picture only, so it might not crop up on search engines.

 

Rating system

My reviews are unbiased, so I cannot promise to always write positive reviews. Please note that the criticism, if any, is subjected towards the book and not to the author or publisher. Also if I do not enjoy the book, but I feel some readers might like the book, I would mention so in the reviews. I rate books out of 5. This means a 2.5 rating is an average book in my reading experience while 4 star and above are books that you’ll repeatedly find me recommending. You can check a list of my highest rated books here.

 

Sponsored posts

I do not collaborate on paid book reviews on this blog. However, I collaborate with publishers during marketing campaigns to spread word about a book. These collaborations are usually on my Instagram platform that currently has over 56K followers. Such a collaboration does not mean a positive review of the book, rather it only spreads word about the book and I fashion the post (and photo) in a way that speaks best to the audience and agrees with the aesthetics of my own platform — the post can feature the blurb, a review, a list, what I felt while reading the book or what I hope the book will be. You can check a sample collaboration here.

 

The words and photos I share on collabs will be mine. Hence I will not sign up on a project that calls for pre-written words. Contact me for rates for sponsored posts.

Note : Currently not open for sponsored posts on Instagram or elsewhere.

 

What to mention in a review request?

Keep your review request short and crisp. Mention the title (I get so many emails with no title mentioned), a blurb, the name of publisher and other relevant details (always happy when a page count is mentioned). I do not respond to mass forwarded requests.

 

A Note to Authors

I usually work with publicists because it is less awkward in case I do not enjoy your book. But feel free to email me if you handle your own publicity. Or you can always email me and then have a copy sent via your publicist. Please read this review policy before contacting me.

 

You might receive glowing praise or sometimes the book just might not sit well with me. It does not mean your book is bad. It only means I, as a reader, could not connect with it. But another reader might love the book more. By sending a book, you automatically agree to the book being read impartially and given an unbiased review. A negative or average sounding verdict is no doubt upsetting but remember this is only the personal reading opinion of one person. Focus on those who’ve loved your book rather than those who didn’t. Kindly do not follow up with emails or social media DMs if you haven’t received a high rating. A review is for a potential reader and not for the writer.

 

Where am I

Currently I am based in USA India. I prefer physical copies of books for review. However I will consider e-copies if the book blurb really piques my attention. I accept e-copies from indie publishers and small presses especially those who work in translated fiction.

 

How to contact me

If you are interested in sending a review copy or need further information, please email me : [email protected]. I will always send a reply back even if it is a ‘no’. I do not respond to DMs on social media for review requests.