By J. Alexander Greenwood
Reviews. They can be notoriously difficult to come by, especially honest and impactful ones.
As a fiction writer with nearly two decades of experience, I know firsthand how challenging it is to garner the kind of reviews that build buzz and drive sales. Good reviews from “civilian readers” on Amazon and other sites are essential for credibility and visibility. But sometimes you need the authoritative touch of a known reviewing behemoth to give your book an extra boost. And they are usually not free.
But are these paid reviews really worth the investment?
Firstly, caveat emptor! While reputable entities like Kirkus Reviews offer genuine critique and exposure, the industry is also plagued by less scrupulous operators. These scammy paid reviewers often promise glowing reviews in exchange for a fee, regardless of the book's quality. Unlike professional reviewers, their feedback is often vague and overly positive, lacking the critical insight that can genuinely benefit an author.
This practice not only undermines the credibility of the review but also can harm the author's reputation in the long run—and Amazon is generally not a fan. Be sure to vet any paid review site thoroughly. And remember, you get what you pay for.
Another respected paid book review service is Foreword Clarion Reviews. I have not used them, but I do like their Indie focus and may try them out. Their reviews can add significant credibility to a book, making them a valuable tool for both traditionally published and self-published authors.
Here's a list of several others, paid and free, worth considering, including Midwest Book Review, which did me a solid on my last book. They are great reviewers, but candidly, their website is no great shakes. I use them because they have a great reputation, and it looks great to blurb them on a book jacket or Amazon listing.
But let’s talk more about the industry heavyweight, Kirkus Reviews.
Kirkus Reviews, founded in 1933, has a long-standing reputation for providing thorough and critical reviews of both traditional and self-published books. Their reviews are known for being brutally honest, which can be a double-edged sword. Imagine my trepidation on submitting one of my books to Kirkus—and then imagine my elation when the review was extremely positive!
A glowing review from Kirkus can add significant credibility—which may explain why the book they reviewed was one of my top three grossing books. Bear in mind, though—submit your best work, because a negative Kirkus review can be a tough pill to swallow.
The question remains: are these paid reviews worth the investment?
Paid reviews, such as those from Kirkus, offer significant benefits including credibility and exposure. A positive review from a reputable source like Kirkus can enhance a book’s legitimacy, particularly for self-published authors. Such reviews are powerful marketing tools, useful for book covers, websites, and promotional materials, potentially influencing readers.
Added value: experienced Kirkus reviewers provide constructive feedback, which, even if critical, can be invaluable for a writer’s development. Positive reviews can increase a book's visibility, influencing libraries and bookstores to stock it, as they often rely on trusted reviews for their purchasing decisions.
Despite their benefits, paid reviews have notable drawbacks. The cost is significant, with standard Kirkus reviews priced at $450 for 250 words and $599 for 500 words, which can be a financial burden for indie authors with limited budgets. Additionally, there are no guarantees of a favorable review, and even with payment, a negative critique can harm a book’s prospects.
Moreover, the market perception of paid reviews can be skeptical; some readers and professionals view them as less trustworthy. However, Kirkus’s established credibility can mitigate this skepticism to some extent.
I believe paid reviews from entities like Kirkus can be worth it. They offer credibility, exposure, and valuable feedback, but they do come with significant costs and no guarantees. For some authors, the investment pays off, while for others, the risks might outweigh the benefits. Remember, there are many paths to success in the world of publishing, and a Kirkus review is just one of the marketing tools at your disposal.
Have you used paid review services? Tell us about the experience!
* * * * * *
J. Alexander Greenwood is an award-winning writer, public relations consultant, podcaster, speaker, and former journalist and broadcasting executive. He is best known as the author of the John Pilate Mysteries and host/producer of the Mysterious Goings On podcast and the PR After Hours podcast. Alex is also the author of the Amazon Top-Selling eBook/audiobook, The Podcast Option. You can read his blog at JAlexanderGreenwood.com.
Top image by J. Alexander Greenwood via Dall-E
Copyright © 2025 Writers In The Storm - All Rights Reserved
Greetings, and thank you for the link to reviewers.
I have used Readers' Favorite and been very pleased with their reviews. They are thorough and take a while so be sure to give them time if you opt to use them.
That's one I need to try! Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful article- thanks so much for passing along the list of reviewers - it's extremely helpful!
Thank you!
Thanks for an article on something I find absolutely harrowing. It's hard to let anyone have a chance to take a shot at your baby, much less when it can be career-affecting.
Appreciate the information!
Yes...it is really tough to do, but ultimately I find even the more negative reviews helpful. Well, mostly!
Hi, and thanks for this post. I haven't used any of paid review sites yet, and maybe that has to do with the fear of paying for a not-so-glowing one. I know that has to do with my own self-doubt as a writer. Thank you for the links - in the event I grow a backbone and decide to pay for one.
You may be pleasantly surprised!
I've heard that even a bad kirkus review can help sales!
I've heard that too, Lisa. And I don't trust a book with all five star reviews, so I like to see some variance.
I agree--in fact, I generally find a 4-star review to be the most helpful in determining if I read a book.
I believe it!