Review Request Terms and Conditions

Why Are Book Reviews Important?

The importance of book reviews in the success of a book is proverbial. Of course, they are not everything. Yet book reviews could pave the way for a lot of benefits including but not limited to the following:

1. Increased Visibility: Book reviews help increase the visibility of a book by generating buzz and attracting attention from potential readers.
2. Credibility: Positive reviews lend credibility to a book and its author, establishing trust among readers and encouraging them to give the book a chance.
3. Reader Engagement: Reviews spark conversations and engagement among readers, fostering a sense of community around the book and its themes.
4. Feedback and Improvement: Constructive criticism provided in reviews offers valuable feedback to authors, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement in your writing.
5. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Positive reviews serve as powerful endorsements that can influence other readers’ purchasing decisions, leading to increased demand through word-of-mouth marketing.
6. Exposure to New Audiences: Reviews posted on book review blogs, social media platforms, and retail sites expose the book to new audiences who may not have otherwise discovered it.
7. Ranking and Visibility on Retail Platforms: Books with a higher number of reviews are often ranked higher and displayed more prominently on retail platforms, increasing their discoverability.
8. Validation and Recognition: Reviews, especially from reputable sources or well-known reviewers, provide validation and recognition for an author’s work, boosting confidence and morale.
9. Building Author Platform: A consistent stream of reviews contributes to building an author’s platform and establishing reputation within the literary community, which can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.
10. Long-Term Impression: Reviews continue to benefit authors and books long after their initial publication, as they remain accessible and influential to readers browsing for new titles.

Reviews may be too hard to come by for books these days. Here are some of the top reasons why:

1. Oversaturation of the Market: With millions of books published each year, authors face stiff competition for readers’ attention, making it challenging to stand out and attract reviewers.
2. Limited Reviewer Availability: There are only so many book reviewers, bloggers, and publications available to review books, leading to high demand and limited opportunities for authors to secure reviews.
3. Reviewer Preferences and Availability: Reviewers often have specific preferences for genres, writing styles, and formats, which may not align with the author’s book, reducing the pool of potential reviewers.
4. Time Constraints: Reviewers, especially those with busy schedules or demanding commitments, may have limited time available to read and review books, leading to delays or difficulties in securing reviews.
5. Reviewer Bias: Reviewers may have personal biases or preferences that influence their selection of books to review, making it challenging for authors to attract reviewers who are open to their book’s content or themes.
6. Reviewer Burnout: Reviewers, particularly those who review books regularly, may experience burnout from the volume of review requests they receive, leading to fatigue and reduced willingness to accept new books for review.
7. Quality Expectations: Reviewers expect high-quality writing, editing, and storytelling from the books they review, making it challenging for authors whose books do not meet these standards to secure positive reviews.
8. Lack of Author Platform: Authors with limited visibility or a small platform may struggle to attract reviewers’ attention, as reviewers often prioritize books from established authors or those with a significant online presence.
9. Difficulty in Obtaining Honest Reviews: Authors may encounter challenges in obtaining honest and unbiased reviews, as some reviewers may be hesitant to provide negative feedback or may require incentives to leave a review.
10. Reviewer Skepticism: Reviewers may be skeptical of self-published or independently published books, leading to fewer opportunities for authors in these categories to secure reviews from traditional review outlets.

Thus, part of our commitment is to help content creators to bring forward masterpieces to all the audiences who:

• are looking for book recommendations and
• could write frank yet constructive feedback for authors as well as
• present a book’s highlights and merits to attract prospective book buyers and readers.

Requesting for a BREW editorial review is a sure way to get guaranteed reviews for your book. It’s a win-win!

If you don’t want to pay for reviews

This page is mainly for paid BREW Editorial Reviews.

Click here if you’d like to explore both free and paid options.

BREW Review Package Exclusions and Inclusions

The following sections contain information about what our reviews are not and what they are.

Benefits of BREW Reviews

Here’s a list of some of the possible benefits for authors and publishers of BREW’s editorial review service when compared to not having a book reviewed anywhere at all:

1. Professional Evaluation: In addition to the publicly visible editorial review posted on our website, BREW’s editorial review service also provides a private professional evaluation of a book’s strengths and areas for improvement, offering valuable insights to enhance the overall quality of the work.
2. Credibility and Recognition: An editorial review may enhance the credibility of a book, providing additional validation and recognition within the literary community and among readers.
3. Increased Visibility: Books with positive editorial reviews are likely to attract attention from readers, reviewers, and industry professionals, leading to increased visibility.
4. Expedited Review Options: You can express interest in an editorial review through BREW’s paid Review Packages, with the option to receive feedback within 6 months or, with an upgraded package, within 3 months or 1 month, offering flexibility to meet your needs.
5. Social Media Promotion: Reviews with 5 out of 5 stars are automatically published and shared via BREW’s social media and other channels at no extra cost to you, expanding the book’s reach and audience engagement.
6. Control Over Reviews: You have the ability to choose whether to publish or unpublish a review writeup or review rating, allowing you to maintain control over your book’s online reputation.
7. Awards Eligibility: All books with published BREW 4-star or 5-star reviews are automatically entered for the popularity-based monthly and annual BREW Readers’ Choice Award, while those that receive perfect or 5.0 out of 5 stars BREW review ratings get the BREW Seal of Excellence. This provides additional recognition and exposure for exceptional works.
8. Star Ratings in Search Results: A certain number of BREW reviews have now started getting star ratings when appearing in Google Search engine results, similar to Amazon and Goodreads reviews, enhancing their visibility and impact.
9. Utilization of Excerpts: Excerpts from BREW’s editorial reviews can be used in the Editorial Review section of Amazon, as well as in the book’s introductory content or other marketing materials, further enhancing its appeal to potential readers.
10. Other Promotional Options: You may request for BREW Premium, Platinum, and other book promotion opportunities for a book that receives 4 or more stars in its BREW review.

BREW reader reviews may have one or more of the above benefits, too.

Our Guarantees

We provide the following minimum guarantees for every paid reader or editorial review request, depending on the package you choose:

• Guaranteed feedback completion date depending on the package you order
• Guaranteed number of review(s) depending on the package you order
• Optional upgrades for an extra fee
• Except for additional reader reviews: At no extra charge charge, automatic publication of the public version of the review if the book receives 5.0 out of 5 stars
  • We do not charge fees to post the public versions of our reviews on our BREW website.
  • Thus, our BREW book review posts do not have a “Sponsored” tag.

Review ratings

We cannot guarantee perfect ratings.

• Review write-ups are based on what the reviewer reads.
• The views expressed are what the reviewer really thinks.
• Ratings will not be changed even if you provide a new copy of your book.

Review content type, purpose, and usage

From 2 February 2024, we are now offering both editorial and reader reviews. Although some provisions may also be applicable to BREW reader reviews, this page is mainly about paid BREW editorial review services.

Review Content Type

BREW offers free and paid reader or editorial reviews. Here are the usual differences and similarities between reader and editorial reviews:

Differences between Reader Reviews and Editorial Reviews:

1. Source: Editorial reviews are typically written by professional reviewers, critics, or organizations, while reader reviews may also be written by everyday readers who have read the book.
2. Perspective: Editorial reviews are often written with a more objective and critical perspective, focusing on literary merit and craftsmanship, while reader reviews may vary widely in tone and content, reflecting personal opinions and experiences.
3. Publication: Editorial reviews are often published in reputable sources such as literary magazines, newspapers, or online review platforms like ours, whereas reader reviews are usually posted on retail websites, social media, or personal blogs.
4. Authority: Editorial reviews are perceived to carry more authority and credibility due to the expertise of the reviewer or the reputation of the publication, while reader reviews may be viewed with varying degrees of trust depending on the reader’s perceived credibility and expertise.
5. Length and Depth: Editorial reviews tend to be longer and more in-depth, offering detailed analysis and critique of the book, whereas reader reviews can range from brief comments to longer, more personal reflections on the reading experience.
6. Purpose: Editorial reviews serve to inform readers, promote read-worthy books, and provide feedback to authors and publishers, while reader reviews primarily serve as personal recommendations, expressions of enjoyment or dissatisfaction, and contributions to the book’s visibility and online presence.

Similarities between Reader Reviews and Editorial Reviews:

1. Evaluation: Both types of reviews evaluate a book based on various criteria such as plot, characterization, writing style, and overall enjoyment.
2. Feedback: They provide feedback to authors, offering insights into what resonates with readers and areas that may need improvement.
3. Influence: Both types of reviews can influence potential readers’ decisions to purchase or read a book, as they provide social proof and credibility.
4. Online Presence: Both reader and editorial reviews can be found online on platforms such as Amazon, Goodreads, or book review websites like ours, contributing to the book’s visibility. 
   • Amazon has a special place for editorial reviews on a book’s page on the site.
   • Excerpts from both BREW reader and editorial reviews can be used as an “editorial review” on Amazon, on the book, and the book’s other promotional materials.
   • BREW reader and editorial reviews are posted on our website and shared to our social media channels.
   • Most BREW reviewers also share their reviews on their own sites or channels, although that’s optional and are not expected or incentivized.
5. Impact: Both types of reviews can have a significant impact on an author’s reputation and book sales, especially if they are widely read and positive.
6. Usage: Both types of BREW reviews can be used for various purposes. 

Purposes and Usage of BREW Editorial and Reader Reviews

All BREW reviews could be used for multiple purposes like the following:

• Social media sharing
  • You can share the BREW book review post on your social media channels.
  • We may or may not share your book’s published review on our social media channels, depending on the package you’ll choose.
• Quotes
  • You can use excerpts of the reviews (i.e., less than 50 words) for your book’s back or front cover, introduction, preface, website, or other advertising materials in print or online format.
  • When printed, here are our recommended formats:
    • for reviews posted on the BREW website – “<book review excerpt>” – The Chrysalis BREW Project
    • for reviews posted on BREW partner sites or non-BREW sites – “<book review excerpt>” – <site name>
  • When sharing online:
    • Use the above print copy formats.
    • Link back to the post where the review appears.

Permissions

• If your use of the review is within the bounds of the terms and conditions described above, you no longer need to request for our permission.
• For full copy usage or if your use of the review is not within the scope described above or if you are unsure of anything, then contact us via info@thechrysalisbrewproject.com.

Review Features

We currently have two (2) review types to suit various needs and budgets: reader review and professional editorial review. Please refer to the table on top of this page for the updated list of inclusions per review type.

1. Reader Review (for the first one only; additional reviews may have less features)

The first reader review may have one or more of the following features. The second and other additional reviews may or may not have the features.

• The write-up
  • This will be written by any interested reviewer.
  • Books with less than 2000 words will have a review of 300 words or less.
  • All other books will have a review of at least 500 words.
  • At no extra cost to you, we may be able to publish this on our main website and share them via our social media channels. Reviews with 5.0 out of 5 stars are automatically posted on our website.
  • You can choose to unpublish or not publish your book’s review.
• Social media shares – possible but not guaranteed
• Review post impressions – possible but not guaranteed
• Private feedback
  • Our report may also include recommendations to improve your book, based on the readers’ perspective.
  • Review write-ups and ratings are final.
  • You may or may not choose to implement the recommended changes.
  • Note: Grammar or typo errors that may be listed are limited and not exhaustive.
    • The reviewer may or may not be a professional reviewer/editor.
    • We offer a separate service for editing, proofreading, or manuscript improvement for an extra fee.
      • These are mere add-ons and are not required in any way.
      • Original reviews will be published as they are even if you subscribe to an add-on service.
      • However, you can request to not publish or unpublish your book’s review on the BREW website.

👉Click here to see some samples of our reader reviews.

2. Basic Professional Editorial Review

A basic professional editorial review has all of the following features:

• The write-up
  • This will be written by a professional reviewer.
  • Books with less than 2000 words will have a review of 300 words or less.
  • All other books will have a review of at least 500 words.
  • At no extra cost to you, we can publish this on our main website and share them via our social media channels. Reviews with 5.0 out of 5 stars are automatically posted on our website.
  • You can choose to unpublish or not publish your book’s review.
• Social media shares – yes, but the actual posting date is not guaranteed
• Review post impressions – yes, but there is no guaranteed number of impressions
• Private feedback
  • Our report will also include recommendations to improve your book, based on the readers’ perspective.
  • Review write-ups and ratings are final.
  • You may or may not choose to implement the recommended changes.
  • Note: Grammar or typo errors listed are limited and not exhaustive.
    • Our reviewers are professional reviewers but may or may not be professional editors.
    • We offer a separate service for editing, proofreading, or manuscript improvement for an extra fee.
      • These are mere add-ons and are not required in any way.
      • Original reviews will be published as they are even if you subscribe to an add-on service.
      • However, you can request to not publish or unpublish your book’s review on the BREW website.

👉Click here to see some samples of the public versions of our professional editorial reviews.

3. Extended Professional Editorial Review (limited spots are available; may not be offered all the time)

An extended BREW editorial review will be written by a BREW professional reviewer. and has the following main features, among others:

• The write-ups – In each book review report, you will receive at least 3 versions of your book’s review:
  • Version 1: The main review
    • Books with less than 2000 words will have a review of 300 words or less.
    • All other books will have a review of at least 500 words.
    • At no extra cost to you, we can publish this on our main website and share them via our social media channels. Reviews with 5.0 out of 5 stars are automatically posted on our website.
    • You can choose to unpublish or not publish your book’s review.
  • Version 2: A short quotable write-up from The Chrysalis BREW Project – This will appear at the top of the book review post if published on the BREW website. At times, this will also be used as the introductory write-up when sharing the BREW review’s link on social media sites and other channels.
  • Version 3: A unique, shortened review version that the reviewer intends to post on non-BREW sites, if applicable – Posting on non-BREW sites is the reviewer’s prerogative. We do not and cannot pay, incentivize, or request reviewers to do so because some sites even penalize commercial reviews. However, we do not prevent them from sharing or posting elsewhere if it’s their personal choice.
  • You can choose to unpublish or not publish Version 1 of your book’s review for any reason. We have no control over what the reviewer decides to do with Version 3.
• Guaranteed social media shares
  • Your book’s published BREW review post link will be prioritized for sharing several days or weeks after publication on the following social media channels of The Chrysalis BREW Project, at no extra cost to you:
    • Tumblr
    • LinkedIn
    • Meta (Facebook)
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • X (Twitter)
• Private feedback
  • Our report will also include recommendations to improve your book, based on the readers’ perspective.
  • Review write-ups and ratings are final.
  • You may or may not choose to implement the recommended changes.
  • Note: Grammar or typo errors listed are limited and not exhaustive.
    • Our reviewers are professional reviewers but may or may not be professional editors.
    • We offer a separate service for editing, proofreading, or manuscript improvement for an extra fee.
      • These are mere add-ons and are not required in any way.
      • Original reviews will be published as they are even if you subscribe to an add-on service.
      • However, you can request to not publish or unpublish your book’s review on the BREW website.

👉Click here to see some samples of the pblic versions of our professional editorial reviews.

Other General Policies, Terms, and Conditions

• About The Chrysalis BREW Project
• About the BREW Awards
• General Award Nomination Policies
• Editorial Guidelines
• The BREW Laureate Council (Judges for the BREW International Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Disclaimer and Disclosure
• Policy for Self-reporting and Reporting on Awardees and Minimum Nominee Criteria
• Review Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

What you need to begin

You need the following to lodge your request:

• Your (author’s) details
• Your book’s details (Title and ISBN or ASIN.)
• A full pdf copy of your book, preferably without the cover and appropriately watermarked (e.g. COPY NOT FOR SALE, FOR BREW USE ONLY, REVIEW COPY, COPY FOR BREW AWARDS, or something similar) – You can also provide a Word copy and we will convert the document into a watermarked pdf for you. You retain the copyright to your work, although we may use portions for purposes related to your book’s promotion or award nomination.
• Your book cover’s file

Request for a BREW Review

Step 1 (required): Place your order.

Step 2 (optional): Get more exposure.

Complete the following form at your convenience for additional exposure: Author’s Profile + Interview + Book Post.

Step 3: Wait for further information from us.

We will send you an email once your book’s review is done. Subscribe to our newsletter so you’d be our VIP – the first to know what’s new.

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• Get Featured: Showcase Your Work Through The Chrysalis BREW Project
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