Welcome
Are you an author looking to provide an advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for an unbiased review on www.howdidthatbookend.com? Please read Bookend Review Blog’s Book Review Policy before requesting services.
Welcome! I (Caroline of Bookends Review Blog) am currently accepting advanced reading copies, review copies of books, and newer titles.
Book formats that Bookends Review Blog accepts
I am currently only accepting physical copies of books. I enjoy books much more when I am able to hold them! I find ebooks difficult to concentrate on, which isn’t fair to the author and will also delay the review significantly. On rare occasions, I may consider a digital copy. One such instance is from authors outside the United States, as I understand the significant cost of shipping overseas.
Book genres that Bookends Review Blog may accept
Bookends Review Blog features primarily thrillers and suspense novels, with the occasional romance or contemporary fiction. Books outside of these genres will not be given priority but may be considered.
Genres not accepted: Please do not contact me at this time with requests to review fantasy books, science fiction, or historical fiction. These categories will be updated if my preferences change.
Book Review format
Although review style may vary depending on the type of book and SEO optimization, I typically format my review as follows:
- Title, Author, Release Year alongside image of book cover
- Characters
- Buy links
- Star Rating
- Synopsis
- Photograph I have taken of the book (if applicable; often the same image that is shared on Instagram)
- Spoilers (content is hidden and must be specifically clicked on to be viewed. If preferred, I can omit this link from your review)
- Non-spoiler Review
- Spoiler discussion (content is hidden and must be specifically clicked on to be viewed)
- Pinnable image for Pinterest
Where the book review will be shared
In order to both increase traffic to Bookends Review Blog and visibility of your book, I often share my reviews across multiple platforms.
I love when authors and publishers share my links and tag Bookends Review (@howdidthatbookend) as well. Links to the relevant social media can be found in the sidebar.
Reviews will be copied to Goodreads, pinned on Pinterest, and shared on Instagram. Reviews can also be copied to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, NetGalley, and other non-membership book review sites if requested.
I will respond via email to the author/publisher with links to all reviews.
Rating system
I rate on a 5-star system to comply with Goodreads and Amazon’s rating systems. The ratings are as follows:
1 star: Did not like it at all; often a DNF. I prefer not to publish these reviews.
2 star: Finished it, but it was just okay. It didn’t have many strong points. I use my discretion when publishing 2 star reviews, and often omit the star rating banner.
3 star: Liked it.
4 star: Loved it and it had many strong points for me to rave about
5 star: Incredible. 5 star reviews are rare and reserved for mind-blowing books.
I reserve the right to omit a star rating. I do not apply star ratings to nonfiction books. I also may omit star ratings from #ownvoices titles as I do not believe it is my place to rank someone else’s truth.
Bad reviews: what to do when a book just wasn’t for me
I prefer not to write bad reviews. I know your book is your baby, and I absolutely admire any author. I am not going to like every book I read, but that doesn’t mean it was a bad book. I’m sure many of my readers would love it!
That said, I am not going to lie to my readers. If a book isn’t for me, I may contact the author and let them decide whether they prefer I write an honest, if negative, review, or whether they prefer I just not review the book. This applies both to when I finish a book but dislike it and to when I choose not to complete a book.
Limitations to my reviews
I love reading and sharing my opinions on books, but I cannot possibly accept every request to review. There aren’t enough hours in the day!
I consider all queries, and do my best to respond to all emails. That said, I do receive a high volume of requests and sometimes am not able to reply to them all. If you have contacted me regarding a book review and have not heard from me in a timely fashion, please assume I am unable to accept your request at that particular time.
Review Timeline
I do my very best to review books earlier than 2 weeks before their publication date. In general I review books in order of publication date, but this is not guaranteed.
If there is a certain date you would like the book reviewed by please let me know. However please be aware that I can not guarantee a review date. In the event that I am unable to review a book within the requested timeline, I will at least post a brief feature and summary of the book or include it in a book list by the requested date.
Disclaimer
By contacting me with a request to review, you acknowledge and respect that I am obligated to write my honest opinion. I do my very best to be unbiased in my opinion. All opinions are my own and are not meant to cause harm in any way.
Upon receiving a title, I reserve the right to decline to review. This may occur if the book is poorly edited, in poor taste, or does not capture my interest in a way that is worth my time. I do not like to abandon books, but my time is too valuable to spend on books I do not love! I may or may not inform you as to why I declined to review.
Additional book-related services
In addition to writing reviews, you may contact me regarding the following services:
- Hosting a giveaway with author/publisher provided materials
- Offering a guest spot in a collaborative piece
- Talking over social media in order to publicize
- Hosting an online launch/publicity party
- Providing ad space for your title on my blog or social media channels (purchased)
- Showcasing a sponsored ad on social media (purchased)
If you are interested in requesting book review services
Thank you for reading my book review policy. These guidelines are meant to help you and I work together in the most productive way possible. That said, not every case is the same. If you take issue with an aspect of my guidelines please contact me to discuss.
Please email me at caroline.bookends@gmail.com with a request to review. Please include a summary of the book. If there is a certain date you would like the book reviewed by please let me know. However please be aware that I can not guarantee a review date.
I am looking forward to working together!
