Monday, January 25, 2010

BLOGS & WEBSITES FOR WRITERS: REVIEW SITES

By Maria Ferrer


Last month, I started a Directory of Blogs & Websites for Writers.  I will continue to add to that Directory every month. This month, I am listing review sites, where authors/ agents/ editors can submit books for review. I’m sure some will be familiar. The important thing is that they are ALL a place for authors to get their books reviewed and noticed. You have to start the buzz somewhere. Why not try some of these sites?
           If you know of any other review sites, please share them with us. Leave a comment and I will add any suggestions to the Directory. Thanks. --mcf




Romantic Times / Book Reviews
http://www.romanctictimes.com/

The Grande Dame in romance reviews. They accept books for review from authors, agents, publishers, et al. Their magazine is available at Barnes & Noble, by subscription and online.


Publishers Weekly
http://www.publishersweekly.com/

They only accept book submissions from publishing houses. Note, not all books submitted get reviewed. They look more for authors on bestsellers lists; though, exceptions have been made.


Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/

Is there anyone who does not know these “ladies” and their saucy humor? I love their tagline: “All the romance, none of the bullshit.” Sarah and Candy would love to review your book; just email them. Authors can buy ad-space on their site.


It’s Not Chick Porn: Book Reviews
http://www.dionnegalace.com/wordpress/?c=books

One woman’s blog started in 2005. Author Dionne Galace has book reviews by genres and categories. And the reviews are graded. She also has a “cover snark” section, where she talks about the covers.


Night Owl Romance
http://www.nightowlromance.com/

Great, big cover art across the screen makes very powerful statement. They do reviews, chats, blogs, contests, forums, et al. They do all types of romances: sweet, spicy, young adult, sci-fi and fantasy, suspense and mystery and Manga!


Romance Junkies
http://romancejunkies.com/

Flashy website with interviews, spotlights, contests, goodies, a book club and of course, romance reviews.
To get your book reviewed, you can send a paper copy to Romance Junkies, P.O. Box 158, Superior, AZ 85273. Free book submissions.


The Romance Club
http://www.theromanceclub.com/

The “author” joins the club. This site is all about promotion, and they have impressive numbers. In 2008, they had 3,926,000 page views and 17, 037,000 hits. (2009 numbers not yet available.) A 150-word blurb in their newsletter for 3 straight months is just $39. And the newsletter goes to 30,000 readers.


The Literary Times
http://www.tlt.com/

They list author events, news releases, industry news, contests, signings, book reviews, etc. They also have help articles on writing. They have a review staff, but allow registered users to post their own reviews. They get half-a-million hits a month. They are primarily romance reviews, and include non-fiction, young adult and children reviews. They have some free promotion options (adding links to website) to pocket-change advertising from $15-$150 to web design services.


Romance Reviews Today
http://www.romrevtoday.com/

They have a blog, chats and boards. They offer free author services like reviews, interviews and contest lists. Paid services include ad space and spotlights. Accept submissions from authors and publishers.



A Romance Review
http://www.aromancereview.com/

Have over 7,910 reviews online. Online submission form is readily available.


Fresh Fiction…for today’s reader
http://www.freshfiction.com/

Jazzy site. Offers reviews, author links, blogs, signings, blogs, etc. They are having a Readers n’ ritas conference in November 2010. Their “Fresh Access” promotional packages range from $99 - $699.


Book Spot
http://www.bookspot.com/

Very commercial site, with grids and grades. They have book reviews, excerpts, industry news, links to RWA, publishers, authors, etc.


The Romance Reader
http://www.theromancereader.com/

Their signature line is “latest news and views of romance novels.” They have an impressive list of reviews. They accept books from authors for review, plus request book suggestions from their readers.


All Romance Writers
http://www.allromancewriters.com/

They have an “accepted publisher list” of what books and publishers they accept. They also offer author advertising and promotion packages. Their Romance Community tab has links by romance genre; plus, they have lists of featured authors.   ♥♥♥♥♥



Maria Ferrer has been published in short fiction. She hopes to add to her writing credits in the New Year.  Keep your fingers crossed for her.

4 comments:

  1. There's Dear Author (http://dearauthor.com/wordpress) and Romance Readers at Heart (http://www.romancereadersatheart.com).

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  2. Great sites Maria. Thank you for doing all the research.

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  3. Thank you, Ladies. I will add to the directory. --mcf

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