Frequently Asked Questions
The US Review of Books is proud to review all books and support the entire writing community. Not only do we want to read your books, we want to pay the writers who review them. Our professional reviewers give every book equal and fair consideration, lending all authors visibility. Once your review is written, it will be placed in front of more than 13,000 US Review of Books subscribers.
Read author and publisher testimonials.
How is The US Review of Books different than other book reviewers?
How can I subscribe to The US Review of Books?
Who reads the The US Review of Books?
Who writes for The US Review of Books?
How can I tell if your audience is real?
How fast is the reviewing process?
How recent must a book be to get reviewed?
How long are reviews published?
Why are you charging for reviews?
Do I have to pay for a review?
What can I expect in my review?
How can I post the review on AMAZON and other retail sites?
What are authors saying about the US Review of Books?
Do you have official US Review of Books banners?
How can I write for the US Review of Books?
About The US Review of Books?
The US Review of Books is a contemporary book review publication run by professional reviewers and editors. A significant percentage of the books published annually are largely ignored by the publishing media. The US Review of Books is the new model, operating in the freethinking democratic spirit of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine. All thoughts are welcomed. All books are accepted for review. There is nothing as threatening to us as a book, concept, or idea that is denied public discussion. See what authors are saying about the US Review. See how the US Review is different than other on-line reviewers.
How is The US Review of Books different?
The US Review of Books is different than other on-line book review publications and reviewers in several major ways. Here are a few reasons why:
1) The US Review carefully cultivates book reviewing talent, resulting in a consistent staff and publication. Most on-line review outfits are freelance writer mills. Their reviewers come and go and do not adhere to a particular style, and therefore the writing is uneven and unfocused.
2) All US Review coverage falls under strict guidelines and style restrictions. Reviews are original and written with the entire authority of the US Review masthead. This makes the US Review a consistent and unique publication. There is no reason to drop print editorial standards just because the publication is on the Internet.
3) We are a professional publication with a solid subscription base and a legitimate social media audience. Our dedicated readership and monthly visitors measure in the tens of thousands. Read our article on this subject.
4) Our reviewers are not randomly assigned books, again like most of our competitors. Reviewers select the books that they desire, which makes for a better pairing of reviewer and book, as well as more insightful coverage.
5) The pages of the US Review of Books have no advertising. Flashing, blinking, and noisy ads for everything from toothpaste to cars is distracting for our readership. In our articles, blog, and editorial, the US Review's clean presentation is focused on books and book-related coverage. The US Review of Books is the place readers go to find their next book.
6) The US Review of Books is fully compatible with mobile devices. Approximately half of Internet visitors and potential readers use mobile devices to read our publication, which reflects industry data.
7) We do not sell editing or manuscript review services on the side. This practice creates a clear conflict of interest with the integrity of a fair and honest review.
How can I subscribe to The US Review of Books?
A regular notification of new reviews is sent to thousands of subscribers each month. It's free to subscribe to The US Review of Books, and we do not share your e-mail address with a third party.
How can I tell if your audience is real?
The US Review of Books has an authentic and organic social media following, unlike most of our competitors who present fake audiences to entice authors and publishers. This practice is unethical and can be easily exposed by using free on-line tools such as TwitterAudit and LikeAnalyzer. Many of our competitors' Twitter feeds and Facebook pages range between 50% and 80% fake and/or inactive followers. Read our article on this subject. NOTE: The US Review of Books and its parent company have no association with the aforementioned analytical tools. They are provided to help make intelligent marketing decisions.
What can be reviewed?
Published books and prepublication galleys can be reviewed. (Please, no manuscripts.) Professionally prepared e-books and audio books also can be reviewed.
How is a book reviewed?
Shortly after requesting a book review, an editor assigns a reviewer to your book. Once the reviewer receives the book, our process is very fast. You'll receive your book review prior to publication, and under normal circumstances, it will be published within twenty-four hours of your response. Review publication can be delayed to coordinate with your publishing/marketing schedule.
How fast is the reviewing process?
The US Review of Books is very fast. Reviews are written, edited, and published within 2-4 weeks after receiving your book. (Please factor delivery time into your schedule.)
How recent must a book be to get reviewed?
The US Review of Books has put an end to the ridiculous rules and regulations that restrict media coverage. Any book can be reviewed, regardless of its publication date.
How long are reviews published?
Reviews are permanently posted under the appropriate category. New reviews are also posted under recent reviews for one month. If additional services are requested, they will be posted as scheduled.
Why are you charging for reviews?
We understand how difficult it is to obtain professional reviews. In our opinion, the current model of free unbiased reviews is an illusion. Free review publications are driven by publishing industry advertising dollars. We have kept the review charge intentionally low in order to make The US Review of Books transparent and accessible to everyone. We are a freelance writer's cooperative, concerned about authors and their books.
Do I have to pay for a review?
We do not present the illusion that unsolicited books will be read and reviewed. This is akin to the illusion that slush piles are seriously considered at publishing houses. Our low review fee assures that every book will have access to a review and that each reviewer gets paid for his work. About 10% of our reviews are complimentary, including our Focus Book Review, but we request these books based on our reviewer interest.
What can I expect in my review?
You can expect a professional review, honest opinion, and placement in the US Review, according to our terms of service. Our reviewing staff is composed of professional reviewers and industry professionals, and each writer is carefully vetted prior to joining our staff. You are not buying instant praise for your book, although our reviewers attempt to feature what they believe you do well in the book. Reviews are roughly half summary and half opinion. Please visit our reviews page to view our coverage or visit our customer feedback page to see comments from authors and publishers.
What is a RECOMMENDED rating?
Sometimes reviewers apply a RECOMMENDED rating to outstanding books. While many reviews are positive and worthy, the recommended rating is used less than 10-20% of the time. This is a very high quality book regardless of whether it is self-published or from a major press. (We review both.) Recommended nonfiction books are well organized, reveal deep insight and knowledge, and fulfill its intended mission with merit. Recommended fiction books are compelling and lasting reads.
Can I edit my book review?
No, but you can request that we pull your review from rotation. We hope that you will see the value of having your review remain in the public domain.
Can I reprint my review?
Yes, you may reuse any portion of the review as long as it accurately represents its content and gives proper attribution: "-US Review of Books." The reviewer often appreciates if you add his/her name to the attribution.
How can I post the review on AMAZON and other retail sites?
Most retailers allow the addition of editorial content, which may be edited by the author/publisher of the book. For example, AMAZON has Author Central, which is a free way to add and edit content about your book. Please use "The US Review of Books" when quoting your review.
Do you use social media?
The US Review can be found on GoodReads, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as other social media sites. In addition, each review page contains consumer links to hundreds of social media outlets. Our social media following is authentic and organic, unlike others who have purchased their following—a harmful and illegal practice. Read our article on this subject.
Do you have official US Review of Books banners?
The following graphics may be downloaded and used in your marketing materials and website.
