Are paid book review services worth the price?
Getting honest, compelling reviews is one of the biggest challenges self-published authors face, and it can make or break your book’s success. With the sheer number of books being released every year, relying solely on organic reviews from early readers often means waiting weeks or months, with no guarantee of quality or quantity.
That’s where paid book review services come in, offering authors a strategic way to secure professional, timely evaluations that can be used across marketing channels like Amazon listings, social media, newsletters, and author websites. These services range from industry-recognized names like Kirkus and Clarion to more budget-friendly options such as Reedsy Discovery and NetGalley, each with different price points, turnaround times, and review formats you can choose based on your goals.
While paid book review services aren’t without controversy, you’ll want to ensure you avoid anything that simply buys five-star fluff and instead seek impartial, credible critiques from reputable sources. In this blog, we will go over what paid book review services are, if you need them, and where you can find them.
What are paid book review services?
Paid book review services are companies that offers book reviews for a fee. When using paid book review services, the hope is that they will create a well-written, impartial review that can push people to buy and boost sales (if it’s a good review). It can be used on social media, your website, or your product page (e.g., Amazon’s A+ Content).
What are the benefits of using paid book review services?
For authors (especially self-published ones) the crowded book market makes it incredibly difficult to secure timely, high-quality reviews. Even when readers genuinely enjoy a book, many never leave a review at all, and those who do may not write something detailed or useful for marketing. Reputable paid book review services help solve this problem by offering predictability and structure.
One of the biggest advantages of paid book review services is control over timing. When you pay for a review, you’re no longer waiting and hoping that early readers will post feedback before your launch or promotional push. Instead, you can align your review with your release date, advertising campaigns, or media outreach, allowing your book to debut with social proof already in place.
Paid book review services also increase the likelihood of receiving a well-written, articulate review. These reviews are typically written by experienced reviewers who understand storytelling and what readers care about. That makes the review far more usable for book descriptions, sales pages, press kits, newsletters, and social media promotions.
Additionally, reviews from recognized and reputable outlets can lend credibility beyond reader reviews alone. Some paid book review services are respected within the publishing industry and may even open doors to greater visibility, awards consideration, or media attention. When chosen carefully, paid reviews can function as both a confidence booster and a strategic marketing asset.
What are the cons of using paid book review services?
Despite their advantages, paid book review services are not without drawbacks. The most common concern is perceived authenticity. If potential buyers know a review came from a paid service, they may question its objectivity, even if the review was honest and critical. This skepticism mirrors how readers often view sponsored content in major publications: editorial pieces feel earned, while paid features can raise the question, “Can I trust this?”
Cost is another factor. Quality paid book review services can be expensive, and there is no guarantee of a positive review. Reputable companies do not sell five-star ratings, they sell an honest evaluation. While integrity is a strength, it also means authors must be emotionally and strategically prepared for critical feedback, especially if the review will be public.
There’s also the risk of choosing the wrong service. Not all paid book review services are impartial or respected, and some may offer shallow, low-quality feedback that does little to help your book or your brand. Using disreputable services can hurt credibility rather than enhance it, particularly if the reviews feel generic or overly promotional.
Finally, paid reviews should never be viewed as a substitute for organic reader feedback. Readers still trust reviews from fellow readers the most, especially on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Paid reviews work best as a supplement, not a replacement, for genuine audience engagement.
Where can you get paid book reviews?
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews has been around since 1933 and earned a reputation within the publishing industry as one of the go-to resources for the best books on the market. According to their website, as an unpublished or self-published author, it can be a relentless struggle to attract a significant amount of attention to your book or manuscript. By purchasing a Kirkus indie review, authors can have the opportunity to build some name recognition and get noticed by agents, publishers, and other industry influencers.
Authors can expect to pay between $399-$599 for a review with a 7-9 week turnaround.
Reedsy Discovery
For $50/title, you can get a book review through Reedsy’s Discovery service. If you are on a tight budget, then Reedsy’s service could work for you, but a review is not guaranteed. Books that are selected for review could be upvoted on their website, featured in one of their newsletters, and seen by a large pool of readers in your genre.
NetGalley
NetGalley starts at $450 per title for a 6-month subscription. NetGalley is a professional review service that has been around since 2008. They offer a large community of readers and valuable feedback that can be beneficial for streamlining the book before it is published. Learn more about their service through our full NetGalley review.
Clarion Reviews
Clarion Reviews is a part of Foreword Reviews Magazine. The magazine has a limited number of reviews per issue, so they offer a 450-word review for independent authors and self-publishers for $549. Turnaround time is 4-6 weeks.
Self-Publishing Review
Self-Publishing Review is $99-$329 for a review and has a 7-30 day turnaround. This publishing service offers a variety of options, from a 70-word review to a 500-word review. Each review is broken down by type, where it will be shared on social media, and additional perks associated with the service type.
Indie Reader
Indie Reader will give your book a review for $299-$399 (4-9 week turnaround based on the service selected). Authors receive a book review with a minimum of 350 words. Books that receive a 4+ star review are included in their monthly newsletter roundup, and the author will receive an invitation to be interviewed for their reader site. Reviews are distributed or made available for distribution on Amazon, Banes and Noble, IndieReader, and Ingram.
Blue Ink Review
Blue Ink Review costs $445-$745 per review (4-9 week turnaround depending on the service selected). Founded by a literary agent and award-winning editor, the company offers the following details about their services:
“While fee-based, all BlueInk reviews are honest appraisals, written by professionals drawn largely from mainstream media outlets or editors who have worked at well-respected publishing houses.”
How do you select a paid review service? What should you look for?
If you pay for a review, get one from a reputable provider. Choose one that has a reputation for being impartial and uses vetted reviewers who know how to properly analyze a book and give a professional review.
If the review site publishes their reviews (e.g., Reedsy Discovery), read their reviews and ask:
- Is the review professionally written?
- Is it thorough without giving away spoilers?
- Does the review persuade (or dissuade)? Does it choose a side and lead the buyer in that direction?
Public reviews won’t always align with the paid review but they should sound like they’re talking about the same book. If not, there will be a disconnect that readers won’t hesitate to mention.
How do you know if paying for a review is the best choice for you?
If you’re having trouble finding people to review your book, or you’re working with a short time frame and don’t have time to wait, then a paid review could be a smart move. Another reason to choose a paid service is if your initial reviews weren’t the quality that you were looking for. If this is your experience, a professional reviewer could give you the result you’re seeking.
Steer clear of pop-up sites that look more like a money trap than a legitimate review site. When it comes to reviews, a company’s reputation adds value, so look for companies that have a strong reputation, not just with readers but within the publishing industry as well.
Words matter. If you use a paid review site, make sure that they can give your book the foundation it deserves.
Key takeaways about paid book review services:
Book marketing is all about strategy and making your money work for you. Don’t waste your marketing budget on a service that’s not going to help you level up as an author. If paid book reviews are part of your marketing strategy, they should push people to buy your books.
Look for paid book review services that will get your book in front of your ideal reader.
This might take some research, but it’s a good investment of time.
If the reviews you find are basic, don’t persuade or dissuade the reader, and feel generic, trust your instinct.
You want a review that’s going to move the needle in your favor. A positive review is great, but if it doesn’t work for you, it’s a waste of money.
Strong reviews are great for social proof. If you can get a good one from a reputable site, it could help push your book sales.
