Top Book Review Sites Every Indie Author Should Know

When you’ve published a book, there’s one thing that can impact your early sales: book reviews.

Quality book reviews build trust, boost discoverability, and help readers decide if your book is worth their time. But how do you actually get reviews, especially when you’re just starting out?

In this post, we’ll walk through some of the most popular book review sites available to indie authors. You’ll learn about the benefits of free and paid review sites, how to choose the right ones for your book, and tips to keep in mind as you start bringing in that feedback.

Free vs. paid book review sites

Let’s clear something up quickly: not all book review sites work the same way! Some are free, others require a fee, and some fall somewhere in the middle—offering free submissions with the option to pay for faster turnaround times or additional exposure.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:

Free review sites

• Ideal if you’re just starting out or keeping costs low
• Often attract passionate readers like book bloggers and genre fans who genuinely love discovering new work
• Typically operate on a volunteer basis (you submit your book, and it may or may not be selected)
• If accepted, it might take weeks or months for a review to go live

Simply put, these platforms are great if you’re building a long-term review strategy or are looking to gain early traction without spending a dime.

Paid review services

• Have a faster turnaround time
• You can choose your genre, preferred review platforms (like Amazon or Goodreads), and sometimes even reader profiles
• Reviews are often more polished and detailed
• You’re paying for authenticity and reliability, not guaranteed five-star reviews

Paid services are ideal for prelaunch campaigns, time-sensitive promotions, or authors who want to see immediate results with professional support.

Hybrid review services

• Submit your request for free, but pay to expedite or ensure a guaranteed review window
• Useful if you’re testing out a new service or want to dip your toe in before committing more of your budget

In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer! Your best approach depends on your goals, timeline, and budget. Many authors combine all three models to stretch their budget while maximizing exposure during a book’s release window.

So, how do you choose the right review platform?

With so many review platforms out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But not every site is the right fit for every book. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Start by getting clear on your goals.
   Are you hoping to generate buzz before a book launch? Boost your Amazon ranking? Reach readers in a niche genre? Different platforms serve different purposes. Some are better for general exposure, while others cater to specific communities or professional reviewers.
2. Think about your book’s timeline.
   If your release date is around the corner, speed might matter more than cost. In that case, you might want to invest in paid services with a guaranteed turnaround.
3. Consider your genre.
   Some platforms specialize in genres like romance or science fiction, while others are generalists. Always check submission guidelines before you send anything in!
4. Think about your comfort level.
   …not just with pricing, but with the idea of receiving honest feedback. A quality review doesn’t have to be glowing to be helpful, but make sure you’re ready to hear the truth about how your book lands with readers.
5. Consider your marketing plan.
   Are you looking to use these reviews in your Amazon description? In social media posts? In email campaigns? Some platforms offer professionally written reviews that can double as marketing copy, while others focus more on casual reader feedback.

Ultimately, the best strategy may include a mix of platforms—some free, some paid, some focused on exposure, and others on detailed critique. The key is to choose sites that align with your goals while making the most of your time and budget.

10 Top Book Review Sites for Indie Authors

Here are ten reputable platforms indie authors should know. We’ve included a mix of free and paid sites, plus pros and cons to help you compare.

1. Elite Authors (paid)

Elite Authors offers professional book review services that connect your book with real readers who provide thoughtful, genuine reviews that are never AI-generated or templated.

Pros: Guaranteed high-quality reviews, simple review process, choice of platform(s) to leave reviews

Cons: Cost-based service, authors cover cost of book (using most affordable format!)

2. Kirkus Reviews (paid)

Kirkus is one of the most recognized names in publishing. Their paid reviews carry weight, especially with industry professionals.

Pros: Solid credibility, high editorial standards, optional marketing add-ons

Cons: Expensive, reviews can be blunt, not tailored for every genre

3. BookLife (hybrid)

BookLife is Publishers Weekly’s hub for indie authors. You can apply for a free listing or purchase a paid review.

Pros: Industry credibility, exposure to publishing professionals

Cons: Long lead times, competitive selection

4. IndieReader (paid)

This platform offers paid reviews and features across their site and newsletter. Reviewers are experienced, and feedback is often detailed.

Pros: Great for boosting credibility, clear submission process

Cons: Costs can add up, turnaround time may vary

5. Readers’ Favorite (hybrid)

Readers’ Favorite provides both free and paid options. You can submit for a complimentary review or pay to expedite the process.

Pros: Fast delivery, broad genre acceptance

Cons: Mixed quality in reviews, not all reviewers offer deep insight

6. BookSirens (paid)

BookSirens connects authors with ARC reviewers on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. You upload your book, and approved reviewers request copies.

Pros: Easy setup, good reviewer tracking, genre filtering

Cons: Costs involved, reviewers are not guaranteed to post

7. NetGalley (paid)

NetGalley is one of the best-known prepublication review sites. It’s widely used by librarians, booksellers, and bloggers.

Pros: Huge reach, ideal for early buzz

Cons: Expensive unless accessed through a co-op, may attract critical reviews

8. The Book Blogger List (free)

The Book Blogger List is a free directory of book bloggers sorted by genre. You pitch directly to bloggers who accept indie books.

Pros: Free to use, tons of options, good for niche genres

Cons: Requires more time, not guaranteed reviews

9. Hidden Gems Books (paid)

This service helps you get reviews on Amazon by sending your book to a targeted list of vetted readers.

Pros: High review rate, genre targeting, strong customer support

Cons: Limited availability, cost per title

10. LibraryThing Early Reviewers (free)

LibraryThing invites readers to apply for early review copies in exchange for feedback. It’s competitive but free.

Pros: Free access to engaged readers, good for wide exposure

Cons: Small submission windows, selection isn’t guaranteed

Ready to build buzz around your book? Start here!

Book reviews do more than offer feedback. They drive visibility, improve search rankings, and give new readers a reason to take a chance on your story. Whether you’re gathering reviews before a launch or building momentum for your backlist, finding the right platform can make all the difference.

And if you need a little help? Elite Authors offers a professional book review service that connects your book with real, vetted readers. It’s a simple way to generate thoughtful, honest feedback that can boost your credibility and sales!