Review Policy
I don't review books out of pure generosity. I do it because studying other authors is how I study myself.
Every book I read is a case study. I'm building a systematic understanding of indie fiction — what separates the forgettable from the memorable, the competent from the exceptional.
You get an honest review.
I get sharper instincts for my own craft.
We both win.
My reviews focus on craft:
- Pacing — Where does the book drag? Where does it fly? Why?
- Character construction — Do I care? If not, what's missing?
- Thematic coherence — Is the book about something, or just stuff happening?
- Prose voice — Does the writing have a pulse, or is it functional at best?
- Cover analysis — If you send me your cover, I'll tell you what it's promising and whether the book delivers. Packaging is part of the product.
You won't get "I liked it" or "It was boring." You'll get specifics. What works, what doesn't, and why. The kind of feedback you'd get from a fellow author who's paying attention.
What I Review
I read speculative fiction — anything that takes me somewhere impossible.
I don't review:
I prefer ePub or MOBI formats.
For books over 100,000 words, I may decline due to time constraints — but feel free to ask.
I review finished books only!
- Reviews are published on this website (The Indie Shelf)
- Reviews of 3 stars and above are also posted on Goodreads and BookBub
- I do not post reviews on Amazon for personal policy reasons
A Note on Low Ratings
If I would rate your book 1 or 2 stars, I won't publish a review at all — not on my site, not anywhere. What I will do is send you private feedback on what didn't work and suggestions for improvement.
I'm not Hemingway, and you're not submitting to Tor. My opinion is just that — one reader's opinion. Take what's useful, ignore what isn't. But you'll get honesty, not silence. I believe in honest criticism, but I also believe in not hurting a fellow indie author's visibility on major platforms.
I typically complete reviews within 4-6 weeks of accepting a request. I read fast, but I also have my own books to write — so I can't guarantee specific dates. If you have a launch deadline, let me know and I'll tell you honestly if I can make it.
Nothing is required
This is a free service.
That said, I appreciate when authors share the review with their readers or mention my work in their newsletters or websites. We're all building something here, and mutual support makes the indie world go round. But again — not a requirement, just appreciated.
I'll Decline:
- Books outside my genres
- If I'm currently overloaded with requests
- Books that are over 100k words and my schedule is full
- Something about the pitch tells me I'm not the right reader for it
A decline isn't a judgment on your book — it's just me being honest about what I can commit to.
Feel free to attach the ePub/MOBI directly, and if you have a cover image, send that too — I'll include it in the analysis.
Request a ReviewFull disclosure: I'm also an indie author. I write grimdark fantasy and biopunk fiction. If that's a conflict of interest for you, no hard feelings. If you're curious, you can check out my books.