Kirkus Reviews is a book review publication that provides professional critiques and editorial assessments of books across various genres. The service offers reviews for publishers, authors, and readers, helping to evaluate literary works before publication or purchase. Kirkus Reviews has been a recognized name in the publishing industry for providing independent book criticism and recommendations.
Kirkus Reviews garners a generally positive reputation among its users, with many praising the professional quality of the reviews and their effectiveness in enhancing marketing efforts. Reviewers frequently highlight the insightful and balanced nature of the feedback, noting that the Kirkus name carries significant weight in the publishing industry.
However, some customers express disappointment regarding the depth of analysis, feeling that the reviews sometimes lack the detailed critique expected for the price. Communication issues also arise, with a few mentioning delays in receiving updates about their review timelines. Overall, while many find value in the service, particularly for marketing purposes, others suggest that there may be more comprehensive options available elsewhere. The sentiment leans positive, reflecting a solid reputation in the industry.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · News & Media.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 67 out of 100 | — | 0 | |
| 2.2 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | +24% | 211 | |
| 4.0 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | −20% | 100 | |
| 4.9 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | — | 61 | |
| 2.3 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | — | 31 |
12 reviews of Kirkusreviews. Filter by what matters to you.
6 months ago
Decent review service with reliable turnaround. The feedback was helpful though not groundbreaking. Does what it says on the tin, but I've seen more insightful reviews from other services at lower pri... See more
6 months ago
Met expectations without exceeding them. The review was competent and fair, giving me good material for marketing. Would use again but might shop around for better value next time.
6 months ago
The Kirkus star really makes a difference when pitching to media and bookstores. Professional review that I've been able to use across all my promotional materials.
6 months ago
The review quality met expectations and provided useful marketing material. My only complaint is that it took longer than the estimated timeframe, which delayed my launch plans slightly.
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
Kirkus Reviews offers professional book review services for publishers, authors, and literary industry professionals. They provide pre-publication reviews, indie reviews for self-published authors, and editorial services including manuscript critiques and developmental editing.
Kirkus Indie reviews typically cost between $425-$575 depending on the book length and turnaround time. Additional services like editorial packages and expedited reviews are available at different price points.
Standard Kirkus Indie reviews are delivered within 7-9 weeks of submission. Expedited options are available for faster turnaround, typically 4-6 weeks for an additional fee.
Kirkus reviews are final editorial opinions and cannot be revised or edited once published. However, if there are factual errors about plot details or author information, those can be corrected.
Kirkus reviews fiction, non-fiction, children's books, young adult literature, and graphic novels across all genres. They accept both traditionally published and self-published works through their different review programs.
You can submit your book through the Kirkus website by creating an account and following their submission guidelines. You'll need to provide book details, author information, and payment before the review process begins.
Kirkus Indie reviews are initially private and shared only with the author. Authors can choose to make positive reviews public on the Kirkus website and use them for marketing purposes.
Anyone can write a CrowdTrust review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they'll be displayed as long as an account is active.
Decent review service with reliable turnaround. The feedback was helpful though not groundbreaking. Does what it says on the tin, but I've seen more insightful reviews from other services at lower price points.
Met expectations without exceeding them. The review was competent and fair, giving me good material for marketing. Would use again but might shop around for better value next time.
The Kirkus star really makes a difference when pitching to media and bookstores. Professional review that I've been able to use across all my promotional materials.
The review quality met expectations and provided useful marketing material. My only complaint is that it took longer than the estimated timeframe, which delayed my launch plans slightly.
The review quality is undeniably high and carries real weight in the publishing industry. However, the cost is quite steep for indie authors on a budget. Worth it if you're serious about getting noticed, but definitely an investment.
Generally satisfied with the review quality and the prestige factor. Communication could have been better during the process - felt a bit in the dark about timeline updates. Final product was solid though.
Used Kirkus for my memoir and couldn't be happier. The review was balanced, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Having their name attached definitely helped with credibility when approaching bookstores and libraries.
Kirkus Reviews provided exactly what I needed for my debut novel. Their review was thorough, professional, and gave me valuable insights into how readers might perceive my work. The turnaround time was reasonable and the feedback helped me make important revisions before publication.
Expected more detailed analysis given the reputation and cost. The review felt somewhat surface-level and didn't provide the actionable feedback I was hoping for. Not terrible, but not worth the premium price in my opinion.
The review itself was well-written and fair, but I felt like the reviewer didn't quite grasp the genre conventions I was working within. Still valuable feedback, though I wished for more understanding of my target audience.
Appreciated the honest assessment of my work. The reviewer caught some plot inconsistencies I had missed and provided constructive criticism that improved the final version. Definitely recommend for serious authors.
Outstanding service from start to finish. The review was insightful, professionally written, and really understood what I was trying to achieve with my book. The Kirkus name opens doors that other review services simply can't.
You can contact Kirkus Reviews customer service through their website's contact form or by email. They typically respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days during regular business hours.
Kirkus guarantees that reviews will be written by professional reviewers and delivered within the promised timeframe. However, they do not guarantee positive reviews, as all reviews reflect honest editorial opinions.
Yes, you can use your Kirkus review for marketing, book promotion, and submission to other publications or agents. Many authors include Kirkus reviews in their press materials and book marketing campaigns.
Kirkus Reviews is a book review publication that provides professional critiques and editorial assessments of books across various genres. The service offers reviews for publishers, authors, and readers, helping to evaluate literary works before publication or purchase. Kirkus Reviews has been a recognized name in the publishing industry for providing independent book criticism and recommendations.
