To get a self-published book reviewed in the UK, use three routes together: early copies for readers (advance reader copies, book bloggers and your own mailing list), an independent editorial review you can quote, and honest reviews from real readers after launch. Never pay for a review that is promised to be positive.
We have been reviewing and recommending books at LoveReading since 2005, for every major UK publisher and, increasingly, for authors who publish themselves. This guide is what we tell them: what is free, what is worth paying for, what it costs in pounds, and what to do with a review once you have it.
Free ways to get book reviews
- Your own readers. A short email to your mailing list or followers offering an early copy in return for an honest review. Slow to build, but the reviews last.
- Book bloggers and bookstagrammers. Look for UK reviewers who read your genre, read their review policy and send a short, personal pitch. Many are booked months ahead, so start early.
- Reader communities. Goodreads groups, genre forums and local reading groups. Join as a reader first.
- Your library and local press. Local papers, radio and libraries often welcome a local author story, and a library copy puts your book in front of reading groups.
Free routes cost time rather than money. The catch is that they rarely give you a review from a recognised name you can put on a cover.
Paid editorial reviews: what you are buying
An editorial review is an independent professional reading of your book, written by a reviewer who has no stake in it. You can quote it on your cover, in your book description and in press material. A good service will read your book in full, say honestly what works and what does not, and let you keep an unfavourable review private.
- Never pay for a guaranteed positive review. It is worthless to readers and damaging if found out.
- Amazon does not allow paid customer reviews. A paid editorial review belongs in your book's editorial reviews section and your marketing, not in the customer reviews.
- Check who reads it. A named organisation with a track record, reviewers who know your genre, and a clear turnaround.
What book reviews cost: UK and US services compared
Prices as shown on each company's own website on 7 October 2026. Most editorial review services are American and charge in dollars.
| Service | Based | Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| LoveReading | UK | £120 (Standard), £170 (Fast-track), £120 (Picture book) | About 8 weeks, or 4 for Fast-track and picture books |
| Kirkus Indie | US | From $450; picture books from $399 | 7–9 weeks (express 4–6) |
| BookLife Reviews (Publishers Weekly) | US | $399–$499 | 6 weeks (4 for $150 more) |
| Reedsy Discovery | US | $299 per review | Around 4 weeks |
| Self-Publishing Review | US | $179–$429 | 7–30 working days |
| Readers' Favorite | US | Free, or $59 express | 10–12 weeks free; 2–3 weeks express |
Readers' Favorite only publishes four- and five-star reviews. Kirkus and BookLife, like LoveReading, let you keep an unfavourable review private. UK authors pay currency conversion on dollar prices.
Children's and picture books
Children's books need reviewers who read them with children in mind. Our sister site LoveReading4Kids reviews children's, young adult and picture books for UK parents, grandparents and teachers. How we review children's and picture books.
What to do with a review once you have it
- Put a short quote on the front or back cover, with the reviewer's name.
- Add it to your book's editorial reviews section on Amazon and to your book description.
- Use it in your pitch to bookshops, libraries, festivals and local press.
- Share it, with the reviewer's permission, on your website and social channels.
If your book earns a positive LoveReading review, it is listed on LoveReading with our "Recommended by LoveReading" graphic, and our newsletter and Reader Review Panel options can put it in front of more readers.
How LoveReading reviews indie books
- Your book is read in full by a LoveReading reviewer who reads your genre, and you receive an honest written review.
- If our reviewer enjoyed it, your review is published on LoveReading and the book is listed for readers to find. The books we love most earn our Indie Books We Love badge.
- If the review is not positive, the feedback stays private between us and you. We never promise a positive review.
- Standard £120 (about 8 weeks), Fast-track £170 (about 4 weeks), Picture book £120 (about 4 weeks).
Get your book reviewed by LoveReading
Questions authors ask us
Are paid book reviews worth it?
An independent editorial review is worth paying for if you will use it: on your cover, in your description and in pitches to shops and press. Paying for customer reviews, or for any review promised to be positive, is never worth it.
How do I get my book reviewed in the UK?
Combine early copies for readers, a UK editorial review you can quote, and honest reader reviews after launch. LoveReading reviews self-published books from £120.
Can I put a paid review on Amazon?
Not as a customer review: Amazon does not allow paid customer reviews. You can quote an editorial review in your book's editorial reviews section and description.
Will LoveReading publish a bad review of my book?
No. If our reviewer did not enjoy your book, the feedback stays private between us and you.
How long does a LoveReading review take?
About 8 weeks for a Standard review and about 4 weeks for Fast-track and picture book reviews.
More for indie authors: getting a self-published book ready for readers.