Frequently Asked Questions

Authors can submit through the submission form on citybookreview.com. You will be asked to provide your book’s title, genre, a brief synopsis, and either a physical or digital copy depending on the review package selected. Publicists can also submit on behalf of their clients through the same process.

City Book Review accepts printed book formats for General Submission and eBooks for Sponsored reviews. Our reviewer pool includes readers who prefer digital formats and others who prefer physical copies. Some of our reviewers are based outside the United States and can only review eBooks. You can submit whichever format you prefer, or send both to give your book the best chance of being matched with an available reviewer quickly.

Yes. Authors are permitted and encouraged to quote their City Book Review in marketing materials including book covers, back matter, press releases, social media, author websites, and Amazon listings. A credible third-party review is one of the most effective marketing assets an indie author can have.

City Book Review stands behind the integrity of every review. If you receive a sponsored review with a rating of 1 or 2 stars, you have the option to request that the review not be published. However, we do not revise reviews to change the reviewer’s opinion or inflate star ratings—our credibility depends on honest assessments. If you believe there is a factual error in your review, contact us and our editorial team will investigate and correct any verified mistakes.

If you need to change your book’s details—such as format, price, or page count—before the review is published on City Book Review, simply contact us and we will update it at no charge. If you need changes made after the review has already been uploaded and published on our site, a $25 administrative fee applies. This covers the editorial and technical work required to modify a live review listing.

Kirkus and Publishers Weekly were historically gatekeepers primarily serving the traditional publishing industry. City Book Review was purpose-built for indie and self-published authors, offering accessible submission options, comparable editorial standards, and a growing digital presence optimized for modern book discovery — including search engines and AI platforms. Many indie authors submit to City Book Review alongside or instead of traditional outlets.

Reviews completed through City Book Review are published onone of our many city specific partner sites in our network, which includes San Francisco Book Review, Manhattan Book Review, Seattle Book Review, Portland Book Review, Chicago Book Review, Los Angeles Book Review, San Diego Book Review, and Tulsa Book Review. Children’s book reviews may also appear on Kids’ BookBuzz. This multi-site publication opportunity gives authors significantly broader online visibility than single-site review services.

Yes. City Book Review is an established professional review service since 2008, recognized by publicists, libraries, and publishing professionals as a trusted source for independent book coverage. Reviews are written by independent critics and readers, not by authors or their publishers, which is what gives them editorial credibility. Since 2008, City Book Review has published more than 70,000 book reviews.

Yes. City Book Review is not a vanity review service. Every review—whether sponsored or free—reflects the reviewer’s honest professional opinion, including an appropriate star rating from 1 to 5. Sponsored reviews are not identified differently from non-sponsored reviews on our site. Our reputation is built on editorial integrity, which is why publishers, authors, and librarians trust our reviews as credible assessments of a book’s quality.

City Book Review offers several advantages over competitors like Kirkus and BlueInk Review. Our sponsored reviews are significantly more affordable while maintaining professional editorial standards. Reviews are published across our network of city-specific review sites—including San Francisco Book Review, Manhattan Book Review, and seven others—giving authors broader exposure. Unlike some competitors, City Book Review does not label sponsored reviews differently from editorial selections, and we offer complementary marketing services like blog tours and press releases to help authors maximize their review’s impact.

Librarians and bookstore buyers routinely use professional reviews as a primary factor in acquisition decisions. A published review on City Book Review signals that an indie title has been vetted by an independent editorial source, making it significantly more likely to be considered for library collections and retail placement.

A professional review from City Book Review is a versatile marketing asset. Authors commonly use their reviews in Amazon book descriptions, social media posts, author websites, book proposals to agents or publishers, press releases, email newsletters, and bookstore or library pitch letters. A positive review adds third-party credibility that helps convert browsers into buyers. City Book Review also offers complementary services including blog tours, press releases, and promotional packages designed to amplify your review’s reach.

Professional reviews from City Book Review can significantly strengthen your pitch to bookstore buyers and librarians. Libraries in particular rely on professional reviews when making acquisition decisions. To maximize your chances, ensure your book is available through Ingram (the primary distributor for bookstores and libraries), include your City Book Review review in pitch materials, and consider our press release service to announce your book to media and retail contacts. Our blog also publishes guides on bookstore and library outreach for self-published authors. We also provide bookstore and library email outreach and blogger outreach.

Every book featured on City Book Review has gone through an independent editorial review process. While readers’ tastes vary, the reviews are written to give an honest, descriptive assessment of each book’s strengths and ideal audience — so you can make an informed decision before you read.