Get Your Book Reviewed & Recognized
As an indie author, gaining visibility in today's crowded market can be challenging. Clarion Reviews, the industry's first and most trusted fee-for-review service, offers authors a pathway to connect with booksellers, librarians, and readers through thoughtful, comprehensive reviews.
While Foreword Reviews magazine features 100 select titles per bi-monthly issue, Clarion Reviews ensures that every worthy indie book has the opportunity to receive professional attention.
★★★★★
“I want to thank Foreword Clarion Reviews for the service you provide to new authors. I find the fee, in respect to the quality of your review, to be the best money spent to receive the highest ROI.”
How to Get Your Clarion Review
1| Request Review
Click here to begin. You'll need to provide some basic information to create your account and complete the $549 payment for your review. Our team will immediately confirm receipt of your order.
2| Submit Your Book
After completing your order, you'll receive a receipt with detailed instructions for submitting your book. We accept any format that works best for you - whether digital or physical.
3| Professional Review Process
Once we receive your book, it will be assigned to one of our qualified reviewers from our team of over 100 professionals. Your reviewer will spend up to a month with your book, ensuring a thorough reading and comprehensive analysis. Our reviewers include experienced book critics and industry professionals who understand the nuances of your genre.
4| Receive Your Review
Within 4-6 weeks, you'll receive an email notification containing your completed Clarion Review - a detailed, 400-word professional critique of your work. A Clarion Review provides three important elements to be used immediately in your marketing efforts:
The Money Quote
Placed on top of the review, this powerful testimonial boils down the entire piece into one sentence, telling readers instantly what distinguishes this book. Clarion Money Quotes use active, dynamic language that can be lifted easily for promotional purposes.
The First Paragraph
This well-written introduction tells readers, in a compact, conversational, positive way, what the book is about and what our reviewer thought of it. It could also stand alone, if necessary, as a one-paragraph mini-review.
The Star Rating
We'll give you 400-600 words detailing much more than a mere plot synopsis. Clarion Reviews give authors and readers a comprehensive critique of the writing, plot, pacing, characters, packaging, and other elements that will influence potential book buyers. The reader will not only know what the book is about, they will get a complete analysis from a professional writer who specializes in specific fields of study (book genres). Your book will be rated with one to five stars based on excellence.
5| Choose Your Privacy Level
After receiving your review, you can decide whether to make it public or keep it private. If you choose to share it:
Your review will be posted on forewordreviews.com which receives over 1.5 million visitors annually
It will be licensed to major book industry wholesalers
Our partners (Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Cengage, and Bowker) will distribute it so that thousands of librarians and booksellers will have access to your review to make their purchasing decisions
★★★★★
“At long last, a professional reviewer actually read my labor of love and truly “gets it”. You are to be congratulated on your skill and integrity as a reviewer. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For a truly masterful fivestar job of reviewing a work of fiction about a difficult and controversial subject.”
Need a second review?
We’ve got you covered.
We’ve partnered with BlueInk Review to offer you a special two-review package for the discounted price of just $745 (a savings of $299). BlueInk Review shares our commitment to excellence with reviewers drawn from major media outlets and prestigious publishing houses.
Why Choose Both Reviews?
Double Your Book’s Discoverability.
When you combine Clarion + BlueInk Reviews, you'll maximize your book's exposure across the industry's most influential platforms. Here's what sets this package apart:
✓ Expanded Industry Reach
Your book gains visibility through an unmatched network of industry databases. When you include a BlueInk review, your book will also appear in Ingram's iPage and Oasis databases, reaching over 70,000 booksellers and librarians, while also being distributed through Baker & Taylor, Cengage, Bowker, the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD), and iDreamBooks.
✓ Enhanced Visibility
Receive two distinct, professional reviews that offer different perspectives on your work, each with its own star-rating opportunity. Your book will be featured on two of the industry's most respected review websites, doubling your online presence and discoverability.
✓ Broader Media Exposure
Beyond the reviews themselves, your book can potentially be featured in Foreword Reviews magazine, BlueInk's monthly newsletter, and recommended reading lists. Additional exposure opportunities include NoShelfRequired, Booklist Magazine, GoodReads, and coordinated social media promotion across multiple channels.
✓ Professional Credibility
Build your reputation with reviews from two of the industry's most trusted names in indie book reviewing. Your work will be evaluated by both Clarion's extensive network of genre specialists and BlueInk's team of mainstream media professionals and experienced publishing house editors, offering unique and valuable perspectives.
✓ Marketing Advantages
Arm your marketing campaign with two professional review quotes that can be used across all promotional materials. Having different analytical perspectives allows you to target diverse audience segments and strengthen your overall marketing strategy with varied, professional endorsements.
✓ Value
Take advantage of significant savings with our exclusive partnership package. At $745, you'll save $299 off the regular combined price of $1,044, while receiving maximum industry exposure and professional recognition for your marketing investment.
★★★★★
“I loved the review. I found it to be a very accurate review. I've made copies to carry around with me when dealing with bookstores, and they're always amazed at how detailed the review is.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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A professional editorial review offers several key benefits for authors, especially those in the independent publishing space:
Credibility: A review from a respected source like Foreword, Clarion, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, etc., lends authority to your book, helping it stand out in a crowded market.
Objective feedback: Professional reviewers provide unbiased, constructive critique of your work, offering valuable insights for improvement. Even critical reviews can provide valuable feedback for enhancing your writing skills and future works.
Marketing material: Positive quotes from reviews can be powerful tools for book promotion, useful for cover blurbs, social media, and advertising. Our Clarion review service provides three important elements to be used immediately in your marketing efforts: The Money Quote, The First Paragraph, and The Star Rating.
Visibility: Many booksellers and librarians rely on professional reviews when making purchasing decisions, increasing your book's chances of reaching shelves.
Library acquisitions: Due to recent concerns about book bans, many librarians now require 1-2 professional reviews before purchasing a book. These reviews help librarians ensure the content is appropriate for their patrons and defend their acquisition decisions if challenged.
Reader confidence: Potential readers often look for professional opinions before committing to a book, especially from lesser-known authors.
Industry recognition: Reviews can open doors to literary awards, speaking engagements, and other professional opportunities.
Discoverability: Professional reviews are featured in industry publications and databases used by librarians and booksellers. These key decision-makers rely on reviews when ordering books through major wholesalers like Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Bowker, and Cengage, significantly impacting your book's chances of being purchased and stocked.
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Clarion is the industry's pioneer and most trusted fee-for-review service for indie and self-published authors. As part of Foreword Reviews' commitment to independent publishing, we've established ourselves as the industry standard for professional, objective book reviews.
Each Clarion review provides a comprehensive 400-word analysis with the potential for star ratings, offering authors the credibility and visibility they need in today's competitive market. Our service stands out for its thoroughness, professionalism, and widespread industry recognition.
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Each Clarion Review delivers comprehensive value through:
A detailed, 400-word professional critique that thoroughly examines your work
In-depth analysis of writing style, plot, character development, and market potential
Professional insights into your book's strengths and appeal to its target audience
Potential star rating for exceptional works, adding extra distinction to strong titles
Pull quotes suitable for marketing materials and book covers
Professional assessment that carries weight with industry decision-makers
Potential opportunities for additional exposure through our various platforms
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Our professional review service is available for $549 per book, representing an invaluable investment in your book's future. This fee ensures your book receives the dedicated attention it deserves, including up to a month of reading time, professional analysis from a genre specialist, and potential distribution across major industry channels.
When you consider the extensive reach and professional credibility a Clarion Review provides, it offers exceptional value for authors serious about their publishing journey.
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Our exclusive partnership with BlueInk Review offers a compelling opportunity for authors seeking maximum industry exposure. For just $745—a significant savings of $299 off regular pricing—you'll receive comprehensive professional reviews from both respected services.
This powerful combination delivers unique perspectives from two different reviewer pools, expanding your book's visibility through both services' extensive distribution networks.
You'll gain multiple marketing quotes for promotional materials, combined promotional opportunities, and maximum industry exposure through two of the most respected names in indie book reviewing.
By leveraging the strengths and reach of both Clarion and BlueInk Review, this package provides exceptional value for authors serious about establishing their book's presence in the marketplace.
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We deliver completed reviews within 4-6 weeks, but what makes this timeframe special is how we use it. Unlike rushed reviews that barely scratch the surface, we give each reviewer up to a month with your book.
This extended period allows for multiple readings, thoughtful analysis, and the crafting of a review that truly captures your book's essence. Our commitment to thorough reading and careful consideration sets us apart in an industry often focused on quick turnarounds.
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Your book will be matched with one of our more than 100 qualified reviewers, each selected for their specific genre expertise and professional background.
Our reviewer pool includes experienced book critics from respected publications, professional librarians who understand reader preferences, published authors who know your genre inside and out, and industry professionals with extensive publishing experience
This diversity of expertise ensures your book receives informed, relevant analysis from someone who understands your genre's unique characteristics and requirements.
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With your permission, your review gains exceptional visibility through our extensive distribution network:
Featured placement on our high-traffic website, accessed by industry professionals daily
Licensed distribution to major book wholesalers, expanding your market reach
Direct distribution to our powerful industry partners including Ingram (reaching 70,000+ booksellers and librarians), Baker & Taylor, Cengage, and Bowker
Exposure to thousands of librarians and booksellers making purchasing decisions
Potential for additional promotion in our magazine, website, and social media channels
This comprehensive distribution ensures your review reaches the people who matter most in the book industry.
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At Clarion, we understand the importance of maintaining control over your book's public presence.
After receiving your review, you have complete autonomy over its visibility in the marketplace. This flexibility allows you to thoughtfully consider the review's marketing potential and plan your promotional strategy accordingly.
Many authors choose to share their reviews immediately to take advantage of our extensive distribution network, while others may prefer to use the professional insights for future revisions or strategic planning.
Whatever you decide, we respect your right to manage your book's public presence in alignment with your publishing goals and timeline.
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While our bi-monthly Foreword Reviews magazine features a select group of 100 titles per issue, the competition for these limited slots is intense—we receive thousands of submissions for each issue.
This highly competitive process can leave many worthy books waiting months for potential coverage, valuable time that could be spent marketing your book. That's why Clarion Reviews ensures every author has access to timely, professional recognition without the uncertainty of magazine review submission.
Our dedicated review service guarantees your book receives thorough, professional attention within 4-6 weeks, allowing you to move forward with your marketing plans and industry outreach.
Rather than waiting months to learn if your book will be one of the few selected for magazine coverage, you can start building your book's presence in the market with a guaranteed Clarion Review, complete with our extensive distribution network and industry partnerships.
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Yes, absolutely! Even without a Foreword Review or Clarion Review, you can still gain visibility for your book through our powerful paid digital and print advertising options.
These advertising opportunities allow you to showcase your book to our audience of over 30,000 librarians, booksellers, and industry professionals.
Our targeted advertising platforms in both the magazine and on our website offer effective ways to reach potential readers and decision-makers in the book industry, helping you to promote your work and increase its visibility in the competitive independent publishing market.
Reach your target audience through our advertising options:
Website: Connect with over 1.5 million annual visitors, including librarians, booksellers, and book enthusiasts. Explore digital opportunities.
Print magazine: Engage industry professionals and avid readers through our respected publication. Learn about print placements.
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While other major review services like Kirkus and Publisher's Weekly also review indie books, Clarion Reviews stands apart through our unique commitment to thoroughness.
Our reviewers spend up to a month with each book—allowing for multiple readings and deeper analysis than the industry standard. We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive, 400-word assessments from genuine genre specialists who truly engage with your work.
What truly sets us apart is our integration with the respected Foreword Reviews brand and our carefully cultivated relationships with librarians, booksellers, and trade profesionals.
Since 1998, we've built our reputation on providing the longest, most thoughtful reviews in the industry, with our reviewers taking the time to analyze all aspects of your book rather than offering quick summaries.
Authors consistently choose Clarion because we provide detailed, nuanced feedback that goes beyond surface-level critique, delivering actionable insights alongside the professional credibility that carries weight with industry decision-makers.
When you choose Clarion, you're not just getting a review—you're getting one of the most thorough and respected assessments available in indie publishing.
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Simple!
Provide the ISBN for the book you’d like reviewed
Complete the $549 payment
Follow the submission instructions included with your receipt
That’s it! We can’t wait to receive your book and get it into our reviewers hands.
★★★★★
“I am absolutely delighted that both books have been awarded 4 out of 5 stars and am particularly impressed by the inciteful comments made by both reviewers. It is immediately obvious that they have spent some time and effort going carefully through the books which adds considerable weight to their positive opinions. This was the first time I worked with Clarion and found it very rewarding. I appreciate the timely responses and professional candor.”