Elevate your upcoming book release with a Foreword Review.

We dedicate each issue of Foreword to the discovery and curation of notable books coming from independent presses. Our goal is to provide this information in advance of, or as close as possible to, the book’s publication date. This trade “process” is in place so librarians and booksellers have titles on their shelves when consumers hear about them.

How to Apply for a Foreword Review:

  • To provide our reviewers and editors ample time, we need to receive titles at least four and a half months in advance, so sending your titles sooner is always better—once you have completed manuscripts or advance reading copies (ARCs) ready for reviewers, send them our way. PDF files are preferred, and can be sent to our book review editor at ebooks+magazine@forewordreviews.com

  • Hard copies may be sent to: Book Review Editor, Foreword Reviews, 12935 SW Bay Shore Dr., Suite 380, Traverse City, MI 49684

  • With your book submission, include a detailed sell sheet with publication date, title, subtitle, title description, ISBN, author name and biography, publisher, price, page count, binding, and an indication of how you plan to distribute (see sample sell sheets here)

  • Make sure to to be mindful of our editorial submission deadlines (see our editorial calendar below) to give your book the best chance of receiving a Foreword Review. Late submissions will not be considered.

That's it, it's free to apply!

Please note that we get thousands of submissions, and are only able to select 100 titles for each issue.

If your book isn’t selected for a Foreword Review, or if you’ve already published your book, we recommend getting a Clarion Review or running a digital or print promotion to feature your book to our audience.

*To learn more about why professional editorial reviews are essential for your book’s success, see #2 in our FAQ section below.

Foreword Magazine Editorial Calendar

The editorial calendar lists the genres we’re planning to feature in each issue, but please note that we cover all genres in the general review section, each and every issue.

Please note our editorial submission deadlines for a Foreword Review to ensure your book is considered for your target issue – we want to make sure you're able to take advantage of the perfect opportunity to reach our engaged audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Foreword Reviews serves multiple important purposes in the publishing industry:

    1. Discovery platform: Our primary mission is to discover and spotlight the best upcoming titles from independent and university presses. We act as a curator, sifting through numerous submissions to identify standout works that might otherwise be overlooked in the crowded publishing landscape.

    2. Industry connection: We serve as a vital link between publishers, authors, and our readership of over 30,000 book industry professionals. This includes librarians, booksellers, and other key decision-makers who influence book acquisitions and promotions.

    3. Exposure for indie authors: By focusing on independent and university press titles, we provide crucial visibility to authors and books that may not have the marketing resources of major publishing houses.

    4. Pre-publication focus: We specialize in reviewing books before they're published, helping to generate buzz and interest in upcoming releases. This can be particularly valuable for building anticipation and securing early orders or library acquisitions.

    5. Ongoing promotion through advertising: In addition to pre-publication reviews, we also feature indie books that have already been published through our thoughtful and targeted print and digital advertising campaigns. This provides continued exposure and marketing opportunities for titles beyond their initial release.

    6. Quality assurance: Through our review process, we help readers and industry professionals identify high-quality works, serving as a trusted filter in the vast sea of published books.

    7. Industry insights: Beyond just reviews, we offer our readership valuable insights into trends, emerging authors, and innovations in the independent publishing world.

    8. Supporting literary diversity: By covering a wide range of genres and independent voices, we help promote a diverse and vibrant literary ecosystem.

    9. Bridging gaps: We connect lesser-known but talented authors and small presses with a wider audience, helping to level the playing field in the competitive publishing industry.

    In essence, Foreword Reviews aims to be a respected and influential voice in the independent publishing world, supporting the discovery, success, and ongoing promotion of quality books that might otherwise struggle for recognition in a crowded market.

  • 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.

  • Foreword Reviews covers upcoming independent and university press titles across all genres. While we feature a diverse range of books, we also have a structured approach to highlighting specific genres:

    1. Editorial Calendar: We maintain an Editorial Calendar that outlines which genres we're planning to showcase in each issue. This calendar helps authors and publishers align their submissions with our themed focuses. See our current Editorial Calendar here.

    2. All-encompassing coverage: Despite having featured genres, we review books from all categories in our general review section in every issue. This ensures a wide variety of books are covered regardless of the issue's theme.

    3. Upcoming releases: Our focus is on forthcoming titles, so we're particularly interested in books that are soon to be published.

    4. Independent and university presses: We specialize in titles from independent publishers and university presses, rather than the Big 5 commercial publishing houses.

  • Submit your book at least four and a half months before its publication date. Once you have completed manuscripts or advance reading copies (ARCs) ready for reviewers, send them our way.

    PDF files are preferred, and can be sent to our book review editor at ebooks+magazine@forewordreviews.com

    Hard copies may be sent to:
    Book Review Editor
    Foreword Reviews
    12935 SW Bay Shore Dr., Suite 380
    Traverse City, MI 49684

    We look forward to seeing your books!

  • Include a detailed tip sheet with: publication date, title, subtitle, title description, ISBN, author name and biography, publisher, price, page count, binding, and distribution plans.

  • Yes, PDF files are preferred and can be sent to ebooks+magazine@forewordreviews.com

  • Foreword’s magazine has a readership of more than 30,000 librarians and book professionals.

    70% of readers share their print copies with colleagues, and 50% save their copies longer than three months.

    85% of our readers report ordering books as a result of seeing an ad or review in the magazine.

  • No, while the editorial calendar lists featured genres for each issue, all genres are covered in the general review section of every issue.

  • Submit your book for the issue that corresponds to its month of publication, regardless of the issue's listed features.

  • If your book isn't selected for a Foreword Review, which is highly competitive with over 1,000 submissions per issue for only 100 spots, you have an excellent alternative in Clarion Reviews. Clarion is Foreword's fee-for-review service specifically designed for indie and self-publishers.

    Clarion Reviews offers:

    1. Objective, 400-word reviews including a star rating for deserving books

    2. A team of over 100 qualified reviewers

    3. Critiques of all aspects of your book

    4. A 4-6 week turnaround time

    5. Posting of your review on Foreword's high-traffic website (with your permission)

    6. Distribution to major book industry partners like Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Cengage, and Bowker

    This service provides you with valuable marketing elements and helps connect your book with booksellers, librarians, and readers, even if it doesn't secure one of the limited Foreword Review spots. It's an excellent way to gain professional feedback and industry exposure for your independently published work.

    Discover how a Clarion Review can help your book—learn more here.

  • 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: